Mexico has opened its borders to citizens of other countries, but the route of entry differs depending on the country you come from. Can I go to Mexico with a green card? This is a question many ask when planning a trip to Mexico. If you don’t have a Mexican visa but hold a green card, you may wonder if you can use it to enter Mexico since it is accepted in a few other countries.
This page contains valuable information about Mexico’s visa policy and the use of a US green card.
Can I Go To Mexico With A Green Card?
A Green card is a legal document issued to permanent US residents. This card allows them to freely enter and exit the United States of America as often as they wish without holding a visa. The good thing about holding a green card is that it grants the holder access to many other countries worldwide.
Rather than apply for individual visas to these countries, you can bypass their protracted procedure to land a permit or E visa to enter at short notice. One of the countries with a visa free policy for US citizens and residents in Mexico; hence many US citizens enter without a visa, and the same is true with Green card holders.
As a bona fide US green card holder, you are not required to hold a visa in order to enter Mexico. According to Mexican immigration laws, green card holders are visa exempt. This document grants the holder free entry and exit to and from Mexico at any time of the year.
However, the holder will need to prove their identity before they will be allowed to cross the US/Mexico border. To do so, the authorities will demand to see a valid foreign passport or any other national government-issued ID card. Besides the ID card, green card holders are expected to carry their permanent resident cards all the time. But why?
Simply because only permanent residents can get green cards; secondly, permanent residents are treated like US citizens, so they are free to travel to Mexico.
As a bona fide US green card holder, you are not required to hold a visa in order to enter Mexico. According to Mexican immigration laws, green card holders are visa exempt. This document grants the holder free entry and exit to and from Mexico at any time of the year
All US Visitors Need a Tourist Card
While all US citizens and permanent residents can enter Mexico without a conventional visa, the government expects them to hold a Mexican Tourist Card. This card is a special document issued by the government of Mexico to foreign nationals, including US citizens who wish to visit for tourism and recreational purposes.
What Is The Mexico Tourist Card - FMM
The Mexico Tourist Card is also called Forma Migratoria Multiple of FMM for short. It is a card that allows the holder to enter the country for tourism or pleasure, but it doesn’t confer a legal right on the holder to work during their stay. Even if you have a green card or US citizenship, you must hold an FMM.
Here are the documents you will need to apply for a tourist card
Passport: You need a valid passport that will not expire for the next 6 months, counting from your day of arrival in Mexico. The passport must be in your name and issued by your home government.
Air Ticket: Those planning to enter Mexico by plane must scan and upload a copy of their return ticket on the application form to prove that they plan to return home.
Bank Card: A debit or credit card is required to pay the tourist card online processing fee. Applicant must ensure sufficient funds are in the account linked to the card for the payment to go through.
Email Address: An email address to receive the FMM once it is approved. Applicants must print out the form and bring it with them.
Trip Itinerary: A trip itinerary detailing all the locations the applicant plans to visit, including their travel information and accommodation details
The Mexico Tourist Card is for both land border and airport crossings. Visitors are expected to show the document to the immigration authorities on duty, who will review and stamp the card and their passports. The card will be torn in half, and one part will be given to the visitor, who must submit it at the exit checkout on the day they depart Mexico. The tourist card also allows the holder to stay in Mexico for up to 180 days.
Can I go to Mexico with a green card? Yes, you can, but you must apply for a Mexico tourist card. You can visit VisaHQ to apply for one.