Canadian nationals looking to visit Mexico are at the advantage of needing minimal documentation to enter the country. Less time preparing your documents means more time planning your trip.
Still, there are specific protocols required to enter Mexico, depending on the length of stay.
For more information on legally traveling to Mexico, returning home, or staying in Mexico long-term, consider the following information.
Do Canadian Citizens Need A Mexican Visa To Enter Mexico?
Canadian citizens do not need a visa to enter Mexico.
Instead, they must complete a Tourist Card, referred to as a Mexico FMM (Forma Migratoria Múltiple), which is a requirement for all travelers wishing to visit Mexico.
Here we cover the essential information that will be needed to correctly fill the FMM, and to provide all necessary prerequisites required for eligibility.
What Official Documents Are Needed To Enter Mexico?
At the border, Canadian citizens must present their FMM Tourist Card and their valid passport to enter the country.
No other documentation is necessary. At this time, Mexican authorities will screen approaching travelers before giving them the green light to enter the country.
What Does A Valid Canadian Passport Look Like For Visiting Mexico?
Although a visa is not needed for stays up to 180 days, Canadians must still provide passports that are valid for a minimum of 180 days (approximately six months), following the intended days of arrival in Mexico. And, in good condition.
While being mindful of the fact that guidelines change based on the country you plan to visit, this 180-day guideline is not dissimilar to many other nations, so consider it as a rule to remember.
What Protocols Dictate Entering And Leaving Mexico?
When Canadian citizens arrive, Mexican officials will keep one part of the tourist card, and they will hold the other slip that must be kept during the entire trip.
This slip will be presented upon exiting Mexico. It is important to note that the FMM card is valid only for a single entry for Canadians.
When travelers leave the country, re-entering will require that individuals then apply for another FMM.
If they would like to extend their stay beyond six months, Canadians can apply for either a Mexican visa or another FMM online.
How Can Canadians Apply For A FMM To Mexico?
To apply for a FMM application online, Canadians must provide their current email address and relevant personal information, including full name, birth information, and contact numbers.
Canadian applicants must also provide travel details, including passport number, expiration, and date of issuance.
The purpose of travel must be indicated, and routine questions regarding health, criminal history, etc., must be answered accurately.
Always look over the information provided to prevent unintentional errors or missing information.
Lastly, the Natvisa FMM processing fee must be paid using credit or debit.
Why Is It Easier To Apply Online for Canadians?
They can avoid prolonged queues at the border by applying for your tourist card beforehand online.
Doing so also eliminates the need for carrying money to address the tourist card fee (for land). This is a definite perk for those concerned about the safekeeping of their money while traveling.
Canadian travelers can make the payment online instead.
It typically takes about twenty minutes to complete the electronic form, making the online option a convenient and straightforward way to handle your tourist card.
Are Visas Ever Necessary For Canadians Visiting Mexico?
While Canadians are not generally required to apply for a Mexican visa when visiting within 180 days, there are certain circumstances where exploring different Mexican visas is necessary.
If they are visiting Mexico for work and business, they may want to review the Mexico business or work visas.
Likewise, if they have an intention to stay permanently in Mexico, they should look into applying for a resident or a temporary resident Mexican visa.
The same is true for trips that surpass six months. Speak with the embassy to learn more information on how to navigate these specific arrangements.
If Canadians Want To Stay Beyond 180 Days, What Do They Do?
They will need to apply for a new visa reflective of why you’re staying in Mexico.
The other option is to leave Mexico and return once they have obtained a new FMM.
Since FMMs only cover a single visit, they will have to go through the online application process again.
Understand that this repetitive process is extended to all foreign travelers looking to visit Mexico. It is done in an effort to ensure the safety and security of the country.
How Can CA Travelers Reach Relatives, And How Can They Reach Me During Emergency?
Canadian nationals with intentions to visit Mexico may want to register using the Canadian Embassy located in Mexico City.
They can complete forms online, and if needed, the embassy can connect nationals with Canadians in Mexico to speak with friends and family.
If details on events in Mexico are pertinent to the individual’s travel plans, the embassy officials can also relay this information to the relevant parties.
The emergency situations where the embassy can comply with these requests include but are not limited to:
- Natural disasters
- Civil violence
- International issues impacting one’s return home
- Other relevant concerns
Please keep in mind that there are many other valid reasons for getting in contact with family while traveling in Mexico, i.e.., (health concerns, a recent death in the family, etc.), so do not hesitate to call and inquire if an emergency.
Things To Remember
Despite only needing an FMM and a valid passport at the border, there are many other circumstances where additional information is required to travel to, stay in, or return home legally from Mexico.
Canadian nationals are advised to review all information submitted in their FMM forms to ensure that all information is accurate and up-to-date.
There are clear benefits to completing your paperwork online rather than in-person or upon arrival.
Follow the information in this guide and use the resources you have at your disposal to make traveling a more accessible and convenient process.
