Mexico Implements the New e-Visa: Digitalization and Faster Immigration Procedures

Mexico has taken a historic step in modernizing its immigration system with the implementation of the electronic visa (e-Visa). This change replaces the earlier reform proposal and is now in effect, aiming to streamline procedures and strengthen institutional controls.

Key Points of Implementation

• Effective Date: The new guidelines were published in the Official Gazette of the Federation on July 25, 2025, and the e-Visa system officially began on August 9, 2025.

• Objective: To modernize Mexico’s immigration system, simplify application processes, and reinforce institutional controls as part of the National Development Plan 2025–2030.

• Digital Process: Applications are now handled online, eliminating the need for physical copies and centralizing services at Mexican consulates or immigration offices.

• Visa Exceptions: The e-Visa does not affect citizens of countries that already enjoy visa-free entry (such as the European Union, the United States, Canada, Japan, and the Schengen area), nor those holding permanent residency or valid visas from those countries.

• Beneficiaries: The e-Visa is primarily intended for specific nationalities who currently require a visa to enter Mexico, making their application process faster and more accessible.

• Administration: The system is managed through the Electronic Authorization System (SAE) of the Mexican Immigration Institute (INM) for specific nationalities.

  
  

Previous Challenges in Immigration Procedures

Before the e-Visa, foreigners often faced:

• Excessive paperwork and physical copies.

• Undefined timelines, with applications sometimes taking months.

• Unclear responsibilities between consulates and the INM.

• Confusing financial requirements.

• Excessive Discretionary Judgment

  Prior to the implementation of the e-Visa system, one of the significant challenges faced by foreign applicants was the excessive discretionary judgment exercised by Mexican immigration officers. This often leads to unpredictable outcomes, as the approval or rejection of applications could vary depending on the subjective assessment of individual officers. Such inconsistency added uncertainty to the process, making it difficult for applicants to understand the requirements and anticipate results. The lack of standardized criteria contributed to prolonged timelines, additional paperwork, and general confusion regarding the responsibilities of different authorities.

• Lack of digital coordination, forcing applicants to repeat steps at different offices.

What Changes with the Mexican e-Visa

With the new system ( web page):

• Procedures become faster and more transparent.

• Applicants benefit from clear timelines for resolution.

• Bureaucracy is reduced thanks to digital records.

• Security is strengthened through biometric data (photo, fingerprints, iris scan).

• Financial requirements are calculated using UMA (Unit of Measurement and Update), a technical reference value currently set at 113 pesos per day, ensuring proportionality.

Impact for Foreigners

The e-Visa represents a major opportunity for those wishing to live, work, or invest in Mexico:

• Easier legal entry into the country.

• Reduced time and costs in application processes.

• Greater legal certainty and institutional security.

Who needs a visa to enter Mexico in 2025?

If the reason for your trip to Mexico is to have a stay of more than 180 days or to carry out an activity for which you will receive economic remuneration in the country, you DO require a visa.

Conclusion

The implementation of the e-Visa marks the beginning of a new era in Mexico’s immigration policy. While not all foreigners require this procedure, those who do now have access to a more modern, digital, and reliable system.

To check whether your nationality qualifies and to start the process, visit the official websites of the Mexican Ministry of Foreign Affairs (SRE) or the National Immigration Institute (INM).