Visas in Mexico

A student from the US or Canada enrolled in a program of 6 months or less may enter Mexico with a tourist card, and does not require a student visa. Tourist cards are distributed on the plane before landing in Mexico, the must be filled out by the student and stamped and signed by Immigration at the airport. If this is not done, you could face a fine on departure. If you are entering Mexico by car or bus, you MUST ask border officials for a tourist card, be sure that it is stamped, signed and dated. You will need to surrender your tourist card when you leave Mexico, therefore be certain to store it in a safe place during your stay.

Student Visas in Mexico

The application requirements are as follows:

• Apply in person from 8.30 a.m. to 1.00 p.m to the Mexican Immigration Office in their city.
• Submit the acceptance letter from the school or university that the applicant wishes to attend.
• Submit six (6) front-view and five (5) profile photographs, 2"x 2", with a white background.
• Submit a bank statement or letter from the student's parent, sponsor or legal guardian certifying that he/she will receive at least $350.00 (Three Hundred and Fifty dollars) per month. This document, along with proof of financial resources, must be notarized and authenticated.
• Certificate of good health.
• Consular visa fee of 29.00 U.S. is required for some nationalities.
• Within thirty days of arrival in Mexico, the student must notify the proper authorities of the enrollment date and must register at the National Registry of Foreign Citizens "Oficina del Registro Nacional de Extranjeros" Instituto Nacional de Migracion, on Av. Chapultepec No. 284 Esq. Glorieta Insurgentes, Colonia Roma,C.P. 06700.

Regular courses in Mexican schools and universities are conducted only in SPANISH. Enrollment must be in an accredited school, and changes are prohibited unless previously authorized.

 Students are not allowed to work or engage in any renumerative or lucrative activity during their attendance at a school.

 A student enrolling for six months or less can legally enter into Mexico with a tourist card, and does not require a visa. When completing the Tourist Card (FM-T) ensure you allow yourself the correct number of days to comfortably fit your schedule giving yourself enough time to see some of this gorgeous country.

 For participants in student exchange programs, a letter from the Mexican family with whom the student will be residing is required. In such cases, the second requirement need not be met.

It is important that you check the visa requirements for your country, please contact the Mexican Embassy or Consulate located nearest to you. You are responsible for the proper documentation to enter Mexico.

Go to the web site of the United States Consulate in Guadalajara Mexico.