MEXICO AND SPAIN AGREE TO RESOLVE THE ISSUE OF MEXICANS REFUSED ENTRY AT SPANISH AIRPORTS

Mexico and Spain have a strategic relationship that is characterized by the sincere affection and friendship between both societies. Today, immigration, diplomatic and consular officials met in Madrid to follow up on the high-level commitment made during the tenth meeting of the binational commission to make sure that there are no unjustified refusals to admit Mexican tourists at Spanish airports.

The Spanish delegation was headed by the Secretary of State for International and Iberoamerican Cooperation and included officials from the Ministries of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation and the Interior. On the Mexican side, the delegation was headed by Mexico’s ambassador to Spain and the Undersecretary for Population, Migration and Religious Affairs of the Ministry of Interior, and included officials from the Foreign Ministry, the National Institute of Migration and Mexico’s embassy in Spain. Since all Mexicans are welcome in Spain, the delegations agreed to the following:

1. As part of the excellent relationship between Mexico and Spain, there will be no rejections of travelers at the airports unless they are fully justified. 

2. Spanish immigration authorities will take into account the special circumstances of Mexican tourists who are invited by friends or relatives living in Spain. The steps already taken and Spain’s intention to continue simplifying the requirements for the letter of invitation are applauded.

3. The travels of Mexican citizens with the necessary travel papers to other countries in the Schengen Area will be facilitated.

4. A pilot plan will be launched at Spanish airports whereby a Mexican consular representative will be present when flights arrive from Mexico to provide immediate consular assistance if necessary.

5. All Mexican visitors will be advised of their right to consular assistance to ensure that no Mexican is refused entry without having been able to seek assistance from the Mexican consulate. A permanent hotline will be set up between the Mexican consulate and Spanish border officials.

6. A valid credit card will be accepted as proof of financial resources.

7. Airlines with flights between Mexico and Spain will be asked to put the travel requirements on their websites and brochures for passengers.

8. The Spanish embassy in Mexico and the Mexican Foreign Ministry will put on their websites the more flexible requirements for traveling to Spain and will publicize them in the Mexican and Spanish media.
 
9. The Spanish Ministries of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation and the Interior will instruct the areas involved on how to ensure compliance with the agreements reached at the meeting.

10. Additionally, both sides agree to immediately step up the exchange of information needed to identify risky individuals in a timely fashion in order to prevent their entry into either country.