Published on
August 17, 2025
Mexico is set to join countries like Canada, South Korea, Germany, Switzerland, Japan, and the US in revolutionizing travel by introducing a new e-Visa system, designed to simplify and modernize the visa application process for foreign nationals arriving by air. Travelers can now apply for their visas online, so there’s no need to visit a consulate in person. This step fits right in with how other countries are going digital with immigration and makes each trip smoother from start to finish.
Mexico is set to join a growing list of countries adopting electronic visa (e-Visa) systems to streamline and modernize the travel process. As one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world, Mexico’s decision to move to a fully digital visa system for certain foreign nationals arriving by air will make it easier for travelers to visit the country for tourism, business, or family purposes. This step is expected to benefit tourists and improve the overall visitor experience.
Starting soon, travelers from select countries will be able to apply for a Mexico e-Visa online, removing the need for time-consuming in-person applications at consulates and embassies. This move places Mexico in the company of numerous nations already using e-Visa systems to enhance the travel experience and support the growing demand for international tourism.
What’s Happening with Mexico’s New e-Visa System?
Mexico’s transition to an electronic visa system comes as part of its effort to streamline entry procedures and ensure smoother access for international travelers. In a move to modernize the immigration process, the Mexican government has announced that certain foreign nationals will soon be able to apply for their visa entirely online.
This means the old process, which required travelers to visit a Mexican consulate or embassy in person to submit their visa applications, will be replaced with an efficient and straightforward online portal. The new system will allow applicants to complete their visa applications, upload necessary documents, and pay the visa fee from the comfort of their homes.
The official announcement was published in Mexico’s Diario Oficial de la Federación (Official Gazette) on July 25. Travelers can expect the e-Visa portal to go live soon, offering a more convenient and time-efficient alternative to the previous in-person system.
Who Needs the New e-Visa for Mexico?
The new e-Visa system will apply to travelers who:
Need a visa to enter MexicoAre entering Mexico by air
As a result, travelers who need a visa and plan to arrive by land or sea will still need to follow the traditional in-person visa process at Mexican consulates.
The Mexican Ministry of Foreign Affairs is expected to publish a list of eligible countries soon. These countries will be able to apply for the e-Visa through the new online portal. The e-Visa will be required for all visitors flying into Mexico for tourism, business, or to visit family or friends.
However, travelers who are citizens of countries already exempt from Mexican visa requirements—such as the United States, Canada, the European Union, and Japan—will not need to apply for the e-Visa. They can still enter Mexico visa-free for short stays.
Who Does Not Need the e-Visa to Enter Mexico?
Some travelers won’t need to worry about the new e-Visa system. Citizens from the following countries will continue to enjoy visa-free access to Mexico:
United StatesCanadaEuropean Union member countriesUnited KingdomJapanSouth Korea
In addition, travelers holding a valid permanent residence permit or multiple-entry visas from the US, Canada, UK, Japan, or any Schengen Area country are also exempt from the e-Visa requirement and can enter Mexico without a visa.
How the Mexico e-Visa Will Work
Once the portal is launched, eligible travelers will be able to complete the entire application process online. Here’s a breakdown of the steps:
Application Process for Mexico e-VisaComplete the online application form: Applicants will need to provide their basic personal details and travel information.Upload the required documents:A recent digital passport-sized photo (no glasses, white background, in .jpg/.jpeg/.png format)A scanned copy of the passport ID page (in .jpg/.jpeg/.png format)Pay the visa fee: The e-Visa application fee will be USD 54, which covers processing, approval charges, and issuance.Validity of the Mexico e-Visa
Once approved, the Mexico e-Visa will be valid for 180 days from the issuance date. This allows travelers a full six months to visit Mexico. However, the e-Visa is only valid for one entry by air into the country. If travelers wish to leave and re-enter Mexico, they will need to apply for another e-Visa.
