Mexico

A visa does not guarantee entry into Mexico. At the point of entry, Mexican immigration authorities may ask details regarding purpose of travel, accommodation arrangements, available funds and departure date. It is recommended to carry proof of travel arrangements with you.

South African passport holders require a visa, including for transit purposes

Please note that travellers who wish to visit Mexico (regardless of their nationality or itinerary), holding a valid, multiple entry visa for the United States of America, Canada, Japan, the United Kingdom or the Schengen Space countries do not need to apply for a visa, but it is recommended to check with your airline first as they may not allow you to board without a visa for Mexico.

NOTE:

• Visa applications must be done in person in Pretoria, and not via a 3rd party
• A prior appointment must be made, and are only scheduled after pre-assessment of necessary documents
• Early application is recommended (about 2 months prior to arrival)
• "Original" refers to a document signed/stamped in ink, and not to an electronic/digitalized version.

REQUIREMENTS:

• 1 x Application form - must be signed by applicant [available for download]
• 1 x passport-size color photograph (4,5 cm by 3,5 cm), no eyeglasses, on white background, glued to the application form in the allocated area.
• Original valid passport and one color photocopy of the pages containing personal information.
• If applicable, valid proof of legal residence/entry in South Africa and one photocopy (eg. permit, visa, or immigration entry stamp)
• Travel Plans (if available) - flights, accommodation, tour operator
• Proof of Financial Solvency (3 month bank statements and letter of employment, or original letter of invitation)
• MINORS: Children’s applications require a copy of their unabridged birth certificate (The child and both parents need to be present at the appointment, or provide an affidavit from the police that grants permission from the other parent to apply for a visa and to travel abroad with the child.

APPLICATION PROCESS:

Send one email per applicant to consularsud@sre.gob.mx - this email must contain all the required documents in PDF. Ensure all PDF documents are renamed according to document type.

• Once received, a pre-assessment will be conducted. This is not considered a submission of your application.
• You will receive a response regarding whether or not you qualify for an appointment, and the proposed date and timeslot if you qualify. Appointments are on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 9 am to 12:30pm. Each applicant requires their own timeslot for their appointment.
• At the appointment, an interview will be conducted and biometrics taken.

COLLECTIONS:

• Collection times are between 11 am and 12:30 pm on weekdays.
• If not present for collection, you may organize a courier company to collect your passport on your behalf. Email consularsud@sre.gob.mx to arrange this.

Embassy of Mexico
Parkdev Building, Brooklyn Bridge, 570 Fehrsen Street, Brooklyn, 0181
Tel: 012 460 1004
E-mail: consularsud@sre.gob.mx
Web: www.mexico.org.za

Also accredited to: Angola, Botswana, Eswatini, Lesotho, Madagascar, Malawi, Mauritius, Mozambique, Namibia, Zambia and Zimbabwe.

NOTE: Visa applications by prior appointment only, and must be attended in person. Travellers may apply at any Mexican consulate office worldwide.

Approximately 10 working days.
It is recommended to apply 2 months prior to travel.

6 Months

Tourist, business and transit visas are free for South African Passport Holders for short-stay visits.

South African Embassy
Andrés Bello 10, Piso 9, Edificio FORUM, Colonia Polanco, Delegación Miguel Hidalgo, 11560
Tel: +52 55 1100 4970
Email: contacto@embajadasudafrica.mx
Web: embajadasudafrica.mx

*Also accredited to Costa Rica, Guatemala, Honduras, El Salvador, Nicaragua and Panama

Compulsory: None
Recommended Travel Vaccines: Hepatitis A & B, Rabies, Tetanus, Polio
Malaria Risk

2026: Jan 1; Feb 2; Mar 16; Apr 2-3; May 1; Sep 16; Nov 16; Dec 12, 25