Mexico Pre-Departure Guide
Your complete checklist and guide for all essential preparations before traveling to Mexico for your studies.
Quick Access
Example checklist. Your own dates depend on your course.
Getting Ready for Mexico
The main steps before you fly to Mexico.
Visa First
Key Preparation Areas
- Visa and papers: Student visa, passport and acceptance letter
- Money: Proof of money
- Housing: A place to live near your campus
- Insurance: Health insurance for your time in Mexico
Preparation Steps
Step 1
Get your acceptance letter and your money papers.
Step 2
Book your visa appointment and go to the interview.
Step 3
After you arrive, go to the INM (Mexico's immigration office) within 30 days. Exchange your FMM (the entry form you fill in when you land) for a student residence card.
Ask Your University
Your university's international office tells you its own arrival steps and how to join (enrolment) after you get a place.
Pre-Departure Checklist
Check each item before you fly.
Documents
Passport
Not expired and not damaged.
Student visa
You can enter Mexico once with this visa. Enter within 180 days after it is given to you.
Study
Acceptance letter
From a school that is part of Mexico's official school system.
Money
Money papers
Income or bank papers for the last 3 months.
Check Your Office
Pre-Departure Guides
Read each guide before you fly.
Spanish Basics for Mexico
Spanish is the language of daily life. A few words help a lot.
Useful Local Phrases
Hola
Hello
Gracias
Thank you
Por favor
Please
¿Cuánto cuesta?
How much is it?
No entiendo
I do not understand
Emergency Number
Save Mexico's emergency number before you fly.
Important Contacts & Resources
Emergency Contacts in Mexico
911 is Mexico's one emergency number. Call it for a doctor, the police or rescue services.
Save These Contacts Before Departure
University international office
Your first contact for arrival and enrolment questions.
Before You Fly
Get your acceptance letter before you book the visa.
Keep your money papers ready.
In India, book your visa appointment on citas.sre.gob.mx only. The booking is free.
Carry your passport, visa and acceptance letter in your hand luggage.
Get Expert Help
Frequently Asked Questions
Have More Questions?
Have more questions? Write to us.
Complete Guide to Mexico
Explore all aspects of studying in Mexico with our comprehensive guides
Pre-Departure - Detailed Guides
Ready to Start Your Journey?
Get personalized guidance for studying in Mexico with our expert consultants
Get Free ConsultationReady to Go to Mexico?
Help from our team: we check your papers before you book your visa appointment.
Get Expert Help