BajaNomad - Should we stop for an FMM or just chance it?

Should we stop for an FMM or just chance it?

Suncoast - 11-5-2024 at 09:51 AM

Last winter we traveled South through Mexicali East and stopped and purchased a FMM, we noticed that no one else was stopping as we went into the customs office we purchased our FMM and went on our way, in our 2 months in La Paz we were never asked for our FMM or asked if we even had it. When we travelled North we didn't have to turn it in or do anything.

This January when we head down South we're thinking of just bypassing getting the FMM and winging it. I've heard that people have been forced to travel back up the Baja to get an FMM from a border crossing, not sure if that's more urban myth or if people actually do this, not sure how federal agents can track this either. What are most of you doing?

twogringos - 11-5-2024 at 10:05 AM

Get it. There is a new immigration check point just north of Santa Rosalia.

mtgoat666 - 11-5-2024 at 10:26 AM

Quote: Originally posted by Suncoast

What are most of you doing?

I always get an FMM.

AKgringo - 11-5-2024 at 10:31 AM

I always intend to get an FMM to stay legal and avoid potential problems, but no one has ever asked me if I had one.

Last April I crossed south at San Luis Rio Colorado, and due to construction detours and lack of familiarity with that crossing, I missed the immigration office. It looked like going back to get one would involve crossing back north into that mess and starting over.

I gambled and won continuing on without it, and did not have any problems, but I will not take that chance again! I don't have personal knowledge of anyone getting shaken down for a Mordida because they lacked the form, but that could be a possible scenario.

Sandlefoot - 11-5-2024 at 10:40 AM

It is necessary to be in Mexico legally. It is better to have it and not need it than it is the need it and not have it!!

Cancamo - 11-5-2024 at 10:42 AM

Being in the country illegally, without a tourist visa, your auto insurance is invalid, not to mention your presence in the country.

Any complications, (car accident, trip to the hospital requiring your health insurance coverage, etc...), is complicated to say the least.

The lack of immigration enforcement in recent years is changing and Immigration stops are random and more frequent nowadays. Fines, and potential deportation are a real possibility.

Vale la pena a conseguirlo.

surabi - 11-5-2024 at 11:09 AM

It isn't a matter of "chancing it", Suncoast, it's a matter of respecting the laws of a foreign country you are visiting.
Americans rail against illegal immigration, and then many seem to think it's okay to do exactly the same thing themselves.

David K - 11-5-2024 at 01:42 PM

It is what travelers are supposed to do.
Stop in the Something to Declare parking (depending on which border).
Walk into the first building inside Mexico, with your passport and wallet.
Go to the INM desk (immigration or 'migra').
If for over 7 days, pay the fee, then get final stamp on FMM paper, with receipt.
Now, you won't get turned back north, a hundred + miles south, if there is an immigration checkpoint.

I have an info and advice page for new and old travelers: https://vivabaja.com/advice-on-driving/

4x4abc - 11-5-2024 at 01:51 PM

Quote: Originally posted by Suncoast

Last winter we traveled South through Mexicali East and stopped and purchased a FMM, we noticed that no one else was stopping as we went into the customs office we purchased our FMM and went on our way, in our 2 months in La Paz we were never asked for our FMM or asked if we even had it. When we travelled North we didn't have to turn it in or do anything.

This January when we head down South we're thinking of just bypassing getting the FMM and winging it. I've heard that people have been forced to travel back up the Baja to get an FMM from a border crossing, not sure if that's more urban myth or if people actually do this, not sure how federal agents can track this either. What are most of you doing?

you should definitely chance it!

Immigration has stepped up check points recently and you will first go to jail for about a week and then be deported.
Your car will be impounded
good luck getting it back
You could become famous by posting it all on facebook

there are already a number of people with jail reports
would love to see one that is of better quality

surabi - 11-5-2024 at 02:06 PM

:thumbup:

David K - 11-5-2024 at 02:34 PM

:lol:

Lee - 11-5-2024 at 04:35 PM

Should we stop for an FMM or just chance it?

''This January when we head down South we're thinking of just bypassing getting the FMM and winging it.''

I say ''wing it'' but be truthful about it if you're stopped. That argument won't help you much but at least you'll be true to yourself.

