BajaNomad

Warning from INM

tehag - 4-29-2017 at 08:08 PM

http://www.banderasnews.com/1704/vl-expats-risk-losing-resid...

4x4abc - 4-29-2017 at 08:28 PM

wonderful
official message: we, the immigration experts, will likely eff up
you, the non expert, better check what we are doing and correct us if necessary
otherwise you might lose you immigration status

first country in history to claim: "We have no idea what we are doing"

missed a flight a couple of years ago because immigration did not know how to process my papers

joerover - 4-29-2017 at 09:03 PM

Tijuana Fmm cards are not always valid in Mexico City airport.

TJ
To migration officer,
I will be flying to Colombia in 6 weeks. I leave from Mexico City airport. Is this fmm good to do that?
Yes Yes, 400 pesos, 8 pesos change.

Good for walking accross many times in tj.

Interjet employee in df airport, this is no good. 20 minutes tell take off. I can not find migration. It is on level one. Hit 1 in the elevator. Parking garage. Why are 27 old old nuns wanting this elevator to go up. Slow. No line in migration. Pay again. 10 pesos change from 400. I guess gringos dripping with sweat running around the international airport with fmm cards in their hands are a common sight.

Just because you ride your bicycle a lot does not mean you can run a mile. Different muscle groups.

[Edited on 4-30-2017 by joerover]

chuckie - 4-30-2017 at 06:00 AM

A few years ago I tried to fly out of Loreto to join my boys for an Elk hunt. I had a Permanente card. I was refused boarding until I got a Visa. I was sent to the Immigration office...No one there..open but no one there....Finally found the employee in a bar....Got visa $$$$ , missed flight...flew out 2 days later...es Mexico, no?

aguachico - 4-30-2017 at 06:10 AM

I heard about this when getting my permanent visa. I thought it was illegal to fill out the FMM when you have a temp/perm resident visa.

Of you have a temp visa, INM will deny you your perm visa if they find a completed FMM in your history whilst you were at a temp status.

Both the INM and aduana's are only as good as the training they receive.

BajaBlanca - 4-30-2017 at 07:40 AM

boy oh boy, missing a flight because of paperwork must be REALLY frustrating.

What an eye opener of an article.

VISA WHAT?

yumawill - 4-30-2017 at 08:25 AM

This is worse than buying a car from a dishonest dealer. Why does my head hurt just from reading this?

Genecag - 4-30-2017 at 08:53 AM

LOL, I started typing a long list of things that happened to me while coming back in to the US and the delays caused by Immigration Officers and then........ the caffeine ran out and I thought better to get a beer and move on. :)

Happy Kids Day!!

monoloco - 4-30-2017 at 10:39 AM

Quote: Originally posted by chuckie  
A few years ago I tried to fly out of Loreto to join my boys for an Elk hunt. I had a Permanente card. I was refused boarding until I got a Visa. I was sent to the Immigration office...No one there..open but no one there....Finally found the employee in a bar....Got visa $$$$ , missed flight...flew out 2 days later...es Mexico, no?
The correct procedure has always been that you need to fill out the FMM form (it is not a "visa") before leaving Mexico and have it stamped by migracion, then present that form when returning to Mexico. It's exactly the opposite of what you would do as a tourist. It is your responsibility to know and follow the correct procedure.

monoloco - 4-30-2017 at 10:44 AM

Quote: Originally posted by aguachico  
I heard about this when getting my permanent visa. I thought it was illegal to fill out the FMM when you have a temp/perm resident visa.

Of you have a temp visa, INM will deny you your perm visa if they find a completed FMM in your history whilst you were at a temp status.

Both the INM and aduana's are only as good as the training they receive.
You are just using the same form as is used for an FMM, the difference is that if you are an RP or RT holder, you fill it out and put your resident credential # on the form, and get it stamped before you leave Mexico. Just because it's the same Forma Migritorio, doesn't mean it's an FMM.

rzitren - 4-30-2017 at 12:33 PM

Quick Question
We are flying on Aero Mexico from Tijuana to Ecuador with a change of planes in Mexico City. Do I need a FMM as we are not leaving the airport in Mexico City just changing planes. Thanks

TedZark - 4-30-2017 at 12:46 PM

This is not unique to Mexico.

I was working Korea about 2001-2004 and they stamped me out incorrectly and when I came back - I was a tourist! Had to go to Japan and redo all my working papers. It was an expensive lesson learn to to watch everything immigration does. Their mistake = YOUR PROBLEM.

On top of that I made a fuss about it when I returned and I had to write a letter of apology to immigration stating everything was my fault! :-) The things we do. :o

I still don't watch the paperwork all that carefully, but...

monoloco - 4-30-2017 at 12:58 PM

Quote: Originally posted by lencho  
Quote: Originally posted by monoloco  
Just because it's the same Forma Migritorio, doesn't mean it's an FMM.