Mexico e-Visa Format
The approved e-Visa will be delivered in a digital format, with a QR code that travelers will need to show when entering Mexico. This digital visa eliminates the need for a physical stamp or sticker in the passport.
Important Considerations for Travelers
While the new e-Visa system promises a streamlined and modernized entry process, there are a few important things travelers need to keep in mind:
Purpose of travel: The Mexico e-Visa is not a work visa. It is for unpaid activities such as tourism, business meetings, or visiting family and friends. If a traveler intends to engage in paid work while in Mexico, they will still need to apply for the appropriate work visa.No guarantee of entry: While having an approved e-Visa is an important part of the entry process, it does not guarantee entry into Mexico. Immigration officers at the border still have the authority to deny entry if they have concerns about the traveler’s documents or intentions.Air travel only: The e-Visa applies exclusively to travelers entering Mexico by air. Those entering by land or sea will still be required to go through the traditional visa application process at a consulate.Delays in processing: Travelers may face delays in visa processing due to high demand or operational issues. It is advisable to apply for the e-Visa well in advance of your planned travel.Global Trend of e-Visa Systems
Mexico is not the only country making strides toward digital visa processes. Many nations have already implemented or are planning to introduce similar e-Visa systems to enhance travel and tourism. Here’s a look at some other countries that have taken the lead in the e-Visa revolution:
Canada: Offers an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) system for travelers who do not require a visa. Applicants can apply online and receive approval in minutes.South Korea: Introduced the Korean Electronic Travel Authorization (K-ETA), mandatory for travelers from certain countries starting in 2026.Germany: Launched the Consular Services Portal, allowing applicants to apply for national visas online.Switzerland: Will soon require travelers from visa-exempt countries to obtain an online authorization through the European Travel Information and Authorization System (ETIAS), expected to roll out by 2026.Japan: Launched an e-Visa system for nationals of 71 countries in 2025, allowing online applications for tourism and business purposes.United States: The Visa Waiver Program (VWP) allows citizens of 42 countries to travel for tourism or business for up to 90 days without a visa, provided they have an approved Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA).United Kingdom: Will implement the Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) system for travelers from countries that do not require a visa for short stays starting in 2025.Russia: Offers a unified e-Visa for nationals from certain countries, making it easier for tourists to apply and receive approval online.Thailand: Expanded its e-Visa system to 59 embassies, making it easier for travelers to apply online for various types of visas.Kuwait: Revamped its tourist visa system with an online application process for four distinct categories: tourist, family, business, and official.Why This Matters for Mexico’s Tourism Industry
Mexico’s new e-Visa system is expected to benefit the country’s tourism industry by offering a more accessible and user-friendly entry process. With over 45 million international visitors each year, Mexico remains one of the top tourist destinations globally. By adopting a digital visa system, the country is aligning itself with global trends in the tourism industry and making it easier for travelers to visit, whether for leisure, business, or family visits.
With a streamlined and modernized visa process, Mexico is likely to see an increase in the number of international visitors, as travelers will appreciate the convenience and speed of the new system. This is a significant step in making travel to Mexico more efficient and accessible.
Mexico’s upcoming e-Visa system marks an important milestone in the country’s efforts to modernize and simplify the entry process for foreign nationals. Joining the ranks of countries like Canada, South Korea, Germany, Japan, and the United States, Mexico’s decision to move to a fully digital visa application system promises to make travel more efficient and accessible.
Mexico is set to join leading countries like Canada, South Korea, Germany, and the US in revolutionizing travel by introducing an e-Visa system, making visa applications simpler and faster for air travelers. This move will streamline the entry process, aligning Mexico with global trends in digital visa solutions.
As international tourism continues to grow, countries like Mexico are embracing technology to ensure that travelers can experience smooth and hassle-free entry. For travelers planning a trip to Mexico, this e-Visa system will simplify the visa application process and provide a more convenient way to explore one of the world’s most popular travel destinations.