4x4abc - 11-5-2024 at 04:45 PM

Quote: Originally posted by Suncoast

like most countries Mexico requires a visa or other legal document to reside or travel on its territory.
like most countries Mexico handles the procedure at the ports of entry
like most countries Mexico generally does not control visitors for their legal status once they are in the country
like some countries (USA comes to mind) Mexico conducts sporadic checks
like in the other countries that double check (USA) the consequences for an illegal status can be harsh

whether spurred by the many Gringos boasting on social media that they "...don't need no effing papers!" or not - fact is that Mexican immigration has increased the number of controls dramatically
like in the US those immigration agents are as tough as nails - no FMM or expired FMM and you go straight to jail
and unlike the police, no form of bribe offered to INM will get you out of that situation

watching the various videos of illegals arrested on youtube indicate that the procedure is not funny at all
you are stripped of everything you have with you - including your phone
you will have to beg long and hard to get your phone call to the embassy
and you are not a priority for the embassy people

Welcome to Mexico!

immigration check.png - 69kB

immigration check north of La Paz.png - 83kB

JDCanuck - 11-5-2024 at 05:06 PM

Or in the past...drive to La Paz INM, say you neglected to get your online FMM stamped and be offered expedited temporary immigration status at a minimal cost. They would hand you a card referencing the expeditor. But now...they seem to have taken all the fun out of being an illegal.

[Edited on 11-7-2024 by JDCanuck]

surabi - 11-5-2024 at 05:57 PM

Visitors should be grateful that Mexico, unlike many other countries, makes it really simple to come here as a tourist. Some countries require visa applications that can take weeks or months to be approved. A Canadian friend of mine got busted for having a joint 55 years ago, and she has to reapply for a waiver every 3 years to even take a flight with a change of planes (i.e. just being intransit, never even leaving the airport) in the US.

Just walking into the INM office at the border and getting your tourist card is an easy no-brainer. I can't understand why anyone would try to "chance" being here illegally. No one has the "right" to enter Mexico unless they are a Mexican citizen, so stop acting so entitled.

[Edited on 11-6-2024 by surabi]

JDCanuck - 11-5-2024 at 06:20 PM

Well, that would be true if they didn't wave us through and tell us we didn't need one at the border. Things changed a lot since Covid

4x4abc - 11-5-2024 at 08:30 PM

Quote: Originally posted by JDCanuck

Well, that would be true if they didn't wave us through and tell us we didn't need one at the border. Things changed a lot since Covid

nothing has changed since Covid
customs might wave you through - but the immigration office needs to be visited
and it is the visitor's responsibility to obtain the FMM
always has been

glad to see that they are whacking the big mouth Gringos more often now

surabi - 11-5-2024 at 09:43 PM

Quote: Originally posted by 4x4abc

nothing has changed since Covid
customs might wave you through - but the immigration office needs to be visited
and it is the visitor's responsibility to obtain the FMM
always has been

Exactly. Lots of stuff like that. I've had an upholstery business in Mexico for 18 years. I did it all legally- first got a temporary residency visa "lucrativa" (permission to work), Mexican tax number, business license.

Had an American client who had opened a café here, business had been open for at least a year. I asked her if she wanted an official factura under her tax number to use as a deduction for her taxes owed. She said she didn't have a tax number, or a business license, that "No one has come around checking, I figured I'd just wait til they do".

I told her that's not the way it works- the onus is on her to do whatever needs to be done to operate a business here. She shrugged it off and 6 months later got deported.

WideAngleWandering - 11-6-2024 at 12:54 AM

It's so easy to get and so disrespectful not too. Don't be like that.

Whiskey Witch - 11-6-2024 at 06:42 AM

You will see very few people in the immigration office because most of them crossing the border already have a credential.

Don Jorge - 11-6-2024 at 07:46 AM

FWIW

In the past 12 months I have been asked for my visa 4 times by Mexican Immigration officials at military checkpoints in San Ignacio, Tomatal, Loreto and Rumorosa. In the 70s you were checked often too but there was a long period of time I never was asked to produce the tourist visa.
Starting just over a year ago that changed big time.

The movement of non Mexican citizens on their way to the USA border has brought out the INM officials who wait at the Military checkpoints to inspect the paperwork of the northbound, non Mexican migrants.

To relieve the boredom of waiting for the one bus of migrants they have been informed is heading their way they practice their English on unsuspecting tourists from north of the US/Mexico border. "Your papers please" is back in vogue.

For many years gringos have been ignoring the visa requirements choosing to ask forgiveness instead of obtaining permission. I was guilty of this myself, only getting the visa I needed for trips to the mainland and rarely for Baja. I would not recommend that approach nowadays.

The tourist visa is super easy to obtain, inexpensive and well worth the time and effort to get it. Heck I even took to stopping in and getting the free 7 day visa on my weekly jaunts into Guadalupe and Ensenada.

