This Saturday, August 9, the Electronic Visa system, designed to facilitate and modernize the entry of foreigners traveling to the country by air as visitors without permission to engage in paid activities, went into effect. This measure is part of an update to the General Guidelines for Visa Issuance, published on July 25 in the Official Gazette of the Federation (DOF).
Innovation and Simplification of the Process
This new system, promoted by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (SRE) in collaboration with the Ministry of the Interior (Segob), represents the first major visa reform in more than a decade.
Visa issuance will be exclusively through electronic means and records, eliminating the need for printed photographs and physical copies.
In addition, digitalized files will be created that integrate biometric data and digital certificates, adapting to current regulations and the requirements of modern international mobility.
Procedure and Essential Requirements
Interested applicants must access the official SRE portal, create an account, log in, and complete the application with truthful and accurate information. Requirements include:
A valid passport or identification and travel document.
A digital photograph (face without glasses and white background) and a digital copy of the passport data sheet, both in JPG, JPEG, or PNG formats and between 2 and 5 MB in size.
Properly completed forms and online payment of fees, in accordance with the Federal Fees Law.
Appear at the air immigration checkpoint with a digital electronic visa to request entry into the country.
In the case of minors or persons under guardianship, the application must be completed by the parent or legal guardian.
Procedure and Essential Requirements
The visa will be valid for 180 days from issuance and will allow one entry into the country. Users are expected to receive a notification of successful registration once the application is completed.
During the implementation of the electronic system (which must be fully operational within 180 calendar days of its entry into force), consulates will continue to handle procedures in the traditional manner, with physical files. The Foreign Ministry (SRE) and the Ministry of the Interior (Segob) are responsible for training staff and adapting procedures and systems to ensure a smooth transition.
Key facts:
Start of electronic processing: August 9.
Purpose of the visa: Visitors without a work permit by air.
Validity: 180 days, single entry.
Requirements: Digital documentation, online payment, and digital file.
Transition phase: Coexistence of the physical and electronic systems until full implementation.
This reform aims to modernize the immigration process and offer greater efficiency in consular services, in line with international mobility standards.
Source: eleconomista
