Mexico Tourist Visa - Definitive Guide

A tourist visa to Mexico is issued to the foreign visitors who are willing to travel to the country for leisure activities like sightseeing, exploring, enjoying the beaches and other such activities. There are other kinds of benefits to the permit as well. The validity of the permit is 180 days and it can be a single-entry or multiple-entry visa. The stay permitted per visit is for 30 days and may vary from case to case. You also must note that having a permit doesn’t guarantee an entry to Mexico as the entry totally depends on the Immigration and Health Authorities.

The process of obtaining a Mexico tourist visa from India is mainly offline. Although, before applying for the permit, it is essential that you make sure that you are eligible for the same. The steps for the process of application for a tourist visa to Mexico are given as follows:

1. Start by downloading the visa application form.
2. Fill out all the required information thoroughly in block letters and sign it.
3. Attach the required documents to the application form.
4. Pay the required fee.
5. Submit the biometrics.
6. Submit the application form and the documents to the Mexico Embassy.

You need to be careful and thorough when filling out the application form for a tourist visa to Mexico. The information that you are providing must be correct and true. If there is any kind of information that is found to be bogus or unverifiable, there are chances that the application may get rejected. There can be other reasons for visa rejection as well. You must note that such a visa rejection can majorly affect your future applications to Mexico or to any other nation.

a. Mexican Government's Electronic Authorization System (SAE):

• Eligibility: Holders of valid and unexpired U.S., Canadian, Japanese, United Kingdom, or Schengen visas.
  
  
• Process: Quick online application.
  
  
• Use: For tourism, transit, or business stays up to 30 days.
  
  

b. Visa on Arrival (VOA) at Mexico City International Airport:

• Rarely Available for Indians: Typically not an option unless under special agreements or conditions.
  
  
• Check with Authorities: Before relying on this option.
  
  

c. Sticker Visa from the Mexican Embassy/Consulate:

• Most Common for Indians: Applies to those not eligible for SAE or VOA.
  
  
• Locations: Embassy in New Delhi, Consulates in Mumbai, Kolkata, Chennai.

Step 1: Check Eligibility and Requirements

• Duration: Self-paced, approximately 30 minutes to 1 hour
  
  
• Objective: Verify your eligibility and gather all necessary documents

• Visit the Official Website:
  
  
• Mexican Embassy in India (New Delhi): https://embamex.sre.gob.mx/india/
• Consulates in Mumbai, Kolkata, Chennai: Find links on the embassy’s website
  
  
• Review Eligibility Criteria:
  
  
• Nationality (Indian)
• Purpose of Visit (Tourism)
• Intended Length of Stay
• Entry Type (Single, Multiple)

• Gather Required Documents:

• Valid Passport
• Completed Application Form (to be filled later, but review requirements)
• Recent Photographs
• Proof of Financial Resources
• Flight Itinerary
• Hotel Reservation
• Additional Documents (if applicable)
  
  
• Ensure Document Validity and Compliance:
  
  
• Check expiration dates (passport, etc.)
• Verify document formats meet the embassy/consulate’s requirements
  
  

Step 2: Fill Out the Application Form

• Duration: Approximately 30 minutes to 1 hour
  
  
• Objective: Accurately complete the visa application form

• Download the Application Form:
  
  
• From the official website of the Mexican Embassy or Consulate where you plan to apply
• Ensure it’s the latest version
  
  
• Fill Out the Form:
  
  
• Online Fillable Form: If available, fill it out on your computer and then print.
• Printed Form: Fill it out clearly with a black pen.
  
  
• Required Information:
  
  
• Personal Details
• Passport Information
• Travel Plans (Dates, Flight Numbers, Accommodation)
• Purpose of Visit
• Contact Information
  
  
• Review and Sign:
  
  
• Double-check all fields for accuracy
• Sign the form in the designated area
  
  

Step 3: Schedule an Appointment (If Required)

• Duration: Varies, approximately 15 minutes to 1 hour
  
  
  
• Objective: Book a submission appointment, if necessary
  
  

• Check Appointment Requirements:
  
  
• Visit the embassy/consulate’s website or contact them directly
• Some may require appointments, while others offer walk-in services
  
  
  
• Schedule Your Appointment:
  
  
• Online Booking System: If available, select a time slot that suits you.
• Phone/Email: Contact the embassy/consulate to schedule an appointment.
  