Gone are the days of exchanging beers and soft porn magazines to the officials in Manadero in exchange for looking the other way. Yes get your visas as it could save a lot of hassles if you do not have it when needed.

RFClark - 11-6-2024 at 08:01 AM

We just went south with new visas. ($717 pesos) Don’t leave home without them. Since the Mexican election the number of checkpoints run by the National Guard has about tripled.

surabi - 11-6-2024 at 08:37 AM

Just a technicality, but the FMM is not actually a visa. Nor are temporary or permanent residency cards visas. The FMM is migratory document that gives one permission to be in Mexico.

Mexico does require actual visas, which need to be applied for and reviewed and approved, not simply gotten at the border, for people from certain countries or who are coming for reasons other than tourism or because you live here full or part time as a resident .

[Edited on 11-6-2024 by surabi]

cupcake - 11-6-2024 at 10:47 AM

Last May-June, when I was traveling in mid-Baja via public bus, twice at police/military check points (San Ignacio and El Rosarito areas), where the entire bus would de-board for passenger and baggage checks, I was asked to show my FMM, which was photographed by an agent.

I don't fancy exposing myself to the possible consequences (time, expense, and grief) of not having my FMM and associated payment receipt in order.

[Edited on 11-6-2024 by cupcake]

PaulW - 11-6-2024 at 03:53 PM

Mexico Now days now and computer system

The random immigration folks at various military check points. It is intended that when they find someone without the FMM they are supposedly entering passport info into a database for future purposes.

I have not seen reports of any action against these illegal persons.

4x4abc - 11-6-2024 at 06:01 PM

Quote: Originally posted by PaulW

Mexico Now days now and computer system

The random immigration folks at various military check points. It is intended that when they find someone without the FMM they are supposedly entering passport info into a database for future purposes.

I have not seen reports of any action against these illegal persons.

many reports on youtube
heartbreaking!

surabi - 11-6-2024 at 06:18 PM

Quote: Originally posted by PaulW

I have not seen reports of any action against these illegal persons.

You are saying you don't believe anyone gets deported for being in Mexico without valid immigration papers? I can assure you they do. I know 2 people personally it happened to.

[Edited on 11-7-2024 by surabi]

JDCanuck - 11-6-2024 at 07:13 PM

Quote: Originally posted by 4x4abc

Quote: Originally posted by JDCanuck

Well, that would be true if they didn't wave us through and tell us we didn't need one at the border. Things changed a lot since Covid

It seems they have, this special condition existed for about 1 year or more 2021-2022 when people found themselves stranded with expired or invalid FMMs in Mexico and were offered Immigration from within Mexico without having to do the usual consulate route. Was a bonus we were able to take advantage of after not getting our online paid FMM stamped at the border. Lucky us! I see nothing online about this temporary exemption existing anymore.

[Edited on 11-7-2024 by JDCanuck]

surabi - 11-6-2024 at 07:34 PM

As I read it, 4x4 was referring to getting a tourist card at the border when entering, or getting one you obtained online stamped at entry, not the program put in place for those with valid tourist cards who couldn't get home within the 180 days during the height of Covid. That never changed during Covid.

It was your responsibility to park and walk into the INM office and get your FMM stamped, not assume you were waved through because you didn't need to.
So yeah, you were lucky to have been able to use that INM temporary program.

[Edited on 11-7-2024 by surabi]

Lengua - 11-6-2024 at 08:05 PM

Just get it

JDCanuck - 11-6-2024 at 09:38 PM

And don't listen to the guy in the government office who tells you: "You don't need on...welcome to Mexico" He might have been the Janitor for all we know.

surabi - 11-6-2024 at 10:26 PM

Quote: Originally posted by JDCanuck

And don't listen to the guy in the government office who tells you: "You don't need on...welcome to Mexico" He might have been the Janitor for all we know.

Years ago, when I segued from temporary to permanent residency, I had to get my foreign plated car out of Mexico. I took the ferry from the mainland to Baja, and drove up Baja. When I got to the border at Tecate, it took awhile to find the Aduana office, as tere was construction and detours around there, and when I had driven to the border, they just kept trying to wave me through to the US side.

When I finally found the Aduana office, I explained that I needed to get a receipt for taking the car out of the country and cancelling the TIP because I was a permanent resident and couldn't have a foreign plated car here. The head Aduana guy said no, I could just drive out, which wasn't true- I needed proof that the vehicle had been removed from Mexico and the TIP cancelled. He said he had never even heard of that, that a permanent resident couldn't drive a foreign plated car, even though that Aduana law had been in place for a year and a half.

