BajaNomad - I have my FM3 but what do I do with it?

I have my FM3 but what do I do with it?

Waynester - 12-23-2006 at 11:20 AM

Greetings Everyone: First let me apologize for the question as I'm sure its been addressed before, but after 2 hours of searching, (mostly reading the interesting stories that came up) I still do not have the answers I'm looking for.

I'm about to depart for my journey south with my FM3 in hand, and I'm wondering what do I do with it?

I always cross at the main crossing at Tijuana, I'm guessing that I will take my FM3 to the same immigration office where I always got my tourist card in the past. Hopefully they will stamp it there. Is there a fee I need to pay at the border?

I got the FM3 in La Paz last February and I will renew it again this Feb. Do I need to check into the immigration office prior to this renewal to get it stamped?

Last year when I returned to the US, I did not have it stamped by any Mexican official. Do I need to get it stamped upon departing Mexico, and if so, where?

Lastly, If I were to fly into Los Cabos airport, could I go to the other immigration window for Mexican Nationals or do I still use the tourist line?

Thank you all very much for any help. Wayne.

Don Alley - 12-23-2006 at 11:30 AM

I've had an FM3 for only three years and I guess that's not long enough 'cause I haven't figured it out yet.

Seems pretty clear-cut at the airport; there they stamp it and on leaving give you a paper to give back when you return. By car, hmmm...it's not easy geting an exit stamp at the border heading north. Entrance stamp, I did it once at TJ, they seemed to think I didn't need to, and once at Ensenada they said no stamp needed, same at Guerrero Negro. I took the bus from SD to Loreto once, never saw an immigration official.

So, I guess you could say that after 3 years of searching I haven't found the answer either. :biggrin:

bajalou - 12-23-2006 at 11:51 AM

Don't know about airport stuff - but FM3 does not require stamping on exit/entry. Get it stamped on exit if you might be late returning to where you renew it to save penalties.

SDRonni - 12-23-2006 at 02:30 PM

The contract for the purchase of our condo says we have to have an FM3 for the fideicomiso......we don't plan to spend six months at a time there...

Don Alley - 12-23-2006 at 02:50 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by SDRonni
The contract for the purchase of our condo says we have to have an FM3 for the fideicomiso......we don't plan to spend six months at a time there...

Yeah, it's been my understanding that if you own real estate, or leave any vehicles, trailers or personal property behind in Mexico when you return north, you must have an FM3 or better.

jerry - 12-23-2006 at 02:54 PM

if you own or rent property get your fm3 or you will not have any rights in mexico
P.S. might ask the Doc how that works?

Waynester - 12-23-2006 at 03:24 PM

So, what I am understanding is that I do NOT need to get the FM3 stamped upon entrance or exiting Mexico. All I need to do is to renew it annually. Does this sound correct?

Then at the checkpoint in Guerrero Negro, I just show them the unstamped FM3 and continue on my way?? Sounds like there are some advantages to using the FM3.

PS: For information's sake, I do have property and a house along with a stored vehicle. I enter Mexico 2 to 3 times a year by car and by plane for vacation purposes and stay for about 60 days per year.

Muchas Gracias and Feliz Navidad! Wayne.

Bob and Susan - 12-23-2006 at 04:45 PM

no stamps needed in or out

in guerrero negro they just write down the number when you cross going down

comming back to usa no checks

when you cross the border and have something to declare...
pull out the fm3 and you get much respect

fm3 covers your right to leave stuff in mexico when you're not there
there is NOTHING you can do if you do not have an fm3 and you leave...
your stuff MAY be taken

Bob and jane - 12-23-2006 at 05:29 PM

We always have our FM3's stamped at Guerrero Negro when we go to the states and have it stamped at Guerrero Negro when we returned to BCS. Nobody has asked to see the stamp, but we always thought that was the protocol. Guess we'll keep doing it as long as it is so easy.

Bob and Susan - 12-23-2006 at 05:34 PM

why stamp?

and

they don't stamp on Sunday at 6AM :yes:

Bob and jane - 12-23-2006 at 09:12 PM

Why not? They are always there and ready to oblige when we go through.

