Types of Entry Documents for Mexico

Mexico provides 2 entry documents for travellers, depending on nationality and entry route: the Mexico Land Card and the Mexico SAE. This guide breaks down both entry documents with a complete overview.

Kukulkan pyramid, Mexico

Mexico Land Card Overview

The Mexico Land Card (Forma Migratoria Múltiple) is a required entry document for visitors arriving by land. It does not replace a visa and does not permit paid work in Mexico.

No. of Entries 

Max. Stay 

Validity 

Single

180 days subject to immigration approval

180 days after arrival

Types of Mexico Land Cards

Tourist Land Card

Business Land Card

Other Land Card

Intended for travellers visiting Mexico for recreational activities, such as:

  • Holidays
  • Sightseeing

Can be used for the following business activities:

  • Conferences
  • Congresses
  • Consultants
  • Conventions
  • Exhibitions
  • Fairs
  • Investors
  • Merchants
  • Personnel transfer

The Mexico Other Land Card covers the following travel purposes:

  • Residente
  • Artist and Sportman
  • Health
  • Religious Ministers
  • Study

Understanding the Mexico SAE

The Mexico SAE is an online travel authorisation for visitors entering Mexico by air for short-term visits. This applies only to citizens of Brazil, Russia, and Türkiye travelling to Mexico by air.

  • No. of Entries: Single
  • Max. Stay: 30 to 180 days, subject to immigration approval.
  • Validity: 180 Days from the issue date.

Important Note: Travellers should confirm that their airline participates in the Mexico SAE programme before booking their flight.

Allowed Travel Purposes under Mexico SAE

Mexico SAE Sample Image

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 clear and legible scan of the passport's bio page is required. The passport must remain valid for at least 6 months from the intended date of travel.

Important:Brazilian nationals are required to provide a recently taken digital photo 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.

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 July 2026. Travellers should confirm the latest requirements with the relevant authorities, embassies and airlines before making travel arrangements.