VISAS FOR MEXICO

NOTICE:

The consular section of the Embassy of Mexico to South Africa in Pretoria will need to implement adjustments with regards to visa applications due to the ongoing Loadshedding National State of Disaster.

In order to mitigate the effects of loadshedding and the associated technical difficulties, the Embassy will function at a limited capacity, varying according to the loadshedding schedules and the Embassy's energy capacity. This may result in unexpected changes to the appointment time slots, application processing, as well as email correspondence.

The Consular Section kindly advises applicants to schedule their appointments around two months in advance. Every effort will be made promote efficient processing. Visa requirements and application procedures can be found below.

Please note that you may apply before the consular office that is more convenient for you. Please see the list of Mexican Embassies at the following link: https://portales.sre.gob.mx/directorio/embajadas-de-mexico-en-el-exterior

In this case please contact the most convenient Mexican Embassy or Consulate directly in order to obtain information about the visa application process. Please bear in mind that in order to qualify for a Mexican visa, it is necessary to comply with the visa requirements and schedule an appointment.

The Consular Section of the Embassy of Mexico thanks you for your understanding.

This visa will allow you to travel to Mexico for NON-REMUNERATED purposes. This includes activities such as: vacations, transit, business (conferences and meetings), technical, artistic, scientific or sport activities, or for correspondents, journalists and ministers of religion.

-Please note:  travellers who wish to visit Mexico (regardless of their nationality or itinerary), holding either a valid, multiple entry visa OR who are permanent residents in the United States of America, Canada, Japan, the United Kingdom or the Schengen Space countries, DO NOT require a Mexican tourist visa. Dependent upon the immigration officer, the maximum period of stay is less than six months at a time.

It is suggested to establish prior contact with the airline in which the interested party intends to travel, in order to know if they will allow them to board without a Mexican visa and by presenting one of the aforementioned documents.

  • Please note that we do not communicate with third-persons or travel agencies, since a visa application is a personal-process.
  • Visa applications will ONLY be attended to by prior appointment.
  • Appointments are only granted after pre-assessment of all the necessary requirements.
  • Appointments are only scheduled, once you have selected a date and time slot, which has been followed by confirmation by the Embassy for that date and time slot.
  • EARLY APPLICATION IS HIGHLY RECOMMENDED.
  • The process should be initiated around 2 months in advance.
  • Please note that no information on visa procedures will be attended by phone.

REQUIREMENTS: 

  • Please fill out and sign the application form in full, it is available for download: Click here.
  • One passport-size (4,5 cm by 3,5 cm), colour photograph, with no eyeglasses, and a white background. Please glue the photograph onto the application form, in the allocated area (Top left-hand corner).
  • Valid passport in original and one colour photocopy of the passport pages containing personal information.
  • If applicable, valid proof of legal residence or entry with a valid visa in South Africa (g.: permit, visa, or immigration entry stamp) and photocopies of these.
  • Only applications complying with the following will be granted an appointment:
    • Legal residency in South Africa (Permit)
    • OR legal entry with a valid visa into South Africa
    • AND economic solvency according to our requirements.
  • If available, you may attach proof of flights, accommodation in Mexico, and/or invitations and/or tours booked.
  • Children’s applications require a copy of their unabridged birth certificate.
  • The child and both parents need to be present at the appointment, or provide an affidavit from the police that grants permission from the other parent to apply for a visa and to travel abroad with the child.

And

  • Proof of Financial Solvency:

 Either A” or “Bmust be complied with in full.

A). Personal financial records:

  1. Original latest three [3] months of each applicant’s personal bank statements, stamped by the bank.

-Please note that Internet /ATM printouts will not be accepted.

-If you have additional bank accounts, savings or investments.  Please attach them as well.

- You may indicate your salary payment on your statements.

- Please indicate the currency, if the bank statements and pay slips are not from South Africa.

  1. Original latest three [3] months’ pay slips or invoices.
  2. Original employment letter(on company’s letterhead, signed in ink, stating applicant’s full name, nationality and passport number, period of employment, position and salary).

-Or your business registration documents.

OR 

B). Other financial records:

(e.g.: in respect of the organization/institution inviting you)

  1. Original invitation/sponsoring letter, on company’s letterhead, including the following:
  • Applicant´s full name and nationality.
  • Corporate name of the organization or company.
  • Registration number of the company/organization, Main purpose of the public or private organization/company.
  • Full address and contact information of the company/organization.
  • Information about the exact activity that the applicant is going to perform in Mexico or precise purpose of the project he/she would take part in.
  • Estimated duration or approximate date of completion of the activity to perform.
  • Stating commitment of liability or responsibility for handling foreign person during his/her stay in Mexico and his/her return to his/her country of origin or residence.
  1. Photocopy of ID of the person who signs the letter with visible signature. The letter must be signed in ink. Scanned, image or PDF versions will not be accepted. 

