IMPORTANT INFORMATION FOR FOREIGN NATIONALS TRANSITING THROUGH MEXICO’S AIRPORTS
If you require a visa to enter Mexico based on your nationality*, and you intend to transit through Mexico’s international airports, remember that you must have a “visitor’s visa without permission to perform remunerated activities”, regardless of the length of time you remain in the airport.
As of October 22, 2023, you must comply with this requirement in order to board any flight to Mexico.
Who is exempt from the visa requirement? Individuals with permanent residence in Canada, United States, Japan, the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, any of the countries that make up the Schengen Area, or the member countries of the Pacific Alliance.
-
Individuals with a current, valid multiple entry visa from Canada, the United States, Japan, the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland or any of the countries that make up the Schengen Area.
*More information below on Section “Do you need a visa?”
Do you need a visa?
If you hold a passport from the Netherlands or from any of the European Union States, you do not need a visa to visit Mexico for as long as 180 days (1). You will only be required to fill an immigration form at the point of entry. Immigration authorities might also ask you to provide proof of the purpose of your trip.
However, you need a visa if you intend to stay in Mexico longer than 180 days and/or if you will engage in remunerated activities of some kind (if you will receive payment or a salary from a Mexican employer for a professional service rendered). Please refer to visa options, according to your traveling purposes.
(1) Visitor without permission to conduct gainful activities, which include tourism, transit, short study programs, business meetings, medical treatment, technical assistance, professional counseling, among others.
Depending on your nationality, you might need a visa to visit Mexico. Please refer to the following links (only in Spanish):
A Mexican visa is not necessary if you can prove permanent residence in the Netherlands or any other Schengen country(1). This must be proven directly to the immigration authorities at the point of entry(2). The Embassy of Mexico is not an immigration authority and cannot guarantee admittance based on a foreign residence document.
A Dutch Residence Card, valid with an expiration date, is not considered permanent residence or a visa. If you have doubts regarding your document, we strongly suggest you apply for a visa.
As part of Mexico’s visa exemption program, current regulations allow foreign nationals to travel to Mexico as Non-Immigrants-Visitors(3) without applying for a Mexican visa if they hold a multiple-entry valid visa from the USA, Canada, Japan, Great Britain, or any Schengen area country(4). (Please note that a residence permit is not equivalent to a visa.)(5)
(1) A Dutch Residence Card valid for 5 years is not considered permanent.
(2) You will need to prove your status directly to the immigration authority at the point of entry. The Embassy of Mexico cannot guarantee your admittance. It is the traveler’s responsibility to provide proper documentation. Admittance to Mexico is subject to the final approval of immigration officials at the point of entry, who have the authority to evaluate your case, verify the authenticity of all documents, and ensure no restrictions exist for your admittance.
(3) Visitors without permission to conduct gainful activities include tourism, transit, short study programs, business meetings, medical treatment, technical assistance, and professional counseling, among others.
(4) The Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) is not a visa and cannot be used for traveling to Mexico under the visa exemption benefits.
(5) A visa is a document, usually stamped on the passport, that allows a person to enter a country for a certain period, while a residence permit allows a person to stay in a country for an extended period.
Which type of visa is for you?
Please select according to your traveling purposes
Please send your documents at least ten weeks prior to your intended departure date.
Visitor without permission to conduct gainful activities
This category applies to travelers visiting Mexico for no more than 180 days who will not engage in any kind of remunerated activity (i.e., will not receive any salary from a Mexican employer).
Visiting Mexico without conducting gainful activities includes tourism, transit, studies, business meetings, medical treatment, technical assistance and professional counseling, among others.
General Requirements:
1. Visa application form (one per each traveler). Download here
- Please type or use clear handwriting and include all relevant information. Incomplete application forms will not be accepted or processed.
- Do not list supporting documents or sign page two of the application form. You will sign the form on the day of your consular interview appointment.
- For travelers under the age of 18, the application must be signed by both parents or the legal guardian.
2. Valid Passport.
- Please provide clear photocopies of pages where personal details, validity and signature are visible.
- It is advisable to include copies of previous visas.
