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What are the requirements to travel to Mexico from the USA?
Find out all the requirements you need to have in order to travel to Mexico from the USA and enjoy this destination soon.
Every year, over 13 million travelers from the United States visit Mexico, according to the government. If you plan to travel to Mexico from the USA and check out Cancún, Tulum, or Mexico City, this guide is for you. Stay ahead of the crowd by knowing the paperwork you need, how the immigration process works in Mexico, and a few smart travel tips. Being prepared makes your trip smoother and far more enjoyable.
A tip before traveling to Mexico
If there’s one thing you don’t want to happen when you arrive in Mexico, besides forgetting an important travel requirement, it’s being cut off from the world. Without a phone line or mobile internet, how will you order a taxi to your hotel? Or let your family know you arrived safely?
With Holafly’s eSIM for Mexico, staying connected is effortless. You get unlimited data for your entire trip and it is ready to go the moment you land. No roaming fees, no waiting, just instant high speed internet wherever you are. You can also share your data with other devices using Holafly’s monthly plans of 25 GB or unlimited data.
So while you make sure all your travel requirements for Mexico from the USA are in order, Holafly takes care of keeping you connected. The best part is that the global eSIM works in 170 countries and lets you pause and reactivate your plan whenever you want. Pretty amazing, right?
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! 🚀🌍
Take a look at our plans after reading this post. Now, without further ado, here is everything you need to land in Mexico without any hassle:
1. U.S. passport
If you are flying to Mexico from the USA, all U.S. citizens need a valid passport. There are other ways to enter, such as a birth certificate for travelers under 16 or a passport card, but these are only accepted for land or sea travel.
When we say valid, we mean a passport that is up to date and in good shape. Even though Mexico does not require a minimum remaining validity for U.S. citizens, it’s a good idea to make sure your passport has at least six months before it expires.
2. Entry visa
For tourism or business travel
U.S. citizens traveling to Mexico for tourism, business, or unpaid activities such as conferences, contract signings, consulting, or corporate events do not need a visa as long as their stay does not exceed 180 days.
Mexico also waives the visa requirement for citizens of other countries who hold a valid visa from the U.S., Canada, Japan, the United Kingdom, or any Schengen country. This also applies to permanent residents of those countries.
Travel for work purposes
If your trip to Mexico involves providing a service or earning a salary, you will need a visa. In this case, the Temporary Resident Visa with permission to work is the right option. To get it, you will need:
- An authorization issued by the National Immigration Institute (INM) that must be processed by the company or client.
- With this document, go to the nearest Mexican consulate in the U.S. and begin the visa application process.
Once on Mexican soil, you must exchange your visa for a Temporary Resident Card to validate your stay.
Business investment visa
If you plan to be your own boss and launch a business in Mexico, you could qualify for a Temporary Resident Visa as an Investor or even a Permanent Resident Visa. You will need a strong and profitable business plan and must demonstrate a meaningful investment that supports the economy and creates jobs.
Study trip
If you are going to study a bachelor’s degree, a graduate program, or any course lasting more than six months, you will need a Temporary Resident Student Visa. The main requirements for this visa are:
- Acceptance letter from the educational institution.
- Valid passport.
- Proof of sponsorship or any other means of financial solvency.
- Proof of residence in the U.S.
- Payment of consular fees.
Once you have your visa and travel to Mexico from the U.S., you will need to apply at the INM for a Temporary Resident Card, which allows you to live in the country until you finish your studies.
3. Digital Multiple Entry Form (FMMd)
The FMMd is an immigration document that shows you are legally allowed to stay in Mexico as a tourist, for business, or other approved purposes. In the past, travelers had to fill out a paper or online form before arriving, but now the process is automatic for anyone flying into the country.
How to obtain the FMMd if you are traveling to Mexico by plane?
- When you arrive in Mexico, go through immigration control.
- The immigration officer will stamp your passport, indicating the length of your stay.
- If you need a printed FMMd, you can download it online in two ways: Scan the QR code available at the airport immigration checkpoints or access the INM services portal.
- You can only download it once within the authorized period of stay.
What if you enter by land or sea?
If you enter Mexico by land or by sea, you will need to complete the FMM either on paper or digitally at the appropriate entry points.
4. Proof of accommodation and financial means
When entering Mexico, authorities may ask for proof of where you will be staying, like confirmed hotel bookings or an invitation from friends or family including their address, with dates that match your visit. You will also need to show that you have enough funds to cover your expenses, so it’s a good idea to carry copies of bank statements or internationally accepted credit cards.