But we aren't crossing the BCS/BCN border at 6 a.m.

bajalou - 12-23-2006 at 09:20 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Bob and jane
Why not? They are always there and ready to oblige when we go through.

But we aren't crossing the BCS/BCN border at 6 a.m.

But why?? You're not leaving Mexico at that point, just going to another state.

Waynester

Baja Bernie - 12-23-2006 at 09:38 PM

Just hold on to your FM3 and renew it every year as long as you have property in Baja. No need to get it stamped except at renewel. It is supposed to be good for only 5 years but nobody pays any attention to that. I had mine for over 15 years before I sold my home in Baja. Norte or Sur no matter.

Once in a blue moon someone 'might' come into your area to determine if you have possession of an FM3.

It does give you certain rights that are not available to someone that does not have one........most important one is that you will be recognized in court if you have that need.

The most important thing to remember is to enjoy and allow the Mexicans to teach you about time.

Don Alley - 12-23-2006 at 10:10 PM

At the Loreto airport the airlines will not allow you to check in without first seeing the migracion man in an office in the deplaning area. He takes your FM3 and stamps it. He also fills out a form, with copies, you keep one two give back when you return, and a form for the airline so you can get checked through.

When told I would return via auto, the immigration official said to give the return form to the official at the Guerrero Negro check point. I did so but didn't get stamped. So I have an FM3 stamped that I am in the US. That's happened before and no one seems to care.

Yeah, I could have gotten stamped "in" at GN, I've gotten a stamp there before, but usually the stamp is inside, not on their little podium on the road, and they say I don't need the stamp.

longlegsinlapaz - 12-23-2006 at 10:37 PM

Each different Immigration Office seems to apply their own spin on the "rules"! I drove out & flew home so I only had half a trip stamped & it WAS a big deal to the La Paz Immigration office when I renewed my FM3 a few weeks later! I had to talk with someone in a private office in back to explain the circumstances, show them date proof of my missing stamp & they provided the back-dated missing stamp to make me legal! :yes:

Phil S - 12-23-2006 at 10:45 PM

We've done it all over the past sixteen years of entering & leaving via automobile. I've been told by almost everyone that is an immigration official, you need to have your FM3 stamped when you come into their country. We've been stamped at the border. We've been stamped at Ensenada. We found that we can also get stamped at Guerro Negro. Even immigration officer in Loreto stamped us out one day, heading back to the states. Once we tried couple years ago to get stamped in at Ensenada & the officer said, "go back to T.J. & get it stamped there. That is the law"!!!!!! WE didn't. We continued on & got it stamped at G.N. Then headed on south. Once in Loreto, many years ago, one of the officers said we weren't "stamped in" at the border. Fined us both $50.00 each.
(who wants to argue with immigration officer) One time as we stopped at G.N. to get 'stamped out', a male i.o. said, 'no he won't stamp us out, as we will need to do it at T.J. No way am I going to park & get stamped out at T.J. then try to get back in line to cross the border!!!!!! I pleaded with him, and he finally said, "tell you what. You come back after Christmas & bring me box of mixed popcorn in the metal can with dividers. I about fell out of my shoes. (he's not there anymore I might add) I told him YOU BET, and he stamped our 3's & we were on our way. On way back after Christmas, we came through g.n. and office was closed as it was about 9 p.m. Next Christmas we came back through again on our way back to Loreto. And with another popcorn container. They were open, and we were advised that he got transferred. I didn't mention the popcorn.
Finished it by time we got to Loreto. Soooooooooo, I guess it depends upon who you listen to. And a little advice. Ask an immigration officer who speaks English well enough for you to understand. There is no foolin around with these fellows, and if you find one that hates gringo's like the one in Escondido, he can make your life very miserable. My opinion, is you MUST get stamped out IF you leave Mexico. Regardless of how many times you come & go. And by doing this what I think is correct, I sleep at nights knowing that if I'm in a car accident, and I'm asked for my tourist card, or FM3, I feel I'm safe. Yes I know there are those that don't sign in or out. To me they are taking a chance. And as I've read many posts here. When in Mexico, follow the laws, and you won't have any problems. So be familiar with the laws of immigration, and just follow them. Good luck.

bajalou - 12-24-2006 at 08:48 AM

I spent 20 minutes trying to get the immigration officer at Los Algodones to stamp mine with exit as I was going to be late returning for renewal. He only stamped it after a lot pleading with me. I have had the same experience in Mexicali with immigration there - very adamant about not being necessary and really don't want to do it.

