Effective May 1, 2010, Mexico’s National Institute of Migration (INM) announced that foreign nationals of any nationality who hold valid U.S. nonimmigrant or immigrant visa status may apply for admission to Mexico at all ports of entry (land, sea and air) without first obtaining a visa to enter Mexico. Under the new rule, these foreign nationals may be admitted to Mexico by providing the following documentation:
The Mexican immigration official at the port of entry will collect data related to the foreign national’s biographic information and details pertaining to his or her U.S. immigration status and will maintain the data in Mexico’s Internal System of Immigration Operations (SIOM). Barring any legal impediments, the foreign national will be granted temporary status as a tourist, commuter, or business visitor, will receive a stamp in his or her passport, and will be admitted to Mexico accordingly. Foreign nationals not admitted at initial inspection will be sent to secondary inspection, where an immigration supervisor will review inspection procedures and make a determination whether to admit the individual or deny admission.
This new regulation was adopted to simplify and facilitate travel to Mexico and to encourage the arrival of tourists and business visitors to promote investments, employment opportunities, and regional developments.
Please contact your designated Gibney representative if you have any questions about the information contained in this alert, or email immigrationalerts@gibney.com.
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This immigration article is provided as general information for clients and friends of Gibney, Anthony & Flaherty, LLP. It does not constitute, and should not be construed as, legal advice. The contents of this article may be considered attorney advertising in some states.