- The passport should be valid for at least six months from the date of the intended trip to Mexico
3. One recent photograph (no longer than 30 days old).
- Color photo with a white background, size 3.5 x 4.5 cm.
- Face must be completely visible, with no eyeglasses or face accessories of any kind.
- No digital manipulation (e.g., no Photoshop), photo booth pictures, or home prints.
- Ensure you properly attach your photograph to your application form.
4. Proof of financial means to support the intended trip.
- Savings account bank statements showing an average monthly balance of at least €4,002.00 for the last three months.
- Applicants must include three bank statements, one per month.
- Savings account bank statements must be from a registered Dutch bank account (recently opened bank accounts will not be accepted).
- We do not need to see the transactions, only the bank statement page where the following elements are visible: applicant’s name, bank account details, date, and end balance of the month.
- Last three work payment receipts. This is only applicable if the applicant has been employed for more than a year.
- In case of corporate or business trips, please include an invitation letter.
- Having a second party (e.g., employer company) paying for the expenses in Mexico does not exempt applicants from showing proof of financial means to support their trip.
5. Proof of stable employment.
- Original Employment Letter: This letter must detail the position held, salary, and duration of employment (minimum of one year) at the company or institution. It must be printed on the company’s official stationery and include original signatures and an official company stamp.
- For Independent Entrepreneurs or Freelance Professionals: Provide commercial registration (Chamber of Commerce).
- Notes: Applicants are not permitted to prove financial means using a company’s bank account statements. Providing commercial registration (Chamber of Commerce) does not exempt applicants from demonstrating proof of financial means to support the intended trip.
- Other Acceptable Documents: Investment certificates and property deeds.
- For Students: Include proof of enrollment that clearly states the applicant is a full-time student, the name of the academic program, and, if applicable, details of any scholarship grants.
6. Proof of legal residency in the Netherlands (non-Dutch citizens).
- A photocopy of both sides of the Dutch residence card is required.
- The Dutch residence permit should be valid for at least six months from the date of the intended trip to Mexico
7. Personal letter addressed to the Mexican Consulate.
- A letter signed by the applicant, detailing the purpose of the visit, intended date of entry, length of stay, places to be visited, and itinerary.
- Airline tickets or travel packages may be included as additional documents. However, these are not mandatory for the visa application and do not affect its approval or processing times.
8. Consular interview.
To be conducted after visa application and supporting documents have been approved.
9. Payment of visa fees.
Refer to up-to-date consular fees here
IMPORTANT NOTES:
- For family dependents (spouses and children under the age of 25), include an additional personal letter signed by the family member who will be financially supporting the trip-related expenses. You will also need to provide that family member’s documents as listed in items 2, 4, and 5, along with proof of kinship (e.g., certificate of birth or marriage certificate).
- After receiving the application, personnel from the Consular Section will contact you using the phone number and/or email address you provided (please check your Spam folder). Consular interviews will be scheduled by the Consular Section staff once your application and supporting documents have been reviewed.
- For family members, ensure that each applicant meets the requirements and submits their own set of supporting documents.
For clarifications, please contact us: Esta dirección de correo electrónico está siendo protegida contra los robots de spam. Necesita tener JavaScript habilitado para poder verlo.
Work permits This category applies to foreigners who wish to travel to Mexico to attend a specific employment commitment (remunerated activity), based on an invitation from a corporate, academic, artistic, sporting or cultural institution, or to engage in a paid seasonal activity. Visa application is submitted by the Mexican employing company or institution, on behalf of the foreigner, directly to the National Immigration Institute (INM), in Mexico. Once this process is complete and the visa has been approved by the INM, please abide by the following: Procedure Applicants must come to their appointment with the following: General Requirements: For clarifications, please contact: Esta dirección de correo electrónico está siendo protegida contra los robots de spam. Necesita tener JavaScript habilitado para poder verlo.
Supporting document should be enlisted on page 2 of the application form.
Passport should be valid at least six months from date of intended trip to Mexico.
Color, white background, size 3.5 x 4.5 cms.
Face must be completely visible, no eyeglasses or face accessories of any kind.
No digital manipulation (no photoshop), no photo booths or house prints. Make sure you properly attach your photograph to your application form.