Bajajorge - 12-24-2006 at 10:27 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by SDRonni
The contract for the purchase of our condo says we have to have an FM3 for the fideicomiso......we don't plan to spend six months at a time there...

If your condo is there, it means you are there.

apostille?????

pacificobob - 12-24-2006 at 11:06 AM

how would i go about getting one?...what government agency would provide them? thanks in advance

Bajabus - 12-24-2006 at 06:06 PM

depending on the FM-3 that you have you are allowed to leave as often as you want (rentista) for as long as you want (not longer than a year) or for not more than 30 days (lucrativa). When you leave you are obligated to go to an immigration office at your point of departure and obtain what they call the carta roja or the F.M.E. for foreigners (translation on the back says "statistical document for foreigners"). it's a multi part form and you get a copy. It's stamped along with your FM-3 on the page marked "Registro de salidas". Upon your return you surrender the form and get the page marked "registro de entradas" stamped. You don't have to wait in line with the foreigners, you can go directly to the line for nationals

You cannot leave the Cabo airport without surrendering a copy of your tourist visa or showing this carta roja. if you drive out then of course you can easily exit without getting it stamped although if you fly back then you will be reprimanded by immigration for not getting an exit stamp.

If your FM-3 shows an exit stamp and upon your return to an airport you don't have a carta roja to surrender they get peey and write "no omito" something or other which I cannot read.

In Cabo to get your FM-3 stamped upon exit allow about an extra 10 min and go to the doors where arriving passengers come in. Off to the right you will see a small entranceway with a guard and metal detector, just say you need to talk to la migra and they will let you in.

I have done it all different ways with all sorts of excuses for not having an exit stamp, they were closed, the stamp was out of ink, etc etc. As long as you have a good story ready there has never been a problem or a fine.

Bajabus - 12-24-2006 at 06:09 PM

Note that if you have an FM-3 lucrativa in addition to the above mentioned carta roja you need a special document from immigration in order to leave and you cannot be gone more than 30 days.

Bajabus - 12-24-2006 at 06:21 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by pacificobob
how would i go about getting one?...what government agency would provide them? thanks in advance

.

An Apostille is merely the secretary of state certifying that the notary you used is really a licensed notary.

Typically what happens is you get the document notarized. Then you go to the county that the notary is in and get the county court clerk to certify that the notary is licensed with a letter of Exemplification, then you go to the dept of states office for that state to get that certified with a big fancy wax seal. when it's all done it looks very fancy and impressive, just what foreign govt officials love to look at.

bajabound2005 - 12-30-2006 at 07:52 AM

You are supposed to get your FM3 stamped at your Point of Entry. For most of us it's when we are driving into Baja so our Point of Entry is generally San Ysidro. We come and go often and have never done a stamp at exit or upon re-entry but then we usually come and go on the same day. You also must "register" in your municipality of record (the immigration office that covers the area were you live or stay). For us, that's Ensenada. Then, you must renew it annually. The expiration date is in your FM3.

SDRonni - 12-30-2006 at 08:01 AM

If our fideicomiso is to be done at the close of our loan (approximately October), how long before that should we apply for the FM-3? Would we do it at the Mexican Consulate here in San Diego or in Rosarito, where our property is? Do you have property in Ensenada? If so, I have some questions I'm sure you could answer! Thanks so much!

shari - 12-30-2006 at 08:56 AM

I've had an FM3 for many years and never had it stamped. Just a suggestion though to save yourself some trouble...when you go to renew it make sure you start the procedure well in advance. When I was a novice I thought a week would be lots of time and it wasn't so now I start a month in advance...at least. suerte amigo

Marie-Rose - 12-30-2006 at 09:45 AM

Be aware that different offices have different requirements for the info they want to process an FM3. We have heard stories from differerent people who got their FM3 out of country and had to do it over again in LaPaz :no:

Al G - 12-31-2006 at 09:09 AM

Can someone explain what a FM-3 lucrativa is for and why you would want to limit yourself to 30 day in the states.
What would happen if your were gone 45 days?

bajalou - 12-31-2006 at 09:18 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by Al G
Can someone explain what a FM-3 lucrativa is for and why you would want to limit yourself to 30 day in the states.
What would happen if your were gone 45 days?

