Applying for Schengen Visa in Mexico
Do Mexicans need a Schengen Visa to enter Europe?
Citizens of Mexico are now able to travel to the Schengen Zone for short periods without having to apply for the Schengen Visa. They can stay for up to 90 days within any of the Schengen countries just by presenting their valid passport upon arrival to the country of entry.
However, from late 2023, Mexican travelers who wish to visit Europe will need to apply for a new European visa waiver for Mexican citizens - the European Travel Information and Authorisation System or ETIAS. This will cost €7 and be available online. Once in place, it will permit travelers with authorization for up to three years for multiple short trips of under 90 days each. You should, however, check that the country you plan to travel to is one of the 26 countries within the Schengen Area.
Who needs a Mexico Schengen Visa?
If you are a citizen of another country residing in Mexico, or you want to travel to the Schengen Area to work or study for more than 90 days, you will need to apply for a national visa from the state where you plan to travel to.
What documents do I need to apply for a Mexico Schengen Visa?
If you think you need a Mexico Schengen Visa, you can download a Schengen Visa application form here:
In addition to this, you will need two recently taken passport-style photos, your passport or other travel documents that are no older than 10 years and valid for at least three months after your departure date from the Schengen Area. If you are not a Mexican national, you will need documentation showing you have the right to reside in Mexico.
You will also need travel and medical insurance covering you up to costs of €30,000, a cover letter stating your itinerary and the purpose of your visit, as well as a flight itinerary and proof of accommodation during your stay, proof of your civil status, like a marriage certificate, and proof you have means of subsistence during your stay. The amount you need to show you have will vary from country to country. For Mexicans planning to work or study, you will need additional documents.
For those coming to work in Europe, these include an employment contract, a current bank statement, a no objection letter from your employer, and an income tax return. As a student, you will need proof of enrolment and a no objection letter from the school you study at in Mexico. Whether you are planning to study or work long term, you will need a letter of invitation from your employer or educational institution within the Schengen Area.
Where do I apply for a Schengen Visa in Mexico?
Not all countries have their own embassy or consulates in Mexico, for example, Denmark deals with visa applications on behalf of Norway, Sweden, and Iceland. You can apply either via the embassy or consulate of the country you are applying to (or an embassy acting on their behalf), or at visa application centers representing that country, such as a VFSGlobal center. These are generally situated in Mexico City.
Traveling to Mexico on a Schengen Visa
Unusually, Mexico is on the list of non-EU countries you can travel to if you have a valid multiple-entry Schengen Visa for tourist or business purposes.
How long does it take to process a Mexican Schengen Visa?
Applications should take around 15 days but can take up to 30 days to process, especially during busy periods.
What if I want to stay for longer than 90 days in the Schengen Area?
Mexican citizens wanting to stay longer than 90 days in the Schengen Area will need to apply for a national visa for work, study, or family reunion purposes in the country they are intending to visit. Once obtained, these generally allow holders to travel to other EU states as long as their visa, or residency permit, is valid.
Why choose AXA Schengen Insurance?
Even if you do not need to obtain a Schengen Visa, due to Mexico’s visa-free travel arrangements with the Schengen Zone, it is still a good idea to obtain travel and medical insurance for the duration of your stay, as this will cover you for any mishaps, accidents or illnesses you may experience during your trip.
AXA’s Low Cost Travel Insurance costs just 22€ (24$) per week of your trip and will meet your visa requirements, while the AXA Schengen Europe Travel Insurance offers extended coverage up to costs of €100,000.
Those seeking a multiple-entry visa can purchase the Multi Trip insurance from €298 per year, which again covers you for expenses up to €100,000.
How to apply for Schengen visa in other countries? :
- How to apply for a Schengen Visa from Thailand
- How to apply for a Schengen Visa from China
- How to apply for a Schengen Visa from India
- How to apply for a Schengen Visa from Indonesia
- How to apply for a Schengen Visa from the Philippines
- How to apply for a Schengen Visa from Jamaica
- How to apply for a Schengen Visa from Peru
- How to apply for a Schengen Visa from Colombia
- How to apply for a Schengen Visa from the U.K
- How to apply for a Schengen Visa from the U.S.A
- How to apply for a Schengen Visa from Turkey
- How to apply for a Schengen Visa from Saudi Arabia
Frequently asked questions about Mexico Schengen Visas
How do I know if I need a Mexico Schengen Visa?
If you are a Mexican citizen and traveling for a short trip to the Schengen Area you will not need a Schengen Visa. Those planning to work or study for longer periods should check the visa application process of the country they plan to work or study in.
Do Mexicans need a visa to visit the UK?
Mexican citizens don't need a visa for travelling to the UK - as the two countries have a visa-free travel arrangement.
What is ETIAS?
ETIAS stands for European Travel Information and Authorization System. It is a form of electronic travel authorization that takes limited biometric data in order to perform limited background checks before you travel to the Schengen Area.