Beg to differ: It IS an FMM ("Forma Migratoria Múltiple"), and true to its name is used for multiple migration situations. What it is NOT is just another presentation of the old FM-T, and I think that assumption leads to confusion.

Wish they hadn't done that, but I suppose it saves having to stock more than one form.
What I meant is that just because it's the same form doesn't mean that you are applying for a tourist permit when you fill it out as required by your residency status.

gsbotanico - 4-30-2017 at 01:40 PM

Quote: Originally posted by rzitren  
Quick Question
We are flying on Aero Mexico from Tijuana to Ecuador with a change of planes in Mexico City. Do I need a FMM as we are not leaving the airport in Mexico City just changing planes. Thanks

This will depend on your status in Mexico. If you are legally living in Mexico, you should be able board the flight without getting the FMM. If you are living in the US or have no FMM, you will be required to get one at the airport, as you will be entering Mexico. In Mexico City you will stay in the transit lounge and not need anything.

If you are returning to Tijuana from Ecuador, you will need the FMM or proof you are living in Mexico with a Mexico address. Even if you are going to immediately cross the border to the US, you are entering Mexico and need to do it legally. There's no way to get on or off a flight at the airport without proper papers. However, it's fast and easy to get the FMM after going through security check to enter the departure area.

surabi - 4-30-2017 at 07:22 PM

Quote: Originally posted by aguachico  
I heard about this when getting my permanent visa. I thought it was illegal to fill out the FMM when you have a temp/perm resident visa.

Of you have a temp visa, INM will deny you your perm visa if they find a completed FMM in your history whilst you were at a temp status.

Both the INM and aduana's are only as good as the training they receive.


People are confusing themselves and everyone else by using the acronym FMM as a synonym for tourist visa. The FMM has NEVER been a tourist visa. It is a migratory document that Mexico uses to keep track of entries and exits of ALL foreigners, whether they are tourists or residents (altho for all we know, they just throw them in the garbage).

There are boxes on them to check indicating whether you are entering as a tourist, or a resident. The bottom half serves as a tourist visa for those entering as tourists.

mikenlapaz - 5-1-2017 at 11:09 AM

http://www.discoverbaja.com/fmm-faqs/

Has misleading information that could be costly for temp por perm residents.

David K - 5-1-2017 at 12:43 PM

Can you be more specific Mike?
What is misleading?
Discover Baja Travel Club is mostly in service for U.S. and Canadian travelers and not so much for residents of Mexico, I think?

MulegeAL - 5-2-2017 at 11:51 AM

DK:

I think this may be the confusing part:

<< Do I need an FMM tourist permit if I have temporary or permanent resident card (formerly known as FM2 or FM3)?

No. Your temporary resident or permanent resident card already functions as your permit to be in Mexico. You do not need to obtain an FMM tourist permit on top of this, and in fact, can be fined for having more than one permit at a time. >>

I think that's true coming into Mexico, but this says nothing about FMM for temps/perms leaving Mexico.

I would like to hear/find straight answer on this too.

And...if travelling out of baja by land (TJ or Tecate, typical) how does one get an exit FMM stamped and where at those crossings going north? Do I have to backtrack into the entry points somehow?

David K - 5-2-2017 at 11:53 AM

Tecate is easy to get to.. I outlined the process of returning the free FMM to the Tecate INM office, with satellite maps, too. I think that was last July?

EDIT: Here that post is:



We parked at the circle... one way street to the east (right). Lots of spots on both sides of that street to park (that day).
We walked to the INM office along the blue arrows. You go through a turnstile.
We walked back to the truck along the red arrows. A turnstile is also passed through leaving the INM area.

To go to the USA border line, we drive east on the one-way street a few blocks then to the right (south) a couple blocks to the street that is HWY. 2 (to Mexicali) to the traffic circle and just beyond to the USA entrance road.

[Edited on 5-2-2017 by David K]

MulegeAL - 5-2-2017 at 05:30 PM

lencho: from monoloco's post above...

<< The correct procedure has always been that you need to fill out the FMM form (it is not a "visa") before leaving Mexico and have it stamped by migracion, then present that form when returning to Mexico. It's exactly the opposite of what you would do as a tourist. It is your responsibility to know and follow the correct procedure. >>

DK: thanks for posting that up, I will keep that in mind for future!

David K - 5-2-2017 at 11:20 PM

Quote: Originally posted by lencho  
Quote: Originally posted by David K  
Tecate is easy to get to.. I outlined the process of returning the free FMM to the Tecate INM office, with satellite maps, too.
How does one do that in San Ysidro?


Drive to Tecate!

I would think trying to drive close to the southbound border INM and then get back to the end of the line in Tijuana or Mexicali would be some kind of hell.

