The Mexican federal government is undergoing a transformation in its immigration processes to strengthen and streamline consular services for both Mexican citizens and foreigners seeking to enter the country. A central element of this modernization effort is the Electronic Visa — a document designed to expedite entry for travelers arriving by air who will not engage in paid activities while in Mexico.
The initiative, led by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (SRE) with the support of the Ministry of the Interior (Segob), is part of the 2025–2030 National Development Plan, which aims to digitize and simplify procedures and improve the quality of public services.
What’s New About the Electronic Visa?
The Electronic Visa is an authorization issued exclusively by the SRE via digital means and records. It is intended for foreign nationals from specific countries determined by the Mexican state and allows entry only by air under the immigration status of "visitor without permission to engage in remunerated activities."
The process must be completed through a public online portal available on the official SRE website. Once approved, the visa is issued with a QR code that the applicant can print or download onto a mobile device.
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This visa is valid for 180 days from the date of issuance and allows a single entry during that period. Importantly, it is not valid for land or sea entry into Mexico.
Who Needs a Visa to Enter Mexico?
Mexico requires visas for citizens of various countries, particularly in Africa, Asia, and some parts of Latin America and the Caribbean. The complete and updated list can be found on the official websites of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (SRE) or the National Immigration Institute (INM).
Countries generally requiring a visa include:
- African nations: Angola, Burkina Faso, Cameroon, Chad, Egypt, Ethiopia, Ghana, Kenya, Nigeria, among others.
- Asian nations: Afghanistan, Bangladesh, China, India, Iran, Iraq, Jordan, Pakistan, among others.
- Latin America and the Caribbean: Cuba, Dominican Republic, among others.
- Others: Albania, Belarus, Russia, etc.
What’s Different from the Previous Visa System?
Clearer Formats: The previous agreement from May 15, 2023, grouped formats for both passports and visas. The new agreement, published March 13, 2024, separates these, leaving passport formats in one document and issuing a new one specifically for visas — providing more clarity for applicants.
Centralized, Online-Only Process: Under the March 2024 agreement and the July 2025 guidelines, Electronic Visa applications are no longer processed at consulates. All applications must be submitted through the SRE’s official website via a dedicated digital platform managed by the agency.
Modernized, Simplified Administration: As part of administrative modernization efforts, the SRE will build digital records, collect biometric and electronic data, and use digital certificates. This removes the need for applicants to submit printed photos or copies at consulates, and aims to streamline the application and decision-making process. The new “General Guidelines for Visa Issuance” replace older regulations from 2014.
Why the Change?
The Mexican government outlines several key goals behind the new visa system:
Facilitate International Mobility: Mexico’s migration policy seeks to support the international movement of people, recognizing their contributions to both origin and destination societies while ensuring order and security.
Streamline Bureaucracy: The digitalization of records and biometrics collection aims to speed up processing times and improve service quality.
Promote Tourism and Exchange: The changes are also intended to boost tourism, as well as cultural and commercial exchanges.
Requirements for the Electronic Visa
To apply, foreign nationals must:
- Hold a valid passport or travel document proving citizenship from an eligible country.
- Complete the Electronic Visa application form online.
- Submit a digital passport-style photo (no glasses, white background) in .jpg, .jpeg, or .png format (2–5 MB).
- Upload an image of the passport data page in the same format and size.
- Commit to traveling by air only.
- Pay the applicable visa fee online in accordance with the Federal Fee Law.
Important Reminder for Travelers
Even if a visa is approved, it does not guarantee entry into Mexico. Admission is still subject to the discretion of immigration authorities at the point of entry and to compliance with national entry requirements. All application data must be accurate and match the information in the passport. If the electronic visa is denied, the applicant may submit a new application in person at a Mexican consulate.
A Helpful Analogy
Think of the new Electronic Visa system like switching from borrowing a physical book to downloading an audiobook. Before, you had to go to the consulate — wait in line, bring papers, and physically obtain your visa. Now, it’s like downloading it straight to your phone. But just like audiobooks only work on compatible devices, this visa only works for air travel — and even then, immigration officials still have the final say when you “press play” at the border.