It's to allow you to legally work and earn money in Mexico.

Bob and Susan - 12-31-2006 at 09:39 AM

that's what i have FM-3 lucrativa
it ONLY lets me work on the project

we let Salvador
http://www.despachocontable.com/
assist us with the FM3 every time

we do it in santa rosalia
it has to be sent to la paz and that takes 2 weeks

in the past i would turn in the paperwork then go back to the USA
a letter and $20 at the bank was required for the intrium period until i returned and picked up the final product in santa rosalia

nothing has to be stamped ever and the "boys" in santa rosalia do EVERYTHING by the book

you really should do the first application in the town you are going to live in
NOT the USA
it's "politically correct"

Bajabus - 12-31-2006 at 10:10 AM

Right the FM-3 Lucrativa is different from say an FM-3 administrador in that it lets you actually work out in the field and get your hands dirty.

An administrador can do only that, administrate the firm.

Inside it outlines the scope of your permitted work. Mine says tecnico en energia solar y installacions de sistemas de VSAT por connexion al INTERNET.

As to the 30 day rule it a condition of having the Lucrativa designation, If you are out more than 30 days, at the discretion of the jefe they can revoke, fine or do nothing.

Dave - 12-31-2006 at 11:02 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by Bajabus
Inside it outlines the scope of your permitted work.

Mine doesn't.

Whatever restrictions I have are tied to the corporation charter and my letter of employment... Which allows any and all work necessary.

And what is all this talk about travel/time restrictions with an FM3? Lucrativa or not, You only have out-of-country restrictions with an FM2.

Migra should have a copy of the law. Ask them to show it to you. :lol:

Bajabus - 12-31-2006 at 11:24 AM

Dave I don't know and I don't care to argue with whoever is the head of the la paz Migra at any given moment. All I know is that when I want to leave I have to go to the migra and get an exit letter which is typed out on their letter head (different from the carta roja you get at the airport). In the letter it always says I have 30 days to return. On page 5 of your FM-3, the page with the picture what does it say under "actividad autorizada".

I have had a good and continuous relationship with them since 1994 and I really am loath to start getting picky with them

Dave - 12-31-2006 at 02:01 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Bajabus
In the letter it always says I have 30 days to return. On page 5 of your FM-3, the page with the picture what does it say under "actividad autorizada".

First, I have an FM2. On page 4, I am authorized to work in the capacity of title granted by my corporation.

The KEY is that my corporation is structured so that it grants ALL manner of work, not just a supervisory or management role.

I have good attorneys.

Question: Why don't you just not go to migra, not get the letter? How they gonna know?

Bajabus - 12-31-2006 at 02:30 PM

Dave when I drive in and out that is what I do but they are real sticklers at the ticket counter in the Cabo airport so I am forced to go back to the little office and deal with them or I don't get a boarding pass.

Trust me whenever I can get away with not dealing with any goverment officials on either side of the border I do.

pacside - 7-3-2007 at 03:12 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Bajabus
depending on the FM-3 that you have you are allowed to leave as often as you want (rentista) for as long as you want (not longer than a year) or for not more than 30 days (lucrativa). When you leave you are obligated to go to an immigration office at your point of departure and obtain what they call the carta roja or the F.M.E. for foreigners (translation on the back says "statistical document for foreigners"). it's a multi part form and you get a copy. It's stamped along with your FM-3 on the page marked "Registro de salidas". Upon your return you surrender the form and get the page marked "registro de entradas" stamped. You don't have to wait in line with the foreigners, you can go directly to the line for nationals

You cannot leave the Cabo airport without surrendering a copy of your tourist visa or showing this carta roja. if you drive out then of course you can easily exit without getting it stamped although if you fly back then you will be reprimanded by immigration for not getting an exit stamp.

If your FM-3 shows an exit stamp and upon your return to an airport you don't have a carta roja to surrender they get peey and write "no omito" something or other which I cannot read.

