Do Mexican citizens need a visa to visit the United States or Canada?

Yes. Mexican citizens need a visa for both the USA and Canada. For the USA, Mexicans must apply for a B1/B2 tourist visa at a U.S. consulate, which typically costs $185 USD and requires an interview. For Canada, Mexicans need either a Temporary Resident Visa (TRV) or may be eligible for an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) if they held a Canadian visa in the past 10 years or currently hold a valid U.S. nonimmigrant visa.

Can Mexicans travel to Europe without a visa?

Yes, Mexican passport holders can travel visa-free to all Schengen Area countries and most other European nations for stays up to 90 days within a 180-day period for tourism or business. However, starting in 2025, Mexicans will need to apply for ETIAS (European Travel Information and Authorization System) before traveling to Schengen countries. The ETIAS is a simple online authorization (not a visa) costing approximately €7, valid for 3 years.

Which countries require a visa for Mexican passport holders?

Mexican citizens require a traditional visa for 44 countries including: the United States, Canada, Australia, China, Saudi Arabia, Afghanistan, Algeria, Brunei, Ghana, Guyana, Iraq, Kuwait, Libya, Mongolia, Myanmar, North Korea, Yemen, and several African nations like Chad, Mali, Niger, Senegal, and Sierra Leone. Additionally, some countries offer e-visas (like India, Russia, Vietnam, South Africa) or require electronic travel authorizations (like New Zealand, South Korea, Kenya).

Is military service mandatory for Mexican citizens?

Yes, but in practice it is largely symbolic. Mexican law requires all male citizens to complete one year of military service (Servicio Militar Nacional) starting at age 18. However, this typically involves attending weekly training sessions on Saturdays for one year rather than full-time service. Upon completion, citizens receive a military service card (Cartilla Militar), which is sometimes required for employment or passport applications. Failure to complete it can result in fines or administrative issues.

Can Mexican passport holders work in the European Union without a visa?

No. While Mexicans can visit the Schengen Area visa-free for up to 90 days for tourism or business meetings, they cannot work or reside in EU countries without proper authorization. To work in the EU, Mexicans must obtain a work permit and residence visa sponsored by an employer in the specific country. Each EU nation has its own requirements for work permits. The visa-free access is strictly for short-term stays and does not grant the right to work.

How long does it take to renew a Mexican passport and what documents are needed?

Mexican passport renewal typically takes 8-10 business days when done in Mexico, or 2-4 weeks at consulates abroad. Required documents include: valid official ID (INE/IFE), birth certificate, proof of Mexican nationality, CURP (population registry code), payment receipt (fees range from approximately $1,400-$2,900 MXN depending on validity period: 3, 6, or 10 years), and the old passport if renewing. Appointments must be scheduled online through the SRE (Secretaría de Relaciones Exteriores) website.

Do Mexican citizens need a visa for popular Asian destinations like Japan, Thailand, or Singapore?

It varies by country. Mexican passport holders can visit Japan visa-free for up to 15 days, Singapore visa-free for up to 30 days, and Thailand visa-free for up to 30 days (extendable). However, Mexicans need visas for China (visa required), India (e-visa available), Vietnam (e-visa available), and Indonesia (visa on arrival). South Korea requires an electronic travel authorization (K-ETA). Always verify current requirements before travel as policies change frequently.

Can Mexican passport holders transit through the United States without a visa?

No. Mexican citizens need a valid U.S. visa even for transit (connecting flights) through U.S. airports. The most common option is the C-1 transit visa or the standard B1/B2 tourist visa, which also permits transit. Unlike citizens of Visa Waiver Program countries, Mexicans cannot transit the U.S. without a visa. If your layover is in a U.S. airport, you must have a valid U.S. visa, even if you don't leave the airport.

Has Mexico's passport ranking improved over the years?

Yes, significantly. Mexico's passport has improved from rank 32 with 120 visa-free destinations in 2010 to rank 24 with 157 visa-free destinations in 2025. The most notable improvement occurred between 2017-2018, jumping from rank 26 to rank 22 when visa-free access increased from 142 to 158 countries. Mexico reached its peak at rank 22 in 2018. The passport provides strong access to Europe, Latin America, and many Asian countries, though major destinations like the USA, Canada, and Australia still require visas.

Mexico Passport Ranking – Visa Free Access to 157 Countries

The Mexico passport ranks 24th globally in 2025, offering visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to 157 destinations worldwide. This travel document provides Mexican citizens with strong international mobility, enabling hassle-free travel to major regions including Europe's Schengen Area, the United Kingdom, and numerous countries across Asia and the Americas. Over the past two decades, the Mexican passport has steadily improved its global standing, rising from 21st place in 2006 to its current competitive position, making it one of the most powerful passports in Latin America for business and leisure travel.

Global Rank

#24

out of 199 countries

Visa Free Access

157

countries worldwide

Mobility Score

out of 100 points

Quick Statistics for Mexico passport

117

Visa-Free

On Arrival

ETA Required

E-Visa

Visa Required

Source: Skyscanner & Official Government Websites.

