Discover the requirements to travel from Spain to Mexico

Failing to fully meet Mexico’s entry requirements has caused trouble for many Spanish travelers. While Mexico isn’t one of the toughest countries to get into, there are plenty of stories of Spaniards being stopped at the airport for not having the right documents. Some have even been sent back on the next flight without realizing they broke a rule. Mexican immigration officials carefully check every traveler, and if anything is missing, they won’t hesitate to deny entry.

To make sure you don’t run into any issues, we’ve put together this guide with everything you need to know before your trip. We’ll go over the documents required based on your type of travel, the questions you might be asked at immigration, and any procedures you may need to complete depending on how long you plan to stay. Plus, we’ll share some useful tips to help you arrive prepared and enjoy Mexico without any surprises. Let’s get started!

A word of advice before traveling to Mexico

Before we get into the requirements for traveling to Mexico from Spain in 2025, here’s a helpful tip. It’s not a must, but having a reliable internet connection from the moment you land can make your trip much easier. Picture this: you arrive at Mexico City’s airport and want to book an Uber to La Condesa or Polanco, but the airport WiFi is slow or down. Or you land in Cancún and need to check the exchange rate to avoid overpaying when converting euros to pesos. Having internet access right away can help you avoid unnecessary hassles.

For short trips, the Holafly eSIM for Mexico is a quick and affordable solution. It gives you unlimited data, activates in minutes, and saves you from unexpected charges on your bill. Just pick the number of days you need, and you’ll be connected as soon as you land.

Staying in Mexico for a longer adventure? Then you might want to check out Holafly Connect’s global internet plans, designed for long-term travelers. You can choose from 10GB, 25GB, or unlimited data—and switch between them or cancel anytime. Plus, the 25GB and unlimited options let you share your connection with multiple devices, making them perfect if you’re traveling with a laptop or tablet.

Both options are quick to set up, even before you leave Spain. This means that once you arrive in Mexico, you’ll have instant access to the internet without needing to buy a physical SIM card or hunt for WiFi.

Important: If you are a frequent traveler and want to stay connected without worrying about expensive roaming or looking for a new SIM at every destination, Holafly’s subscription plans are for you. With a single eSIM, enjoy internet in more than 170 countries for a fixed price and no surprises on your bill. travel without limits and connect easily and securely! 🚀🌍

Now, let’s move on to the requirements to travel to Mexico from Spain in 2025.

1. Airfare to Mexico and back to Spain

Did you know that Mexico can refuse you entry if you can’t show when you’re leaving the country? While it’s not always asked for, it’s better to be safe, especially if you don’t have a special visa. Immigration officers may ask for a return ticket to confirm you’re not planning to stay longer than allowed. If you can’t provide one, they might question you further or, in the worst case, turn you away.

This rule mostly applies to those traveling without a visa, like tourists or business travelers. If you’re entering with a work, study, or residency visa, you won’t need to show when you’re leaving. Instead, the key is having the appropriate visa and documentation to support your extended stay in Mexico.

How to make sure you meet this requirement?

1. Bring your departure ticket printed or in digital format. They might not always ask for it, but it is better to have it handy to avoid delays at immigration control.
2. Make sure that the date of your return flight is within the time allowed. If you are traveling without a visa, you cannot stay longer than 180 days.
3. Consider flexible options. If you’re unclear how long you’ll be staying, look for tickets with free changes or refundable fares.

If you arrive at Mexico City International Airport and they ask for proof of when you’re leaving, the last thing you want is to get held up at immigration. Having a return ticket handy can save you from awkward questions and help you get through quickly.

