Mexico is launching an electronic visa (e-Visa) system for air travelers from countries that require a visa in 2025. Find out who needs an e-Visa, how to apply online, what the cost and validity are, and what exceptions remain for visa-free travel

In 2025, Mexico joins the ranks of countries that have already taken a step towards digitalizing their migration processes. In the coming weeks, the country will officially launch an electronic visa (e-Visa) system for foreign travelers who require a visa, including citizens of Israel, Uzbekistan and Moldova, and who enter by air. This is important news for tourists, business people and those planning to visit family, as the new format will significantly simplify the entry procedure.

Previously, to obtain a visa, you had to personally visit the Mexican embassy or consulate, wait for an appointment, bring paper documents and pay a fee on site. Now this process will be completely online - from submitting an application to receiving a finished document.

Read what exactly will change for travelers in 2025 in this article.

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Who needs the new e-Visa?

An electronic visa is mandatory for foreign citizens who:

- belong to countries for which Mexico requires a visa;

- travel by plane;

- are planning a stay for tourism, business meetings or visiting family and friends (without the right to gainful employment).

The electronic system will not work for travel by land or sea. In this case, applicants will still have to use the classic procedure through consulates.

Who is exempt from the e-Visa requirement?

Many travelers will not be affected by the new rules. As before, a visa is not required for:

- citizens of the EU, the UK, the USA, Canada, Japan, South Korea and a number of other countries;

- holders of multiple-entry visas or permanent residence permits in the USA, Canada, the UK, Japan or Schengen countries.

These categories of travelers are already entitled to short-term visa-free entry.

How to apply for an e-visa

The application will be submitted entirely online through a special government portal.

You will need to prepare:

- an online form with personal and passport data;

- digital photo (without glasses, white background, .jpg/.jpeg/.png format, 2–5 MB);

- scanned passport page (.jpg/.jpeg/.png, 2–5 MB, clear and high-quality);

- online payment of the fee.

After approval, a document with a QR code will be sent to your email, which must be shown during airport control.

Cost and validity of the e-Visa

- Cost: 54 USD, the amount includes all administrative fees.

- Validity: 180 days from the date of issue.

- Usage: single entry, air travel only.

What to expect at the border?

It is worth remembering: an electronic visa does not give the right to paid work in Mexico. In addition, even with a valid e-Visa, the final decision on entry is made by border guards and representatives of medical services. They can ask clarifying questions about the purpose of the trip, the length of stay and check the documents.

Why is this important?

The introduction of an e-visa is a step towards convenience and international standards. Similar systems are already in operation in the EU, the USA, Australia and many countries in Asia. For Mexico, this means reducing bureaucracy, reducing queues and speeding up the process for tourists.

In addition, the new system will be especially relevant against the background of current delays in processing visas and residence permits in large cities - Mexico City, Guadalajara, Monterrey and others. Operational changes at the National Migration Institute have already caused weeks of waiting for applicants.

Travel tips

- Make sure your passport is valid for at least 6 months after your trip.

- Make clear scans of documents in the correct format to avoid rejection.

- Apply in advance - despite the simplification, processing times may vary.

- Always have your return ticket and proof of residence with you, as border guards can check them.

The electronic visa to Mexico is a modern solution that will make travel more convenient for foreign guests. Although the system has not yet been launched, it is expected to start working in the near future. For travelers, this means less paperwork, faster access to the country and harmonization of rules with international practice.

Mexico is becoming more open to the world - and now the path to vibrant Mexican adventures will become easier.

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Reminder! In 2025, US citizens will be able to travel to Mexico without a visa without any problems, despite misinformation on social networks. We have already told you what is needed for the trip, as well as why there is confusion in migration rules.

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