Mexico entry requirements for Madagascar passport holders
Updated weekly · Last reviewed June 28, 2026·View sources
Visa required
Max stay
No fixed limit
Passport validity
6 months
Beyond entry date
Return ticket
Required
Or onward travel proof
Proof of funds
Recommended
May be checked
Madagascar passport holders need a visa to enter Mexico in 2026. You must apply at a Mexican embassy or consulate before you travel — there is no visa-on-arrival or e-visa option for MG passports. Plan ahead: processing can take 2–4 weeks.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Visa application Visa required — apply at a Mexican consulate | Madagascar passport holders need a visa before traveling to Mexico. Apply at the nearest Mexican embassy or consulate — the process takes 2–4 weeks and requires an in-person interview. Start at the SRE visa portal to find your consulate and see the required documents.Find consulate info | Required |
| Valid passport Must be valid for the entire stay | Your passport must be valid for the full duration of your stay in Mexico. Immigration officers rarely enforce the 6-month rule, but airlines may refuse boarding if your passport expires within 6 months — check with your airline before flying. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Required for entry | Mexican immigration will ask for proof of a return or onward flight out of Mexico. Have a printed or digital copy of your ticket ready — they check this at the counter before you get your entry stamp. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Recommended to have ready | Immigration officers may ask where you're staying. Have a hotel booking confirmation or a letter of invitation from your host ready to show. A printed copy or a screenshot on your phone works. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Recommended to have ready | You may be asked to show you have enough money for your stay. Have a bank statement or credit card statement showing at least $500 USD available. Cash is not required — a digital statement on your phone is fine. | Recommended |
No visa-on-arrival — apply well in advance
Mexico does not offer visa-on-arrival or e-visa for Madagascar passport holders. You must apply at a Mexican embassy or consulate before you travel. Processing can take 2–4 weeks, so start the process at least a month before your trip.
Passport validity counts from entry date
Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from the day you enter Mexico, not from the day you leave. If your passport expires within that window, renew it before applying for the visa.
What happens at the border
1
Contact the nearest Mexican embassy or consulate
Find the Mexican embassy or consulate in your region (e.g., in Nairobi, Pretoria, or Paris). Call or email to confirm their specific requirements and book an appointment. Some consulates accept walk-ins, but most require an appointment.
2
Prepare your documents
Gather all required documents: passport, photos, application form, hotel booking, flight itinerary, bank statements, and any additional items the consulate asks for. Make photocopies of everything.
3
Submit your application in person
Attend your appointment at the consulate. Submit your documents, pay the visa fee (typically $36–$48 USD, but varies by location), and have your biometrics taken (fingerprints and photo). The officer may ask a few questions about your trip.
4
Wait for processing
Processing usually takes 5–15 business days. You may be asked to return to pick up your passport with the visa sticker, or it may be mailed back to you. Check with the consulate.
5
Enter Mexico
At the airport in Mexico, present your passport with the visa sticker and your return ticket. The immigration officer will stamp your passport and may ask about your accommodation and funds. Keep your hotel booking and bank statements handy.
Download Mexico Entry Checklist
PDF · Madagascar Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated June 28, 2026
Staying longer & fees
Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:
Tourist visa (single entry)
Max stay180 days
Validity6 months from issue date
Cost$36 USD (approx. 1,620 MXN)
Requires application at a Mexican embassy or consulate. Must show proof of funds and return ticket.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay180 days per entry
ValidityUp to 10 years
Cost$48 USD (approx. 2,160 MXN)
Allows multiple entries. Requires similar documentation as single entry.
Temporary Resident Visa
Max stay1 year, renewable
Validity1 year initially
Cost$40 USD (approx. 1,800 MXN) application fee
For longer stays, such as work or study. Requires proof of income or investment.
temporary resident visa
Temporary Resident Visa (Work or Study)
1 year, renewable up to 4 years
$40 USD application fee + $200 USD annual renewal fee
For those with a job offer or acceptance at a Mexican institution. Requires proof of income or enrollment. Allows multiple entries and can lead to permanent residency.
retirement visa
Temporary Resident Visa (Retirement)
1 year, renewable
$40 USD application fee + $200 USD annual renewal fee
For retirees with a steady pension or investment income. Requires proof of monthly income of at least $1,500 USD or savings of $25,000 USD. Can convert to permanent residency after 4 years.
