Updated: Latest Mexico entry procedures clarified
Say goodbye to the 180-day authorization
Just as pilots were getting used to the "Single Entry Authorization" procedures implemented in early 2024, the Mexican Federal Civil Aviation Agency (AFAC) now requires that every domestic and international flight receive prior authorization from its central office in Mexico City before it can operate. Unfortunately, users indicate this update is being applied inconsistently across different airports.
Under the previous process, operators requested authorization from local AFAC offices at airports.
According to Ivonne Lima Apango, operations manager at CST Flight Services, an international trip support provider supporting business and general aviation operations throughout Latin America and the Caribbean, communications received from local authorities describe a documentation review process that has been observed in multiple locations throughout the country.
Based on the operational reports and cases observed , the process has been applied primarily to N-registered aircraft, including both Part 91 and Part 135 operations. While most reported cases have involved U.S.-registered aircraft, local authorities have indicated that similar documentation reviews may be requested for other foreign-registered aircraft.
Apango emphasized that operators should remain in close communication with local authorities and allow additional planning time, as documentation requirements and processing procedures may vary from one location to another.
Apango said that in one case, the local authority informed the operator of a German-registered aircraft arriving from Europe that the same documentation package must be submitted prior to departing Mexico.
The required package spans 11 documents, including aircraft registration, airworthiness certificate, and proof of insurance, along with pilot certificate(s) and medical certificates. All of these documents must be scanned into a single Adobe PDF file. The digital file must follow this naming example: Tail numbercompany name_route_date.pdf. The file should begin with an Operator Request Letter, addressed to the AFAC, formally requesting the authorization. AFAC has explicitly stated it will not accept photographs of documents. This single file must be emailed to [email protected]. Pilots should also be aware that if the passengers on board differ from those listed on the approved manifest when the flight plan closes, disposition of the aircraft and occupants after arrival will be subject to the discretion of the local command authority. Operators are instructed to remain in coordination with the local Airport Command Office following submission of their request in case additional documentation is requested and to confirm when their operation has been authorized.
Because of the new requirement, pilots and operators should expect delays in receiving their authorization. AFAC has warned that the current response times are causing delays of more than two hours. Because the flight plan cannot be coordinated locally until the Mexico City office signs off, it is highly recommended that you plan your flight as far in advance as possible to ensure your itinerary is not affected.
A gentle reminder to all U.S.-based aviators planning international border crossings: Regardless of the required procedures of the destination country, U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) still requires operators to file an Electronic Advance Passenger Information System (eAPIS) notification for any flight arriving in or departing the United States. Pilots or their designees must submit their passenger and crew manifest information electronically through the eAPIS website a minimum of one hour prior to departure.