So not necessarily the janitor ;-) Even the guys who are supposed to be informed sometimes aren't.

[Edited on 11-7-2024 by surabi]

digcolnagos - 11-9-2024 at 11:37 AM

Just got my temporary residency card and not much keen on taking it everywhere. Wallets and other things get lost or stolen. Thoughts on keeping a photocopy of the card in my glovebox and an image on my phone and keeping the real thing hidden under my mattress?

surabi - 11-9-2024 at 12:18 PM

Yes, you could do that, but if your mattress is not close by, could be a problem if you are ever required to produce the original.
Other alternative is to keep the original in your wallet and copies at home, in case you lose it, to show INM for a new one.

thebajarunner - 11-9-2024 at 04:36 PM

Couple comments
First, if you decide to skip the FMM I strongly recommend that you do not get into a traffic accident. On the other hand, a close friend spent 8 days in jail in Culiacan after an accident (not his fault) and he said his Spanish was remarkably improved after the time in jail.

And, my wife was born in Jalisco, came across when she was 20, eventually became a US citizen, carries a US passport and they refuse to issue her an FMM when she shows her US document with the Jalisco birthplace.

surabi - 11-9-2024 at 05:12 PM

If your wife is a Mexican citizen, holding dual citizenship, of course they won't give her an FMM. Those are only for non-citizens.
She is supposed to enter Mexico as a Mexican, with a Mexican passport.

David K - 11-10-2024 at 10:20 AM

Quote: Originally posted by thebajarunner

Couple comments
First, if you decide to skip the FMM I strongly recommend that you do not get into a traffic accident. On the other hand, a close friend spent 8 days in jail in Culiacan after an accident (not his fault) and he said his Spanish was remarkably improved after the time in jail.

And, my wife was born in Jalisco, came across when she was 20, eventually became a US citizen, carries a US passport and they refuse to issue her an FMM when she shows her US document with the Jalisco birthplace.

It has been made clear that insurance (Baja Bound & others) do not decline coverage based on immigration status.

[Edited on 11-10-2024 by David K]

thebajarunner - 11-10-2024 at 11:02 AM

Quote: Originally posted by surabi

If your wife is a Mexican citizen, holding dual citizenship, of course they won't give her an FMM. Those are only for non-citizens.
She is supposed to enter Mexico as a Mexican, with a Mexican passport.

My wife never renounced her Mexican citizenship
But she has never tried to validate it.
She only has a US passport
So, is she is isn't she???

I looked into buying property in her name as a Mexican citizen and they gave us a lengthy list of things she needed to accomplish to re-validate her Mexican status, which she declined to do. So, not possible to buy property. Is she or isn't she? Ah, that is the question.

mtgoat666 - 11-10-2024 at 11:22 AM

Quote: Originally posted by David K

Quote: Originally posted by thebajarunner

It has been made clear that insurance (Baja Bound & others) do not decline coverage based on immigration status.

[Edited on 11-10-2024 by David K]

I have never seen an insurer say the FMM is not required for coverage. Bajabound may say this, but they are only a broker.
If you get involved in legal process in Mexico, probably best to have legal immigration status.
If you are sufficiently risk-averse to obtain insurance, wouldn't you also minimize your risk of immigration enforcement by getting an fmm?

lencho - 11-10-2024 at 11:44 AM

Quote: Originally posted by thebajarunner

My wife never renounced her Mexican citizenship

Is that even possible for a native-born Mexican? Since 1998, Mexico has permitted multiple nationalities, why would one want to renounce it even if it were possible?

To the contrary, it seems like an advantage for her to formalize it, if you have any long-term interest in Mexico.

surabi - 11-10-2024 at 01:27 PM

Quote: Originally posted by thebajarunner

My wife never renounced her Mexican citizenship
But she has never tried to validate it.
She only has a US passport
So, is she is isn't she???

She is a Mexican citizen. Has dual citizenship. That's why they won't give her an FMM when they see a Jalisco birthplace on her US passport. She doesn't need permission to enter or stay in Mexico. She would have to produce a document stating she renounced her Mex. citizenship to not be deemed a Mexican citizen.

Of course she would need to submit paperwork to validate her citizenship if she wanted a passport or to purchase land in her name in coastal or border areas, just like you need to submit paperwork if you are applying for a passport, or anything which requires citizenship, anywhere.

She would be smart to start the process of whatever she needs to do to get a Mexican passport. Once she has that, things like buying property would be much easier.

