How to Apply for Mexico Tourist Visa for Filipinos in Qatar

If you’re considering visiting countries with Spanish origins, Mexico should undoubtedly be on your list. From their language and cuisine to their culture, Mexico shares many similarities with our own. Furthermore, we’ve all been exposed to movies and TV shows that showcase Mexican characters and heritage.

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For Filipino tourists, you must get a tourist visa to be allowed entry. The procedure is quite simple. In no time, you will be enjoying the sunny weather in Mexico.

Beaches in Mexico

Tourist Visa Application for Filipinos

The Mexican government mandates that citizens from specific countries, including the Philippines, apply for a tourist visa before visiting. So, if you’re planning a short trip to Mexico, securing a visa is a requirement. This official document permits you to stay for up to 6 months.

Requirements for Visa Application

Filipino citizens who have plans to visit or perform any income-generating activities for less than 180 days will need a tourist visa first. To prepare for your visa application, you need to gather these documents first:

  • Visa application form: Ensure all fields are completed and print it double-sided. You can download the form here
  • Printed appointment confirmation
  • Passport: It should remain valid for at least six months. Remember to provide a photocopy.
  • Colored photo: Submit a recent photo against a white background. Avoid covering your face with headgear or eyeglasses. The photo should measure 32 mm x 26 mm or 39 mm x 31 mm.
  • Qatar ID or any document showing that you are legally allowed to stay in your host country
  • One of the following:
    • Bank statement or certified payment slips: Either of these documents should demonstrate your income or transactions for a minimum of three months
    • Certificate of steady employment: This document must bear the company seal and should include your position, employment duration, monthly and annual salary, signatory’s name and position, and the company’s contact details.
  • Sponsor’s letter (if applicable)

Procedure for Visa Application

  • Step 1. Prepare the necessary documents.
  • Step 2. Request an appointment with the consular office. Send a message to consularqat@sre.gob.mx for your schedule.
  • Step 3. Submit the documents on your appointed date.
  • Step 4. Pay the visa application fee.
  • Step 5. Wait for the decision .

While you are waiting for the result, you can expect that the consular office will request additional documents. Thus, it is important that you do not set travel arrangements while your application has not been granted yet. 

Visa Application Fee

The visa application fee is $51 and must be paid in cash. Additionally, make sure to regularly check the consular website for updated fees, as these tend to change. Lastly, please note that the visa fee is non-refundable.

Getting from Qatar to Mexico

The average non-stop flight from Doha to Mexico City is a little over 20 hours. With that in mind, you might want to curate your playlist or subscribe to an eBook to keep you occupied during your flight. Airlines operating from Qatar to Mexico include Qatar Airways, British Airways, and Turkish Airlines, with the average airfare amounting to nearly $1,300.

If you want to fly to Mexico on a budget, you might also consider visiting in November. Historically, flight ticket prices have been observed to be lower during this period.

Video About Tourist Visa Application

For a comprehensive tutorial on applying for a tourist visa, you can watch this YouTube video by Metchilyns Vlog. What’s particularly beneficial about this video is that it includes a list of countries whose citizens are required to obtain a tourist visa. Make sure to watch until the end for answers to frequently asked questions.

You can watch the full video here:

Disclaimer: The information posted here is based on personal experiences that the vlogger shared in the video. Please let this post serve as a guide only. If you have specific questions, you may ask the vlogger by commenting on their video or on their social media accounts.

Address and Contact Details of the Embassy of Mexico

Map of the Embassy of Mexico

Places to Explore in Mexico

There are plenty of sights to see and fun activities to do in Mexico. You can also learn from their folklore and rich history. Most importantly, you can have your fill with their delicious cuisine. 

Chichen Itza

Among the numerous archaeological sites in Mexico, Chichen Itza stands out as a favored tourist destination. This site proudly claims a spot among the New Seven Wonders of the World.

Chichen Itza is composed of several Mayan ruins in the Yucatan Peninsula. The main attraction is the El Castillo pyramid, which is believed to be more than 1,500 years old. While this structure looks attractive, visitors cannot climb up. This is to preserve the pyramid’s integrity. 