This is the authorization letter that INM addresses to the Mexican employer. It includes the full name of the applicant, passport number and authorization number (Número Único de Trámite - NUT).
A photocopy of both sides of the resident card is required.
Refer to up-to-date consular fees here.
Student visa Students enrolling in courses lasting less than 180 days should apply for a Visitor Visa without permission to conduct gainful activities, unless their nationality exempts them from needing a visa (see list of countries who do not need visa to Mexico – only in Spanish). If a person wishes to remain in Mexico for a period longer than 180 days, to attend courses, pursue studies, or conduct research projects at a Mexican academic institution, he/she must apply for a Student Temporary Resident Visa regardless of the nationality. General Requirements: 1. Visa application form (one per traveler). Download here. 2. Valid Passport. 3. One recent photograph (no longer than 30 days old). 4. Proof of financial means to support the trip and intended studies. 5. Letter of acceptance from academic institution. An original letter of acceptance from the receiving Mexican university or academic institution is required. E-signed letters will not be accepted. The letter must include: 6. Proof of legal residency in the Netherlands (non-Dutch citizens). 7. Personal letter addressed to the Mexican Consulate. 8. Consular interview. To be conducted after visa application and supporting documents have been approved. If the applicant is underage, the parents or legal guardians must attend the consular interview with the applicant. 9. Payment of visa fees Refer to up-to-date consular fees here. IMPORTANT NOTES: For clarifications, please contact: Esta dirección de correo electrónico está siendo protegida contra los robots de spam. Necesita tener JavaScript habilitado para poder verlo.
Temporary Resident visa This category is applied to foreigners entering Mexico with the purpose of staying more than 180 days but less than 4 years. General Requirements (for non-remunerated activities): 1. Visa application form (one per each traveler). Download here 2. Valid Passport. 3. One recent photograph (no longer than 30 days old). 4. Proof of Financial Means to Support Your Stay Fulfill the requirement with the following conditions: a. Proof of Investments or Savings: b. If pensioner or employed: c. If invited by a Mexican public or private institution to participate in a non-remunerated activity: d. If the applicant owns property in Mexico: A legal (notarized) document proving ownership of real estate in Mexico with a market value of at least $9,957,200.00 Mexican pesos. e. For Investors: 5. Proof of legal residency in the Netherlands (non-Dutch citizens). 6. Personal letter addressed to the Mexican Consulate 7. Consular interview. To be conducted after visa application and supporting documents have been approved. 8. Payment of visa fees Refer to up-to-date consular fees here IMPORTANT NOTES: For clarifications, please contact: Esta dirección de correo electrónico está siendo protegida contra los robots de spam. Necesita tener JavaScript habilitado para poder verlo.
IMPORTANT NOTE: Visas issued under this category do not permit applicants to engage in any remunerated activities (i.e., they cannot receive a salary from a Mexican employer). If the applicant will receive payment based on an employment offer, a visa application must be submitted by the Mexican employer or institution directly to the National Immigration Institute (INM) in Mexico. (Please refer to information on Work Permits)
Permanent Resident visa This category applies to foreigners who wish to travel to Mexico and stay in the country indefinitely. a) Pensioners General Requirements: IMPORTANT NOTES: * In case of family dependents (spouses and offspring under the age of 25), include a second personal letter signed by the family member who is financially supporting the trip-related expenses. Also, it will be necessary to provide that family member´s documents mentioned in numbers 2, 4 and 5 and proof of kinship (i.e. certificate of birth or certificate of marriage). ** After receiving the application, personnel from the Consular Section will establish contact with you via the phone number and/or e-mail address you provided (please review your Spam mailbox). Consular interviews are scheduled directly by personnel of the Consular Section once your application and supporting documents have been reviewed. *** In case of family members, please make sure each member individually fulfills the requirements and provides own set of supporting documents. Once requirements have been met, the Embassy will issue a single-entry visa. Applicants must approach the National Immigration Institute (INM) within the first 30 calendar days of entering the country, in order to apply/exchange the visa for their Permanent Resident Card. Family Unity applications can only be accepted if the foreigner with permanent resident status in Mexico or Mexican citizen accompanies the family member at the time the application is submitted. For clarifications, please contact: Esta dirección de correo electrónico está siendo protegida contra los robots de spam. Necesita tener JavaScript habilitado para poder verlo.
