Mexico

🇲🇽

Phone Code

+52

Capital

Ciudad de México

Population

128 Million

Native Name

México

Region

Americas

Northern America

Timezones

Central Standard Time (North America

UTC-06:00

+10 more

On This Page

Money & CurrencyVisa OverviewVisa TypesImportant NotesCitiesEmbassies abroadEmbassies in country

Mexico is a large North American country bordering the United States to the north, sharing Latin American culture and Spanish language with Central/South America. The world's 11th most populous country (128+ million), Mexico has ancient Mesoamerican civilizations (Mayan, Aztec, Olmec), Spanish colonial heritage (1521-1821), and vibrant modern culture. Mexico City, the capital and one of world's largest cities (21+ million metro), is built on former Aztec capital Tenochtitlan. Mexico is incredibly diverse: Pacific and Caribbean beaches, Mayan ruins, colonial cities, deserts, mountains, jungles, and cosmopolitan cities. Visitors are drawn to Cancún and Riviera Maya beaches (Playa del Carmen, Tulum), Mayan ruins (Chichén Itzá, Teotihuacán pyramids, Palenque), Mexico City's museums and food scene, Oaxaca culture and mezcal, Guanajuato colonial city, San Miguel de Allende expat haven, Puerto Vallarta and Los Cabos beach resorts, cenotes (sinkholes) diving, Day of the Dead celebrations, tacos and street food, tequila tours in Jalisco, and Copper Canyon train journey. Mexico offers rich culture, ancient history, world-class beaches, and incredible cuisine, though visitors should be aware of regional security variations.

Visa Requirements for Mexico

Mexico offers visa-free entry to citizens of over 150 countries for tourism stays up to 180 days, including United States, Canada, United Kingdom, EU countries, Australia, New Zealand, Japan, and most of Latin America. Instead of a visa, visitors receive a Tourist Card (Forma Migratoria Múltiple - FMM) free of charge, stamped by immigration upon arrival with duration allowed (up to 180 days at officer's discretion). This card MUST be kept and returned when exiting Mexico - losing it requires paying fine (~$30 USD). Those requiring visas should apply through Mexican consulates before travel. US residents (including non-US citizens) with valid US visas can enter Mexico visa-free. Visitors arriving by air typically receive FMM automatically; land border crossings require picking up FMM form and getting stamped. Mexico's visa policies are liberal for tourism, supporting its position as #6 most visited country worldwide (45+ million visitors annually pre-pandemic). Popular with US tourists due to proximity and Americans seeking affordable healthcare, retirement, or remote work locations.

Common Visa Types

Tourist Card (FMM) - Visa-Free Entry

Up to 180 days (immigration officer decides duration at entry); FREE; FMM form issued at airport/border; MUST keep card and return when exiting Mexico (fine if lost ~$30); allows tourism and business meetings but not employment; extendable at immigration office.

For tourism or short business for 150+ countries including US, Canada, UK, EU, Australia - free tourist permit, not technically a visa.

Visa Waiver for US Visa Holders

Can enter Mexico visa-free up to 180 days if holding valid visa/resident permit from USA, Canada, UK, Japan, or Schengen countries; receive FMM tourist card; useful for Chinese, Indian, etc. citizens who have US visas - no need for separate Mexican visa.

For citizens of countries requiring Mexican visas who hold valid US, Canadian, UK, Japanese, or Schengen visas.

Tourist Visa (Embassy Application)

Up to 180 days typically; requires application form, passport, photos, proof of funds, hotel booking, return ticket; processing varies by embassy; fees depend on nationality; relatively few countries require Mexican visa due to liberal policies.

For nationalities not eligible for visa-free entry who must obtain visa through Mexican consulate.

Temporary Resident Visa / Digital Nomad

1-4 years; renewable; requires specific eligibility (retirement income $2,500+/month, employment, student acceptance, etc.); popular with US/Canadian retirees and digital nomads; apply at Mexican consulate before travel; leads to temporary residence card; allows multiple entries.

For stays exceeding 180 days including retirees, students, remote workers, or expats.

Important Travel Information

FMM Card CRITICAL: Tourist Card (FMM) MUST be kept throughout stay and returned when exiting Mexico. Losing it requires paying fine (~$30 USD) and getting replacement at immigration office before departure. Keep it with passport. Required for exit.

Duration at officer discretion: Immigration officers decide how long to grant (up to 180 days maximum). If planning long stay, politely request maximum duration and show return ticket dated appropriately. Some land borders give only 30-90 days initially. Can extend at immigration office.

Safety varies by region: Mexico has high crime in some regions due to drug cartels and organized crime. Popular tourist areas (Cancún, Riviera Maya, Puerto Vallarta, Los Cabos, San Miguel de Allende, Oaxaca City, Mexico City tourist zones) are generally safe. AVOID: Sinaloa, Guerrero (except Ixtapa/Zihuatanejo resort), Michoacán, Tamaulipas, Colima. Check regional advisories. Tourist areas heavily policed.

Cities with missions

Where this country maintains embassies or consulates

Mexico City
Hosted missions

Embassies in Mexico

These foreign embassies and consulates are based here. Choose a mission to open its in-depth guide and contact details.

Dominican Republic

Mexico

Mexico City
View mission
Germany

Mexico

Mexico City
View mission
United Kingdom

Mexico

CancunMexico City
View mission
United States

Mexico

Mexico City
View mission

Planning your Mexico adventure?

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