In Cabo to get your FM-3 stamped upon exit allow about an extra 10 min and go to the doors where arriving passengers come in. Off to the right you will see a small entranceway with a guard and metal detector, just say you need to talk to la migra and they will let you in.

I have done it all different ways with all sorts of excuses for not having an exit stamp, they were closed, the stamp was out of ink, etc etc. As long as you have a good story ready there has never been a problem or a fine.

I wish I new this before flying into cabo airport last week. Upon arrival into mx immigration asked for some form and held up a yellow copy...saying I needed that to get into the country with my FM3. I replied that I had no idea what he was talking about by shrugging my shoulders and communicated that this was my first time using my FM3. He seemed to understand and filled out the yellow form for me.

Upon leaving cabo airport as I entered the boarding pass area to board my flight a gentleman asked for my 'form'. I said I had no idea what he was talking about. With less than 10 minutes prior to flight departure he said I had to go to immigration office to get a form. I gave him this look like 'oh man i'm going to miss my flight then'...he then called someone on his walkie talkie and then let me through. So I guess next time I fly into cabo airport I will not have this form nor will I have an exit stamp. I'm guessing the yellow form the airport entry i.o. asked for was the yellow form they give you upon exit. hmmm...I might just complete that tourist visa each time to avoid this hassle...

Any suggestions on how to handle next time I fly into cabo without yellow form nor an exit stamp from previous trip? I did obtain an entry stamp which the san jose, california mx consul office said was required within 90 days of receiving my FM3.

BajaWarrior - 7-3-2007 at 03:21 PM

Ya, don't flash your FM-3.

Use an FM-T (tourist card)

Works for me.

bajalou - 7-3-2007 at 03:33 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by BajaWarrior
Ya, don't flash your FM-3.

Use an FM-T (tourist card)

Works for me.

Against the law - but if you don't get caught??

The Sate Department

amir - 7-3-2007 at 07:44 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by pacificobob
how would i go about getting one?...what government agency would provide them? thanks in advance

You get apostilles from the State Department.
A little over a year ago they cost 5 U$D each.

FM3-Here's what you do with it.

Waynester - 7-3-2007 at 08:45 PM

I see my thread has come back to life, so I will post the answers to my original questions now that I feel that I've thoroughly researched the topic.

NOW THAT YOU HAVE YOUR FM3, HERE'S WHAT YOU DO WITH IT:

ENTERING MX BY LAND: Get it stamped at the same office where we got the tourist cards in the past. San Ysidro is open 24 hours and there is no charge (you pay for it in your FM3 fee).

LEAVING MX BY LAND. You can get an official exit stamp at Guerrero Negro IF the office is open (They keep normal bankers hours there). If they are closed, you will have to get it stamped at the US/MX border. At San Ysidro, you can do it at the same office as you got your entrance stamp. There are several ways to do it.
1. Get back into the US of A and get on I-5, go to the first exit (which is the LAST US exit) and get on the Blvd and park as near to the US Border Crossing Station as you can get. Walk over the gates using the Pedestrian walkway and re-enter MX using the people gate. The immigration office is there and they will gladly issue you an EXIT stamp. Walk back over all the lanes using the Mexican pedestrian Bridge and re-enter the U.S. This process took us about 20 minutes, but we walk very fast. Next year, I will do #2.
2. While waiting in line to cross into the U.S, My wife will take both our FM3's, walk over the traffic lanes via the Mexican Pedestrian bridge to get to the Immigration Office, but at the end of the bridge there are high security gates to keep you from going to the Immigration Office. So....you must run out into I-5 (Mexican side) and go around the fence and then you can access the Immigration Office, where they should gladly issue us an EXIT stamp. This technique was told to me by the Mexican Official who stamped my FM3 when I used method #1.
Also, I will be in contact with the Mrs. using walkie-talkies.

ENTERING BY AIR: On the airplane they will offer you 2 forms, one is the FM-T (tourist Visa) and the other is a declaration form. You do not need an FM-T form. It used to be that you could use the MEXICAN NATIONAL line which almost always has nobody in it. But when I went a few months ago they had a big sign stating "No FM-2 or FM-3! Use Tourist Line!" So the line advantage is lost upon entering. However, the Immigration Official will gladly stamp your FM-3 AFTER you fill out a different lengthy form that was not available to you in advance.

