Nigerian citizens need a visa to visit Mexico and in this post, I’ll detail the Mexican visa requirements and application process. This information has been put together through a combination of online research on the Mexican Embassy’s website in Nigeria and other countries and Mark’s and my personal experiences at Immigration in Mexico City.
If you’re applying for a visa for the first time, be sure to read my guide, detailing general rules about visa applications and my suggestions on foolproof ways to build a strong travel history.
PS: I encourage you to check the Mexican Embassy’s website for updated information about the visa application process. All information presented in this post is correct at the time of this writing. They are subject to change without notice. Always confirm travel details and requirements with respective embassies and airlines before you apply for travel.
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Before I got into more details about the Mexican visa requirements and application process, I should let you know that there are exemptions to applying for this visa.
What's Covered in this Post
Exemptions for Mexican Visa Application for Nigerian Citizens
Nigerian passport holders who have valid and open visas to the US, UK, Canada, Japan, and the Schengen States can visit Mexico without applying for a visa. Technically. I say “technically” because I know of a Nigerian who was denied entry after travelling with a Schengen visa.
Mark asked the Immigration Officer in Mexico City about this and he said to visit Mexico City with a Schengen visa, the visa must have been used in the issuing Schengen state first.
I haven’t seen this rule stated anywhere and at the time of this writing, it is also not stated as a condition for entry on the Mexican Embassy’s website (in Nigeria). I don’t know if this applies to only Nigerians and if the same rule applies to other visas (i.e. UK, Japan and Canada).
It may be worth your while to call the embassy ahead of your travel date to confirm the latest entry requirements. I was able to travel to Mexico with a US visa without issues.
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Mexican Visa Requirements for Nigerian Passport Holders
The documents needed for your visa application include, but are not limited to the following below:
- Duly signed visa application form (to be submitted in person)
- A valid passport and its copy with a minimum of two free leaflets and six months validity
- Original letter of invitation (if applicable)
- Recently taken 1 passport-size photo (45mm × 45mm), not older than 3 months and on white background
- Photocopy of your international passport bio-data page
- Certified bank statements for the last 3 months
- Payslips or pension allowances showing a monthly income greater than $670 (excluding taxes)*
- Proof of stable employment for the last year or
- Investment documents or bank accounts in the name of the applicant with a minimum monthly average balance equivalent to $2,000.00 USD during the last 3 months, or
- Real estate property deed registered in the name of the applicant with at least 2 years (minimum) ownership and proof of stable employment for the last 2 years.
- Birth certificates for minors and a consent letter from both parents or respective documents parental status
*PS: I’ve seen some of these requirements vary slightly on the embassy’s website in other countries. For example; instead of a minimum monthly income of $670, it is $800. I would generally advise tending towards the upper limit of these amounts to improve your chances of getting the visa.
Other Mexican Tourist Visa Requirements…
The following documents are not explicitly stated as must-haves on the Mexican Embassy’s website, however, I believe that they might help to strengthen your application:
- Return flight reservation (Note: you should only pay for your flights AFTER you have received your visa)
- Hotel reservation if applicable
- A tax certificate, work ID card
- Introduction letter from your employer, employment letter and promotion letters.
Depending on your visa type, additional documents may be requested. See the Mexican Embassy’s website for more information.
Mexico Visa Appointment in Nigeria – Mexitel
Once you have the complete documents required, you would need to register and request an appointment through the MEXITEL appointment scheduling system. After booking, you will receive a confirmation letter that you must take along with you to the visa interview, along with your other documentation.
An update from the Mexico Embassy’s Twitter Account
In order to process visa application to travel to Mexico, please fulfill all the requirements stated in https://t.co/9xSKPGTkyh and send copy of them to [email protected] and [email protected] for revision.
— EmbaMex Nigeria (@EmbaMexNig) June 17, 2022
Mexican Visa Requirements FAQ
To conclude this post, here are answers to some frequently asked questions about the Mexican visa requirements for Nigerian citizens:
Does Mexico have an embassy in Nigeria?
Yes. The embassy is located at 2409, Deng Xiaoping Street, Asokoro District, Abuja.
Email: [email protected]. The schedule for visa applications is from Monday to Wednesday from 9 am to 12:30 pm.
Do Nigerians need a visa to enter Mexico?
How much is the visa from Nigeria to Mexico?
The visa costs the equivalent of $48 dollars (paid in Naira) directly into the Embassy’s account.
How long does it take to get a Mexico visa in Nigeria?
Ideally, if there are no issues with your application and no disruption to the embassy’s services, the embassy issues visas to applicants on the same day as the interview.
I hope you find this guide useful. Please share your Mexican visa experience with me or ask any questions you might have in the comment section.
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Hello Amarachi, I love your blog a whole lot. It contains so many useful information. Keep it up.
Regarding travelling to Mexico as a Nigerian with a valid US visa, The rule states that you must have entered the US at least once with that visa before travelling to Mexico with it. I would like to know if your case was different when you travelled there but for the person who was denied on a schengen Visa, i don’t want to believe that rule is only peculiar to Nigerians.
Thanks Emma. Regarding the US visa rule to enter Mexico, it was the same for me. I had used the visa in the US before and was also flying into Mexico from the US. I believe for the person who has denied, they hadn’t entered the Schengen area first with that visa. I think the rule applies to everyone (who falls into this same category)
I am Nigeria citizen with UK Visa, traveling to UK first before visiting Mexico, is it possible
The Mexican Embassy’s website still says that you can but several people have reported being denied entry into Mexico using a UK visa. See the comments in this post for more information.
