📋 What you need
- Mexican passport valid 6+ months past your planned return.
- DS-160 form completed at ceac.state.gov/genniv (60-90 min).
- Digital photo (5x5 cm, white background, no glasses).
- 185 USD MRV fee generated at ais.usvisa-info.com and paid via Banamex or SPEI.
- Confirmed appointment at the consulate AND at the ASC (fingerprints).
- Printed DS-160 confirmation page with barcode.
For the interview also bring supporting documents in a folder: employer letter with salary and seniority, 3 months of bank statements, SAT tax return if self-employed, and proof of property or studies. The officer rarely requests them, but they matter when asked.
💵 The real cost
The official fee is 185 USD = around $3,400 MXN as of May 2026. Non-refundable, valid for one year. But if you live outside a consulate city, the real cost includes travel to apply.
| Item | Cost MXN approx. |
|---|---|
| Official MRV fee | $3,400 |
| Flight Colima → CDMX (round trip) | $2,500 – $4,500 |
| Hotel 1 night near the consulate | $1,200 – $2,800 |
| Meals and local transport | $500 – $1,000 |
| Estimated real total | $7,600 – $11,700 |
⏱️ Wait times by consulate — May 2026
Interview wait times vary widely by consulate. These are the figures from the Department of State's official Visa Wait Times tool in May 2026:
| Consulate | First-time visa | Renewal with interview |
|---|---|---|
| Nogales | 3 – 6 weeks | 1 – 2 weeks |
| Hermosillo | 4 – 8 weeks | 2 – 4 weeks |
| Ciudad Juárez | 1 – 3 months | 2 – 4 weeks |
| Tijuana | 2 – 4 months | 1 – 2 months |
| Mérida | 4 – 6 months | 2 – 3 months |
| Monterrey | 4 – 8 months | 2 – 4 months |
| Guadalajara | 6 – 10 months | 3 – 5 months |
| Mexico City | 10 – 14 months | 5 – 8 months |
Trick if you live in western Mexico (Colima, Jalisco, Michoacán): while Guadalajara is your closest consulate, flying to Hermosillo or Nogales can save you 5 to 8 months of waiting.
🎤 The interview — what to expect
The interview lasts 60 to 180 seconds. The officer has already read your DS-160 and is looking for one thing: that you have ties to Mexico and will return after your trip. Stable job, family, property, consistent income.
The most common questions:
- Why do you want to travel to the United States?
- Which city are you going to and for how long?
- What do you do for a living? How much do you earn?
- Who is paying for this trip?
- Do you have family in the United States?
Keep answers short and honest (5-15 words), speak in Spanish (unless the officer switches to English), don't argue if the officer is curt, and never contradict your DS-160. Over 90% of refusals are due to section 214(b) — insufficient proof of ties to Mexico. A refusal is not permanent: you can reapply once your situation changes.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
What do I need for the US tourist visa as a Mexican citizen?
A valid Mexican passport (6+ months beyond your planned return), a completed DS-160 form, a digital photo with white background, the 185 USD MRV fee paid, a scheduled appointment at ais.usvisa-info.com, and attendance at the consular interview.
How much does the US visa cost in Mexican pesos?
The official fee is 185 USD, around 3,400 MXN at the May 2026 exchange rate. If you travel from a regional city to the consulate, your real total cost (flight, hotel, meals) is around 7,000 to 12,000 MXN per person.
How long does the US visa take to get in 2026?
From 2 weeks to 14 months depending on the consulate. The fastest in May 2026 are Nogales (3 to 6 weeks) and Hermosillo (4 to 8 weeks). The slowest are Guadalajara (6 to 10 months) and Mexico City (10 to 14 months).
How much money should I have in the bank?
There is no official minimum. The consular officer evaluates your ties to Mexico — stable employment, consistent income, family — not a specific balance. A consistent bank history with regular deposits matters more than a one-time large balance.
How long does the US tourist visa last?
For Mexicans, the B1/B2 visa is typically issued for 10 years. The length of stay per entry is decided by the Customs officer at the border, usually up to 6 months per visit.
✈️ Got your visa or waiting for the appointment?
We build US trip packages (New York, Miami, Las Vegas, Orlando and more) from Colima — flights, hotels and tours priced in pesos. Ask via WhatsApp, no commitment.
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