    3. Company’s original investments/bank accounts statements for the last twelve [12] months stamped by the bank.

-Mexican public institutions and private institutions within the National Education System, however, need not prove financial solvency. 

APPLICATION PROCESS:

  • Once you have all the above-mentioned requirements, an appointment can be requested.
  • Send ONE e-mail per applicant to Esta dirección de correo electrónico está siendo protegida contra los robots de spam. Necesita tener JavaScript habilitado para poder verlo.
  • This email must contain a complete set of all the requirements in PDF. Please communicate by responding to your previous emails to promote efficient communication.
  • Please rename the PDFs according to the document contained.
  • We kindly ask for your patience after sending your email, the pre-assessment will be conducted within a few days after receiving it.
  • Kindly note that this would not be considered as the actual submission of the visa application. 
  • The application needs to be brought during your scheduled appointment at the Embassy.
  • You will receive a response regarding whether or not you qualify for an appointment, and the proposed date and timeslot if you qualify.
  • Our appointments are on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 9:00 A.M to 12:30 P.M, with timeslots every half an hour.
  • Each applicant requires their own timeslot for their appointment.
  • Kindly note that, it is imperative for applicants to be physically present at our offices in Pretoria for their appointment due to the biometrics, photo and interview required to process a visa.
  • During the consular interview, further documents may be requested and should be emailed to Esta dirección de correo electrónico está siendo protegida contra los robots de spam. Necesita tener JavaScript habilitado para poder verlo..
  • Once the application has been submitted, the visa will be issued within 10 working days; However, this figure is indicative, and may be issued sooner.
  • After the consular interview, a decision to grant or reject the visa will be made.
  • The outcome for your application will be posted on this web page, using your reference number given during the interview: Visa Status.
  • Decisions on applications are final and no further explanations are to be given.
  • If you are granted a Mexican visa you will be able to travel to Mexico but it does not guarantee entry into the country. Click here for more information.

COLLECTION:

  • Collection times are between 11  A.M and 12.30 P.M on weekdays.
  • If not present for collection, you may organize a courier company to collect your passport on your behalf. 
  • Please email us at Esta dirección de correo electrónico está siendo protegida contra los robots de spam. Necesita tener JavaScript habilitado para poder verlo. to inform us about collection arrangements. 
  • For security reasons, please ensure the person collecting your passport brings the following:

  -Visa applicant’s name and surname.

  -Reference number.

             -Copy of the ID or driver’s license of the person collecting.

IMPORTANT:

  • Only one person will be allowed in the waiting room.
  • Please note, non-South African passport holders are required to make the payment of a consular fee. This will be paid during the interview. The Embassy only accepts card payments.
  • This cost of the visa can be found on the following website: Consular fees. (The fee varies monthly).
  • Visitor’s visas on South African passports are free of charge.
  • “Original” refers to a document signed/stamped in ink, and not to an electronic/digitalized version. E.g.: Original bank statements, etc. must have been posted/couriered to you.
  • Please note that personal invitations are not accepted (e.g.: a friend inviting you to Mexico)
  • You are required to prove your own financial solvency.
  • Sponsorships are only accepted from parents paying for their children, under the age of 25 years old.
  • There is no electronic visa.
  • The FMM form that can be downloaded for free on our website: https://www.inm.gob.mx/fmme/publico/en/solicitud.html
  • The FMM form is not a visa and is free, this will also be given on the flight and can be completed then.
  • This visa may be used in the 6 months following the day of print.

COVID-19:

  • Although no extraordinary measure is being applied to restrict the entry of international passengers into Mexico, the decision on quarantine or not depends exclusively on the health authorities at the ports of entry to Mexico, considering the health conditions in which passengers arrive. Each passenger who enters Mexico from abroad must fill out the "Traveller Risk Factors Identification Questionnaire", which can be filled out at the link:  https://afac.hostingerapp.com/.
  • No COVID-19 test is required in order to enter Mexico, but it may be required by the airline or by the corresponding health authority in other countries, where you may be transiting.
  • Please ensure you are informed about the current South African regulations/restrictions for international travel (http://www.dha.gov.za).                       

 

WORK VISA

If the purpose of entering into Mexico is working there and you will receive a salary or payment, your employer will have to apply for prior authorization to the National Immigration Institute in Mexico. In that case, you will receive an authorization number (NUT number).
As soon as the NUT authorization has been issued, you must contact the Esta dirección de correo electrónico está siendo protegida contra los robots de spam. Necesita tener JavaScript habilitado para poder verlo. in order to schedule an appointment and to process a visa. Once you make the appointment you only will have 10 days for the interview and the issuance of your visa.

