MEXICO: Increased Scrutiny of Immigration Documents

June 27, 2019


Effective immediately, foreign national travellers to and within Mexico may now be subject to increased immigration document checks.

Increased Scrutiny

Domestic overland transport providers have been advised by the authorities to check the immigration status of their foreign passengers. If they don’t have a valid and current migratory document, passengers must present evidence that their immigration process is pending before the competent authority.

In addition, air transport companies have reported unofficially that some visa-required nationals, mainly from countries in the Middle East, Asia and Africa, will be subject to increased scrutiny at the port of entry.

These measures are intended to identify and inhibit irregular migratory flows and to tighten existing migration controls (see our recent post here). 

Our Advice

Foreign nationals in Mexico, regardless of their immigration status, should always carry their original immigration document (e.g. FMM, residence card) and original passport. With this documentation they will be able to prove their identity and legal immigration status.

Foreign nationals traveling to Mexico as visitors should observe the following recommendations:

  • Carry their current passport with more than six months of validity remaining from the day of their entry
  • Have at hand documentation that shows the purpose of their trip (e.g. hotel reservation, flight itinerary, invitation letter)
  • Provide a consistent statement to the immigration officer at the port of entry about the purpose of their visit

Visa-required nationals must also carry the visa endorsed in their passport or, if applicable, carry the original documentation that proves a visa exemption, in accordance with one of the following:

  • A document proving permanent residence in Canada, the United States of America, Japan, the United Kingdom, any Schengen Area countries, or a member country of the Pacific Alliance; OR
  • A valid visa for Canada, the United States of America, Japan, the United Kingdom or any Schengen Area country; OR
  • An APEC Business Travel Card (ABTC).

For general advice and information on immigration and business travel to Mexico, please email us at [email protected].