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4 ways to enter

Mexico visas

Mexico transit visa

Travellers who need a visa to enter Mexico also need one when only changing flights at a Mexican airport.

Ways to get a Mexico transit visa

  1. Transit under a visa exemption

    Transit without a visa

    Travellers covered by Mexico's ordinary passport exemption or its exemption for qualifying foreign visas and permanent residence cards.

  2. SAE (online travel permit) for transit

    eTA needed

    Citizens of Russia, Turkey and Ukraine travelling by air on a participating airline.

    Stay
    Up to 180 days.
    Valid for
    30 days.
    Entries
    Single entry.
    Fee
    Free.

    Passports that qualify (3)

    1. Obtain an electronic authorization through the SAE online system.
    2. Travel to Mexico by air on a participating airline.

  3. Mexico e-Visa for transit

    eVisa

    Citizens of Brazil travelling to Mexico by air for transit.

    Valid for
    180 days.
    Entries
    Single entry.
    Fee
    USD 10.

    Passports that qualify (1)

  4. Mexican visa for transit

    Visa needed

    Travellers who need a visa to enter Mexico and do not qualify for another transit route.

Who needs it

All foreign travellers who need a visa to enter Mexico also need one for airport transit.

Who doesn't

Travellers covered by Mexico's visa exemptions do not need a Mexican visa.

Changing planes

Leaving the airport
If you need a visa to enter Mexico, you also need one for airport transit. No separate rule for leaving the airport is stated.
Transit without a visa
There is no general airport-transit exemption for travellers who otherwise need a visa. Eligible travellers can use a visa exemption or the SAE online travel permit.

Good to know

  • The transit visa requirement has applied since 22 October 2023.
  • The SAE online travel permit requires arrival by air on a participating airline.
  • The e-Visa is for travel by air.
  • No visa-free airport connection time limit is stated.
  • A separate transit visa class is not named.

Questions

Do I need a transit visa for Mexico?

All foreign travellers who need a visa to enter Mexico also need one for airport transit. Travellers covered by Mexico's visa exemptions do not need a Mexican visa.

What are the ways to get a transit visa for Mexico?

There are 4 options: Transit under a visa exemption (transit without a visa); SAE (online travel permit) for transit (an online travel permit); Mexico e-Visa for transit (an online visa); Mexican visa for transit (a visa from an embassy).

Can I apply online for Mexico?

Yes: SAE (online travel permit) for transit and Mexico e-Visa for transit. Citizens of Russia, Turkey and Ukraine travelling by air on a participating airline.

What rules do I have to follow on a Mexico transit visa?

The transit visa requirement has applied since 22 October 2023. The SAE online travel permit requires arrival by air on a participating airline. The e-Visa is for travel by air.

Does my passport change whether I need a transit visa for Mexico?

Yes. Rules depend on the country that issued your passport. Open the Mexico visa page and choose your passport for a plain answer.

Can a transit visa for Mexico be refused?

Yes. Officials can refuse a visa or entry, even after you apply. Give true answers, bring the documents asked for, and keep proof of your onward trip and money.

Where do I check the latest Mexico transit visa rules?

On Mexico's official immigration or foreign ministry website, or at its embassy. Rules change, so check close to your trip.

Can I change my transit visa once I am in Mexico?

Often you cannot switch visa type inside the country. Ask the immigration office before you travel if you might need to.

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