Mexico visa requirements for South Africans

Travel and visa requirements

Basic Travel Requirements for South Africans visiting Mexico

Travelers are required to fulfill the following requirements in order to apply for a Mexican Visa.

  • A valid South African passport which should have at least one blank page for entry stamp is required. It should be valid for 6 months after exit from Mexico.
  • A duly completed visa application form.
  • One recent passport-size photograph that fits the Mexican visa application requirements.
  • A proof of financial support for the intended duration of stay in Mexico.
  • Medical insurance to cover emergencies while in the country.
  • Proof of accommodation.
  • Return and onward ticket.
  • Travel document which includes your travel itinerary detailing destinations, duration and purpose of travel.
  • If the applicant is a minor then the parents/legal guardians will have to sign the visa application form.
  • A police report showing that the traveler does not have a previous criminal record.

Mexico Visa for South Africans

Facts about Mexico

Mexico is one of the top tourist destinations in the world. The country is known for its beaches, culture and UNESCO World Heritage Sites. There are a plethora of beaches in the country with the most popular being the resort town of Cancun. University students during their spring break make the resort their top destination during this period. Other beaches include the beach in Acapulco, Cabo San Lucas, Mazunte, etc. Activities to be carried out on the beaches in Mexico include surfing, snorkeling, cliff diving, and fishing.
 
Tourism in Mexico is the third-largest source of income for Mexico. The country is one of the most visited countries in the world and the second-most visited countries in the Americas. In 2017, the number of visitors in Mexico was close to 40 million which was up 12 percent from 2016. It has been estimated that the number is going to increase at a rate of about 4.2 million per year.
 
Foreigners visiting Mexico will not be allowed entry into or exit from Mexico with more than $10,000 or its equivalent in any currency. Punishment for drug-related crimes are very severe and those who are caught engaging in any of these offenses will be jailed for a long period of time. 

Drinking alcohol in non-designated public areas is illegal, as well as underage drinking.

Types of Mexico Visa

Types of Visa Processing Time Duration of Stay
Tourist visa 2 days 180 days
Business visa 2 days 180 days
Transit visa 2 days 5 days
Work visa 2 days 180 days
Student visa 2 days More than 180 days
Official visa 2 days 180 days

General Requirements for Mexico Visa

  • A valid South African passport which should have at least one blank page for entry stamp is required. It should be valid for 6 months after exit from Mexico.
  • A duly completed visa application form.
  • One recent passport-size photograph that fits the Mexican visa application requirements.
  • A proof of financial support for the intended duration of stay in Mexico.
  • Medical insurance to cover emergencies while in the country.
  • Proof of accommodation.
  • Return and onward ticket.
  • Travel document which includes your travel itinerary detailing destinations, duration and purpose of travel.
  • If the applicant is a minor then the parents/legal guardians will have to sign the visa application form.
  • A police report showing that the traveler does not have a previous criminal record.
Mexico Tourist visa Mexico Business visa Mexico Transit visa Mexico Work visa Mexico Student visa Mexico Official visa

Mexico Tourist Visa Eligibility & Requirements

  • The applicants of this visa are those with the intention of visiting the country for sightseeing, relaxation and recreation purposes.
  • With this visa, you can also visit friends and relatives in Mexico.
  • If you have a host in Mexico, an invitation letter from the person should be provided. Otherwise a proof of hotel reservation is required.
  • The photocopy of the host's means of identification of the host is needed.
  • You are not permitted to engage in business activities while in the country.
  • You are not allowed to take up paid or unpaid employment with this visa.
  • For non-citizens of South Africa, the original and photocopy of their South African stay permit should be provided.
  • A receipt of paid visa application form is also required.
  • 1 colored passport sized photograph taken on a white background and with no glasses on is needed.
  • Minors visiting the country with or without their parents should present a document of consent signed by both parents.
  • Zika virus is present in Mexico so South Africans should ensure they are immunized against it before entering the country.
  • The visa is valid for 180 days and is usually processed in two days. This visa costs $36.
  • An original passport that is valid for 6 months after the intended departure day is required.
  • Your bank statement of the past 6 months should be submitted to the embassy as they are looking to see if you can spend an average of $50 per day.

Mexico Business Visa Eligibility & Requirements

  • Applicants of this visa are business-oriented people whose purpose in the country is to engage in business activities.
  • Business activities which are permitted with this visa include; business meetings with partners, signing and negotiation of business contracts.
  • With this visa, you can also attend business summits, conferences and trade fairs.
  • An original of an invitation letter written on the company’s letterhead should be provided. This letter should include the corporate name and address of the company, the purpose and duration of the visit in the country.
  • If the company is sponsoring all aspects of your trip, the letter of invitation should be accompanied by the original bank statement of the company from the past 12 months.
  • Certificate of business registration of the company should also be provided.
  • Photocopy of valid means of identification of the person who signed the invitation letter is required.
  • Non-South Africans should ensure that they have the original copy of their South African stay permit before applying for this visa.
  • If you are travelling with a minor, a document of consent signed by both parents should be provided.
  • You are not allowed to be paid for any service you render during your stay in the country.
  • This visa is valid for 180 days.
  • The original and photocopies of documents to prove that the visa applicant has the necessary experience, ability and knowledge to participate in the activity to which he/she has been invited is needed.
  • You'll be required to provide a flight itinerary.
  • Original passport valid for 6 months after intended return date is also required. 
  • 1 Colored passport photograph taken on a white background and with no glasses on is required.
  • Visa applicants are to also supply a proof of accommodation for the duration of stay.

