Entry Requirements and Visa for Mexico

People

For French Citizens

For tourist travel, French citizens do not need a visa for stays of up to 180 days; a passport valid for the duration of the stay is sufficient. However, a return or onward ticket is required.

Multiple Migratory Form

Additionally, a "Multiple Migratory Form" (FMM) is required, which is automatically obtained upon arrival at major airports such as Mexico City or Cancun via an electronic gate (E-gates), resulting in a digital receipt. For land arrivals, this formality must be completed online beforehand or, as a last resort, at the customs office in paper format followed by a stamp on the passport (ensure you have it to avoid a fine upon departure).

Regardless of the arrival method, the authorized length of stay in the country is determined by the authorities during this process. While a visa is not required for stays under 180 days, this does not guarantee that immigration will authorize this duration for everyone. In all cases, it is essential to keep the receipt of this process with you at all times, as it may be requested during any check and is necessary for leaving the country. Avoid losing it to prevent paying a penalty equivalent to around 40 euros.

The "Visitax" of Quintana Roo

If you are visiting the state of Quintana Roo, which includes destinations like Cancun, Tulum, Playa del Carmen, and Cozumel, you will also need to pay a special tourist tax called Visitax, equivalent to around 15 euros. This can be paid online before your trip, upon arrival, or before departure on the official state government website. As always, keep proof of payment to avoid a fine during departure checks.

Other Nationalities

The same rules apply to Swiss, Canadian, European Union citizens, and some other nationalities.

Long Stays

For those wishing to stay longer, the first step is to try to secure the full 180 days allowed without a visa. After this period, a Temporary Resident Visa must be obtained, allowing stays of 1 to 4 years, subject to financial solvency. In all cases, this process can only be initiated outside Mexico at Mexican consular offices abroad.

Alternatively, there is the so-called "Visa Run", which involves leaving the country at the end of the authorized stay and re-entering to reset the "clock." However, while this practice is tolerated, it is not a right, meaning you risk being denied entry by authorities each time with no recourse.

In Case of Violation

As is often the case, violations may result in a fixed fine of around 40 euros if detected upon departure, with higher amounts, risk of expulsion, or entry bans for longer overstays or unexpected checks. There is also the risk of police extortion, especially if you are not in compliance.

Vehicles

To enter Mexico with a personal vehicle, a Temporary Import Permit is required. To obtain it, you must present proof of vehicle ownership, your driver’s license, and pay a deposit fee.

Consulates

In France

• Consulate General: 4 rue Notre Dame des Victoires, 75002 Paris. Tel.: 01 42 86 56 20.

Honorary consulates in the provinces:

• Bordeaux: 11-15 rue Vital-Carles, 33080 Bordeaux. Tel: 05 56 79 76 55.

• Dijon: 11 bis cours du Général de Gaulle, 21000 Dijon. Tel.: 03 80 68 20 19.

• Lyon: 104 rue du Président Edouard Herriot, 69002 Lyon. Tel.: 04 78 38 06 17.

• Marseille: 2 rue Corneille, 13001 Marseille. Tel.: 04 91 54 70 50.

• Toulouse: 34 rue d'Aubuisson, 31000 Toulouse. Tel.: 05 34 41 74 40.

Honorary consulate in the French overseas territories:

• Martinique: 31 rue Moreau de Jones, 97200 Fort-de-France. Tel.: 0 596 72 58 12.

Other Countries

• Belgium: Consulate General, Av. F.D. Roosevelt 94, 1050 Ixelles. Tel.: (32 2) 629 07 77.

• Canada:

-- Consulate General: 45 rue O'Connor, Ottawa, Ontario, K1P 1A4. Tel.: (613) 233 89 88.

-- Consulate in Montreal: 2055 rue Peel, suite 1000, Montréal, QC H3A 1V4. Tel.: (514) 288 25 02.

• Switzerland: Consulate, 16 rue de Candolle, 1205 Geneva. Tel.: (022) 328 39 20.