Mexico Introducing e-Visa for Air Travellers: Eligibility and Application Guide

Exciting changes are coming for travelers heading to Mexico! The country will soon launch an electronic visa (e-Visa) system for those needing a visa to enter by air. This new approach will replace the outdated in-person application process, making it easier for tourists, business travelers, and family visitors to enter Mexico smoothly.

If you’re planning a trip to Mexico and require a visa, here’s what you need to know about the upcoming e-Visa system and how it will transform your travel experience.

What’s Changing with Mexico’s e-Visa?

In the coming weeks, Mexico will implement an e-Visa system for foreign nationals who:

• Require a visa to enter Mexico
• Are arriving by air

This shift means travelers will no longer need to visit Mexican consulates or embassies in person. Instead, they can apply online, submit necessary documents, and pay fees digitally. This significant change was officially announced in the Diario Oficial de la Federación on July 25, with the online portal expected to launch shortly.

Who Needs the New e-Visa for Mexico?

The Mexican Ministry of Foreign Affairs will soon publish a list of eligible countries. If you’re from one of these nations and plan to travel to Mexico for tourism, business, or to see family or friends (without any paid work), you will need this e-Visa.

Important Note: The e-Visa applies solely to air travelers. If you plan to enter Mexico by land or sea, you’ll still need to use the traditional visa application process.

Who Does Not Need a Visa (or e-Visa) to Enter Mexico?

Not everyone is affected by these changes. You can enter Mexico without a visa if you:

• Are a citizen of the European Union, United Kingdom, United States, Canada, Japan, or South Korea, among others
• Hold a valid permanent residence permit or a multiple-entry visa from the US, Canada, UK, Japan, or any Schengen Area country

These travelers can continue to enjoy visa-free entry into Mexico for short stays.

How Will the Mexico e-Visa Work?

Once the online portal is active, eligible travelers can complete their visa applications entirely online. Here’s how the process will unfold:

Documents Required for Mexico e-Visa

• Completed online application form
• Recent digital photo (no glasses, white background, .jpg/.jpeg/.png, 2–5 MB)
• Scanned copy of the passport ID page (.jpg/.jpeg/.png, 2–5 MB, clearly legible)
• Online payment for the visa fee

Mexico e-Visa Cost

The cost for the Mexico e-Visa is USD 54. This fee covers processing, approval, and issuance—no additional payments will be required after the initial application.

Validity of Mexico e-Visa

Once approved, the e-Visa will be valid for 180 days from the date of issue and allows for a single entry into Mexico by air only.

Mexico e-Visa Format

After approval, travelers will receive a digital visa containing a QR code. Present this code at the airport upon arrival in Mexico.

Key Considerations

Keep in mind that this e-Visa does not permit work activities. It is strictly for tourism, business meetings, or visiting friends and family. Also, having a visa does not guarantee entry. Mexican authorities may still ask about your travel plans and documents upon arrival. Lastly, the exact launch date is yet to be announced, so stay tuned for official updates.

Why This Matters

This change aligns Mexico with other countries that have modernized their visa processes. It stands to benefit travelers who previously faced lengthy waits and cumbersome paperwork at consulates. In summary, if you require a visa to fly to Mexico, prepare for a digital transformation that promises to make your travel experience much smoother and more efficient.