investor visa
Temporary Resident Visa (Investor)
1 year, renewable
$40 USD application fee + $200 USD annual renewal fee
For those investing in Mexican real estate or business. Minimum investment of $100,000 USD in real estate or $50,000 USD in a business. Provides a path to permanent residency.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Tourist visa (single entry)Fee for a single-entry tourist visa, valid for up to 180 days. | $36 USD (approx. 1,620 MXN) |
| Tourist visa (multiple entry)Fee for a multiple-entry tourist visa, valid for up to 180 days per stay. | $48 USD (approx. 2,160 MXN) |
| Overstay fine per dayFine for overstaying visa-free or visa period, with a maximum cap of $200 USD. | $20 USD (approx. 900 MXN) per day |
Common reasons for entry denial
Insufficient funds30%
No return ticket25%
Incomplete documentation20%
Approval probability calculator
Answer 6 quick questions — we'll estimate how likely you are to be approved for entry based on typical immigration patterns.
Transiting through Mexico
No transit visa needed
Madagascar passport holders transiting through Mexico do not need a transit visa if they remain airside and have a confirmed onward ticket within 24 hours.
Airside transitAllowed up to 24h
Exceptions & conditions
- Holders of a valid US, Canada, Japan, UK, or Schengen visa may transit without a visa for up to 30 days.
Transit hubsMexico City International Airport (MEX) · Cancún International Airport (CUN) · Guadalajara International Airport (GDL)
Health & vaccines for Mexico
Required for entry
Yellow FeverRequired if arriving from a country with risk of yellow fever transmission, such as parts of Africa or South America.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidRecommendedRoutine vaccines (MMR, DTP, polio, varicella, influenza)EssentialRabiesConsider
Health risks
Dengue feverModerate risk
Mosquito-borne disease prevalent in tropical regions; use insect repellent.
Traveler's diarrheaModerate risk
Common due to contaminated food or water; practice good hygiene.
Zika virusLow risk
Mosquito-borne; pregnant women should take precautions.
Malaria risk: low
Risk exists in rural areas of Chiapas and Oaxaca; prophylaxis recommended for those visiting these regions.
Based on CDC and WHO guidance. Consult a travel medicine clinic 4–6 weeks before departure for personalised advice.
Immigration offices for extensions
Mexico City
Instituto Nacional de Migración (INM) Central Office
Avenida Ejército Nacional 862, Polanco, 11510 Ciudad de México
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:00
Main office for visa extensions and permits. Arrive early to avoid long queues.
Cancún
INM Cancún
Avenida Tulum 200, Supermanzana 4, 77500 Cancún, Quintana Roo
Mon–Fri 09:00–15:00
Popular for tourists needing extensions. Bring all original documents.
Practical information for MG travellers
Country basics
CapitalMexico City
LanguageSpanish
Driving sideRight-hand traffic
US driving licenceUS license valid. Carry a certified Spanish translation.
Money
CurrencyMexican Peso (MXN)
Exchange rate
1 USD = 17.49 MXN
Time zone
Local timeUTC-6
vs New York-1h to +1h depending on state
vs Los Angeles+1h to +2h depending on state
Electricity
Voltage127V / 60Hz
Plug types
A,BType A, B — same as the US. No adapter needed.
✓ No adapter needed for US plugs
Water & health
Tap water
Not safe — use bottled
Do not drink tap water. Use bottled water including for brushing teeth.
Emergency numbers
Nearby destinations you can also visit
Countries close to Mexico — with your same passport.
Frequently asked questions
No. Mexico does not offer visa-on-arrival for Madagascar passport holders. You must obtain a visa from a Mexican embassy or consulate before you travel.
Processing typically takes 5 to 15 business days, but can take up to 4 weeks during busy periods. Apply at least a month before your planned departure.
The visa fee is usually between $36 and $48 USD, but it varies by consulate. Check with the specific embassy or consulate where you apply. Payment is typically in local currency or by bank transfer.
If you're in Madagascar, the nearest Mexican embassy is in Nairobi, Kenya. There are also consulates in Paris, France, and Pretoria, South Africa. You can apply at any Mexican consulate worldwide, but you'll need to travel there in person.
You'll need a valid passport (6+ months validity), completed application form, two passport photos, hotel booking or invitation letter, return flight itinerary, and bank statements from the last 3 months. Some consulates may ask for additional documents like a letter from your employer.
No. Mexican visas for Madagascar passport holders are not extendable. You must leave before your visa expires. Overstaying can result in fines and future visa difficulties.
If you're transiting through a Mexican airport and not leaving the international transit area, you generally do not need a visa. However, if you need to clear immigration (e.g., to change airports or stay overnight), you will need a visa. Check with your airline before booking.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on June 28, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.