MEXICO · COUNTRY GUIDE
Mexico Entry Requirements: Visas, Forms and Visitor Fees
Getting into Mexico is simple for most tourists, but the paperwork has changed. The old paper tourist card has largely given way to digital records and airport e-gates, and two popular states now charge foreign visitors their own fee.
The short answer: UK and Canadian tourists do not need a visa for a normal holiday. Bring a valid passport, proof of where you are staying and a return ticket. Check how many days you were actually granted, and budget for the visitor fee if you are going to Quintana Roo or Baja California Sur.
Entry Requirements at a Glance
| Topic | What the advice says |
|---|---|
| Tourist visa | Not needed for UK citizens. Not needed for Canadians for stays of up to 180 days |
| Passport | Valid for your stay. The British Embassy recommends at least 180 days of validity |
| Length of stay | Up to 180 days, but this is not automatic. The officer decides |
| Proof at the border | You may be asked for proof of funds, a return ticket and accommodation |
| Arriving by land | Complete the online FMM. Canada notes an exception for stays under 72 hours in the northern border zone |
| Children | May be asked for evidence of the relationship and the reason for travel |
If your nationality is not covered here, do not assume you are visa-free. Requirements differ by passport, so check with your nearest Mexican consulate before you book.
What Happens When You Arrive
At the airport, the immigration officer stamps your passport with the number of days you can stay, or an e-gate gives you a receipt. Adults using e-gates can download digital proof of entry, the FMMD, and there is a limited window to do it: 60 days from arrival, according to UK advice and the Mexican consulate in London.
Look at the number of days you have been given before you leave the desk. Do not assume you received 180. If you have a long trip planned, carry your onward ticket and explain your plans. Canada's advice also mentions a migratory entry fee, which does not apply if you enter by land as a tourist and stay no more than seven days.
State Visitor Fees
| Place | Fee | Who pays | How it works |
|---|---|---|---|
| Quintana Roo (Cancún, Tulum, Playa del Carmen) | VISITAX, reported at about 283 pesos per person | All foreign tourists; the official portal says there is no child rate | Pay on the official portal before or during your stay. UK advice says proof is needed at the airport before leaving |
| Baja California Sur (Los Cabos, La Paz, Loreto) | “Embrace It”, reported at 488 pesos plus a processing fee | Reported to apply to visitors over 12 arriving at state airports or by land | Reports differ on enforcement. Confirm on the official state site |
Use the official portal only. Unofficial sites and airport intermediaries have been a source of complaints about overcharging at Cancún.
Customs, Medicines and Vapes
| Item | Rule |
|---|---|
| Vapes and e-cigarettes | Canada's advice says it is illegal to bring, sell or distribute them. They can be confiscated, and possession can lead to a fine or detention. Leave them at home |
| Medicines | Carry a prescription or doctor's letter translated into Spanish, showing the dose and quantity |
| Duty-free goods | The Mexican consulate in London lists US$300 by air and US$75 by land |
| Tobacco and alcohol, adults | The same page lists 10 packs of cigarettes, 25 cigars or 200 g of tobacco, and up to 3 litres of spirits and 6 litres of wine |
Also check the safety and health guide and consider what your insurance will need if you are going near an area covered by a government warning.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a visa for Mexico as a tourist?
UK and Canadian tourists do not. Other nationalities should check with a Mexican consulate.
How long can tourists stay in Mexico?
Up to 180 days, but the officer decides. Check the number written on your stamp or receipt.
Do I need to fill in an FMM?
If you arrive by land, yes, in most cases. By air, you are stamped or use an e-gate, and may need to download the digital FMMD.
What is VISITAX?
A state fee charged to foreign visitors to Quintana Roo, including Cancún and Tulum. Pay on the official portal.
Can I bring a vape to Mexico?
No. Canadian advice says it is illegal to bring vapes into the country, and they can be confiscated.
Sources and Planning Checks
Facts were checked on 8 November 2026 against the UK Foreign Office entry requirements page (updated 20 October 2026), Government of Canada advice (updated 19 October 2026), the official VISITAX portal and the Mexican consulate in London, whose page is undated. The VISITAX and Baja California Sur amounts come from press reports and could not be confirmed on official pages. Entry rules change, so check before you travel. This page is general information, not legal advice.