Foreign nationals traveling to Mexico should exercise caution when using automated immigration kiosks available at select airports. Due to high arrival volumes, particularly in Mexico City, Guadalajara, and Monterrey, and ongoing airport renovations in Mexico City in preparation for the FIFA World Cup, wait times and operational constraints have been reported.
There have been reports of airport or security staff directing travelers to different processing channels such as the automated self-service kiosks, depending on airport flow management. This may lead to confusion, especially for temporary and permanent residents, who may incorrectly assume they are eligible to use these kiosks.
As a reminder, only visitors entering for tourism or business purposes who meet eligibility requirements (including holding a biometric passport and not traveling with minors) should use these kiosks. Foreign nationals holding temporary residence visas or those who are residents of Mexico should not use automated kiosks, as doing so will result in admission as a tourist and could cancel their resident status.
Given the expected increase in traveler volumes in connection with the upcoming FIFA World Cup, these considerations may become more relevant in the coming months. Travelers are advised to ensure proper processing at immigration control upon arrival, as corrections to entry status may be discretionary and not guaranteed.
This alert is for informational purposes only. If you have any questions, please contact the global immigration professional with whom you work at Fragomen.
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