Russians arrive in Puerto Vallarta! Their presence in Mexico continues to grow

Some 80,000 tourists arrived in Mexico from the Slavic country in 2021, according to the Russian ambassador to the North American country.

The flow of tourists from Russia to Mexico recovered in 2021, reaching a record figure of 80,000 people, the Russian ambassador to the Latin American country, Víktor Koronelli, told RIA Novosti.

“At the end of November this year, the number of Russian tourists amounted to 64,000 people. By the end of 2021 we had about 80,000, a record number,” Koronelli said. Before the pandemic, in 2019, some 60-70,000 vacationers a year came from Russia, the ambassador added.

According to the diplomat, the development of direct flights contributes to the increase in the tourist flow. Aeroflot, Azur Air, and Nordwind make seven weekly flights from Moscow, including charter flights. It is planning to expand the geography of flights: flights from St. Petersburg, Kazan, Rostov-on-Don, and other cities are expected.

“Visitors are attracted by direct non-stop flights and by the fact that Mexico does not require any PCR tests or vaccination certificates from arriving foreigners,” Koronelli explained.

The ambassador of the Russian Federation in Mexico, Víctor Korenelli, declared that tourism from his country in ours has grown a lot in the last year, in a figure that is equivalent to more than 13% compared to the previous year.

These flights land in Cancun and Mexico City, the main destinations of Russian travelers. However, there are also many Russians visiting Puerto Vallarta in recent years, attracted by its tropical climate, very similar to that of the Crimean beaches, a popular national tourist destination in Russian Ukraine.

Likewise, Ukrainians also visit Mexico with a greater presence, although they do so more for work reasons and even migrate to reside here.

Mexico Entry Requirements for Ukrainian Citizens

Ukrainian passport holders can obtain a Mexico Tourist Card or FMM (Forma Migratoria Multiple). This electronic travel document serves as proof that their stay in Mexico is lawful. It also indicates the number of days cardholders are allowed to spend in the country.

Do Ukrainian Visitors Need a Mexican FMM?

Ukrainian citizens need to obtain a tourist card before traveling to Mexico. This rule applies to all Ukrainian travelers, regardless of the length and purpose of their trip.

The only exceptions are the citizens of Ukraine who hold a temporary or permanent Mexican resident card. They are not required to have a tourist card to cross the Mexican border.

How to Apply for the Mexican FMM as Ukrainian

Ukrainian nationals can apply for a Mexico Tourist Card by completing the online FMM application form.

The form includes basic personal questions such as the applicant’s name, gender, date and place of birth, nationality, and contact information, as well as passport details and reason for traveling to Mexico.

All Ukrainian applicants also need to answer routine health-related and security-related questions to prove that they do not present a health or security risk to the Mexican population.

Furthermore, candidates are required to pay the FMM processing fee for Ukraine before they submit the form. They can use a debit or credit card to make the payment, as long as it is authorized for online transactions.Apply for a Tourist Card (FMM)

FMM waiting time for Ukrainian citizens

The approval time for Mexican FMM for Ukraine is very short. Applicants will receive the Tourist Card by email that they provided in the form in less than 24 hours.

It is crucial that all the questions are answered in a correct and truthful manner, otherwise, the approval process may take longer and the FMM may get denied.

Travelers from Ukraine are strongly advised to apply for a Mexican Travel Card well in advance to ensure their authorization to travel will arrive on time.

Mexico’s Entry Requirements from Ukraine

Ukrainians must follow Mexico’s entry requirements:

• Have a Ukrainian passport with at least 6 months of validity when entering Mexico
• Have a valid Mexican Tourist Card
• Have an unexpired debit or credit card that will be used to pay the FMM fee
• Have an active email address to receive the tourist card

Children aged two or older must hold their own Mexico FMM to be granted entry to Mexico. They are not allowed to travel on their parents’ or guardians’ Mexico Tourist Card.

The Forma Migratoria Multiple (FMM) must be printed out. Ukrainian passengers will be asked to show it both upon arrival in Mexico and when leaving the country and they should make sure to keep it with them at all times.

If Mexican Tourist Card is lost or stolen, Ukrainian travelers must immediately contact local immigration authorities. If they fail to do so, they will be asked to pay a fine before they leave Mexico.

Validity of the FMM for Ukrainian Nationals

Mexican Tourist Card for Ukrainian passport holders is a single-entry permit valid for one stay of up to 180 days (6 months).

Ukrainian citizens who would like to extend their stay cannot do so by renewing the FMM. Instead, they must obtain a new FMM from outside of Mexico. Alternatively, Ukrainians can apply for a visa type suitable for longer stays such as a study or work visa, or residency permit.

Overstaying a Mexican Tourist Card is against the law and can result in fines that correspond to the number of days since the FMM expired.

Types of Mexican visas for travelers from Ukraine

Most Ukrainians also need a visa to travel to Mexico. Depending on the reason for traveling to Mexico, Ukrainian nationals can choose among the following types of Mexican visa:

• Visitor’s visa for tourism, family visits, and short-term voluntary work
• Business visa for participating in conferences, meetings, trade shows, and seminars
• Transit visa for transiting through the country
• Work visa for working with a Mexican company
• Temporary resident visa for residing in Mexico for up to 4 years
• Permanent resident visa for foreign nationals who wish to settle permanently in the country

Ukrainians are required to visit the nearest Mexican embassy or consulate in person to obtain a Mexican visa.

Electronic visa for Ukrainian citizens

Ukrainians traveling to Mexico by plane can apply for an SAE (Sistema de Autorización Electronica) instead of a traditional visa. The electronic travel authorization is valid for unpaid activities such as tourism and business.

On arrival in Mexico, border officials verify the authorization and grant a stay of up to 180 days. It is a single-entry permit.

To be eligible for the electronic travel authorization, Ukrainians must:

• Arrive by airplane
• Have a valid passport
• Complete the online SAE applications

Ukrainians who travel to Mexico with the SAE instead of a traditional visa are still required to complete the FMM tourist card.

Ukrainians who do not need a visa for Mexico

Ukrainian nationals who have a valid visa from, or are permanent residents of, one of the following countries do not need a visa or SAE to enter Mexico:

• Canada
• Great Britain
• Japan
• Schengen country
• United States

Visa-exempt Ukrainian visitors must, however, complete the Mexico Tourist Card.

Traveling from Ukraine to Mexico: Key Details

Please note that a Mexico Travel Card is an authorization to travel and not a permit to enter the country. The entry into Mexico is granted by the border immigration officials at the port of entry.

Ukrainians are encouraged to familiarize themselves with the customs regulations and travel restrictions before starting their trip to ensure a smooth travel experience.

Source: vallartaenlinea.com, es.rbth.com, visasmexico.com

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