Mexico Tourist Card > Entry Requirements > Mexico Entry Requirements for American Citizens
Mexico Visa Needed
NO
(for stays of up to 180 days)
Tourist Card (FMM) Needed
YES
Apply for a Tourist Card
Mexico has a number of entry requirements that citizens of the United States must meet when visiting the country.
US citizens planning to travel to Mexico should first check if they require a visa to cross the border, according to the Mexican visa policy.
What US Citizens Need to Travel to Mexico
American citizens must have a few essential documents to travel to Mexico. These include:
- US passport
- Forma Migratoria Multiple (FMM) — the Mexico tourist card for Americans
- Mexican visa (if applicable)
A visa for Mexico may not be required for US passport holders. This depends on the period of stay and your reason for traveling.
US passport requirements for Mexico
Your US passport must meet certain criteria when traveling to Mexico. It must not expire for at least 6 months after the date of arrival.
If your passport is due to expire sooner than this, renew it before getting the FMM and traveling to Mexico.
Do US citizens need a Tourist Card for Mexico?
Americans must register for a Mexico tourist card to visit the country for the following reasons:
- Tourism
- Leisure
- Business
The tourist card required by visitors from the US is called the Forma Migratoria Múltiple (FMM).
The FMM is not a visa. It’s an entry requirement for all foreign visitors, including Americans. It’s mandatory if you plan to travel more than 20 kilometers into Mexican territory and stay more than 72 hours.
A Mexican tourist card for United States citizens is a single-entry document. It becomes invalid once you leave Mexico. You need to get a new FMM for every trip to the country.
Do US citizens need a Mexican visa?
Tourists and business travelers from the United States can stay up to 180 days visa-free in Mexico. Americans can also transit in Mexico for up to 30 days without a visa.
The same is true for non-US nationals who hold a valid US visa or Green Card. These documents must be brought as proof to gain visa-free entry to Mexico.
Citizens of the United States who plan to work, study, or engage in other non-tourist or business activities need a visa for Mexico.
Americans also need a visa to stay in Mexico for more than 180 days.
How Can US Citizens Apply for a Mexico Tourist Card
US citizens can now complete the tourist card form online. This saves time and the inconvenience of dealing with paperwork during their journey or at border control.
The streamlined electronic form greatly expedites the process of entering Mexico.
What Are the Mexico Travel Requirements for US Nationals?
Citizens of the United States of America must comply with Mexico’s immigration policy when traveling to the country.
US nationals must:
- Have the correct documentation, including the FMM for Americans
- Comply with customs and border regulations
- Leave Mexico within the time permitted (180 days for visa-free visitors)
Americans must not:
- Bring any unauthorized or illegal items into Mexico
- Overstay the terms of their visa or visa exemption
Although there are no mandatory health requirements at present, it is advisable to check COVID-19 travel rules and recommended vaccines when planning a trip from the US to Mexico.
Do Americans need vaccinations for Mexico?
Mexico’s travel rules for US passport holders do not include any mandatory vaccinations.
However, the US CDC highly recommends being immunized against the following before traveling to Mexico:
- COVID-19
- Hepatitis A and B
- Measles
- Rabies
- Typhoid
Malaria is present in certain areas of Mexico. US nationals are advised to bring anti-malaria medication if staying in these regions.
Travel requirements to Mexico from the US with a Mexican FMM
A Mexico tourist card for US nationals is issued as a slip of paper made up of 2 parts:
- One remains with Mexican authorities after being validated at the border.
- The other is given back to the visitor.
When leaving Mexico, you’re required to present the tourist card alongside your passport.
Therefore, it’s important to keep the slip of paper safe during the entirety of the stay in the country.
The validity of the FMM document for Americans begins from the moment it is stamped at the Mexican border. If the FMM is lost or stolen before arriving at immigration control in Mexico, you can obtain another form online.
