BajaNomad

FMT Return

jim&carol - 5-19-2007 at 02:02 PM

We recently returned from a month long Baja trip and crossed the border at Tecate. We had heard that we had to return our FMTs upon leaving Mexico but ended up crossing the border first. My wife then went back and tried to return the FMT at an "immigration office". The place was deserted (it was Saturday morning) but my wife was finally able to give the cards to someone who didn't appear to know what they were but took them anyway.

We have heard that we may be in trouble if we did not the cards returned when we try get new FMT for a trip planned next year (beyond the 180 day FMT limt). Is that something we need to be worried about? If so, is there a way to check to see that our old FMTs were actually recorded as returned.

Jim

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vgabndo - 5-19-2007 at 04:26 PM

It was discussed before. The reality seems to be, if I remember correctly, that there isn't much of a down side to not returning them. Just don't keep the old ones with the new ones. (As I did for years!)

Bob and Susan - 5-19-2007 at 05:51 PM

fmt's are multiple entry good for 180 days (sometimes)

use it later if you come back

just throw the old ones away....

bajabound2005 - 5-20-2007 at 08:28 AM

we tried to turn in FMTs when leaving Baja two years ago (before becoming full-timers). The officer wouldn't take them from us because they were still valid. I explained we were leaving but he didn't seem to care...

shari - 5-20-2007 at 08:35 AM

I wonder if there are new laws as I was told last year by an immigration officer that tourist cards are NOT good for multiple entries...that you have to get a new one each time you enter???

Bajafun777 - 5-20-2007 at 09:41 AM

Shari, I went to Maztalan in February of this year and when I got my FMT at the new port in Mexicali, I got it for 180 days at the urging of the Immigration Officer. The Immigration Officer asked if I was planning to go back down soon from this trip and I told him I may as I was helping my wife's cousin with something down in that area. He told me that the FMT for 180 days allowed me to go back down as many times as I wanted but to make sure I turned it back in on time!! He told me that they were getting tougher on FMTs not turned back in and old sticker taken off your vehicle window. I have to turn mine back soon so entries do not seem to be the issue but returning the paperwork and window sticker on window of vehicle does seem to be an issue that may kick someone in the butt if not done in a timely fashion. As with all things in Mexico maybe a stern talking to, a fine that goes where ever they go, or worse thing they take your vehicle as you have to have the same vehicle to turn the window sticker in. Just something to think about if they say do it a certain way especially if it is in writing then best to do it that way:D. Later-------bajafun777

toneart - 5-20-2007 at 10:10 AM

There is no consistency to the interpretation of immigration law in Mexico! This has been discussed on this board before and that is the conclusion that was reached after comparing experiences. Each district seems to operate with their own set of rules and they are very proprietary and protective of their autonomous power.

I went into the immigration office in Santa Rosalia two weeks ago and asked specifically, "How can I turn in my FMT when crossing the border?" The immigration official replied, "You don't have to turn it in." I hope I can rely on that when applying for a new one next trip.

Bajafun777---When talking about car stickers, that would apply to bringing a vehicle into the mainland of Mexico on an FMT. In that case, you would need to turn in your papers upon leaving Mexico. What do you do, park inside U.S. customs and then walk back across the border and turn in your papers?

Just how and where would you stop and turn in FMTs or any other papers when you are in the long lines at the U.S. border?:?:

rts551 - 5-20-2007 at 10:50 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by toneart

Bajafun777---When talking about car stickers, that would apply to bringing a vehicle into the mainland of Mexico on an FMT. In that case, you would need to turn in your papers upon leaving Mexico. What do you do, park inside U.S. customs and then walk back across the border and turn in your papers?

Just how and where would you stop and turn in FMTs or any other papers when you are in the long lines at the U.S. border?:?:


For mainland car stickers, I have always turned them in on the way back at the 16 mile (I think its 16 miles) immigration/car checkpoint. For me that has been south of Nogales.

bajalou - 5-20-2007 at 11:41 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by toneart
What do you do, park inside U.S. customs and then walk back across the border and turn in your papers?


The holographic decal on you vehicle is to be removed by the Banjercito personnel at the point the you turn the papers in. On return, they don't care at all about your FMT. If you don't do it, you might have trouble getting the TIP on that vehicle (or another in your name) if you return to Mex.

Banjercito has a website (in English) explaining the process.

http://www.banjercito.com.mx/site/tramiteitv_ing.jsp

[Edited on 5-20-2007 by bajalou]

DianaT - 5-20-2007 at 02:49 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by bajalou
Quote:
Originally posted by toneart
What do you do, park inside U.S. customs and then walk back across the border and turn in your papers?


The holographic decal on you vehicle is to be removed by the Banjercito personnel at the point the you turn the papers in. On return, they don't care at all about your FMT. If you don't do it, you might have trouble getting the TIP on that vehicle (or another in your name) if you return to Mex.

Banjercito has a website (in English) explaining the process.

http://www.banjercito.com.mx/site/tramiteitv_ing.jsp

[Edited on 5-20-2007 by bajalou]


We usually return via one of the smaller border crossings, like Columbia, or our favorite, Naco. It is really a lot easier to pull in at the Banjercito and only takes a few minutes.

Once crossing at Columbia, it was a Sunday afternoon, there was a line, so we waited until after we got home. Then we took a drive to Tecate to turn everything in.

We are always told to keep the stamped paper work just in case it does not show returned on the computer the next time you want the car papers.

We are probably the only people who mail back our FMTs to the Tijuana Address the Baja Discover Card gave us---used to just toss them. Oh, we use the same one over and over untill close to expiration and have not had a problem.

Diane

Bajafun777 - 5-20-2007 at 07:47 PM

Toneart, I was told I have to bring my vehicle back into the Mexico Customs and they will then verify that I still in fact have the same vehicle I went down to mainland with. Now, since I have a sentri card after I turn it back in I then will head to the old port in Mexicali and be across in about 12 to 15 minutes. I have always gotten back across quickly at the Mexicali port with my sentri. I just love that sentri card and life is sweet in Mexico but that sentri card makes life that much sweeter when entering again. Later----bajafun777

osoflojo - 5-22-2007 at 07:31 AM

Hey Diane, I definatly know where Naco is but refresh my memory about Columbia, could that be Columbus NM?

DianaT - 5-22-2007 at 07:39 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by osoflojo
Hey Diane, I definatly know where Naco is but refresh my memory about Columbia, could that be Columbus NM?


That's the one. :yes: It usually depends on where we are going when we leave Mexico. Lukeville/Sonoyta and San Luis are also good crossings --- when going to the mainland, we always avoid Nogales.

Diane