  
  
• Appointment Details:
  
  
• Date and Time
• Location (Embassy or Consulate Address)
• Required Documents (Reconfirm)
  
  

Step 4: Submit Your Application

• Duration: Approximately 30 minutes to 2 hours (depending on the queue)
  
  
• Objective: Successfully submit your visa application

• Attend Your Appointment:
  
  
• Reach the location with plenty of time to spare
• Bring all required documents and a copy of each
  
  
• Submission Process:
  
  
• Document Check: Embassy/consulate staff will verify your documents.
• Biometric Data (If Required): Fingerprint scanning might be necessary.
• Application Review: Staff may ask questions to clarify your application.
  
  
• Confirmation of Submission:
  
  
• Receive a receipt or a reference number for your application
• Note down the expected processing time
  
  

Step 5: Pay the Visa Fee

• Duration: Approximately 15 minutes
  
  
• Objective: Complete the visa fee payment as instructed

• Check Payment Methods:
  
  
• Cash
• Credit/Debit Card
• Bank Draft (less common)
  
  
• Pay the Fee:
  
  
• At the Embassy/Consulate: During your appointment, if not done beforehand.
• Through a Bank (If Instructed): Follow the provided instructions carefully.
  
  
• Keep the Payment Receipt:
  
  
• Safekeep the receipt as proof of payment
  
  

Step 6: Wait for Processing

• Duration: Varies, typically a few days to a couple of weeks
  
  
• Objective: Await the outcome of your visa application

• Track Your Application (If Possible):
  
  
• Online tracking, if the service is provided
• Contact the embassy/consulate for updates, quoting your reference number
  
  
• Prepare for the Outcome:
  
  
• Approval: Collect your passport with the visa.
• Additional Documentation Required: Respond promptly to any requests.
• Rejection: Understand the reasons and consider re-applying if eligible.
  
  

Step 7: Collect Your Passport

• Duration: Approximately 15 minutes to 1 hour
  
  
  
• Objective: Receive your passport with the approved visa
  
  

• Notification of Approval:
  
  
• Receive an email, phone call, or message to collect your passport
  
  
  
• Collection Process:
  
  
• In-Person: Attend the embassy/consulate with the collection receipt (if provided) and your ID.
• Authorized Third-Party (If Allowed): Ensure they have the necessary authorization and documents.
  
  
  
• Verify Your Visa:
  
  
• Check the visa for accuracy (name, dates, purpose)
• Ensure all other travel documents are in order

• Eligible Visas: U.S., Canadian, Japanese, UK, or Schengen visas.
  
  
• Application Process:
  
  
• Access the SAE website (https://www.inm.gob.mx/sae/publico/en.html).
  
  
• Fill out the online application.
  
  
• Upload required documents.
  
  
• Receive your authorization via email.
  
  
  
• Validity: Up to 30 days for tourism, transit, or business.

• Not Typically Available for Indian Citizens.
  
  
• Special Conditions May Apply: Check with the Mexican Embassy or Consulates for any updates or specific eligibility criteria.

• Visa Fees: Subject to change; check with the embassy/consulate for current rates.
  
  
• Payment Methods: Usually cash, sometimes credit/debit cards or bank drafts, as specified by the embassy/consulate.

• Processing Time: Varies from a few working days to a couple of weeks.
  
  
• Status Check: Contact the embassy/consulate directly via phone, email, or in-person, quoting your application reference number.

• Once Approved: Receive a notification to collect your passport.
  
  
• Required Documents for Collection: Typically, the receipt and/or your ID.

• Apply Early: To avoid last-minute issues.
  
  
• Verify Requirements: Before applying, as they can change.
  
  
• Consult Directly for Unique Situations: With the embassy/consulate for personalized advice.
  
  
• Ensure All Documents Are Complete: To avoid application delays.

• Mexican Embassy in India (New Delhi): https://embamex.sre.gob.mx/india/
  
  
• Consulates in Mumbai, Kolkata, Chennai: Links and contact information available on the embassy’s website.
  
  
• Electronic Authorization System (SAE): https://www.inm.gob.mx/sae/publico/en.html