2. Tourist, residence or work visas for Mexico

You’ll be happy to know that, in most cases, you won’t need a visa to travel from Spain to Mexico. Spanish citizens can enter the country for tourism or business for up to 180 days without needing prior authorization. Keep in mind, though, this doesn’t mean you can stay indefinitely. If your trip is for study, work, or residency, you’ll need to apply for a visa before your flight. Here are the most common options:

1. Student visas

If you plan to study in Mexico for more than 180 days, you’ll need to apply for a student visa before you travel. This is required for anyone enrolling in a university or educational institution and wanting to stay beyond the usual tourist period. To apply for a student visa, you’ll need to submit the following documents at the Mexican embassy:

• An acceptance letter from the educational institution where you will study.
• Proof of financial solvency that guarantees that you can cover the costs of tuition and living expenses.
• Medical insurance with coverage in Mexico.

After you arrive in Mexico, you’ll need to go to the National Institute of Immigration (INM) to apply for your temporary resident card as a student. If you don’t do this, your visa will no longer be valid.

2. Work and residence visas

If you’re planning to work in Mexico, keep in mind that you can’t simply arrive and start job hunting. To do so legally, you’ll need to apply for a work visa before your trip. Here are the most common options:

• Temporary Resident Visa with work permit: If you already have a job offer, your employer will need to start the process with the INM and send you the authorization so you can apply for the visa at the embassy.
• Permanent Resident Visa: This is for those looking to settle in Mexico permanently. It’s granted to individuals with family ties, investments, or extensive work experience in the country.

If you’re planning to move to Mexico, it’s important to take care of these procedures in advance. Without the proper visa, you could face issues at immigration or even be denied entry.

3. Spanish passport

You will need a valid passport as well. Without this document, you won’t be able to enter the country. You will not even be able to board the plane. 

Be sure your passport is valid for at least six months from your arrival date. While it might not always be closely checked at immigration, if you happen to face a strict officer and your passport is close to expiring, you could run into problems. It’s best to check ahead of time and avoid any last-minute issues before booking your flight.

If you need to renew it, the process is quick. Just make an appointment at any police station in Spain, bring your ID, and a recent photo. In 2025, the renewal fee is around 30 euros ($32).

If you’re traveling with kids, make sure to check if they need any special permissions. Depending on whether they’re traveling alone or with just one parent, you might need to provide extra paperwork. While it’s unlikely to be asked for it, it’s best to have everything sorted out in advance.

4. Address of the place of accommodation in Mexico

Where will you be staying while you’re in Mexico? It may seem like a minor detail, but immigration might ask you for it. Simply saying “a hotel” won’t cut it—you’ll need to give them an exact address.

If you’re staying at a hotel, Airbnb, or co-living space in Mexico, make sure to have your booking confirmation with you. If you’re staying with a friend or family member, it’s a good idea to bring a signed invitation letter.

They don’t always ask for it, but if they do and you don’t have an answer, it could raise suspicions and delay your entry. The best thing is to have this information written down or saved on your phone to avoid any issues.

If you’re traveling to different cities within Mexico, it’s a good idea to have a list of all the addresses where you’ll be staying. This way, you can avoid unnecessary questions at immigration.

5. Pass immigration control in Mexico

Once you arrive in Mexico, you’ll go through immigration control. This is the final step before entering the country, and while it’s usually pretty simple, it’s good to be prepared. The officer will check your passport and your Forma Migratoria Múltiple (given to you upon arrival or when crossing a land border), and they may ask you a few questions about your trip. How long are you staying? What’s the purpose of your visit? Do you have a scholarship to study here? Where will you be staying? Answering confidently will help make the process faster.

If you’re traveling on a special visa, make sure you have all the necessary documents with you. For tourists, it’s key to know how long you’re allowed to stay and, as mentioned, to have proof of a return ticket within that time frame.

Although it’s not common, the immigration officer has the authority to deny entry if they find any inconsistencies in your information. The best thing you can do is travel with all your documents organized and answer questions clearly to avoid any issues.

6. Medical insurance when traveling to Mexico

While it’s not required to have travel insurance to enter Mexico, not having one can be expensive. Unlike Spain, where public healthcare is free, medical care in Mexico can be pricey, especially at private hospitals.

A doctor’s visit at a private hospital can range from 50 to 150 euros ($54 to $162), and a hospital stay could cost over 1,000 euros ($1,080) per night. If you have an accident or need urgent care, you might end up paying thousands of euros without insurance.

