How to Transit Through Mexico | TouristCardMX (2024)

International travelers making long journeys may need to change flights in Mexico to reach their final destination. Transit through Mexico may involve a short wait at the airport or a longer stopover in which the passenger clears immigration to spend a night or more in the country before their outbound journey.

Passengers transiting through Mexico should bear in mind that there are different requirements depending on the criteria of their journey and their nationality.

This guide outlines how to transit through Mexican territory with the correct paperwork and Mexico visa type for different situations.

Do I Need a Visa to Transit Through Mexico?

Many travelers will need a Mexican visa to transit through the country, although it depends on several factors, including the following:

Nationals of countries that do not enjoy visa exemption for Mexico must obtain a visa to transit through the country if they want to pass through border control and leave the airport.

It is also necessary for citizens of these countries to obtain a visa if more than 24 hours elapse between the arrival of the inbound flight and the departure of the outbound flight, regardless of whether the individual leaves the airport or not.

Passengers from visa countries who will stop or change flight again on Mexican soil before reaching their final destination also require a visa.

Is an FMM required to transit through Mexico?

Until recently, air passengers needed a completed Forma Migratoria Múltiple (FMM), also referred to as the Mexico tourist card. Transit passengers needed an FMM if:

However, immigration rules have changed. Air passengers, including passengers in transit, no longer need an FMM tourist card for Mexico. Travelers still need to check the visa requirements.

Do I Need to Go Through Customs for a Connecting Flight in Mexico City?

Upon arrival at the airport, passengers disembark the aircraft and hand their travel documents to National Immigration Service staff, who will direct them to the transit hall. Travelers will remain here until boarding their onward flight.

The time between connecting flights in Mexico City cannot be more than 24 hours.

If a passenger will spend more than 24 hours in Mexico City between flights, they will need to apply for a Mexican visa in advance.

Can I leave Mexico City International Airport during transit?

Travelers who wish to leave Mexico City International Airport between flights may opt to do so if they have a visa, although if both their flights have been organized by the same carrier, this may not be possible.

Those who pass through immigration and customs to leave the airport must later check in and go through security to board their onward flight.

Applying a Visa to Transit Through Mexico

International travelers who require a visa must submit an application and have their documentation approved before boarding a flight to Mexico.

Applicants must meet the Mexico entry requirements to successfully obtain authorization to travel. The following documents are required:

Travelers submit these documents at a Mexican embassy or consulate and pay the transit visa fee. Successful applicants are issued with the visa for transit several business days later.