International
Mexico launches electronic visa system to modernize and speed up immigration procedures
The Mexican government, through its Foreign Ministry, published new guidelines this Friday in the Official Gazette of the Federation (DOF) for issuing electronic visas to foreign nationals, aiming to modernize and streamline migration procedures.
In parallel, the National Migration Institute (INM) announced an agreement to simplify administrative processes, particularly for people on the move and asylum seekers.
The new regulations state that the electronic visa can be processed from abroad without having to visit a Mexican consulate.
The document will feature a QR code for validation and will allow foreign nationals to enter Mexico and obtain the status of visitor without permission to engage in paid activities.
According to the publication, this electronic visa “allows the foreign person to present themselves at an international air entry point and request entry into the country from the immigration authority.”
“If authorized, an Electronic Visa with a QR code will be generated, which the foreign applicant can print and/or download to an electronic device, ensuring that the data matches their passport or travel document,” the agreement reads.
To obtain this visa, applicants must register in the Secretariat’s Electronic Appointment System, upload the required documents, and pay the corresponding fee. The authorization will be subject to security screening and verification by consular authorities.
“The Ministry of Foreign Affairs may issue visas in electronic format to foreign nationals without a consular interview and without the need for a physical stamp in the passport, in cases where their issuance is deemed appropriate under applicable regulations,” the guidelines specify.
This measure marks a step toward digitizing consular services and responds to the need to facilitate international mobility amid pressures from the migration crisis with the United States.
In a separate DOF publication, the INM issued an agreement to simplify, unify, and make administrative migration processes more transparent.
This includes eliminating requirements for four procedures related to the issuance of migration documents, obtaining a regional visitor card, regularization for humanitarian reasons, and notifications of changes in marital status, name, nationality, or workplace.
The agreement also shortens maximum resolution times: notifications of personal data changes must now be processed within three days, and migration documents issued in no more than 10 days.
Additionally, improvements were made to certain processes, such as the regional visitor card. The updated regulation reduces requirements and now excludes Brazilian nationals from eligibility, limiting the process to Guatemalan, Honduran, Salvadoran, and Belizean citizens.
International
U.S. strike in Caribbean kills three suspected drug traffickers
A U.S. strike on a suspected drug-smuggling vessel in the Caribbean killed three people on Saturday, according to Pentagon Chief Pete Hegseth, marking the latest in a series of attacks in international waters.
The United States has deployed ships to the Caribbean and sent fighter jets to Puerto Rico as part of a large military force that Washington says is aimed at curbing drug trafficking.
“This vessel, like all the others, was known to our intelligence for being involved in illicit narcotics smuggling,” Hegseth stated on X. “Three narcoterrorists were aboard the vessel during the attack, which took place in international waters,” he added.
Experts argue that the attacks, which began in early September, amount to extrajudicial executions, even if the targets are known traffickers.
Washington has yet to publicly provide evidence that the targeted individuals were actively smuggling drugs or posed a threat to the United States.
Hegseth said the U.S. would continue “hunting… and killing” suspected traffickers. He also shared video footage of the strike, showing the vessel being hit and engulfed in flames. As in previous videos, sections of the ship were blurred, making it impossible to verify the number of people on board.
The United Nations called on Friday for Washington to halt its attacks.
International
At least 23 killed in Sonora supermarket blast, including minors
At least 23 people were killed and 11 others injured in an explosion at a supermarket in Hermosillo, in the northern Mexican state of Sonora, local authorities reported on Saturday.
“So far, there are 23 confirmed deaths and 11 injured, including minors,” said Sonora Governor Alfonso Durazo in a video message. He added that the injured are receiving treatment in various hospitals across the city.
“I have ordered a thorough and transparent investigation to determine the causes of the incident and assign responsibility where appropriate,” Durazo said.
The explosion occurred at a Waldo’s store in downtown Hermosillo. Local authorities confirmed that the incident was not an attack nor related to any violent act against civilians.
Meanwhile, Mexico City Mayor Claudia Sheinbaum expressed her condolences on X, offering sympathy to the families and loved ones of those who lost their lives.
International
Floods in Central Vietnam leave 28 dead, thousands displaced
The death toll from heavy rains and flooding in central Vietnam has risen to 28, with six people reported missing and 43 injured, local newspaper VnExpress reported Friday night.
More than 22,100 homes remain flooded, primarily in the cities of Hue and Da Nang. Floods and landslides have destroyed or swept away 91 houses and damaged another 181, the report added.
Around 245,000 households are still without electricity, particularly in Da Nang, where over 225,000 homes are affected.
Additionally, 80 stretches of national highways are blocked or disrupted due to landslides. Authorities expect the flooding to continue for another day or two in the region.
U.S. strike in Caribbean kills three suspected drug traffickers
At least 23 killed in Sonora supermarket blast, including minors
Floods in Central Vietnam leave 28 dead, thousands displaced
Tec de Monterrey honors one of its students for his contribution to nanotechnology in medicine
Defense Minister commends salvadoran soldier for Central American Cross Country victory
Extension of the state of emergency approved in southern Chile
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