Chapter I – Accreditation
1. Opening of Foreign Mission
1.1 Embassy
The request to open a resident Diplomatic Mission in Mexico must be transmitted through a diplomatic note from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the accrediting country, directed to the Secretariat of Foreign Affairs – General Directorate of Protocol (DGP) – via established communication channels: Embassy of Mexico in the requesting country, Embassy of Mexico concurrent with the requesting country, or Embassy of the requesting country concurrent with Mexico.
The opening of an Embassy may be announced through written communication between Ministries of Foreign Affairs, exchange of notes, or a joint communiqué of both governments. Once authorized, the accrediting country must request agrément for the new Ambassador, accompanied by their curriculum vitae, or notify the appointment of the Chargé d’Affaires ad interim through a verbal note. An Embassy is considered established when the DGP receives the verbal note requesting accreditation of the first career diplomat assigned. The DGP assists the diplomat during installation. Missions must inform the DGP of acquisitions, leases, donations, remodeling, or changes of address to ensure privileges and immunities.
1.2 Offices Part of the Embassy
According to Article 12 of the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations (VCDR), Mexico’s consent is required to establish an office subordinate to the Embassy in another locality. The Embassy must send a verbal note to the DGP detailing reasons, requesting authorization, and providing location. Once approved, the office may be established.
1.3 Consular Office
Mexico recognizes Consulates General, Career Consulates, and Consular Agencies. Establishing a Consular Representation requires Mexico’s consent under Article 4.1 of the Vienna Convention on Consular Relations (VCCR). The request must be transmitted via verbal note with detailed reasons, location, jurisdiction, and type of consular office. Offices outside Mexico City require detailed justification. A consular office is formally installed once the first officer is accredited. Missions must inform the DGP of acquisitions, leases, remodeling, or changes of address to ensure privileges and immunities. Embassies are the sole interlocutors with the Secretariat of Foreign Affairs regarding consular offices.
1.4 Honorary Consular Office
Mexico recognizes honorary consular offices under Chapter III of the VCCR. Consent requests must be transmitted via verbal note with reasons, location, and jurisdiction. The office is formally installed upon issuance of the Exequatur or Definitive Authorization for the proposed Honorary Consul. If vacant for more than six months, the office is considered inactive and authorization revoked after an additional six months. Reopening requires full authorization procedures. Embassies are the sole interlocutors with the Secretariat of Foreign Affairs regarding honorary consulates.
1.5 Representation of International Organization
Establishment of an International Organization’s representation follows the Convention on Privileges and Immunities of the United Nations or the Headquarters Agreement with Mexico. Requests must be transmitted via verbal note from the Organization’s Head to the DGP through Mexico’s Mission to the Organization, including location and jurisdiction. Accreditation of officials depends on authorization. Consent is required to establish offices outside the main headquarters, requested via verbal note to the DGP.
2. Heads of Mission
2.1 Request and Granting of Agrément
The request for agrément for a new Ambassador is made via verbal note including a biographical profile. It is delivered through the outgoing Ambassador, Chargé d’Affaires ad interim, or via Mexico’s Embassy in the petitioner’s capital. Concurrent Ambassadors must request agrément through Mexico’s Embassy in their city of residence. Mexico responds through the same channel.
2.2 Arrival of Head of Mission
The Embassy must notify the DGP of the new Ambassador’s arrival at least 72 hours in advance, specifying date, time, airline, flight number, and origin. The DGP arranges reception at Mexico City International Airport (AICM) during working hours, provides access to restricted areas, and facilitates reception by Embassy staff. The DGP responds with a verbal note indicating the date for presentation of credential copies.
2.3 Presentation of Credential Copies
The Ambassador presents credential copies to the Secretary of Foreign Affairs, accompanied by a Mission official. The meeting includes an official photo and lasts 15–30 minutes. Credentials in languages other than Spanish must include a courtesy translation. With credential copies presented, the Ambassador may act officially except in events with the President. Media contact is discouraged until credentials are presented to the President.
2.4 Credential Ceremony
The Ambassador presents credentials to the President of Mexico at the National Palace or, exceptionally, at Los Pinos. Dress code: business suit or national dress. No gifts are customary. The Ambassador may be accompanied by spouse and up to three officials. The ceremony includes national anthems, official introductions, photo, brief conversation, and optional media encounter. The event concludes with the performance of the Ambassador’s national anthem and departure.
2.5 Order of Precedence
Precedence is based on arrival date and time in Mexico City. If multiple Ambassadors arrive on the same flight, the agrément date applies. Ambassadors are officially recognized upon presenting credentials but may begin internal functions after presenting copies to the Secretary of Foreign Affairs.
2.6 Accreditation
Before presenting credential copies, the Embassy must send the DGP a verbal note with: Form A-1 signed by the Head of Mission, passport valid for six months with visa if required, copy of Multiple Immigration Form (FMM), two recent passport photos, and specimen signature. Concurrent Ambassadors submit documents at the airport.
2.7 End of Functions
Functions end when the accrediting State informs Mexico via verbal note with departure date. The outgoing Ambassador should notify the DGP, request a courtesy visa, and provide documentation. Departure details must be sent 72 hours in advance. The Ministry offers a farewell lunch.
3. Chargé d’Affaires
3.1 Ad Hoc
Accreditation is through Cabinet Letter or Formal Note from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to the SRE with copy to the DGP.
3.2 Ad Interim
When the Head of Mission is absent, a Chargé d’Affaires ad interim assumes leadership. Designation is made via verbal note from the Head of Mission or Ministry of Foreign Affairs, depending on circumstances.
4. Mission Staff Members
4.1 Arrival and Accreditation
The Mission must notify the DGP within 30 days of staff arrival via verbal note, attaching accreditation documents: Form A-1, passport with rank, visa if required, FMM copy, two recent photos, and specimen signatures. The SRE confirms acceptance via verbal note, which marks accreditation date.
4.2 Dependents
Dependents include spouse or permanent partner, parents, and children meeting age and study requirements. Only one spouse is accredited. Dependents studying abroad are not accredited but may apply for visas. Exceptions may be considered with full justification.
4.3 Registration of Children Born in Mexico
Missions must notify the DGP of births in Mexico for registration as Mexican nationals, based on constitutional and nationality law provisions. The DGP recommends obtaining a Mexican passport for the child.
4.4 End of Functions
Departure must be notified 30 days in advance to cancel visas and return accreditation documents. Dependents wishing to continue studies must request cancellation and apply for student status. Officials requiring work or other status must apply through the National Migration Institute.
5. Military, Naval, Air, and Police Attachés
Designation requires Mexico’s approval at least 60 days in advance via verbal note to the DGP. First-time designations require justification. Requests must include curriculum vitae and photographs. Specific formats apply for naval and police attachés. Once agrément is granted, documentation is submitted for accreditation. Requirements include Form A-1, passport with rank, visa if required, and photographs.