Mexico Transit Visa Eligibility & Requirements

  • This visa allows foreigners to make short stays in the country.
  • Applicants of this visa intend transiting through Mexico to their destination country.
  • Visa and flight ticket of your destination country should be presented during the visa application process.
  • If you are under the age of 18 years, the unabridged original copy of your birth certificate should be provided.
  • Travellers are advised to be immunized against Zika virus before traveling to the country.
  • A copy of your South African stay permit should be provided if you are a non-South African.
  • A receipt of your paid visa application fee is required.
  • The visa is valid for 5 days and you are required to exit the country before its expiration.

Mexico Work Visa Eligibility & Requirements

  • This visa is for those visiting Mexico for employment purposes.
  • Those traveling to work in Mexico will receive a salary during their stay in the country.
  • Employers will have to apply for an authorization to the National Immigration Institute in Mexico before this visa can be issued.
  • An invitation letter from your employer confirming your appointment in Mexico should be provided.
  • For non-South Africans, a copy of your South African stay permit is needed.
  • A proof of your paid visa application fee is required.
  • If you are travelling with your spouse, your original marriage certificate should be provided during the visa application process.
  • South Africans applying for this visa are advised to be immunized against Zika virus before travelling to Mexico.
  • You are required to obey all the rules of this visa during your stay in the country.
  • The visa is processed in 10 working days.

Mexico Student Visa Eligibility & Requirements

  • The student visa is meant for those who plan to study in any of Mexico's institution of learning.
  • The applicants must have been accepted in one of the schools before applying.
  • Original letter of acceptance detailing the name and valid contact of the institution is required. 
  • If you are a minor traveling alone, a letter of consent signed by both parents should be provided during the visa application process.
  • This student visa does not offer you work authorization.
  • For non-South African citizens, a copy of your South African stay permit is required.
  • If you are being sponsored by your parents, an original letter affirming that they will be fully responsible for your finances for the duration of study in Mexico.
  • Applicants should ensure they have the original copy of their birth certificate.
  • With this visa, you can stay in Mexico for as long as you are studying.
  • Immunization against Zika virus is highly recommended.
  • Your bank statement of the past 6 months showing that you can afford a $300 monthly living expense should be provided.

Mexico Official Visa Eligibility & Requirements

  • The official visa allows South African diplomats to visit Mexico to foster bilateral relationships between both countries.
  • A diplomatic note indicating the duration and purpose of the visit as well as your status in the government should be presented.
  • A letter from the Mexican government is also needed.
  • Applicants of this visa do not need to apply in person as the required documents can be couriered to the embassy.
  • Holders of this visa are not allowed to be paid for services rendered while in the country.
  • The visa is free and is valid for 180 days.
  • If you are travelling with your spouse, then the original copy of your marriage certificate should be provided.
  • You are advised to be immunized against Zika virus before traveling to Mexico.

Mexico Visa Fees

Visa Type

Sub Types

Visa Fees

Tourist visa

36.00 (USD)

Business visa

36.00 (USD)

Transit visa

36.00 (USD)

Work visa

36.00 (USD)

Student visa

36.00 (USD)

Official visa

0.00 (USD)

Mexico Visa Application Centres & Embassies in South Africa

Location

Address

Pretoria

Parkdev Building, Brooklyn Bridge, 570 Fehrsen Street, Brooklyn, 0181, Pretoria, South Africa.

info@mexico.org.za

+27 12 460 1004

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the most visited city in Mexico?

Cancun is the most visited city in Mexico. The city is famous for an influx of international tourists with the numbers at 5.83 million in 2016 and an expected increase to 9.09 million by 2025.

How much does Mexico make from tourism?

Mexico makes about $21 billion yearly in revenue from tourism. In 2018, the revenue amounted to $22.51.

Can I relocate to Mexico?

Yes, you can apply for a residence permit and live in Mexico.

Is Mexico a safe country to visit?
Yes, Mexico is generally a safe country. The safest place to live in Mexico is Sayulita, Nayarit.
What is the cost of living in Mexico?
To live comfortably in Mexico, you will require about $2,500 a month. This includes  a nice home, dinners out, entertainment, travel & help around the house. Cost of living may vary.
sir/madam pls i want Mexico visa applications forms pls can u pls send me all the requirements??
If i get tourist visa after expired can I renewed?
I m south Africa non citizen I want maxico visa any visa I want stay 6 month my email mahadmmac@gmail.com?
Can I use my B1/B2 visa to enter Mexico??
I am a South African citizen . I have a multiple American Visa. Do I need to apply for Mexican Visa to visit Mexico. I already applied For tourism card.?
I wanna visit Mexico for only 1 month & im a business man but i use permit at the moment so can i apply Mexico visit visa please let me know... thanks?
Is a Tourist Visa all that we need to visit Mexico as a tourist??
Hi there, As a South African is it possible to apply for a visa for Mexico from Cape Town? Or do I have to go to Pretoria and apply in person??
I want to visit Mexico. How can i get visa? I am south african.?