13/05/2026
In case you — or someone you know — is planning a trip to Mexico:
The days of automatically receiving a 180-day tourist permit when entering Mexico are largely gone. For quite a while now, travelers have not known in advance how many days they’ll be granted upon entry.
But lately, it seems to be getting even tighter, with some visitors receiving far fewer days than they anticipated.
Ultimately, the length of stay is at the discretion of the immigration agent. And as with many bureaucratic processes in Mexico, there can be a lack of consistency and predictability from one agent, airport, or day to the next.
When I help clients obtain their Canje through Mexican consulates in the US or Canada, I always explain that outcomes can depend on the specific consulate, the agent they happen to get, and sometimes even the mood of that agent on that particular day. It really can be that random.
Now it appears airport immigration officials may be operating with that same level of unpredictability.
Some people are speculating that this tightening could be related to growing geopolitical tensions between the US and Mexico, especially following the US announcement that it will review all 52 Mexican consulates in the United States. I’m not sure that’s the reason, but it’s possible it’s playing a role.
In any case, there are a few things travelers can do to improve their chances of receiving the number of days they need. One of the best is to present a rental agreement, lease, or proof of accommodations when entering Mexico.