ETIAS for Mexican Citizens - Your Complete Guide for 2026
Mexican passport holders currently visit Europe visa-free. That is not changing, but starting late 2026, you will need to apply for ETIAS before you travel. Here is exactly what that means for you.
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What It Means for You
What ETIAS means for Mexican travellers
With growing Mexican tourism to Europe, ETIAS will be a mandatory pre-travel registration step for all Mexican citizens. Think of it as a simplified electronic travel authorisation, much like systems already in place for other countries. It will not change your visa-free status.
Not a Visa
ETIAS does not replace your visa-free access to Europe. Your Mexico passport still qualifies for visa-free short stays. ETIAS is a pre-registration that screens travellers before they arrive.
Linked to Your Passport
Once approved, your ETIAS is digitally linked to your Mexico passport. No stickers, no stamps, no paper documents. Just travel with the same passport you used to apply.
Three Years, Unlimited Trips
One ETIAS covers unlimited trips to any of the 30 Schengen countries for three years, or until your passport expires. No need to reapply for each trip.
Minutes to Apply
The application is entirely online. Enter your details, answer a short set of background questions, and most approvals come through within minutes.
Mexico-Specific Details
What Mexican passport holders need to know
Connections through Spain
Many Mexican travellers enter Europe through Spain due to strong linguistic and cultural ties. ETIAS will be required for entry into Spain and all other Schengen Area countries.
Dual citizens with a Spanish or EU passport
If you hold both a Mexican passport and a passport from an EU member state (like Spain or Italy), you do not need ETIAS. You should enter Europe using your EU passport.
USMCA trade context
While the USMCA agreement facilitates trade and travel within North America, it does not affect travel requirements for Europe. You will need ETIAS for business or tourism trips to the Schengen Zone.
Applying from Mexico
You can apply for ETIAS from anywhere in the world, including Mexico. The application is entirely online and does not require a visit to any embassy or consulate.
Payment
The fee is paid online with any major credit or debit card. Your bank may apply a small foreign transaction fee depending on your card issuer.
Comparison
ETIAS vs Mexico Tourist Card (FMM) - how they compare
Mexican citizens are familiar with the FMM for travel. Here is how ETIAS stacks up against the system you already know.
| Feature | EU ETIAS | Mexico Tourist Card (FMM) |
|---|---|---|
| Fee | Small one-time fee | Varies |
| Validity | 3 years | Single entry |
| Max stay | 90 days / 180-day period | Up to 180 days |
| Countries covered | 30 Schengen countries | Mexico only |
| Application time | ~5 minutes online | ~10 minutes online |
| Approval speed | Usually minutes, up to 30 days | Usually instant |
| Biometrics required | No | No |
| Linked to passport | Yes | Yes |
Step by Step
How Mexican citizens apply for ETIAS
The process is entirely online. No embassy visit, no interview, no biometrics.
Confirm you need ETIAS
As a Mexico passport holder who currently visits Europe visa-free, you will need ETIAS once it launches. If you also hold an EU passport, you do not need one.
Complete the online form
Enter your personal details, passport information, employment history, and answer a short set of security and health questions. The form takes around 5 minutes.
Pay the application fee
A small fee is paid online by debit or credit card at the time of application. It is non-refundable regardless of the outcome. Fee waivers apply for certain age groups.
Receive your approval
Most applications are approved within minutes. You will receive an email confirmation. Your ETIAS is digitally linked to your passport. No printing needed.
Travel to Europe
Present your passport at the border. Your ETIAS is checked automatically. It covers unlimited trips for three years across all 30 Schengen countries.
Questions from Mexican Travellers
ETIAS FAQ for Mexico citizens
The most common questions Mexican travellers are asking about ETIAS.
Other Guides
ETIAS guides for other nationalities
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