[Edited on 11-10-2024 by surabi]

[Edited on 11-10-2024 by surabi]

David K - 11-10-2024 at 02:42 PM

Goat, not just Baja Bound but the others as well who sell HDI, like Discover Baja and Ride Baja.

Let's be clear, every tourist should honor the rules and have an FMM. HDI will not refuse to pay if you happen to not have an FMM.

Remember, an FMM is no longer required for short visits in the border cities, either.
Things change, rules yesterday may not be rules today. Keeps things interesting.

BooJumMan - 11-10-2024 at 07:26 PM

Beating a dead horse here, but, I just returned home from La Paz and was asked for FMM at San Ignacio yesterday. First time I've ever been asked for one! Glad to have it stamped and ready to present to the very nice official. Then I was handed off to the military and proceeded to search my truck for 30 mins

mtgoat666 - 11-10-2024 at 08:00 PM

Quote: Originally posted by David K

Goat, not just Baja Bound but the others as well who sell HDI, like Discover Baja and Ride Baja.

Let's be clear, every tourist should honor the rules and have an FMM. HDI will not refuse to pay if you happen to not have an FMM.

What the broker (salesman) says may differ from the insurer. Why risk it, get the fmm.

Quote: Originally posted by David K

Remember, an FMM is no longer required for short visits in the border cities, either.

I dont think this is true…

David K - 11-11-2024 at 10:43 AM

Quote: Originally posted by mtgoat666

Quote: Originally posted by David K

What the broker (salesman) says may differ from the insurer. Why risk it, get the fmm.

Quote: Originally posted by David K

Remember, an FMM is no longer required for short visits in the border cities, either.

I dont think this is true…

From my advice on driving page at VivaBaja.com: https://vivabaja.com/advice-on-driving/

*NEW: In 2023, a 72-hour, FMM border zone exception was announced on a government website: ‘EmbraMex’.

EmbraMex Link: https://embamex.sre.gob.mx/eua/index.php/en/2016-04-09-20-40...

>>> All citizens of the United States must present a valid passport when entering Mexican territory by any means of transportation. There are no exceptions for minors. Stays less than 72 hours within the border area, do not require an Official Entry Immigration Form (FMM).
Tourists <<<

AKgringo - 11-11-2024 at 11:02 AM

None of the links I chased define, or outline the "border zone". A 72 hour permit is not much use to me, but I am curious about just where I could go with one. :?:

[Edited on 11-11-2024 by AKgringo]

David K - 11-11-2024 at 11:09 AM

At one time, it was to Maneadero or San Felipe... The border cities for sure. Since it was reported that INM was at the Hwy. 3 junction with Hwy. 5, San Felipe can no longer be included... Not sure about Ensenada... but I doubt they will inspect people going there... ?

mtgoat666 - 11-11-2024 at 11:34 AM

Quote: Originally posted by David K

Quote: Originally posted by mtgoat666

Quote: Originally posted by David K

What the broker (salesman) says may differ from the insurer. Why risk it, get the fmm.

Quote: Originally posted by David K

Remember, an FMM is no longer required for short visits in the border cities, either.

I dont think this is true…

Dk,
Can you link to the regulation? I doubt undated sentences, lacking source citation, on a non-INM website… you link doesnt even define border zone. Surely, if this were true, there would be a statement and citation on INM website, eh?

Just a quick google finds this on bajabound website:
“ A tourist card (FMM) is required for all tourists who enter Mexico. Previously it was believed there was a tourist zone/72 hour exemption, but this was never actually part of Mexican immigration law according to federal delegate Rudolfo Figueroa from INM (Mexican Immigration).”

Seems like the best advice is: get the fmm. In all cases.

[Edited on 11-11-2024 by mtgoat666]

David K - 11-11-2024 at 12:31 PM

As I always have, get the FMM. I always go beyond the border zone (almost always).
If you want to go to Tijuana for dinner, I think that you are safe without an FMM. In fact, if you tell INM that you are only going into Tijuana for a few hours they won't issue an FMM.

WideAngleWandering - 11-21-2024 at 05:23 PM

I saw a dentist in Lorwto who told me he'd heard that INM were checking peoples FMMs and asked if mine had been checked. It hadn't, but I saw as I was driving north that INM had set up a large tent on the northbound lane as you leave Santa Rosalia. The guy inside was sitting in a chair using his phone. He didn't look up and I didn't stop but I am guessing he'd have wanted to seemy FMM if he'd noticed my US plates.

I didn't have to shown it at San Ignacio and as usual the Guerrero Negro INM office appeared unstaffed