Mexico digitizes visa procedures to modernise residency and visitor entry rules
Mexico has modernised its visa and residency process, replacing physical stamps with e-visas and digitalising application procedures from August 2025. Find out who is affected and what changes lie ahead.
On 25 July 2025, the Mexican government published new directives governing visitor visas and temporary and permanent residence permits. The move aims to modernise migration law, last updated in 2014.
Digital visas replace physical stamps
Under the revised rules, consulates and immigration offices will digitalise visa procedures, allowing visas to be issued electronically. A QR-code e-visa will replace the traditional passport sticker in many cases, and applicants will be able to submit supporting documents digitally. In some instances, physical consulate visits may no longer be required. The Mexican government’s official e-visa portal is now open to eligible travellers.
Tourism and short stays
Nationals from countries on Mexico’s visa-exempt list may continue to enter for tourism or short stays under current terms. For nationalities that still need a visa, the process is now fully digitalised: visas will be issued electronically without a physical stamp in the passport.
Temporary and permanent residence
A key element of the reform concerns the financial criteria for temporary and permanent residence. While solvency was previously calculated using Mexico’s minimum wage, officials will now apply the UMA (Unit of Measure and Update). Although UMA multipliers have risen, the overall financial thresholds remain aligned with 2025 expectations, meaning admission levels will not fall. The thresholds will continue to rise annually in line with UMA increases.
For 2025 applicants, there will be no significant change to the earnings or savings amounts required.
Administrative reporting obligations for residents notifying changes to personal status have also been streamlined.
Who can apply for an e-visa
The electronic visa is currently available to citizens of: 🇷🇺 Russia, 🇹🇷 Turkey and 🇺🇦 Ukraine. The e-visa is valid for a single entry over 30 days, permitting a maximum stay of 180 days.
Visa-free entry is maintained for EU, US, Canadian and UK citizens travelling for tourism, business (up to 180 days) or transit (up to 30 days).
Travellers whose nationality requires a visa should contact a Mexican consulate or immigration office for further details.
Consulate adaptation period
A transition period begins as consulates and immigration offices adjust their documentation and processes to the new standards. The changes take full effect from August 2025.
En tant que chargée de relation client, mes missions sont la gestion et le suivi des demandes de visas. Je reste informée des actualités concernant les nouvelles formalités de voyage ainsi que les spécificités des nouveaux visas.
