Mexico Visa Requirement Changes Since 2022: Who Now Needs a Visa

Mexico keeps a list of nationalities that need a visa to visit. The list changes, so check the National Migration Institute (INM) list and your consulate before you book. For a full explanation of the rules, see Mexico visa requirements.

The changes since 2021 affect these Latin American countries:

Citizens of the United States, Canada, the UK and the European Union can still visit visa-free as tourists. See visiting Mexico as a tourist.

Mexico has two online options for some nationalities who would otherwise need a paper visa:

• Electronic visa for Brazilians (since February 5, 2026). It is for visitors who will not do paid work, for a single entry, and only when arriving by air. Brazilians traveling by land or sea still need a consular visa. Apply through the SRE electronic visa site; airlines check approval at check-in.
• Electronic Authorization System (SAE). The SRE lists it for citizens of Russia and Ukraine. It covers one entry by air as a visitor without permission to work, and it is valid for 30 days from issue.

A regular consular visa is still available to these nationalities and allows more flexibility, such as multiple entries.

Usually yes. INM accepts these documents instead of a Mexican visitor visa for nationalities that need one:

• A valid visa from the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, Japan, or a Schengen country.
• Permanent residence in any of those countries.
• An APEC Business Travel Card that includes Mexico, for business trips by air.
• Crew documents for airline and ship crews.

Permanent residents of Chile, Colombia and Peru are also commonly accepted. Your visa or residence card must be valid for your whole stay, and you still need a valid passport. The officer at the port of entry makes the final decision.

• Plan extra time. Consular visitor visas need an appointment, which can take weeks in some cities.
• Transit counts. If your nationality needs a visa, a connection through a Mexican airport can also need one.
• Residency is a separate process. These rules cover visitors. If you want to live in Mexico, you apply for a temporary residency visa at a consulate no matter where you are from.
• Refused entry is possible even with a visa. Officers can refuse visitors who cannot explain their trip or show they will leave.

1. Check whether your nationality is on the INM visa list.
2. If it is, check whether you hold a valid US, Canadian, UK, Japanese or Schengen visa or residence permit that exempts you.
3. If you are Brazilian and flying in, consider the electronic visa; otherwise book a consular appointment early. See Mexican consulates.
4. Carry proof of your return or onward ticket, accommodation, and funds.
5. If you plan to move, read how immigration works in Mexico.