A guide to how long you can stay in Mexico as a Canadian
Are you thinking about that next vacation? Or are you ready to become a snowbird? Maybe you’re even considering living somewhere else. In this article, we will consider how long you can stay in Mexico as a Canadian whether it’s for work or vacation. We will also look at the Wise account and card for all your international money spending while you travel.
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How long can a Canadian tourist stay in Mexico?
So the big question is how long can you stay in Mexico as a Canadian tourist? The good news is you might be able to stay for 180 days¹. Now this isn’t guaranteed and if you want to stay for approximately 6 months here is what you have to do:
- Explain the purpose of your trip to the immigration official¹
- Provide details about your trip (accommodations, funds, return flight, etc)¹
To enter Mexico you need a valid passport and a completed tourist card¹. Make sure you carry documents that prove the purpose of your trip because you may be asked by immigration to provide them.
How long can a Canadian on a work trip stay in Mexico?
If you’re traveling to Mexico for work there are a few differences. Below are the details you’ll need for the trip:
- Tourist card*
- You can stay for up to 180 days¹
- More than 180 days apply for a temporary resident visa
- Valid passport
- Work visa**
- A letter in Spanish from your company stating you are an employee and that they will pay you for your work while in Mexico²
*If you’re travelling in the northern border zone you don’t need a visa or tourist card for stays of 72 hours or less²
** only for trips beyond 180 days up to 4 years
How long can Canadians work in Mexico?
Are you an independent worker, freelancer, or contractor? Mexico has very straightforward rules. The requirements are quite simple:
- For work for up to 180 days you need a visitor visa¹
- For a duration more than 180 days and up to 4 years: temporary resident visa and work permit²
For job offers in Mexico up to 180 days, the work visa³ requires the following:
- Authorization from the National Migration Institute
- Visa application form
- Valid passport or travel and identity document
- Photograph measuring 3.9cm x 3.1cm
- Payment of fees in cash to process the visa application
If you plan to work in Mexico for more than 180 days but your clients aren’t located in Mexico, you can simply apply for a temporary resident visa.
Can a Canadian extend their stay in Mexico?
If you are in Mexico already, you will not be able to request an extension or change the condition of your stay from inside the country. You will have to return to Canada.¹
Spend like a local when you go abroad with Wise
As you can see Mexico has an extremely generous length of time you can stay in the country. While you’re there you need to think about how you will access your money. You can use Wise as a way to manage your money and spend like a local.
Wise uses the mid-market exchange rate - the one you’ll usually see on Google! This means you benefit from a real-time exchange rate when you convert your CAD to MXN to get more money in your pocket.
The last thing you want is to pay more fees because you cannot access a bank account in Mexico. With Wise you pay minimal fees
When you set up an account with Wise you would need to do this in CAD since Wise doesn’t currently offer MXN bank details. You can then use your Wise account to convert your money to Mexican Pesos so you can spend, send, and hold money in Mexican Pesos. You get to live like a local without worrying about the fees. What’s more, you can use the Wise card to spend like a local and withdraw money in Mexican Pesos without worrying about the various exchange rates!
Sources:
Sources checked on 01 December 2023
*Please see terms of use and product availability for your region or visit Wise fees and pricing for the most up to date pricing and fee information.
This publication is provided for general information purposes and does not constitute legal, tax or other professional advice from Wise Payments Limited or its subsidiaries and its affiliates, and it is not intended as a substitute for obtaining advice from a financial advisor or any other professional.
We make no representations, warranties or guarantees, whether expressed or implied, that the content in the publication is accurate, complete or up to date.
