Visa requirements

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.

Transit visa (Transit - Visa-Free (up to 24 hours in international zone))

Applies to all nationalities · Last updated: 25 June 2026

Visa free

Maximum stay
1 days
Fee
Free
Entry
Single entry

Most passengers transiting through Mexican airports do not need a visa if their layover is under 24 hours and they remain in the international transit area. However, citizens of non-visa-exempt countries must obtain a visa if more than 24 hours elapse between flights, regardless of whether they leave the airport. Valid visa from US, Canada, UK, Japan, or Schengen country exempts all nationalities from transit visa requirements.

Eligibility

  • Purpose of visit

    Valid only for airport transit remaining in international zone. Layover must be under 24 hours. Cannot leave airport.

    Includes
    • Airport transit only
    • no entry into Mexico

Documents you need

  • Passport

    Blank pages required: 0; Validity months: 6

  • Flight reservation

    Provide flight booking or itinerary evidence when the route asks for travel plans.

    Must be confirmed: Yes; Must show return: No

How to apply

  1. Document gathering

    Prepare valid passport and confirmed onward flight ticket showing layover under 24 hours.

Sign in to apply

Transit visa (Transit Visa (for layovers >24 hours or leaving airport))

Applies to all nationalities · Last updated: 25 June 2026

Embassy required

Maximum stay
3 days
Processing time
2 days to 3 weeks
Fee
$51-56 USD
Entry
Single entry

Citizens of non-visa-exempt countries need a transit visa if their layover exceeds 24 hours or if they plan to leave the airport. Travelers with valid visas from US, Canada, UK, Japan, or Schengen countries are exempt from this requirement regardless of nationality.

Eligibility

  • Purpose of visit

    Valid for transit through Mexico with layover exceeding 24 hours or when leaving the airport during layover.

    Includes
    • Transit to third country destination

Documents you need

  • Passport

    Blank pages required: 1; Validity months: 6

  • Photo

    Count: 1; Specifications: 3.9 cm x 3.1 cm (or 2x2 inches), color, white background, front view, no eyeglasses

  • Flight reservation

    Provide flight booking or itinerary evidence when the route asks for travel plans.

    Must be confirmed: Yes; Must show return: Yes

  • Application form

    Use the official application form for this route and complete all required fields.

    Form name: Transit Visa Application Form; Form url: https://consulmex.sre.gob.mx

How to apply

  1. Online application

    Complete the transit visa application form through the Mexican consulate website.

  2. Appointment booking

    Schedule appointment at Mexican embassy or consulate.

  3. Document gathering

    Prepare passport, application form, photo, and confirmed flight tickets showing transit itinerary.

  4. Fee payment

    Pay transit visa fee of $51-56 USD at the consulate.

  5. Interview

    Attend interview at consulate if required.

  6. Processing wait

    Wait for visa processing.

  7. Visa collection

    Collect passport with transit visa.

Sign in to apply
This information is provided for general guidance only. Visa requirements can change frequently and may vary by nationality. Always verify with the official embassy or consulate before making travel plans. Contact [email protected] for assistance.