Visa applications will be attended only by appointment. Please request your appointment by sending an email to Esta dirección de correo electrónico está siendo protegida contra los robots de spam. Necesita tener JavaScript habilitado para poder verlo.

REQUIREMENTS:

  • Fill out the application form
  • Valid diplomatic or official passport in original and one color photocopy of the pages containing personal information, photograph of bearer and expiration date/extensions.
  • One passport size (1.5 x 1.3/4 inches) photograph, in color, no glasses and white background, attached to the application form.
  • If applying to attend an official event in Mexico:
    • Original verbal or diplomatic note requesting a visa, specifying purpose, place and dates and duration of the event (conference, meeting, etc.) to attend in Mexico.
  • If applying for a diplomatic posting in Mexico:
    • Original verbal or diplomatic note requesting a visa, specifying diplomatic position that the applicant will be having in Mexico.
    • In this case, the complete application needs to be submitted at least 30 days before departing for Mexico.
  • Visa applications will be received only Monday to Friday, from 9:00 A.M. to 12:30 P.M.
  • Visa applications will be attended only by appointment. Please request your appointment by sending an email to Esta dirección de correo electrónico está siendo protegida contra los robots de spam. Necesita tener JavaScript habilitado para poder verlo. 

Please note as well:

Applicants of this kind of visas do not need to apply in person at this Consular Section and there is no Consular fee.

South African Diplomatic Passport holders do not need a visa to enter Mexico. However, South African Official Passport holders are required to have a visa for Mexico, hence the above requirements apply.

This type of visa is appropriate if:

  • You are traveling to study in Mexico for more than 180 days
  • You don´t have a work authorization

REQUIREMENTS:

  • Apply at this Consular Section in person.
  • Fill out the application form.
  • One photo passport size (1.5 x 1.75 inches), color, no glasses, white background.
  • Valid passport in original and one color photocopy of the page containing personal information.
  • If not a South African citizen, valid proof of legal residence/entry in South Africa and one photocopy.
  • Original acceptance letter from the School/Institution/University, which must include:

Applicant’s full name.

Family name and given name as shown at the national passport.

Level of Study/Degree.

Specifying degree or type of diploma.

Field/program of study.

General academic or subject areas.

Name of Program/Studies/Course.

Specific name of the course/program or studies Exchange program, Internship, etc.

Length of program.

Beginning and completion dates.

Tuition fee.

Total fees required, including tuition and homestay if applicable.

Full Name of the Institution and additional information.

The letter must include name of the institution, institution´s mailing address, telephone, fax number, e-mail, Web site, and name of contact.

Others.

The letter must be issued with letterhead; address and signature in ink by institution representative.

  • Proof of economic capacity:
  • Last twelve months of bank statements*, last twelve months of international credit cards statements probing to have a permanent balance of approximately 950,000.00 ZAR per month, or a letter proving to have a scholarship or other financial assistance that covers tuition and living expenses.
  • Sponsor by parents or legal guardian (for students under 25 years old): original letter from parents stating that they will be financing their son’s or daughter’s studies (affidavit of support) AND proof of economic solvency of parents.
  • ID copy of parents (valid passports) and applicant’s birth certificate (original and copy).

* The bank statements must be stamped by the banking institution.

  • Visa applications will be attended only by appointment. Please request your appointment by sending an email to Esta dirección de correo electrónico está siendo protegida contra los robots de spam. Necesita tener JavaScript habilitado para poder verlo. 
  • Payment of Consular fee

This type of visa is appropriate if:

  • You are moving to Mexico to live there indefinitely
  • You don´t have a work authorization

REQUIREMENTS:

    • Apply at this Consular Section in person.
    • Fill out the application form.
    • Valid passport in original and one color photocopy of page containing personal information.
    • If not a South African citizen, valid proof of legal residence/entry in South Africa and one photocopy.
    • One photo passport size(size 1.5 x 1.3/4 inches), color, no glasses, white background.
    • Original financial records: last twelve months of your bank statements*; last twelve months of pay stubs or pension payments; employment letter specifying your position and salary and the last twelve months; international credit card statements from the last twelve months; OR yearly social security statement and one copy. You can also submit official documents proving the ownership of a property/company/business and one photocopy of them, for a minimum of 2 years.
    • Visa applications will be attended only by appointment. Please request your appointment by sending an email to Esta dirección de correo electrónico está siendo protegida contra los robots de spam. Necesita tener JavaScript habilitado para poder verlo.

* The bank statements must be stamped by the banking institution.

