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Feeling a little lost in all of the lingo surrounding visas? Not entirely sure just how you should be preparing for your stay in Mexico? It’s best to have that straightened away before you pack your bags to ensure that there are no bad surprises waiting for you when you arrive in Mexico to enjoy your time in the country. Let’s take a detailed look at the most common choice for a visa — a tourist visa.
What Is A Tourist Visa?
This is a visa designed for tourists, as the name implies. This is the first visa that you will receive when you arrive in Mexico. This allows you to be legally in the country for up to 180 days at a time (approximately 6 months). This is the visa that visitors use to enjoy their time in the country without working or otherwise earning an income during their stay.
This is different than a temporary resident visa, which is what many will apply for when they wish to change their status in Mexico and spend more time there. This will haven a few different requirements for it, and it also will have a few more rights associated with it for those who want them.
What does this tourist visa give you?
A tourist visa seems pretty simple. It gives you access to staying Mexico for up to 6 months at a time. This is correct, and it does work that way. However, there is another perk to this particular kind of visa when you are looking at the idea of why it’s going to be such a great idea: buying property.
Unlike in other countries, you can legally and easily buy property in Mexico even if you hold a tourist visa. This means that you do not have to apply, and be accepted for, a temporary resident permit in order to buy property in Mexico.
How long can I have/use this visa?
This is an “easy-going visa” in that it is easy to qualify for and extend. If you wish to stay on a tourist visa, all you must do is leave the country within the 180-day time period and then re-enter. Government officials will be able to simply renew it and you’ll be okay to stay in Mexico for another 180 days.
You can do this as many times as you’d like, as there is no limit on the visa itself as far as renewal time. This is done by many tourists who enjoy their time in Mexico but have no interest in pursuing a temporary resident visa.
When you are looking at enjoying your time in Mexico, the tourist visa gives you the easiest option as far as qualifying for a visa and having minimal requirements needed in order to keep it active and valid. For those that are looking at the idea of making the most out of their time in Mexico, this permit offers the most freedom and potential for your time spent in the country.