Cabo San Lucas

For beach lovers, Cabo San Lucas is the perfect destination to enjoy the sun, sea, and sands of Mexico. In particular, those who love the nightlife will enjoy the attractions in this part of the country. 

You can swim in most of the beaches in this region. Some of the beaches you can go to include Las Viudas Beach, Medano Breathless Beach, or Hacienda Beach. Enjoy the clear waters as you go snorkeling, surfing or paddle-boarding. 

Numerous beaches, such as Las Viudas Beach, Medano Breathless Beach, and Hacienda Beach, invite you to indulge in swimming, snorkeling, surfing, and paddle-boarding amidst crystalline waters. Notably, the secluded Lover’s Beach (Playa del Amor) can be accessed via water taxi, revealing astonishing rock formations and opportunities for snorkeling and scuba diving near Neptune’s Finger, an underwater sand-fall.

Cancun

Cancun is another destination for beach lovers. This is located in the southeast portion of the country, where visitors can enjoy sunny beaches and sands remain pleasingly cool beneath your feet. 

Aside from the beaches, Cancun is also home to a rich historical site since it sits on the Yucatan Peninsula. During the time of the Mayan, the Yucatan peninsula was the center of trade, religion, and culture. To learn more about their history, you can visit the Tulum. This is the only Mayan city overlooking the beach. 

Huasca de Ocampo

In Mexico, there is what you call the magic town, these are towns that have managed to preserve their traditions over time. Huasca de Ocampo is considered as the first magic town. When you visit, you can see the old mining haciendas. Locals also believe that there are goblins that live in the area. As a tourist, you can also join the nighttime tour and learn about the elves. 

Mexican Holidays and Traditions

Similar to the Philippines, Mexico celebrates a multitude of religious holidays and traditions. Here, we delve into some of these customs to provide insight and potential participation if you find yourself in Mexico during these festivities.

Dia de los Muertos

This iconic Mexican holiday, famously depicted in a Disney movie, takes place from November 1 to 2. Families decorate altars with vibrant skulls and offerings, honoring departed loved ones. As part of this celebration, it is common for males and females to wear skeleton costumes as they walk along the streets. 

Christmas Posadas

Mexico’s Christmas celebrations are vibrant and festive, with “posadas” meaning parties. Families and friends host parties abundant with music and games throughout the Christmas season. The pinnacle is Christmas Eve, marked by midnight mass attendance and gift exchanges.

New Year’s Day

As with all other countries, Mexico celebrates New Year with firework displays, dinner with families, and toasting to one’s health. A unique custom involves consuming 12 grapes within 12 seconds before the countdown, symbolizing the fulfillment of goals. 

Grito de Dolores

Mexican Independence Day is festive and full of fireworks, parades, and performances. The celebration occurs from September 15 to 16. For this holiday, Mexicans prepare traditional dishes as well. 

In most celebrations, the Mariachi band provides the festive music in the background. Members of this musical band wear traditional Mexican costumes, and their instruments of choice are usually trumpets, guitars, and violins. While some bands solely play instruments, others incorporate vocalists into their ensembles.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Can I request urgent approval for my visa application?

No, urgent requests for visa approval are not permitted by the embassy. All applicants must use the provided platform to secure an appointment. It’s advisable to allocate ample time for the processing of your visa application.

  • Can I request to extend my visa validity?

No, visa extensions are not granted, regardless of the reasons provided by the tourist.

  • Am I allowed to reschedule my appointment with the consular office?

No, appointment rescheduling is not permitted. If you’re unable to attend your scheduled appointment, you’ll need to initiate the appointment process again through the platform to secure a new slot.

Summary

Mexico is a country with rich culture, unique traditions, and historic structures, making it an ideal destination for tourists who are both history enthusiasts and are looking to relax. For Filipinos, you need to get a tourist visa first. 

The necessary requirements encompass your passport, a photograph, the completed application form, your Qatar ID, and bank statements. The subsequent action is to request an appointment through the CITAS web page. On your designated date, submit the requisites and settle the visa fee. The final phase entails awaiting the decision on your application. Once granted, your tourist visa enables you to stay in Mexico for a duration of up to 180 days.

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