SFandH - 5-3-2017 at 07:18 AM

Quote: Originally posted by monoloco  
Quote: Originally posted by chuckie  
A few years ago I tried to fly out of Loreto to join my boys for an Elk hunt. I had a Permanente card. I was refused boarding until I got a Visa. I was sent to the Immigration office...No one there..open but no one there....Finally found the employee in a bar....Got visa $$$$ , missed flight...flew out 2 days later...es Mexico, no?
The correct procedure has always been that you need to fill out the FMM form (it is not a "visa") before leaving Mexico and have it stamped by migracion, then present that form when returning to Mexico. It's exactly the opposite of what you would do as a tourist. It is your responsibility to know and follow the correct procedure.


Thanks, now I understand. If you have a Mexican resident visa and want to take a driving trip to the US via the San Ysidro crossing you get in line at the border going north, cross the border into the US, turn around and go back to Mexico to get to the INM office at the southbound crossing, get the FMM, turn around, get back into the northbound crossing lines and away you go. Easy, should take no more than 6 hours of sitting in traffic lines and dealing with Mexican officials.

What's needed, at least at the San Ysidro crossing, is a way to get to the INM office from the Mexican side. There must be a way, afterall it's staffed by Mexicans.

Anybody know how to do it? I've looked at google maps and there is a street in Colonia Federal close to the offices at the southbound crossing but it looks like there isn't any access from the street to the offices.


[Edited on 5-3-2017 by SFandH]

MulegeAL - 5-3-2017 at 08:38 AM

lencho and all, I totally agree with your views on 'correct' procedure, thanks for the feedback. It would be near-impossible at TJ, merely difficult at Tecate with a trailer on the side streets.

Dali Lama once said "know the rules so you understand how to break them correctly." This sorta thing is one of those deals.

I have never heard of or been checked for status going south either.

I just get hassled for no placa on my light trailer from Oregon, where we don't plate trailers under 1800#. I've gotten good at explaining that at the border both ways and the Federales!

monoloco - 5-3-2017 at 10:20 PM

Quote: Originally posted by SFandH  
Quote: Originally posted by monoloco  
Quote: Originally posted by chuckie  
A few years ago I tried to fly out of Loreto to join my boys for an Elk hunt. I had a Permanente card. I was refused boarding until I got a Visa. I was sent to the Immigration office...No one there..open but no one there....Finally found the employee in a bar....Got visa $$$$ , missed flight...flew out 2 days later...es Mexico, no?
The correct procedure has always been that you need to fill out the FMM form (it is not a "visa") before leaving Mexico and have it stamped by migracion, then present that form when returning to Mexico. It's exactly the opposite of what you would do as a tourist. It is your responsibility to know and follow the correct procedure.


Thanks, now I understand. If you have a Mexican resident visa and want to take a driving trip to the US via the San Ysidro crossing you get in line at the border going north, cross the border into the US, turn around and go back to Mexico to get to the INM office at the southbound crossing, get the FMM, turn around, get back into the northbound crossing lines and away you go. Easy, should take no more than 6 hours of sitting in traffic lines and dealing with Mexican officials.

What's needed, at least at the San Ysidro crossing, is a way to get to the INM office from the Mexican side. There must be a way, afterall it's staffed by Mexicans.

Anybody know how to do it? I've looked at google maps and there is a street in Colonia Federal close to the offices at the southbound crossing but it looks like there isn't any access from the street to the offices.


[Edited on 5-3-2017 by SFandH]
The only time I have ever done it when driving is when I was planning of flying back. I don't know anyone who does the form if they are driving both ways, but if you fly back and go through the INM line at the airport, they will expect you to have it. I did it in Tecate, just drove to the Mexican side of the border crossing where you enter Mexico from California, parked about a half a block from the border and walked over to the INM office and filled out the form and got it stamped, then crossed the border. It took about 45 minutes.

gnukid - 5-4-2017 at 02:15 AM

Not sure if any of you RP travel much, INM no longer requests the old exit FMM when entering to Mexico. That changed this year a few months back.

monoloco - 5-4-2017 at 10:17 AM

Quote: Originally posted by lencho  
Quote: Originally posted by gnukid  
Not sure if any of you RP travel much, INM no longer requests the old exit FMM when entering to Mexico. That changed this year a few months back.

Wow. So do they require anything (besides credential) of re-entering RP holders? Do they scan your card?
They still required us to fill it out when flying out of Los Cabos in February.

gnukid - 5-4-2017 at 09:22 PM

As RP/RT, when you leave Mexico you go to the ticket counter and check in, then you fill out the FMM to give to INM take half back and you show it to the ticket agent to get your ticket from the counter and you show the half as you board but you don't need to show the half of the exit fmm when you return to mexico like you may have done years ago.

Point is, it is different and therefore confusing and may change in the future. But yes you need to show the RP/TP card on departure and return to mexico and you should be clear about declaring your status. I always fill out the fmm card both ways but it seems to be used on departure but not on arrival most of the time now for RP. I don't really understand but they always say when you arrive and you show them the old half card and the new FMM from the plane and they say oh yo don't need that anymore. Your RP milage may vary. obviously its different for tourists and entry by car or boat and other circumstances.



[Edited on 5-5-2017 by gnukid]