What should a good medical insurance for foreigners in Mexico include?

• Comprehensive medical coverage: Preferably covering at least 100,000 euros ($108,000) in health care.
• Emergency care: Including hospitalization, surgeries and repatriation if necessary.
• Coverage for unforeseen events: Loss of luggage, trip cancellations or delays.

Are you traveling with a temporary resident or work visa? Some categories require you to have health insurance valid in Mexico. Before you go, check if it’s a requirement for you, and if it isn’t, it’s a good idea to get one for peace of mind.

Other tips when traveling to Mexico

That covers all the requirements for traveling to Mexico from Spain. However, there are some details that, while not mandatory, can make a big difference to your experience. Things that will make your life easier and are worth taking care of before you board the plane. What else do we recommend keeping in mind?

1. Travel insurance for Mexico

As we mentioned earlier, while it’s not a requirement, traveling to Mexico without insurance can be a big mistake. If you need care at a private hospital, you could end up with a bill running into hundreds or even thousands of dollars. Plus, a good insurance plan will cover you for theft, lost luggage, cancellations, and much more.

What are the advantages of taking out travel insurance?

• Comprehensive medical coverage: Medical assistance, hospitalization and repatriation in case of emergency.
• Protection against unforeseen events: Flight delays, lost luggage or unexpected cancellations.
• 24/7 assistance: Should any problem arise, you can count on immediate help without worrying about the language barrier.

2. Driving license in Mexico

Thinking of renting a car to get around? If your stay is under 180 days, you can drive with your Spanish license without any problems. However, some rental companies might ask for an International Driving Permit (IDP), especially if your license is quite old or if you’ll be driving outside the larger cities.

If you’re staying in Mexico for an extended period for work or studies and need a vehicle, you’ll need to get a Mexican driver’s license. However, if you’re only visiting for a few days or weeks, it’s best to check with the rental company to see if they’ll require any additional documentation before you book.

3. Vaccines recommended when traveling to Mexico

Mexico doesn’t require any compulsory vaccines for travelers from Spain, but there are some that are a good idea to have up to date before your trip, particularly if you plan to visit rural areas or eat street food. Here are the vaccines experts recommend before traveling to Mexico:

• Triple viral (measles, mumps and rubella): Essential if you will be in places with a large influx of people.
• Tetanus and diphtheria: Important if you are going to do outdoor activities or visit rural areas.
• Influenza: Advisable if you travel during the flu season (autumn and winter).
• Hepatitis A and B: Advisable if you are going to try street food or be in contact with many people.
• Typhoid fever: Recommended for those planning to travel to rural or remote areas.

While it’s not required to show a vaccination certificate to enter Mexico, carrying your international vaccination record can be helpful in case you need medical care during your trip. Visit the International Vaccination Center nearest to you in Spain for the most up-to-date information.

4. Cards, cash and payment options in Mexico

In big cities like Mexico City, Cancún, or Guadalajara, most businesses accept card payments with no problem. You’ll be able to pay with a card at restaurants, hotels, supermarkets, and even taxis from apps like Uber or Didi. However, in markets, small stores, or rural areas, cash is typically the preferred payment method.

To avoid any issues, it’s a good idea to always carry some cash with you. A recommended amount would be between 3,000 and 5,000 Mexican pesos ($175 to $292) to cover small expenses.

Important! Before you head out, make sure to check with your bank if there are any fees for using your card abroad. Some banks add extra charges for payments made in Mexican pesos, which could make your costs higher than anticipated. To avoid this, you might want to use cards like Revolut, N26, or Wise, which don’t have extra fees and let you pay in the local currency.

If you’re staying in Mexico for a while, opening a local bank account can simplify everyday transactions and help you avoid extra fees for currency exchange. BBVA México, Banorte, and Santander México are some of the most commonly used banks by expats and students.

Frequently asked questions about requirements for travel from Spain to Mexico

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