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
I think we are both saying the same thing. Maybe I should clarify my terminology.
A TIP is a Temporary Import Permit for vehicles. There are many kinds of TIP's but the ones that are normally under discussion here are the 6 month TIP for pickup trucks, cars, and some OTR (Off The Road) or ATV (All Terrain Vehicles); and the 10 Year RV TIP. These may or may not be needed in various parts of Mexico. There is no vehicle permit that is needed to travel ALL of Mexico.
The confusion comes from the local interpretation of these rules. It appears that some of the border guards are allowing vehicles that normally require a 6 month TIP into the Sonora No Hassle Zone (which is correct) but requiring RV's to get a 10 Year TIP (which is incorrect). For the Sonora No Hassle Zone, the only thing required is a FMM, and then only if you are staying more than 72 hours.
A FMM (formerly FMT) is a Forma Migratoria Multiple and like the TIP comes in a multitude of flavors. The most common of these is the general tourist permit for anyone staying in Mexico over 72 hours. This is the permit that is required in ALL of Mexico and is valid for 180 days in a year. Other flavors have other rules and requirements.
I haven't been able to find anything official on it but apparently people going to PP (Rocky Point) don't bother with the FMM either, even if they are going for longer than 3 days.
A TIP is a Temporary Import Permit for vehicles. There are many kinds of TIP's but the ones that are normally under discussion here are the 6 month TIP for pickup trucks, cars, and some OTR (Off The Road) or ATV (All Terrain Vehicles); and the 10 Year RV TIP. These may or may not be needed in various parts of Mexico. There is no vehicle permit that is needed to travel ALL of Mexico.
The confusion comes from the local interpretation of these rules. It appears that some of the border guards are allowing vehicles that normally require a 6 month TIP into the Sonora No Hassle Zone (which is correct) but requiring RV's to get a 10 Year TIP (which is incorrect). For the Sonora No Hassle Zone, the only thing required is a FMM, and then only if you are staying more than 72 hours.
A FMM (formerly FMT) is a Forma Migratoria Multiple and like the TIP comes in a multitude of flavors. The most common of these is the general tourist permit for anyone staying in Mexico over 72 hours. This is the permit that is required in ALL of Mexico and is valid for 180 days in a year. Other flavors have other rules and requirements.
I haven't been able to find anything official on it but apparently people going to PP (Rocky Point) don't bother with the FMM either, even if they are going for longer than 3 days.
