Canadian Speleologists who travel to Mexico with the objective to carry out their scientific activity should be documented as non-immigrant visitors and must obtain an FM-3, given that their activity in Mexico is of scientific nature, and considering that speleology is "the science that studies the nature, origin and formation of caves, their wildlife population and flora", with the help of other disciplines such as: geology, biology, archaeology, anthropology, and hydrology, among others.
Similarly, foreigners that travel to Mexico to explore caves or caverns and perform technical activities without a scientific purpose, such as topographers, should also be documented as non-immigrant visitors.
To apply for an FM-3 in either case they must present the following:
- A completed application form
- A valid passport (good for at least 6 months)
- A letter from the entity that is supporting his trip addressed to the "Embassy of Mexico" requesting the visa for the applicant. The letter should explain the purpose of the trip in addition to stating the obligation of the sponsor to pay the employee's salary and all expenses, if that is the case
- If the applicant will pay his/her expenses most show proof of economic solvency such as a bank statement, or letter from the employer
- Two recent, passport-size photos (1.5 sq. in., no eyeglasses)
- A consular fee equivalent to US$98.00 in Canadian funds. (please consider that our consular fees change the first working day of the month, according to the rate of exchange between the US and Canadian dollars)
- When bringing equipment for the expedition, please present the list of the equipment in the letterhead of the entity that owns it, so it will be stamp by the consular office.
Spelunking:
Canadians who wish to travel to Mexico to engage in the type of activity defined as spelunking, in other words the visitation of caves for sporting, recreational or appreciative purposes (or any other recreational or sporting activity related to spelunking, such as cave diving) without entailing the development of scientific activities, he or she should be documented as non-immigrant tourist and may obtain a tourist card and must consider the same requirements as any other tourist are allowed to bring sport equipment.
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