Mexico
General visa requirements for travelling to Mexico. These policies apply to all nationalities unless a country-specific policy exists.
Have a specific passport country? Check your specific route.
Medical visa (Medical Treatment Temporary Resident Visa (over 180 days))
Applies to all nationalities · Last updated: 25 June 2026
Embassy required
- Maximum stay
- 1460 days
- Processing time
- 2 days to 3 weeks
- Fee
- $56 USD visa fee + 11,141 MXN resident card fee (~$643 USD total)
- Validity
- 1-4 years depending on treatment duration
- Entry
- Multiple entry
For medical treatment requiring stays longer than 180 days, a temporary resident visa is required. Applicants must provide documentation from Mexican medical facilities. After arrival, must apply to INM for resident card within 30 days. Short-term foreign visitors are not eligible for public healthcare in Mexico and must have private coverage or pay directly.
Eligibility
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Purpose of visit
Valid for receiving extended medical treatment requiring stays over 180 days at Mexican healthcare facilities.
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Financial
Must demonstrate financial ability to cover extended medical treatment costs and living expenses in Mexico.
Minimum funds: Sufficient for treatment duration and living costs
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Health
Must have documentation from recognized Mexican medical facility confirming need for extended treatment.
Required vaccinations: As recommended by physician; visit doctor at least 1 month before travel
Documents you need
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Passport
Blank pages required: 1; Validity months: 6
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Photo
Count: 1; Specifications: 3.9 cm x 3.1 cm (or 2x2 inches), color, white background, front view, no eyeglasses
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Proof of funds
Accepted forms: Bank statements, insurance coverage documentation, financial sponsor letters; Minimum amount: Sufficient to cover extended treatment and living costs
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Travel insurance
Coverage area: International coverage including Mexico; Minimum coverage: Coverage for medical treatment in Mexico
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Medical certificate
Provide medical evidence from a recognised doctor or clinic when the route asks for health confirmation.
Required tests: Letter from Mexican hospital or medical facility detailing treatment plan and expected duration; Validity months: 3
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Application form
Use the official application form for this route and complete all required fields.
Form name: Temporary Resident Visa Application Form - Medical; Form url: https://consulmex.sre.gob.mx
How to apply
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Online application
Complete temporary resident visa application through Mexican consulate website with medical purpose indicated.
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Appointment booking
Schedule in-person appointment at Mexican embassy or consulate.
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Document gathering
Prepare passport, application form, photo, letter from Mexican medical facility, proof of funds, travel insurance documentation.
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Fee payment
Pay visa application fee of $56 USD at consulate.
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Interview
Attend interview at consulate where medical documentation and financial capacity will be reviewed.
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Processing wait
Wait for visa processing (typically 2 days to 3 weeks).
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Visa collection
Collect passport with temporary resident visa.
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Document submission
Within 30 days of arrival in Mexico, apply to INM for temporary resident card.
Medical visa (Medical Treatment Visa (under 180 days))
Applies to all nationalities · Last updated: 25 June 2026
Visa free
- Maximum stay
- 180 days
- Fee
- $51-56 USD visa fee (if visa-required nationality) + 983 MXN FMM fee
- Entry
- Single entry
No visa is needed for medical treatment stays under 180 days for tourism or medical travel. Visa-exempt nationals can enter with just an FMM. Non-visa-exempt nationals must apply for a tourist visa with medical purpose documentation. Most hospitals do not accept U.S. health insurance including Medicare. Travel medical insurance with emergency coverage is essential. Mexican health providers usually require payment before providing care or releasing from hospital.
Eligibility
-
Purpose of visit
Valid for receiving medical treatment, health procedures, or consultations at Mexican healthcare facilities for stays under 180 days.
-
Financial
Must demonstrate financial ability to cover medical treatment costs. Most hospitals require upfront payment and do not accept foreign health insurance.
Minimum funds: Sufficient funds to cover treatment costs and stay
Documents you need
-
Passport
Blank pages required: 1; Validity months: 6
-
Proof of funds
Accepted forms: Bank statements, proof of financial means to cover medical treatment; Minimum amount: Not specified - must demonstrate ability to cover treatment costs
-
Travel insurance
Coverage area: International coverage including Mexico; Minimum coverage: Emergency medical coverage recommended
-
Medical certificate
Provide medical evidence from a recognised doctor or clinic when the route asks for health confirmation.
Required tests: Proof of medical appointment or hospital admission in Mexico; Validity months: 3
How to apply
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Document gathering
Prepare valid passport, proof of medical appointment/hospital admission in Mexico, evidence of financial means to cover treatment, travel medical insurance documentation.
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Online application
If from visa-required country, apply for tourist visa at Mexican consulate. If visa-exempt, complete FMM online or at airport.
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Fee payment
Pay applicable visa fee (if required) at consulate and FMM fee of 983 MXN at border/airport.