US embassy in Mexico pauses visa processing for Christmas

The US Embassy in Mexico will temporarily suspend visa services on December 24 and 26, 2025, due to holiday observances. Scheduled appointments will be automatically rescheduled, with email notifications sent to applicants. Operations will resume on December 29.

The US Embassy in Mexico and its consulates in cities like Guadalajara and Monterrey will temporarily close visa application services for Christmas and New Year celebrations. This measure, announced in an official statement, stems from an Executive Order by President Donald Trump exempting federal employees from work on Wednesday, December 24, and Friday, December 26, 2025.

No consular interviews or in-person procedures will occur on those dates, impacting the main office in Mexico City and diplomatic posts across the country. "If you have a consular interview appointment at the Embassy or any of the Consulates, your appointment has already been rescheduled and you will receive an email with the new date. Applicant Service Centers will continue to operate normally," the statement reads.

Authorities advise applicants to check their schedules in advance, particularly given the high demand for appointments at the start of the year. Regarding costs, non-immigrant visas for 2026 will retain current prices, such as 185 dollars for B1/B2, though a new 250-dollar Visa Integrity Fee will apply to most categories, refundable if migration rules are followed, such as avoiding unauthorized employment and departing the US on time.

This fee is part of Trump's proposed One Big Beautiful Bill Act and could raise the total cost to about 435 dollars, especially pertinent for 2026 World Cup visitors.

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