PROHIBITION OF AGRIFOOD PRODUCTS AND BY-PRODUCTS.

FOR TOURIST IMPORT.

NOTICE: The National Health, Safety and Agri-Food Quality authority (SENASICA) informs travelers about the preventative measures against ASFV (African Swine Fever Virus). (B00.03.01.01.- 2126-2021 -29/09/2021)

SRE/03S.04.01/2022-402.01  

Ref: DSC13543 (07.oct.21)

Imports of pork meat products by travelers originating from the below countries is prohibited.

  • Benin
  • Bhutan
  • Bulgaria
  • Burkina Faso
  • Burundi
  • Cambodia
  • Cameroon
  • Cape Verde
  • Central African Republic
  • Chad
  • China
  • Czech Republic
  • Democratic Republic of the Congo
  • Dominican Republic
  • Estonia
  • Gambia
  • Germany
  • Ghana
  • Greece
  • Guinea Bissau
  • Haiti
  • Hong Kong
  • Hungary
  • India
  • Indonesia
  • Italy
  • Ivory Coast
  • Kenya
  • Laos
  • Latvia
  • Lithuania
  • North Macedonia
  • Madagascar
  • Malaysia
  • Malawi
  • Moldavia
  • Mongolia
  • Mozambique
  • Myanmar
  • Namibia
  • Nepal
  • Nigeria
  • North Korea
  • Papua New Guinea
  • Philippines
  • Poland
  • Romania
  • Russia
  • Rwanda
  • Senegal
  • Serbia
  • Sierra Leone
  • Singapore
  • Slovakia
  • South Africa
  • South Korea
  • Tanzania
  • Thailand
  • Timor-Leste
  • Togo
  • Ukraine
  • Uganda
  • Vietnam
  • Zambia
  • Zimbabwe

 

Furthermore, travelers must declare whether they have had contact with farm or zoo animals during their stay in the above-mentioned countries, within fifteen days prior to travelling to Mexico.

-A comprehensive list of authorized and prohibited agri-food products and by-products is available at the following link:

https://www.gob.mx/cms/uploads/attachment/file/298912/Permitidas_y_prohibidas.pdf


-Please note: Travellers who wish to visit Mexico (regardless of their nationality or itinerary), holding either a valid, multiple entry visa OR who are permanent residents in the United States of America, Canada, Japan, the United Kingdom or the Schengen Space countries, DO NOT require a Mexican tourist visa. Dependent upon the immigration officer, the maximum period of stay is less than six months at a time.


Fees

There is no fee for South African passport holders applying for a TOURIST, BUSINESS OR TRANSIT VISA - except for the Long-Term Visa. For other nationalities (Angola, Botswana, Lesotho, Madagascar, Malawi, Mauritius, Mozambique, Namibia, Swaziland, Zambia, Zimbabwe) there is an applicable fee payable in South African Rands.
Please note that the following costs are based on US dollars and the final fee in Rands varies on a monthly basis, depending on the exchange rate:

Visa

Fee
USD

Fee
ZAR

Visitor Visa - NOT Authorised to conduct remunerated activities (TOURISM, BUSINESS OR TRANSIT)

$53

R1077

Visitor Visa - Authorised to conduct remunerated activities (WORK VISA)

$304

R5890

Temporary Residence Visa

$53

R1027

Student Visa

$53

R1027

Permanent Residence Visa

$53

R1027

Visa for the purposes of adoption

$53

R1027

Diplomatic, Official or Service Visa

Free

 


Comments

Please note that applicants must comply with our requirements. The visa will be issued upon compliance. Once you have had the consular interview, the visa will be issued within the next 10 working days.

It is suggested to establish prior contact with the airline in which the interested party intends to travel, in order to know if they will allow them to board without a Mexican visa and by presenting one of the aforementioned documents.

Even though the applicant has been granted a Mexican Visa, once he/she arrives at any point of entry in Mexico, immigration authorities will ask the reasons of the trip, the length of stay in Mexico and how the trip is financially sustained.

Visa applications will be attended only by appointment. Please request your appointment by sending an email to Esta dirección de correo electrónico está siendo protegida contra los robots de spam. Necesita tener JavaScript habilitado para poder verlo.

Visa collection: Monday to Friday, from 11:00 P.M. to 12:30 P.M.

EARLY APPLICATION IS HIGHLY RECCOMMENDED.

For specific inquiries, please send an email to Esta dirección de correo electrónico está siendo protegida contra los robots de spam. Necesita tener JavaScript habilitado para poder verlo.

Consular Section:
570 Fehrsen Street, Brooklyn Bridge
Parkdev Building, ground floor
Brooklyn, Pretoria 0181
South Africa.
To view a map of the Embassy