Top Visa-Free Destinations for Mexican Citizens

Popular destinations where Mexico passport holders can travel without a visa:

Country	Maximum Stay	Code
France	Up to 90 days	FR
Japan	Up to 90 days	JP
United Kingdom	Up to 180 days	GB
Brazil	Up to 90 days	BR
Argentina	Up to 90 days	AR

Visa Requirements by Country

Complete breakdown of visa requirements for Mexico passport holders

✅ Visa-Free

117 countries

🛬 Visa on Arrival

32 countries

🔐 ETA Required

8 countries

💻 E-Visa

29 countries

❌ Visa Required

40 countries

Historical Ranking Trend

Mexico's passport ranking progression from 2006 to 2025

Trend: Declined by 3 positions from 2006 to 2025

Official Mexico Passport & Travel Resources

Access official government resources for passport services, travel advisories, and visa information:

🔗

Compare Mexico Passport with Other Passports

See how Mexico's passport compares with other AMERICAS in the same ranking tier:

Country	Rank	Visa-Free Destinations	Mobility Score	Global Score
Mexico (You are here)	#24	157	72/100	88/100
Chile	#16	175	75/100	92/100
Brazil	#19	169	67/100	81/100
Argentina	#19	169	72/100	81/100
Uruguay	#25	156	73/100	75/100
Panama	#29	148	68/100	71/100

*Mobility score calculated based on visa-free access and global travel freedom.

*Global score reflects overall passport strength considering various factors.

Frequently Asked Questions:

As of 2025, Mexican passport holders can access 157 visa-free destinations. Mexico ranks 24th globally on the Henley Passport Index. This includes visa-free access to the Schengen Area (all EU countries), Japan, Singapore, UK, and most Latin American countries. Additionally, Mexicans can obtain visas on arrival in 31 countries and e-visas/electronic travel authorizations for others like Canada, USA, Australia, and New Zealand.

Explore More Passport Rankings

Discover Mexico's passport power and compare with other countries to find the world's most powerful travel documents.

View All Passport Rankings

Last Updated: November 9, 2025

Source: IATA Travel Centre, Skyscanner & Official Government Websites.

Mexico Passport Ranking – Visa Free Access to 157 Countries

Country

Maximum Stay

Code

Up to 90 days

Up to 90 days

Up to 180 days

Up to 90 days

Up to 90 days

Historical Ranking Trend

Mexico's passport ranking progression from 2006 to 2025

Trend: Declined by 3 positions from 2006 to 2025

Compare Mexico Passport with Other Passports

See how Mexico's passport compares with other AMERICAS in the same ranking tier:

Country	Rank	Visa-Free Destinations	Mobility Score	Global Score
Mexico (You are here)	#24	157	72/100	88/100
Chile	#16	175	75/100	92/100
Brazil	#19	169	67/100	81/100
Argentina	#19	169	72/100	81/100
Uruguay	#25	156	73/100	75/100
Panama	#29	148	68/100	71/100

*Mobility score calculated based on visa-free access and global travel freedom.

*Global score reflects overall passport strength considering various factors.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Quick Statistics for Mexico passport

Top Visa-Free Destinations for Mexican Citizens

Visa Requirements by Country

✅ Visa-Free

🛬 Visa on Arrival

🔐 ETA Required

💻 E-Visa

❌ Visa Required

Historical Ranking Trend

Mexico's passport ranking progression from 2006 to 2025

Official Mexico Passport & Travel Resources

Compare Mexico Passport with Other Passports

Frequently Asked Questions:

How many countries can Mexican passport holders visit without a visa in 2025?

Do Mexican citizens need a visa to visit the United States or Canada?

Can Mexicans travel to Europe without a visa?

Which countries require a visa for Mexican passport holders?

Is military service mandatory for Mexican citizens?

Can Mexican passport holders work in the European Union without a visa?

How long does it take to renew a Mexican passport and what documents are needed?

Do Mexican citizens need a visa for popular Asian destinations like Japan, Thailand, or Singapore?

Can Mexican passport holders transit through the United States without a visa?

Has Mexico's passport ranking improved over the years?

Explore More Passport Rankings

Quick Statistics for Mexico passport

Top Visa-Free Destinations for Mexican Citizens

Visa Requirements by Country

✅ Visa-Free

🛬 Visa on Arrival

🔐 ETA Required

💻 E-Visa

❌ Visa Required

Historical Ranking Trend

Mexico's passport ranking progression from 2006 to 2025

Official Mexico Passport & Travel Resources

Compare Mexico Passport with Other Passports

Frequently Asked Questions:

How many countries can Mexican passport holders visit without a visa in 2025?

Do Mexican citizens need a visa to visit the United States or Canada?

Can Mexicans travel to Europe without a visa?

Which countries require a visa for Mexican passport holders?

Is military service mandatory for Mexican citizens?

Can Mexican passport holders work in the European Union without a visa?

How long does it take to renew a Mexican passport and what documents are needed?

Do Mexican citizens need a visa for popular Asian destinations like Japan, Thailand, or Singapore?

Can Mexican passport holders transit through the United States without a visa?

Has Mexico's passport ranking improved over the years?

Explore More Passport Rankings