Travel to Mexico With a Criminal Record: Rules and Regulations

If you’re hoping to travel internationally but have a criminal record, you might face issues entering certain countries.

Fortunately, foreign visitors with a criminal record are allowed entry to Mexico in many cases. This depends on the type of offense committed and some details about your individual circumstances.

In this post, you can find information about which types of criminal offenses could mean you’re denied entry to Mexico and how to apply for a Mexican visa with a criminal record.

Can You Travel to Mexico if You Have a Criminal Record?

Some people who hold a criminal record are allowed entry into Mexico. This depends on the nature of your criminal history.

Each case is assessed individually, and the final decision about whether you’ll be granted entry to Mexico rests with Mexican immigration authorities.

Misdemeanors do not usually prevent foreign visitors from entering Mexico. However, people with a history of serious crimes or those with pending charges may be denied entry.

Visiting Mexico with a minor criminal history

Having a criminal record of minor crimes does not normally stop foreign travelers from visiting Mexico.

Mexican authorities consider each case individually, and it’s essential to declare your criminal history.

Examples of crimes considered misdemeanors by the Mexican authorities include:

Are you concerned about entering Mexico because you have a criminal record of misdemeanors? Consider requesting your criminal record be erased, legally known as expunged, before you travel.

Can I visit Mexico if I have serious offenses on my criminal record?

If you’ve been convicted of a serious crime, Mexican authorities may deny you entry to the country.

If you’re considered to be a threat to national security, you’ll likely face issues entering Mexico.

Some examples of crimes considered to be serious offenses by Mexican authorities include:

Your local embassy or consulate can give you individualized advice about traveling to Mexico with a criminal record.

Traveling to Mexico with pending criminal charges

If you have outstanding criminal charges or warrants, it’s likely that you’ll be denied entry to Mexico.

People on parole or probation are usually not allowed to enter Mexico.

Can I Apply for a Mexican Visa With a Criminal Record?

People who have a criminal record can apply for a Mexican visa if they are not eligible for visa-free travel.

When you make your visa application, you’ll be asked about your criminal record. You’ll need to declare details about offenses in your criminal history.

You must answer all questions honestly when completing your visa application. If you leave out details about your criminal history or give false information, your application will be penalized.

Visa-free travel to Mexico with a criminal history

When entering without a visa, Mexican immigration and customs officials may ask you questions about your trip, personal data or criminal history.

Mexico’s border agents will make the final decision about your entry to the country, so you should be prepared to answer any questions.

Visit your local embassy or consulate for advice on how your criminal history might affect your ability to visit Mexico.

Mexican Visa Applications for Travelers With a Criminal Record

If you need to apply for a visa for Mexico and have a criminal record, follow these steps:

Step 1

Complete the Mexico visa application form. Applicants with a criminal record apply in the same way as all other travelers. You’ll need to answer some security questions about your criminal history.

Step 2

Go to your local Mexican consulate or embassy to submit your visa application. Along with your completed application form, you’ll need to pay the visa fee and show proof of financial means to cover your stay. Your passport must be valid for at least six months after you arrive.

Step 3

Wait for the Mexican authorities to make a decision about your application. Based on the information you provide, they’ll either grant or deny you a visa for travel to Mexico.

How To Get a Mexican Tourist Card With a Criminal Record

All foreign visitors need a Mexico Tourist Card, known as Forma Migratoria Multiple, or FMM.

You’ll need to show your card when you arrive in Mexico and when you leave.

You’re recommended to apply for a Mexico Tourist Card in advance by completing an online form. The application form has questions about your:

The FMM application form does not have questions about criminal history. You will not need to declare that you have a criminal record to get a Mexican Tourist Card.

Traveling to Cancun With a Criminal Record

Cancun, Playa del Carmen and Tulum, amongst other popular tourist destinations, are located in the Mexican state of Quintana Roo.

If you’re visiting Cancun and have a criminal record, the usual entry requirements for Mexico apply.

All visitors entering Quintana Roo state must pay a tax, known as the Visitax. It’s a compulsory payment for foreign visitors to this region of Mexico.

Only Mexican citizens or residents are exempt from paying the tax. If you’re visiting the Quintana Roo region as tourist, you’ll need to pay the Visitax.

You can pay on arrival, but it’s recommended to pay online in advance to avoid queues and paperwork at the airport or Quintana Roo state border.