What is Mexico's SAE electronic authorisation?

SAE is an electronic authorisation for currently eligible passport holders that allows one trip to Mexico for transit, tourism or business without obtaining a consular visa. The authorisation is valid for 30 days from issue.

Do I need an FMM when flying to Mexico?

Under current INM rules, travellers entering through international airports do not complete or carry a physical FMM in advance. The digital FMMd is generated from the admission record after entry where applicable. Land-entry rules are different.

How long can I stay in Mexico as a visitor?

Visitor status can be authorised for up to 180 days, but the immigration officer determines the actual period granted when you enter Mexico.

Mexico travel requirements

Mexico visa and entry requirements

Check the visa and entry requirements for Mexico based on your passport and trip, then continue to the correct official route.

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Check Mexico requirements

Select your passport country to see the visa and entry requirements that may apply for Mexico.

Know what you need

Check visa and entry requirements based on your passport and destination.

Official requirements, simplified

Clear guidance based on current government sources.

Official application routes

Go directly to the correct government application or information page.

Ready-to-apply checklist

Know what information and documents to prepare before you start.

Plan your trip with clear, practical guidance at every step.

eVisa Immigration is an independent travel-document service and is not affiliated with any government.

Travel documents made clearer

Visas, ETAs and arrival cards for destinations worldwide.

Mexico allows visa-free short visits for specified nationalities and for some travellers holding qualifying third-country visas or permanent residence. Visa-required travellers use a Mexican visitor visa unless they qualify for another official route such as the Electronic Authorization System (SAE).

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Check your requirements

Check whether your passport is visa-exempt or whether a qualifying visa or permanent-residence document removes the visa requirement. If you still need permission before travel, use the visitor-visa or SAE route that applies to you.

Who needs a visa or travel document?

Visa and entry requirements for Mexico depend on passport, purpose and the travel documents or residence status you already hold. Check the official source linked with the relevant option for the current rule that applies to you.

The final period of visitor status is decided by Mexican immigration at entry and can be up to 180 days; do not assume the maximum will always be granted.

For work, study, residence or other travel purposes, check the relevant government requirements separately.

Other visa and entry options

Other options may apply depending on your passport, travel purpose and intended stay:

FMM / FMMd: Travellers entering by land use the Multiple Migratory Form under current INM rules. For air arrivals, the physical FMM is no longer completed in advance; the digital FMMd can be generated after entry where applicable.

Mexico visa and entry options

Compare the documents that may apply to your trip, including who they are for, permitted stays and processing guidance.

Visitor visa

Mexico Visitor Visa without Permission to Conduct Paid Activities

Travellers whose nationality requires a Mexican visa and who are not covered by a valid visa, residence-document exemption or another authorised route.

Allows

Tourism, qualifying business and other short visits without paid activities in Mexico.

Validity

The validity and entry conditions shown on the visa issued by the Mexican consulate apply.

Entries

As stated on the issued visa

Maximum stay

Visitor status can be authorised for up to 180 days; the immigration officer determines the period at entry.

Official processing guidance

Appointment availability and processing vary by Mexican consulate. Follow the responsible mission's current instructions.

Apply on the official government website

Electronic travel authorization

Mexico Electronic Authorization (SAE)

Passport holders who are currently eligible for Mexico's SAE route under the official system.

Allows

Travel to Mexico without a consular visa for transit, tourism or business purposes covered by the authorisation.

Validity

30 days from issue for use to travel to Mexico.

Entries

Single trip

Maximum stay

The authorised visitor stay is determined by Mexican immigration on entry.

Official processing guidance

The electronic system provides an authorisation decision through the official process; complete it before travel.

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You can also apply directly through the official government website without paying our service fee. Government fees may still apply.

What to prepare

Have these details and documents ready before you apply. Additional documents may be requested depending on your passport, travel purpose or application.

The passport that will be used for travel

Current contact, itinerary and accommodation information

A compliant photograph where the application requests one

Purpose-specific evidence requested by the issuing authority

Processing times

Processing times vary by document and authority. Use the official guidance shown with the relevant option and apply early enough for government review.

Plan around official processing times

Government processing times can vary. Apply early and use the guidance shown for the document you need.

Continue to the official application

Visa, travel-authorisation and entry decisions are made by the relevant government and border authorities.

Your application checklist

Confirm the right route, prepare your details and documents, then continue to the official application when you are ready.

Check your requirements

Start with your passport country and destination to see the relevant travel document route.

Complete the online form

Use the official Mexico application or declaration service linked from the relevant route.

Upload required documents

Provide only the passport, photograph, travel and purpose-specific evidence requested by the authority.

Review your details

Check that your application details match your passport and travel itinerary exactly.

Submit your application

Submit through the official authority and retain its receipt or reference number.

Receive updates by email

Keep the authority's decision and any government emails accessible while travelling.

Prepare with confidence

Follow a clear route from checking requirements to preparing the details requested by the relevant authority.

Before you travel

Keep government decisions and confirmations accessible, and check the official rules again before departure.

Check that your passport validity meets the destination rules

Confirm your travel dates and accommodation details

Review the latest entry conditions before departure

Carry the approved document if required, digitally or printed

Keep government emails and status updates accessible while travelling

Requirements can change before departure

Mexico travel document questions

Answers to common questions about Mexico visas and entry requirements.

It depends on nationality and the travel documents you already hold. Mexico exempts listed nationalities and may also exempt travellers holding qualifying permanent residence or valid visas from specified countries. Check INM and the responsible Mexican consulate.

Check what you need for your trip

Check your requirements for Mexico and continue to the relevant official application route.

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