Updated: November 2026
Mexico does not have a Visa Waiver Program like the one in the United States. It also has no single ESTA-style registration for all visitors. Instead, three separate routes let travelers enter without applying for a visa at a consulate: the list of visa-exempt countries, alternatives based on holding a visa or residence from certain countries, and an electronic authorization or visa for four nationalities traveling by air.
All three cover only unpaid visits of up to 180 days. None of them guarantees entry: the immigration officer makes the final decision on arrival.
Route 1: visa-exempt countries
The National Migration Institute (INM) list includes 63 countries and regions, among them the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, Japan, South Korea, Argentina, Chile, Colombia and every European Union country. See the full list in our guide Do I need a visa for Mexico?
Two cases often cause confusion:
- Colombia: no visa is required, but travelers arriving by air must first complete an electronic pre-registration on the INM portal. This is the closest thing to an ESTA in Mexico today, and it applies only to this nationality.
- Peru, Ecuador, Brazil and Venezuela: a visa is required or, for Brazil, an electronic visa. Mexico reinstated this requirement in recent years; for Peru, in April 2024.
Route 2: alternatives based on a visa or residence from another country
If your nationality requires a visa for Mexico, you can enter without one if you hold any of these valid documents:
- A valid visa from the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, Japan or a Schengen Area country.
- Permanent residence in those same countries or in a Pacific Alliance country (Chile, Colombia or Peru).
- An APEC Business Travel Card (ABTC) approved by Mexico, for business and air travel only.
- An aircrew certificate or seaman’s book for crew members.
For example, an Indian or Chinese national with a valid US B1/B2 visa can present themselves in Mexico without a Mexican visa.
Three precautions before you travel:
- Temporary residence in those countries does not qualify. Holders need a Mexican visa or electronic authorization, depending on their nationality.
- Several Mexican consulates require the third-country visa to be multiple-entry and to remain valid during your stay.
- The benefit is not automatic: you must show the document when boarding and at immigration.
Route 3: electronic authorization or visa
This is the route closest to ESTA, since you apply online before flying. However, it applies to only four nationalities, and it currently runs on two different systems.
| Russia, Turkey and Ukraine | Brazil | |
|---|---|---|
| System | INM Electronic Authorization System (SAE) | SRE electronic visa |
| Where to apply | INM portal | visaelectronica.sre.gob.mx |
| Cost | Free | US$10 |
| Time to use it | 30 days | 180 days |
| Entries | One | One |
| Means of entry | Air only | Air only |
| Maximum stay | 180 days | 180 days |
The electronic visa for Brazil has been in operation since February 5, 2026, under guidelines published in Mexico’s Official Gazette on July 25, 2025. Those guidelines place electronic visas under the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (SRE), so the arrangement for the other three nationalities could change. Confirm with a consulate or the official portal before you travel.
Travelers who already hold one of the Route 2 alternatives do not need this process. If you are denied, you can still apply for a visa at a consulate. For SAE, also check that your airline takes part in the system; if it cannot validate your authorization, you will not be allowed to board. Your details must match your passport exactly.
Comparison: the US Visa Waiver Program and the Mexican model
| Feature | US Visa Waiver / ESTA | Mexico |
|---|---|---|
| Structure | One program for more than 40 countries | Three separate routes |
| Maximum stay | 90 days | Up to 180 days, as set by immigration |
| Advance registration | ESTA required for everyone | No general registration; only pre-registration for Colombia and SAE or electronic visa for four nationalities |
| Validity | Up to 2 years, multiple trips | Single entry |
| Third-country visas | Not recognized | Recognized from the US, Canada, the UK, Japan and Schengen |
| Entry record | Electronic I-94 | Multiple Migration Form (digital for air arrivals) |
Mexico is not part of the US Visa Waiver Program, so Mexican citizens traveling to the United States need a B1/B2 US visa.
What you may be asked for on arrival
Traveling without a visa does not exempt you from immigration control. Besides a valid passport, you may be asked for a hotel reservation, a departure ticket, an invitation letter and proof of funds.
Air arrivals are recorded digitally. We explain how this works in our guide to the FMM and Mexican visas.
If you are traveling for work or for a company
None of these routes allows you to receive payment in Mexico. A foreign employee can come for meetings, supervision or training as a visitor, as long as their salary is paid outside Mexico, and it is advisable to carry a mandate letter from the company in Spanish.
Paid work in Mexico requires temporary residence or another authorization, and the company must hold its employer registration certificate.
Frequently asked questions
Does Mexico have anything like ESTA?
Not for all visitors. The closest options are SAE for Russia, Turkey and Ukraine, the electronic visa for Brazil and the pre-registration for Colombians.
Can I enter Mexico with a US visa?
Yes, if your visa is valid and you are traveling for unpaid activities. This works even if your nationality requires a Mexican visa.
Does a US green card allow entry to Mexico?
Yes. So does permanent residence in Canada, the UK, Japan, the Schengen Area, Chile, Colombia and Peru.
Do Peruvians need a visa for Mexico?
Yes, since April 2024, unless they hold one of the alternatives, such as a valid US visa.
How long can I stay?
Up to 180 days. The immigration officer decides how many days to grant. For a longer stay, you need a residence permit.
Not sure which route applies to you?
It depends on your nationality, your documents and the reason for your trip. If your company will host foreign staff or your case is not clear, our lawyers can guide you through online immigration legal advice. Fill out our form and get a formal quote in less than 24 hours.