5. Return tickets or travel itinerary
Unless you have a work or student visa, having a return flight is required. Authorities want to make sure that U.S. travelers are visiting for tourism or a temporary stay and do not exceed the allowed 180 days.
6. Passing immigration control
Check that you have all the necessary documents for traveling to Mexico from the U.S. and clearing immigration will be easy. Keep your passport, visa if needed, round trip ticket, hotel reservation or invitation letter, and FMM ready when you land. Head to the foreigners line, present your documents, and answer any questions from immigration officers with confidence. Once everything is in order, you are free to go!
Other tips for traveling to Mexico from the USA
1. Get travel or health insurance
Mexico does not require health insurance for U.S. tourists or most other travelers, and it is not mandatory for visas. But you are exploring new places, tasting spicy food, enjoying strong drinks, and maybe even catching some big waves. Accidents or sudden sickness can happen, and without insurance they could be expensive.
The smartest choice is to get insurance that covers these unexpected events. It is better to have it and not need it than to go to Mexico without it and have to cut your trip short. If you are a student or traveling for work and staying longer than six months, health insurance in Mexico will be useful. For shorter trips, check out the best travel insurance options and get a policy that covers just the days you are there.
2. Keep your vaccinations up to date
You do not need any specific vaccines to enter Mexico from the U.S. Still, it is wise to stay up to date on routine vaccines such as hepatitis A and B, tetanus, and typhoid, especially if you plan to visit rural areas.
3. Driver’s license in Mexico
If you are planning to rent a car and drive in Mexico, your U.S. driver’s license works for up to 180 days as long as it is valid and in English. If you are going out to party, it is safer to avoid driving. In Mexico City, the legal alcohol limit for drivers is only 0.04%.
4. Carry cash, but be careful
The official currency in Mexico is the Mexican peso (MXN). Tourist areas usually accept U.S. dollars and credit cards, but you will need cash for markets and small restaurants.
Exchange money at official currency exchange offices or withdraw cash from ATMs inside banks to avoid scams. Avoid carrying large amounts of cash and use a money belt or waist pouch to keep your belongings safe.
5. Be respectful of the culture and people
Experiencing local cultures and traditions is part of traveling, and respecting them is essential. As a sign of respect, always ask before photographing people, especially in indigenous communities. If you visit during Day of the Dead, take the chance to experience it alongside the locals.
6. Plan your clothing according to the weather
Mexico has a wide range of climates. While it is hot year-round in Cancún, Mexico City can be chilly in the morning and warm in the afternoon. If you visit archaeological sites like Chichén Itzá or Teotihuacán, bring comfortable clothes, a hat, and sunscreen. At the beach, don’t forget a good mosquito repellent.
Frequently asked questions about requirements for traveling to Mexico from the USA
If you are a U.S. citizen traveling for tourism, you do not need a visa. You can stay in Mexico for up to 180 days with just a valid passport. If you are going for work or study, you may need a temporary resident visa.
Yes. All U.S. citizens must have a valid passport to enter Mexico, regardless of whether they are traveling by air, sea, or land.
If you enter Mexico by plane, you no longer need to fill out the FMM on paper or online. The immigration process is now automatic, and you can download your digital FMM by scanning a QR code at the airport or through the INM website.
No. If you enter as a tourist, you cannot engage in paid activities in Mexico.
The official currency is the Mexican peso (MXN). In tourist areas, many places accept U.S. dollars, but it is a good idea to have pesos for markets and small restaurants. You can exchange money at banks, currency exchange offices, or withdraw cash from ATMs.
As a U.S. citizen, you can stay up to 180 days (6 months) as a tourist.
To avoid high roaming fees, you can use Holafly’s monthly plans if you are staying for a while and need to share internet with other devices.
If you need a copy of your digital FMM, make sure to download it within the allowed timeframe. If you lose it and need it to leave the country or for another procedure, you will have to go to a Mexican National Immigration Institute (INM) office to request a replacement.
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Hi! I'm a Spanish-English translator working with Holafly, helping bring travel content to life for curious travelers. As a digital nomad with a passion for exploring, I'm always adding new spots to my bucket list. If you love to travel like me, stick around because you're in the right place to find inspiration for your next trip! ✈️🌍
