BajaNomad

Six months on an FMT, what then?

Hook - 11-29-2004 at 12:08 PM

My wife and I are starting to see the benefits of being rather nomadic, at least in the first few years of our retirement. We figure, why decide between various locations on the mainland of Mexico and Baja and Central America when we can pull up stakes and move. That's what the fish do. That's what the bugs do. That's what the good weather does. We like the idea of taking advantage of the ebbs and flows of Mexico.

One question: if you are in Mexico on an FMT, how long must you leave the country to be able to qualify for a new FMT? Can you remain nomadic (i.e., w/o an actual address) and qualify for a more permanent status?

Germanicus - 11-29-2004 at 01:31 PM

Hook (> like what the fish do?)
Everytime you are leaving Mexico, you gotto give your FMT back.
Next time you enter you will get a new one good for 90 days.
So, staying only for that period you are fine.
Wanting to stay longer, get an FM3 from immigration.
It's easy to get.
Just need different pics as usual.
Three pages of questions > nothing breathtaking.
Have fun w/ your retirement-start.

Bob and Susan - 11-29-2004 at 02:38 PM

Wrong....Frank

FMT is good for 180 days

You don't have to turn it back in when you return.

You can use it next time you come.

Just get another FMT when the old one runs out.
There are no records available online of the old ones.
:yes::yes:

[Edited on 11-30-2004 by Bob and Susan]

bajalou - 11-29-2004 at 03:02 PM

I think you can leave for a day, then get another for another 180 days

:biggrin:

FM3 Requirements

DanO - 11-29-2004 at 04:06 PM

The requirements for an FM3 out of Ensenada are:

1. A valid passport
2. A letter from the bank stating you have deposits for a minimum of $ 1,700 (USD) per month if your wife will be applying as financially dependent on you, or $ 1,000 (USD) each if not. If the letter can't be obtained, then your last last three bank account statements will be accepted. These documents must be certified by notary public and then appostilled at the Secretary of State's office in your (U.S.)state of residence.
3. Black and white, mat finish, front and side pictures. (Preferably taken in Mexico).
4. Immigration fees are $ 1,038 pesos per person.

The process takes 6 to 8 weeks and there are penalties for failing to timely renew (not so with the FMT).

Bruce R Leech - 11-29-2004 at 04:20 PM

you are required by law to surrender your fmt when you leave Mexico. their are potential penalties when you re apply if you don't .

you should stay legal while in Mexico.

An address is one of the requirements for a Fm3 this presents a Problem also notification of a change of address Before it takes place . It is difficult to be a nomad 12 months of the year.

Well, Brian....

Hook - 11-29-2004 at 04:47 PM

...that may be the letter of the law, but I do not know one single person that has ever turned back in their FMT. Where, exactly, would you do this as you are returning to the U.S.? Get back in line southbound and turn it into Migracion at San Ysidro?

I have also seen conflicting info about whether a permanent address is needed for an FM3. Anyone have a consular link?

BTW, I went thru Guerrero Negro checkpoint last week apparently before their hours of operation. It was about 8am on a Sunday. I had intended on getting the FMTs there, but no luck. The veggie guys were there as well as the bug spray guy.

On the way back thru the following Saturday, they were there.....but just waved me thru going northbound.

KurtG - 11-29-2004 at 06:41 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by Bruce R Leech
"you are required by law to surrender your fmt when you leave Mexico. their are potential penalties when you re apply if you don't ."


Mexican immigration officials have told me repeatedly that the 180 day FMT is good for multiple entries into Mexico until the 180 days are up. I have also gotten a new FMT for another 180 days without leaving Mexico by going to a local immigration office. Once in Santa Rosalia and once at the office at the state line at Guerrero Negro.

Bob and Susan - 11-29-2004 at 07:08 PM

KurtG is right on.....

no problem.....:yes::yes:

Germanicus - 12-2-2004 at 02:15 PM

well, opinions (or facts in Mexico ) are far apart.
I do have my FMT infront of me and it says: 90 days.
If you don
t turn it in you are in trouble next time.
(((Even in Mexico computers are in use)))

I was with the immigration (I posted this on another thread already) and these are the requirements for an FM3:
Official request for filled out
Letter of intend in Spanish
3 pics front. 3 pics profile black and white,
no instant pics.
1,030 pesos.
A Mexican residance
A bank acount showing sufficiant funds

Well, you are not getting a bank account without an FM3.
You are not getting an FM3 without bank account.
This is what I did.

I played the helpless one,
asked the officer for to help me,
pulled 10 pesos out of a big bundle of pesos and dollars, (no bank accopunt, you know!) pushed 100 pesos over the counter,
and it worked without bank account.

Seems to me that we are discussing Mexican laws.
They are different by the time when you are leaving the office, or the officer don't want to know 'em.
Either way, that is Mexico.

bajalou - 12-2-2004 at 09:55 PM

FMT's are usually issued for the amount of time you request - up to a max of 180 days. If you requested a 30 day one, that's what would be issure.

:biggrin: