ETA required
Mexicans need a UK ETA
ETA required for travel from 8 January 2025
Mexico is on Appendix ETA National List. Mexican tourists used to be visa-free; they now pre-authorise with a UK ETA (£20). US ESTA does not cover this. If you are a Mexican citizen connecting through London to Europe, airside-only at Heathrow/Manchester currently may not need an ETA; collecting luggage or exiting the sterile area does. BA from Mexico City to Heathrow will check. Do not buy a Standard Visitor visa from an agent if you only hold a Mexican passport and are visiting — ETA is the listed route.
Mexican travel facts
| Passport | Mexico |
|---|---|
| Roll-out | ETA required for travel from 8 January 2025 |
| What you need | UK ETA (£20) |
| Stay | Usually up to 6 months as a visitor |
| Work | Not allowed on visit permission |
| Landside transit | ETA required if you pass UK border control |
Mistakes mexicans make
- Assuming a US visa or ESTA helps at a UK gate. It does not.
- Spanish-language ads selling ‘visa UK’ at a high peso price for what is an ETA.
London notes for Mexican arrivals
MEX–LHR is a long-haul into T5. After immigration, contactless on Elizabeth line. If you only know Uber, note that TfL is usually cheaper for Zone 1 and avoids Congestion Charge that a car from Heathrow into central London can trigger.
FAQs
- Do Mexicans need a visa for the UK?
- For ordinary visits, you need an ETA, not a Standard Visitor visa.
- I am transiting Heathrow to Madrid.
- Airside-only: currently no ETA. If you pass UK border control, you need one. Ask the airline.
Other passports
Bodhixt is not affiliated with UKVI. Confirm on GOV.UK before you book. Apply via https://www.gov.uk/eta only.