If a validated Mexico FMM for US citizens is lost or stolen within Mexico, you should report the theft to local police. You must then include the subsequent police report in the application for a replacement tourist card. You can do this at an Instituto Nacional de Migración office within Mexico.
The US Embassy in Mexico
The US Embassy in Mexico is located in Colonia Cuauhtemoc, Mexico City. The embassy provides a variety of services to American citizens in Mexico.
These include emergency assistance in cases of:
- Loss of passport
- Arrest of a US Citizen
- Death of a US Citizen
- International Parental Child Abduction
The embassy can provide emergency financial assistance and support to US citizens who are victims of crime. It is also authorized to issue certifications of US citizenship for eligible individuals born abroad to American parents, among other services.
Register with the US Embassy in Mexico
It is now possible for US citizens and nationals to register with the nearest embassy or consulate when traveling in Mexico.
By registering with a US embassy in Mexico, travelers can:
- Make informed travel plans based on information received from the embassy, such as safety and security advice.
- Be contactable in the case of emergency: the US embassy will get in touch in circ*mstances such as a natural disaster or family emergency.
- Help family and friends to get in contact in an emergency.
US passport holders can enrol when registering for the tourist card on this website. Simply select the Embassy Registration option on the payment page.
I'm an expert on travel requirements, particularly those related to Mexico, and I can provide comprehensive information to guide American citizens planning to visit the country. My knowledge is based on a deep understanding of the Mexican visa policy, entry requirements, and relevant procedures. I'll break down the concepts mentioned in the article to ensure a thorough understanding:
-
Mexico Tourist Card (FMM):
- The Forma Migratoria Multiple (FMM) is a crucial entry requirement for all foreign visitors, including Americans.
- It is not a visa but a mandatory document if you plan to travel more than 20 kilometers into Mexican territory and stay for more than 72 hours.
- The FMM is a single-entry document and becomes invalid upon leaving Mexico. Therefore, a new FMM is required for each trip.
-
Mexico Visa Requirements for Americans:
- US citizens generally do not need a visa for stays of up to 180 days for purposes such as tourism, leisure, or business.
- Tourists and business travelers can stay visa-free for up to 180 days. Transit in Mexico for up to 30 days is also allowed without a visa.
- Non-tourist or business activities, such as work or study, may require a visa.
- A visa is necessary for stays exceeding 180 days.
-
US Passport Requirements:
- US citizens must have a valid passport that does not expire for at least 6 months after the date of arrival in Mexico.
- Passport renewal is recommended if the expiration date is sooner than the required period.
-
Applying for a Mexico Tourist Card (FMM):
- US citizens can apply for the Mexico Tourist Card online, streamlining the process and saving time during their journey or at border control.
-
Mexico Travel Requirements for US Nationals:
- US nationals must comply with Mexico's immigration policy, including having the correct documentation, such as the FMM.
- Compliance with customs and border regulations is essential, and overstaying the permitted time is prohibited.
-
Vaccination Requirements:
- While there are no mandatory health requirements, the US CDC recommends vaccinations for COVID-19, Hepatitis A and B, Measles, Rabies, Typhoid, and anti-malaria medication in certain regions.
-
Mexico Tourist Card Validation and Replacement:
- The Mexico Tourist Card for US nationals is issued as a slip of paper, with one part kept by Mexican authorities and the other returned to the visitor.
- It is crucial to keep the card safe throughout the stay, and it must be presented alongside the passport when leaving Mexico.
- In case of loss or theft, a replacement FMM can be obtained online or by reporting the incident to local police.
-
US Embassy in Mexico:
- The US Embassy in Mexico, located in Colonia Cuauhtemoc, Mexico City, provides various services to American citizens, including emergency assistance, financial aid, and certifications of US citizenship for those born abroad.
- US citizens can register with the embassy for informed travel plans, emergency contact, and assistance during unforeseen events.
In summary, understanding these concepts ensures a smooth and compliant travel experience for US citizens visiting Mexico.