LEAVING MX BY AIR: You will have to make your way back to the same Immigration lanes that you were in when you entered MX. I was able to check in by baggage and get my boarding pass before getting my FM-3 stamped out. I might have just been lucky, most people get the immigration paperwork done before getting in line for baggage check-in. I won't explain how you find your way back to the Immigration people, all you need to do is ask and most anybody that works there will tell you where you need to go. You should not have to wait in the long line because you will approach the booth from the backside and hopefully he'll take care of you right away.

RENEWING YOUR FM3: Give yourself about a month before it expires to safely renew it. They will be thrilled to see your entrance and exit stamps.

WHY GO THROUGH ALL THE TROUBLE TO GET IT STAMPED when others say they've had an Fm3 for many years and never got it stamped? I am planning on applying for Dual Citizenship after 5 years with the FM3. They want to see that you've been taking the process seriously and that you've been getting your stamps. Also, since I'm not retired, they want to see that I've been back in the USA making lots of money so I can spend it all in Mexico. They also want to see bank and ATM receipts showing I've been making withdrawals from my US bank during the time I've been visiting.

I hope this will relieve some confusion and not create more. Buena Suerte to all, Wayne.

amir - 7-3-2007 at 10:27 PM

Thank you, Waynester, for the synopsis on what to do with FM3's.

Now your job is the research and clarify the rest of Mexican's rules and regulations that we are all confused about...

--Amir

You need to go back and read Shari's post!

Lee - 7-4-2007 at 03:00 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Waynester
I see my thread has come back to life, so I will post the answers to my original questions now that I feel that I've thoroughly researched the topic.

NOW THAT YOU HAVE YOUR FM3, HERE'S WHAT YOU DO WITH IT:

WHY GO THROUGH ALL THE TROUBLE TO GET IT STAMPED when others say they've had an Fm3 for many years and never got it stamped? I am planning on applying for Dual Citizenship after 5 years with the FM3. They want to see that you've been taking the process seriously and that you've been getting your stamps. Also, since I'm not retired, they want to see that I've been back in the USA making lots of money so I can spend it all in Mexico. They also want to see bank and ATM receipts showing I've been making withdrawals from my US bank during the time I've been visiting.

I hope this will relieve some confusion and not create more. Buena Suerte to all, Wayne.

You have a recipe for disaster here. Where did you come up with this stuff?

I'm planning on dual citizenship too and I've talked to enough people who have one and have been living down South and making trips up North.

As far as immigration taking this stuff seriously, let's just say that when you show up demonstrating you've been traveling back and forth and demonstrating you're really not down South all that much, they'll most defintely take seriously that you don't want to be a resident of MX. (This is especially true for the 4th and 5th year where immigration will look to see how long you've been in MX. It better be alot.)

Show up at immigration for FM3 renewal with an exit stamp (or two) without an entry stamp (or two) and they'll seriously question what you are doing.

As for immigration wanting to know you're back North making money, they don't really care. Just have "3 months of your MOST CURRENT bank statements with your renewal application, and they won't even blink. (La Paz immigration told me to apply a month BEFORE anniversary date.)

And as for this: "They also want to see bank and ATM receipts showing I've been making withdrawals from my US bank during the time I've been visiting." I think you've been talking to the wrong people. Bank statements, yes, ATM receipts? Not in La Paz.

Hey, do what you want. Your info is bogus, though.

:cool:

Don Alley - 7-4-2007 at 03:24 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Waynester
...2. While waiting in line to cross into the U.S, My wife will take both our FM3's, walk over the traffic lanes via the Mexican Pedestrian bridge to get to the Immigration Office, but at the end of the bridge there are high security gates to keep you from going to the Immigration Office. So....you must run out into I-5 (Mexican side) and go around the fence and then you can access the Immigration Office, where they should gladly issue us an EXIT stamp. This technique was told to me by the Mexican Official who stamped my FM3 when I used method #1.
Also, I will be in contact with the Mrs. using walkie-talkies....

Now why didn't I think of that... :lol:

[Edited on 7-4-2007 by Don Alley]