FMT (short-term Visa):it is used for travelling to Mexico for a maximum of 6 months. It is available in any Mexican consulate, travel agent and airline. Once you leave the country, you will have to give back the FMT. In the case of losing it while still in Mexico, you should report the loss at the nearest immigration office.
FM3 (long-term Non- Immigrant Visa):it is useful for people who want to stay more than 6 months in Mexico. It is possible to renew it for an additional of 4 years (up to a total of 5 years). After that period, you will need to apply for a new one. FM3 is available in any Mexican embassy and consulate. To be granted a FM3 Visa, you will need to prove: Sufficient funds or steady income to cover the costs.
Categories of FM3 visa
Tourist Visitors Visa: it is useful when you want to stay for a long time in Mexico for business reasons. Tourist visas and cards are valid for up to 6 months (180 days).
If applying for a Tourist Visa you will need to submit the following documentation:
- Passport with minimum of 6 months’ validity.
- Application form.
- 1 passport-size photo.
- Original return ticket.
- Fee (payable in cash only).
- Proof of sufficient funds (US$50 per day) to cover length of stay.
- Postal applications must be accompanied by a covering letter specifying the purpose of the trip and the dates of entry and departure.
Student Visa: if you desire to study in Mexico, you will need a FM3 student visa, available in any Mexican consulate. Student visas are valid for one year. Besides, you will need to prove and submit:
- Passport or valid identification and travel document.
- Proof of enrollment or letter of acceptance from the school you plan to attend.
- Proof of economic solvency.
Journalist Visa: if you want to work in journalism or media, this visa allows you to work as a journalist in Mexico.
FM2: unlike the FM3 visa, this one gives you the status of an immigrant (inmigrante). Once that you have lived 5 years in Mexico, you have the possibility of applying for a permanent resident status (inmigrado).
It is advisable to get FM2, once that you know that you will be staying in Mexico for a long time. This visa allows you to pass through Mexican borders like Mexican citizen.