Can Nigeria citizen travel to Mexico with UK Visa
Is mexico still accepting visa applications from Nigeria? i went to the appointment scheduling site and it says no consulate found when i chose Abuja
According to the information I can see on their Twitter page, they are. Maybe there are no more available slots for this month.
Hi Amarachi, thank you so much for this post, very helpful!
I’m in a bit of a dilemma. I have a valid UK visa which I believe can be used to go to Mexico. My concern right now is finding a way to get to Mexico. Most flights require a layover in a country that requires another visa which I would like to avoid. Do you mind sharing what airline you traveled with and how you were able to navigate needing another visa? Thank you.
Hi Diana, we flew there via the US. I had a a US visa, so didn’t need another transit visa. We flew back through Istanbul and I might be wrong, but I don’t think you need a transit visa when flying through the airport there.
It is worth checking with the airline. Also check if you can come in with your visa type and ensure you have used this visa in the UK before. So many stories of Nigerians being denied entry on visas other than the US.
Good day. Can I get a tourist visa to Mexico this easter
Hello Lara, it’s best to reach out to the embassy directly and probably a good idea to start the process early.
Hi Amarachi,
I am planning to visit Cancun soon and i am a nigeria but currently studyin in the UK, do i need to apply for a visa to visit Cancun?
Hi Mimi, several people have complained about being denied boarding or entry on a visa other than a visitor’s visa or ILR. Therefore, I advise you to check with the airline or embassy or just applying for the Mexican visa in advance if the process is not too hectic.
Question, do you have an guidance with traveling to Mexico with a Nigerian passport from the US and returning back to US?
You shouldn’t have any problems. The US visa is a multiple-entry visa which means you can re-enter the US after your visit to Mexico.
Greetings, I have tried many times to open the website provided for appointments booking couldn’t access it
Hello Idoko, you can try following the process stated in the tweet snippet from the embassy.
Hello Amarachi,
Great article and it is very informative. What is the GTB account for the Mexico embassy in Abuja? How much is the naira?
Hi Victor, it’s best to contact the embassy directly for this information. The amount (as of the latest information on the official website) is $48. I believe you will be given the current exchange rate on the day of your interview.
Hello Amarachi, Thanks for the info. On the day of the interview, Do you pay for the Visa at the embassy? Or do you have to go a bank to pay for it?
I read somewhere (probably Nairaland) that you have to go to the bank to pay. I’m not sure though, so maybe it’s better to ask someone who has gone through the process recently.
How do I get to Mexico from Nigeria
Hi, if you mean flights to Mexico from Nigeria, several airlines can get you there via their various hubs. We flew with British Airways + Turkish Airlines. You can check other sites for available routes.
Can I travel to Mexico with my UK visa???
Yes, provided you have entered the UK first with it.
hello, currently I have a 2years uk visa and I want to visit Mexico. how possible is this please?
Hello, you can visit Mexico visa free as long as you have first entered the UK with your visa.
Hi Amarachi
Thanks for the info. I have equally been having issues with booking appointment online with the Mexico embassy.
However I have a UK standard visitor visa if 6 months. Do you think I can use it to travel to Mexico or at best travel through UK to Mexico.
Thanks
Hello Temitayo, yes you can use it, provided it is still valid (not expired) and you have used it to get into the UK first.
hi Amarachi, pls i would like to know if mexico embassy in nigeria is currently opened for consulate services. thank you.
Hi Zee, looks like they are. They tweeted about receiving applications in June.
Hello good morning,I want to make an enquiry about traveling to Mexico on a single entry Schengen visa from Nigeria.Please how possible is it ?
Hi Clara, first, if you have a Schengen visa, you must use it within the Schengen state before visiting Mexico or you may be deported. Second, I think a single-entry visa may also cause issues. Personally, I wouldn’t risk travelling with one. Visa requirements on many Mexico Embassy sites say that the visa must be open and valid – which I interpret as multiple-entry and valid.
Hi Amarachi,
Thank you for this article. I wanted to ask, just so I understand properly. My husband and I want to go Mexico, I have a British passport, he has a Nigerian passport with a valid UK resident permit and visa, so he is a resident and works. Would he be okay with the FMM?
Thank you
Hi Kate, I don’t think you would have any issues. This link from the Mexican Embassy’s website in the UK also confirms it. Happy Travels!
I am a Cameroonian, I want to travel to Mexico.. So please I will want to best of information to help me secure the visa.. I am a missionary by profession….
Hello, Mexico currently does not have an embassy in Cameroon, so you would need to apply in a country where one is available. If you choose to do so in Nigeria, then this article covers the necessary details.
In general, if you’re using another country’s visa to enter a place, it should have been used there first. It’s kind of like a way of saying that you were ‘vetted’ by the issuing authority and also increases trustworthiness because you have a long term or multiple entry one. Not saying I agree with it (visas are dumb) but thats what I have found.
Thanks for the insight, Aneesa. I was under the impression that it didn’t matter and the vetting process was just at the application stage. Apart from Schengen visa rules (for travel within the Schengen states), I thought you could just go to the other countries where the visa is accepted, without necessarily visiting issuing one. Definitely won’t be making that error in the future!
Also, I think this rule may not always apply when obtaining evisas. For example, I believe Turkey allows travellers with certain visa types to apply for an evisa and it doesn’t matter whether or not they have visited the country first.
I wish the embassies will explicitly state these conditions when they write about the exemptions.