New and Improved Border FAQ's
DISCLAIMER: Although I believe this information was correct when I wrote it, and may still be correct when you cross the border, you have to watch out for what I call the "Red Clown Nose Contin...
Forum Discussion
Tourist Permits (FMM - Forma Migratoria Múltiples)
NOTE: Recently the FM-T has been replaced by the FMM (Forma Migratoria Múltiples). Consequently this section is being rewritten. But, according to the Mexican Government, the change should be transparent to most visitors. And most of the following still applies
The Mexican government has raised the permit fee from 262 peso's to 294 peso's as of 1/3/12 (approximately $21.40 U.S as of 1/4/12) for each visitor entering Mexico. If traveling on business or as a student, contact the nearest Mexican consulate for information on obtaining a business or student visa (which is the same FMM, but filled out differently). The fee must be paid in order to have your tourist permit validated if you plan to remain anywhere in Mexico for more than 72 hours, or stay less than 72 hours and travel beyond the "border zone," defined as an area between 20 to 30 kilometers of the border with the U.S., depending on the Mexican state. See "FMM Exemptions”{link} below.
A government-issued tourist permit, commonly referred to as a visa (which it isn't) a tourist card, or an FMM, but is actually a multi-part form; is available upon presentation of proof of ID and citizenship from some Mexican consulates in the United States and Canada, or at Migración offices at official points of entry.
Prepaid permits can also be ordered (on-line) from certain travel clubs; among them are Vagabundos and Discover Baja. With these, all you need is the Migración stamp at the border (or the KM 21 equivalent).
If you're entering Mexico by land, it is advisable to obtain your tourist permit prior to leaving the United States; especially if you're driving anything that can't be parked in a passenger car parking spot. Parking any form of RV at the border stations is near impossible. However, some border crossings have a dedicated site for getting your paperwork that is about 20 - 30 km from the border. These sites have ample room for the largest rigs. When crossing at Lukeville/Sonoyta the Migración is on Mex-2, about 7 miles east of Sonoyta. At Nogales, the Migración is called KM 21 but is actually at KM 258 of Mex 15. The KM markers go down from the border.
WARNING: When traveling in Baja, Do NOT wait until you get to Ensenada to get your FMM; the official there will assess a per/day penalty for not getting your FMM at the border. I've been told that this is perfectly legal and that the official doesn't collect the money, but it is assessed when you go to the banjerito to pay for the FMM.
The tourist entry fee is paid at a branch of any bank operating in Mexico or through the Banjercito window at the border or dedicated Migración site, (a list of banks at which the fee can be paid is shown on the back of the tourist permit form). Upon payment, the tourist permit is stamped with an official "Fee Paid" designation.
Almost all large towns have a Migración office and a bank. If you're crossing at Tecate, you can park in a pay parking lot on the U.S. side, walk across and get your paperwork. Since the town of Tecate is up against the border, you can then walk 2 blocks and be in the town square. There are stores, restaurants, and a bank around the square. You can try out your ATM card at the bank and get some pesos, have lunch at one of the restaurants, and sit in the square for awhile before walking back across. Tecate is my favorite border town and the only one I would recommend doing this. I sometimes walk across just for a day trip.
The procedure goes something like this; you go to Migración and get the FMM, you take the permit to a copy office to get copies made. Then you go to the local bank (not always co-located with the Migración) pay for the permit and get the "Fee Paid" stamp. The bank may keep one of the copies. You then take the permit and the other copies back to Migración, where he will check your stamps and take one of the copies. You are now ready to go (or to start all over to get your Temporary Vehicle Permit(s) if you didn't plan ahead). See the Temporary Vehicle Permits FAQ for the area you're going to (or through).
FMM Exemptions are as follows:
Types of FMMs
The Single-entry tourist permit is valid for up to 180 days and must be returned to Mexican border officials upon leaving Mexico. These are normally what are issued when entering by air or sea. (Belive this is also the FMM but haven't gotten clarification on this)
The NEW FMM permit MUST also be turned-in when you leave the country, However you can then get a new one each time you re-enter the country as long as you haven't reached a total of 180 days in country for that year. There is still some confusion as to when the year starts. More on this as we figure it out.
If a tourist permit is not used (stamped) within 90 days of issuance, it becomes void. Carry your FM with you at all times while in Mexico. If you lose it, a duplicate can be obtained from local Migración officials.
Make sure you turn in the FMm when you leave Mexico or shortly thereafter. You can also turn it in at most Mexico Consulates. This wasn't a big deal until lately when they computerized the system. Now you run the chance of having a problem on your next trip.
