Depending on your nationality and entry route, Mexico offers 2 entry documents for travellers: the Mexico Land Card and Mexico SAE. Read on to learn about the available options in detail and which entry document is applicable for your travel.
Mexico Land Card Overview
The Mexico Land Card (Forma Migratoria Múltiple) is a required entry document for visitors arriving in Mexico by land. The land card does not replace any visa requirements and does not permit paid work in Mexico.
- No. of Entries : Single
- Max. Stay : 180 days subject to immigration approval
- Validity : 180 days after arrival
Types of Mexico Land Cards
-
Tourist Land Card
Intended for travellers visiting Mexico for recreational activities, such as:
- Holidays
- Sightseeing
-
Business Land Card
Can be used for the following business activities:
- Conferences
- Congresses
- Consultants
- Conventions
- Exhibitions
- Fairs
- Investors
- Merchants
- Personnel transfer
-
Other Land Card
The Mexico Other Land Card covers the following travel purposes:
- Residente
- Artist and Sportman
- Health
- Religious Ministers
- Study
Understanding the Mexico SAE
The Mexico Electronic Authorisation System (SAE) is an online travel authorisation for travellers entering Mexico by air for approved short-term visits. Only citizens of Brazil, Russia, and Türkiye are eligible to apply for an SAE.
- No. of Entries: Single
- Max. Stay: 30 to 180 days, subject to immigration approval.
- Validity: 180 Days from the issue date.
Important Note: Travellers must confirm that their airline participates in the Mexico SAE programme before booking their flight.
Allowed Travel Purposes under Mexico SAE
Tourism
Travel for leisure, sightseeing, or personal visits
Business
Attending unpaid business meetings or events
Transit
Entering Mexico while en route to another country
Other
Short-term visits for study, training, or voluntary work
Mexico Land Card/SAE Required Documents
Passport Biopage: A legible scan of the applicant’s passport bio page is required. The passport must remain valid for at least 6 months from the arrival date in Mexico.
Important:Brazilian nationals are required to provide a recent digital photo of themselves, showing their full face as part of their Mexico SAE application.
For complete information on the required documents, applicants should check the Mexico Land Card/SAE requirements before applying.
Mexico Land Card/SAE Application Process
Step 1:Register on the Mexico Land Card/SAE application portal.
Step 2: Provide all travel and passport details and select a processing option: Normal, Rush, or Super Rush.
Step 3: Upload a clear scan of all the required documents and pay the fee to submit the application.
Step 4: Receive the approved entry document via email, print a copy, and carry it while travelling.
FAQ’s
After submission, regular status updates are sent via email. You can also track manually on the portal by using your order ID and passport number.
Yes, every traveller, including children and infants, must have a separate entry document.
Overstaying the permitted period may result in fines, deportation, and restrictions on future entry into the country.
Content Disclaimer: This information was last reviewed in September 2026. Travellers should confirm the latest requirements with the relevant authorities, embassies and airlines before making travel arrangements.