The Embassy of Mexico can only issue visas to permanent residency in the following cases:
b) Family ties to a Mexican citizen or legal permanent resident (family unity). Applicant must be father/mother of a Mexican born child.
Supporting document should be enlisted on page two of the application form.
In case of travelers under the age of 18, application should be signed by both parents or by whoever holds the legal guardianship rights.
Please provide clear photocopies of pages where personal details, validity and signature are visible.
It is advisable to include copies of previous visas.
Passport should be valid at least six months from date of intended trip to Mexico.
Color, white background, size 3.5 x 4.5 cms.
Face must be completely visible, no eyeglasses or face accessories of any kind.
No digital manipulation (no photoshop), no photo booths or houseprints. Make sure you properly attach your photograph to your application form.
If the applicant has a Mexican born son/daughter, please provide: Mexican birth certificate.
If the applicant has a Mexican born father/mother, please provide: applicant´s birth certificate and Mexican birth certificate of father/mother (Only applies if applicant is under 18 years old).
If the applicant is the father/mother of a legal Permanent Resident in Mexico, please provide: permanent resident card and birth certificates of both the applicant and the permanent resident.
If the applicant is the son/daughter of a legal Permanent Resident in Mexico, please provide: permanent resident card and birth certificates of both the applicant and the permanent resident (Only applies if applicant is under 18 years old).
For Pensioners:
Proof of investments or savings-accounts bank statements must show an average monthly balance of at least €266,770.00 in the last twelve months. Recently opened bank accounts will not be accepted, or
Payment receipts related to pension, which show proof of steady monthly income of at least €6,670.00 in the last six months. We do not need to see your transactions, only the bank statement page where the following elements are visible: your name, bank account details, date, and end balance for the month.
For Family unity:
Family member must prove enough financial stability to care for each of his/her family members with:
Proof of investments or savings-accounts bank statements must show an average monthly balance of at least €1,334.00 in the last twelve months, or
If employed, work payment receipts which show proof of steady monthly income of at least €1,334.00 in the last six months. We do not need to see your transactions, only the bank statement page where the following elements are visible: your name, bank account details, date, and end balance for the month.
A photocopy of both sides of the resident card is required.
A letter with your signature, stating the purpose of the visit, intended date of entry, and place in Mexico where you intend to establish permanently*.
Refer to up-to-date consular fees here
Temporary Resident visa by Family Unity This category applies to foreigners who wish to travel to Mexico and stay temporarily in the following cases: a) Family ties (marriage) to a Mexican citizen or temporary permanent resident. b) Family ties to a temporary resident (family unity). Applicants must be the father or mother of a temporary resident. . c) Family ties to a temporary resident (family unity). Applicants must be the son or daughter of a temporary resident. Family Unity applications will only be accepted if the foreigner with temporary resident status in Mexico or the Mexican citizen attends the consular interview with the applicant. General Requirements: 1. Visa application form (one per traveler). Download here. 2. Valid Passport. 3. One recent photograph (no longer than 30 days old). 4. Proof of Kinship a) If the applicant is married to a Mexican citizen or temporary permanent resident: b) If the applicant is the father/mother or son/daughter of a temporary resident: 5. Proof of Financial Means The family member must demonstrate sufficient financial stability to support each family member with: 6. Proof of legal residency in the Netherlands (non-Dutch citizens) 7. Personal letter addressed to the Mexican Consulate. 8. Consular Interview. To be conducted after the visa application and supporting documents have been approved. Family Unity applications will only be accepted if the foreigner with temporary resident status in Mexico or the Mexican citizen attends with the applicant. 9. Payment of visa fees (only when/if visa is approved). Refer to up-to-date consular fees here IMPORTANT NOTES: For clarifications, please contact: Esta dirección de correo electrónico está siendo protegida contra los robots de spam. Necesita tener JavaScript habilitado para poder verlo.
Provide clear photocopies of documents where personal details are visible.
