Getting to Monterrey

Visa restrictions

These are general guidelines, please double-check with your local Mexican consulate if there are different requirements for you.

Check if you need a VISA

Countries that DON’T need a visa. Countries that DO need a visa.

You won’t need a visa if you have a valid multiple-entry US visa (you can use it to enter Mexico for up to 180 days without a Mexican Visitor visa, as long as your US visa is valid during your stay and you don’t work while in Mexico) or a document proving proof of permanent residence in Canada, USA, Japan, UK, or any of the countries that make up the Schengen Area. Everyone needs to provide basic documentation on arrival. You must have a valid passport under international law, e.g., valid for six months beyond your intended return date, and the FMM form provided by the airlines during the flight. The immigration authority may verify the reason for the trip, using any of the following documents:

1. Hotel reservation and return tickets (itinerary).
2. Invitation letter of the organization or institution inviting the foreigner to participate in any unpaid activity.

How to get a visa

Before you travel, you will need to apply for a Mexican visa providing the following documentation:

1. The visa application form must be legible and the signature must be the same as the passport.
2. A valid passport under international law, e.g., one that is valid for six months beyond your intended return date.
3. A photograph with a white background, with the face visible and without glasses, in color. The photograph dimensions should be 32 millimeters x 26 millimeters or 39 millimeters x 31 millimeters.
4. Original and copy of the document proving your legal stay in the country where you are requesting the visa from.
5. Proof of solvency or rooting.
6. Original and copy of proof of investments or bank accounts balances of the last three months with an average monthly balance equivalent to 1,400 euros, or, original and copy of the documents proving that you have employment or pension with monthly income free of liens equivalent to 500 euros.
7. Original and copy of proof of stable employment with a minimum age of two years, original and copy of public deed of real estate duly registered in the name of the applicant with a minimum age of two years and document proving ownership or participation in business issued by the competent authorities with a minimum age of two years.

Asking for an LAS Invitation Letter

Please register and indicate on your form that you need a visa letter. You can also contact us at info@linuxappsummit.org to request a letter.

Asking for the Accommodation Document

You should ask your host/hotel/residence to send you a confirmation of your reservation. Once you gathered all the documentation, print the requirements and go to the MEXITEL website to schedule an appointment. Applying for a Mexican visa costs approximately $53 USD.

Resources regarding visa

• http://www.sectur.gob.mx/guia-de-viaje/visa/
• https://www.inm.gob.mx/gobmx/word/index.php/paises-no-requieren-visa-para-mexico/
• https://www.inm.gob.mx/gobmx/word/index.php/paises-requieren-visa-para-mexico/
• https://embamex.sre.gob.mx/australia/images/pdf/solicitudvisaingles.pdf (English version)
• https://embamex.sre.gob.mx/italia/images/pdf/consulado/sol-visa-2018.pdf (Spanish version)
• https://citas.sre.gob.mx/

By Bus

Monterrey International bus station has daily trips from/to Monterrey to all the states in México and several USA states including Texas, California, among others. Tickets range from $5 to $150 depending on the destination.

By Plane

Monterrey International airport “General Mariano Escobedo” (IATA code: MTY) is well connected and has daily domestic and international flights, including several flights a day to hubs in the USA (HOU, DFW, LAX, MIA, ATL, ORD) and a direct flight to Madrid Barajas (MAD).

Getting around Monterrey

Local public transportation

Monterrey is well connected by public transportation, including bus and taxi.

• Bus: Typically the bus stops are within 200 meters apart covering the entire city. The current price is $0.80 USD per ticket. Buses run approximately 15 minutes apart.
• Taxis: The cost may vary from $2 to $30 USD for a full end-to-end city trip.
• Other ride services: Monterrey also has the major app-based players including Uber, Didi, and Cabify.