Return to Index
NOTE: Recently the FM-T has been replaced by the FMM (Forma Migratoria Múltiples). Consequently this section is being rewritten. But, according to the Mexican Government, the change should be transparent to most visitors. And most of the following still applies
The Mexican government has raised the permit fee from 262 peso's to 294 peso's as of 1/3/12 (approximately $21.40 U.S as of 1/4/12) for each visitor entering Mexico. If traveling on business or as a student, contact the nearest Mexican consulate for information on obtaining a business or student visa (which is the same FMM, but filled out differently). The fee must be paid in order to have your tourist permit validated if you plan to remain anywhere in Mexico for more than 72 hours, or stay less than 72 hours and travel beyond the "border zone," defined as an area between 20 to 30 kilometers of the border with the U.S., depending on the Mexican state. See "FMM Exemptions”{link} below.
A government-issued tourist permit, commonly referred to as a visa (which it isn't) a tourist card, or an FMM, but is actually a multi-part form; is available upon presentation of proof of ID and citizenship from some Mexican consulates in the United States and Canada, or at Migración offices at official points of entry.
Prepaid permits can also be ordered (on-line) from certain travel clubs; among them are Vagabundos and Discover Baja. With these, all you need is the Migración stamp at the border (or the KM 21 equivalent).
If you're entering Mexico by land, it is advisable to obtain your tourist permit prior to leaving the United States; especially if you're driving anything that can't be parked in a passenger car parking spot. Parking any form of RV at the border stations is near impossible. However, some border crossings have a dedicated site for getting your paperwork that is about 20 - 30 km from the border. These sites have ample room for the largest rigs. When crossing at Lukeville/Sonoyta the Migración is on Mex-2, about 7 miles east of Sonoyta. At Nogales, the Migración is called KM 21 but is actually at KM 258 of Mex 15. The KM markers go down from the border.
WARNING: When traveling in Baja, Do NOT wait until you get to Ensenada to get your FMM; the official there will assess a per/day penalty for not getting your FMM at the border. I've been told that this is perfectly legal and that the official doesn't collect the money, but it is assessed when you go to the banjerito to pay for the FMM.
The tourist entry fee is paid at a branch of any bank operating in Mexico or through the Banjercito window at the border or dedicated Migración site, (a list of banks at which the fee can be paid is shown on the back of the tourist permit form). Upon payment, the tourist permit is stamped with an official "Fee Paid" designation.
Almost all large towns have a Migración office and a bank. If you're crossing at Tecate, you can park in a pay parking lot on the U.S. side, walk across and get your paperwork. Since the town of Tecate is up against the border, you can then walk 2 blocks and be in the town square. There are stores, restaurants, and a bank around the square. You can try out your ATM card at the bank and get some pesos, have lunch at one of the restaurants, and sit in the square for awhile before walking back across. Tecate is my favorite border town and the only one I would recommend doing this. I sometimes walk across just for a day trip.
The procedure goes something like this; you go to Migración and get the FMM, you take the permit to a copy office to get copies made. Then you go to the local bank (not always co-located with the Migración) pay for the permit and get the "Fee Paid" stamp. The bank may keep one of the copies. You then take the permit and the other copies back to Migración, where he will check your stamps and take one of the copies. You are now ready to go (or to start all over to get your Temporary Vehicle Permit(s) if you didn't plan ahead). See the Temporary Vehicle Permits FAQ for the area you're going to (or through).
FMM Exemptions are as follows:
- • Visitors traveling by air or sea anywhere in Mexico and staying less than 72 hours
• Visitors traveling by land to destinations within the 20-kilometer (12-mile) border zone, regardless of length of stay
• Those visiting as students (as defined by Mexican Migración laws)
• Visitors traveling by land beyond the border zone and staying more than 72 hours, but limiting their visit to the following destinations/tourist routes:
- Tijuana to Ensenada, B.C.;
Mexicali to San Felipe, B.C.;
Sonoyta to Puerto Peñasco (Rocky Point), Son.;
Ciudad Juárez to Paquéeme, Chih.;
Piedras Negras to Santa Rosa, Coah.;
Reynosa to China, N.L.,
Reynosa to Presa Cuchillo, Tamps.
There may be changes to the above list, stay tuned!
Types of FMMs
The Single-entry tourist permit is valid for up to 180 days and must be returned to Mexican border officials upon leaving Mexico. These are normally what are issued when entering by air or sea. (Belive this is also the FMM but haven't gotten clarification on this)
The NEW FMM permit MUST also be turned-in when you leave the country, However you can then get a new one each time you re-enter the country as long as you haven't reached a total of 180 days in country for that year. There is still some confusion as to when the year starts. More on this as we figure it out.
If a tourist permit is not used (stamped) within 90 days of issuance, it becomes void. Carry your FM with you at all times while in Mexico. If you lose it, a duplicate can be obtained from local Migración officials.
Make sure you turn in the FMm when you leave Mexico or shortly thereafter. You can also turn it in at most Mexico Consulates. This wasn't a big deal until lately when they computerized the system. Now you run the chance of having a problem on your next trip.
Return to Index
