US citizen:
U.S. and Canadian visitors to Mexico are not required to have valid passports. A tourist card, valid for up to 180 days (the length of time is specified on the permit), can be obtained at the border on presenting proof of nationality (passport or certified birth certificate). The permit costs about 20 dollars.


Those who travel by air can obtain the tourist permit from the airline at the time they purchase their tickets, or from their travel agents. Frequent visitors who enter by car or on foot are subject to the fee only once in a six-month period; they must carry their stamped visas, or tourist cards, to show they have already paid it.

Anyone remaining within 16 miles of the border or less than 72 hours in the country is exempt from the charge. U.S. citizens born of Mexican parents are also exempt.

If your intention is to remain in Mexico for the maximum stay (180 days or six months), you should insist on this period being specified on the tourist card. Obtaining extensions once you are in the country can be time consuming.

U.S. citizens are not required to show proof of smallpox vaccination to enter or leave Mexico, unless they are arriving from a nation from which proof of vaccination is required. In the latter case, Mexican health authorities will administer the necessary vaccination without charge.

This card can be obtained from the Consular Section of the Embassy or at the majority of airlines flying to Mexico, but it is important to ascertain from the airline if they offer this service or not.

It is important to observe the regulated of minors (under the age of 18) who travel to Mexico: If a minor travels alone or with one of his/her parents, the child needs to have signed permission from the legal guardian(s). For further information please contact the Consular Section of the Embassy of Mexico.

Foreign visitors can temporarily enter the country with the following articles free of duties:

• personal effects such as clothing and footwear in reasonable quantities in accordance with the length of their visit, as well as suitcases in which these are transported
• books or magazines
• medical supplies for personal use; a medical prescription is required if these contain narcotic substances
• used sporting equipment
• a portable television set and a portable radio or tape recorder
• a portable typing machine and a portable computer
• up to 20 records or cassettes
• a musical instrument
• fishing equipment, a pair of skis, two tennis racquets
• up to 3 litres of beer, liquor or wine if the visitor is over 18 years of age
• up to 400 cigarettes, 50 cigars or 250g of tobacco, if the person is over 18 years of age
• a film or video camera and two photographic cameras and up to 12 rolls of virgin film
• Working equipment such as professional film cameras, introduced with professional aims and for a limited time require a temporary import permit up to 30 days, without duties for importation. Please consult the Consular Section.

• Valid Passport
• 3 frontal pictures
• If you are a seaman, a letter from the Maritime Company you are representing

Business Visa

A. Business people
To negotiate or sign business contracts, check on their performance, look for investment alternatives, or otherwise invest in the country directly.

B. Directors
To attend meetings of the board of directors of companies legally incorporated in Mexico as appointed by the stockholders' meeting.

C. Technicians
To provide specialised services previously agreed upon or contemplated by technology transfer, patent and trademark agreements, machinery and equipment purchase contracts, technical training or any other contracts related to the production process in a company incorporated in Mexico.

D. Transferred Personnel
Foreigners hired by any parent company, subsidiary or affiliate aiming to perform managerial, executive or consulting duties in a Mexican company or who provide specialised knowledge on the activities of such company.

• Letter from your company explaining very clearly the line of business with which you are involved in Mexico, with whom, and the length of time you are going to remain in Mexico. The letter also has to point out that your company will take full responsibility for you and the expenses you incur while in Mexico, including your wages.

• Valid Passport

• frontal pictures

• This type of visa has a fee depending on the line of business you will be involved in. Contact the nearest Mexican embassy or diplomatic mission for precise information.

• If the business traveller require equipment for non profit activities, a list must be attached to the business visa, which has to list the equipment taken into Mexico, and the statement that the aforementioned has not commercial value. This list has to be presented by the visitor when the visa is requested.