Visa & Border Information

The information below is summarized by SOC members and should only be taken as a guideline. Please verify all information with the official Mexican National Immigration Institute website. If needed, please contact the nearest Mexican Embassy for confirmation.

Information obtained verbally by SOC members at the National Migration Institute (INM) of Mexico:

The INM office in Ensenada, B.C., verbally confirmed that as long as non-USA citizen students (and faculty) have a valid USA residence permit or visa, they can cross the border without requesting an additional Mexican visa. The students (and faculty) must bring the valid USA visa or residence permit with them, and state at the crossing that they are coming into Mexico as tourists. The INM office also noted it would be good if all the students (and faculty) had an invitation letter, university credential, and hotel booking confirmation, just in case they are asked for such information at the border.

The following websites provides detailed information in English about visas for travel to Mexico:

Citizens of many countries, including the United States, do not require visas to travel to Mexico. However, there are many countries where citizens do need a visa, including India and China. Please consult the above link soon to determine what your visa requirements are!

The organizers can provide an invitation letter for any participant. If you anticipate needing this, please register for the conference as soon as possible and contact us, so that the letters can be prepared well in advance. You can reach the organizers at eas@astro.unam.mx.

The following link (in Spanish) is from the Mexican National Immigration Institute and has further information for the visa process: www.gob.mx/inm/en/documentos/paises-y-regiones-que-requieren-visa-para-viajar-a-mexico

The information below is from https://embamex.sre.gob.mx/finlandia/index.php/traveling/visas

To travel to Mexico, it is necessary to have the following:

1. A valid passport with more than six months of validity (Mexican authorities require a passport to be valid for the duration of the stay in Mexico, but transit countries and airline companies may have other requirements).

2. A properly completed Multiple Migratory Form (FMM). The FMM can be obtained from the airline or at the port of entry, but to expedite your registration at the border, you can now fill out and print it in advance in this link.

Remember to keep the FMM in a safe place during your trip! You will be asked for it at your departure from Mexico.

3. The Immigration Authorities at the port of entry may request certain documents to prove the purpose of your visit depending on the activity you will undertake in Mexico:

Tourism: Hotel reservation, itinerary, and return tickets (back to Finland, Estonia or another country)
Business: Letter in Spanish from the foreign company indicating that you are an employee and that that company will pay for the services you will provide in Mexico and that you will not receive any payment or salary from a company in Mexico, or a letter of invitation from a public or private institution to perform non-remunerated activities in Mexico, indicating the purpose of the trip, estimated time of stay and taking responsibility for your travel and lodging costs.
Student: Letter of invitation or acceptance from any institution pertaining to the National Educational System to take courses, conduct a research project or undertake academic training for up to 180 days.
Work: Please get in touch with the Consular Section

Border Crossing Information

Border crossing can be done via the San Ysidro, California border crossing point. Detailed information can be found at the San Diego Mexican Consulate webpage: https://consulmex.sre.gob.mx/sandiego/index.php/preguntas-frecuentes/treveling-to-baja

We plan to have a shuttle service to/from the Mexico side of the San Ysidro Station on the Blue Line to Ensenada. This will cost approximately $60 round trip. If you would like to take the shuttle please indicate this when you register!

USA to Mexico (on foot):

Reach the San Ysidro Station on the Blue Line of the San Diego MTS. Walk to toward the Mexican border crossing building (follow the signs, a bit of a walk):

Puerto Fronterizo Puerta Mexico Este

Follow instructions at Immigration. After passing immigration, there will be a long ramp to walk out to any pick up point.

Mexico to USA (on foot):

Crossing is done via PedEast. There may be a long line. Pretty standard USA immigration crossing.

After leaving the building you will immediately find the San Ysidro Station (Blue Line, SDMTS).

Transfer to-from Ensenada:

Several options:

Shuttle bus: Details coming soon. If you will use this option, make sure to indicate it in the registration form.
Public Bus: ABC public buses have frequent buses running to Ensenada town center. Price is 255 Mexican Peso. Debit card and cash are accepted. Clerk will request your name to sell you a ticket.
If you bring your own car, or rent a car, you can drive to Ensenada.

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