Permanent Resident visa by Family Unity This category applies to foreigners who wish to travel to Mexico and stay in the country indefinitely. The Embassy of Mexico can only issue permanent residency visas in the following cases: a) Family ties to a Mexican citizen (family unity). Applicants must be the father/mother of a Mexican-born child. b) Family ties to a permanent resident (family unity). Applicants must be the father/mother of a permanent resident. c) Family ties to a permanent resident (family unity). Applicants must be the son/daughter of a permanent resident. Family Unity applications can only be accepted if the foreigner with permanent resident status in Mexico or the Mexican citizen accompanies the family member at the time the application is submitted. General Requirements: 1. Visa application form (one per traveler). Download here. 2. Valid Passport. 3. One recent photograph (no longer than 30 days old). 4. Proof of Kinship a) If the applicant is the parent of a Mexican citizen. Applicants must be the father/mother of a Mexican born child. b) If the applicant is the father/mother or son/daughter of a permanent resident: 5. Proof of Financial Means The family member must demonstrate sufficient financial stability to support each family member with: 6. Proof of legal residency in the Netherlands (non-Dutch citizens) 7. Personal letter addressed to the Mexican Consulate. 8. Consular Interview. To be conducted after the visa application and supporting documents have been approved. Family Unity applications will only be accepted if the foreigner with permanent resident status in Mexico or the Mexican citizen attends with the applicant. 9. Payment of visa fees (only when/if visa is approved). Refer to up-to-date consular fees here IMPORTANT NOTES:
Provide clear photocopies of documents where personal details are visible.
PROCEDURE:
Please abide by the following procedure when applying for a visa (except work permits). No applications will be considered otherwise.
A. Send original application form and clear copies of supporting documents (according to type of visa) to:
Embassy of Mexico / Consular Section
Nassauplein 28, 2585 EC, Den Haag
We strongly suggest you use PostNL certified mail (aangetekende).
Please send your documents at least ten weeks prior to your intended departure date.
DO NOT SEND YOUR ORIGINAL PASSPORT OR MONEY.
B. Once the documents are delivered to the Consular office, within 30 working days applicants will receive a confirmation email with the results of the analysis of their application.
- If visa application is approved, the applicant will receive further instructions as to how to schedule an appointment for a consular interview. Otherwise, more information will be provided as to status related to missing or insufficient documents.
- If you do not receive a confirmation email within 30 working days, please contact us through Esta dirección de correo electrónico está siendo protegida contra los robots de spam. Necesita tener JavaScript habilitado para poder verlo..
C. Copies are acceptable, but all ORIGINAL documents must be submitted when called for an interview.
D. If the consular interview is satisfactory, visa could be issued on the spot. For cases that need data verification or submission of further documentation, the processing period could take up to 20 additional working days. Therefore, it is important to plan your trip taking into consideration this waiting period.
E. Payment is accepted only through Dutch-banks transfer, in Euros (€), upon service rendered. Bank account details will be provided during interview.
Refer to up-to-date consular fees here
IMPORTANT NOTES:
a) Make sure you submit the correct application form (download here). Application forms obtained or downloaded from non-official sites or sources other than this website will not be accepted.
b) The Embassy of Mexico reserves the right to request additional documents/information, if deemed necessary.
c) All documents must be presented in original and duly translated to Spanish. No documents in Dutch or other languages will be accepted (*).
d) Documents submitted must be easy to read and clearly legible.
e) In cases of family dependents, supporting documents must also be presented in original and follow description as in c) above.
f) Non-Dutch documents will not be accepted unless they bear proper legalization/apostille stamps.
g) In accordance to Mexican immigration laws, a visa does not guarantee admission to Mexico. Final decision on admittance to Mexico (as to any other country) is subject to the final approval of sanitary and immigration officials at the point of entry, whom have the authority to evaluate your case, verify the authenticity of all the documents and the truthfulness of the information you provide. They will also confirm that no outright restrictions exist for your admittance See admittance brochure here.
h) Mexican immigration law imposes severe restrictions to children traveling alone or in company of a person other than the parents. Therefore, it is important for those traveling with children to provide full proof of the relationship or, if applicable, of legal guardianship.
(*) Documents in English are acceptable if they are issued at origin in that language.
We recommend the following weblinks: