Just wanted to check that we can still get a vehicle permit at La Paz before crossing to the mainland?
We're a british couple in our own UK car and didn't want to spend too long at the border tomorrow morning.
Am I correct in thinking that we just get our FM/T at the TJ border, then when we cross on the ferry from La Paz, we can then sort out our Vehicle
permit?
Also, what's the possibility of getting an FM-3 at the border (either TJ or La Paz)? Is this possible?
I heard a story of someone that went across from La Paz and got an FM-3 - not sure if they were just mistaken though......
Thanks for you help!DENNIS - 9-28-2009 at 09:00 PM
Welcome to BajaNomad, Markorm.....It's kind of a slow night here so, if nobody fills you in this evening, bump your question to the top in the
morning and a lot of folks will join in.Baja&Back - 9-28-2009 at 09:36 PM
Hi, Markorm. Welcome! You stop at TJ to get an FMT Tourist Card at the INM window. Then pay ~$24 at another bank window. British don't need a
consulate visa.
You go to the ferry dock north of La Paz about 9AM to get a vehicle permit (TIP) and tickets for the 3PM ferry any day to Topolabampo. They load you
after noon. You can get to Mazatlan faster & cheaper than direct ferry to Mazatlan.
FM3 is only for long term residents.
Have a grand time!!!markorm - 9-28-2009 at 10:43 PM
Thank you very much.
We're going to apply for an FM-3 anyway... we're gonna be in Mexico > year.... just hoping that we could have sneaked a cheeky request in at the
border.
Thanks again!BajaWarrior - 9-29-2009 at 04:21 AM
Quote:
Originally posted by markorm
Thank you very much.
We're going to apply for an FM-3 anyway... we're gonna be in Mexico > year.... just hoping that we could have sneaked a cheeky request in at the
border.
Thanks again!
You'll need a rental contract or utility bill to even begin processing an FM-3.grace59 - 9-29-2009 at 06:04 AM
HI Markorm
The FMT (tourist visa) is quick and easy at the border and allows a stay of 180 days in Mexico. The FM3 is a residencey visa and it is a longer
application process....it took a few months to even get mine back. Plus you need a residence...utility bill, bank account in Mexico etc in order to
even apply. Enjoy your trip to Mexico. Wish I was there right now!DENNIS - 9-29-2009 at 07:33 AM
This poses an interesting question. If one wants to be a tourist longer than the allowed 180 days, is there a regulation in place to lengthen the
duration of the FMT? There must be a way.
I've never heard of an extension. Of course, there's a lot of things in Mexico I've never heard of.
These folks indicate they're traveling with British passports. Would that come in to play?DENNIS - 9-29-2009 at 02:13 PM
bump
Anybody have any ideas for the last question?grace59 - 9-29-2009 at 06:06 PM
Looked on line and found this on the gomexico site.
Extending your tourist card
If you wish to stay in Mexico for longer than the time allotted on your tourist card you will need to extend it. Under no circumstances is a tourist
allowed to stay longer than 180 days - if you want to stay longer you will have to leave and re-enter the country, or apply for a different type of
visa.
Hope it helps.DENNIS - 9-29-2009 at 06:19 PM
Quote:
Originally posted by grace59
Hope it helps.
Thanks Grace. Given the state of tourism in Mexico today, I'm surprised there are any restrictions.mulegemichael - 9-29-2009 at 08:15 PM
has anyone here EVER had their fmt looked at...truly LOOKED at?...not me..in 40 some years of coming and going, no one has ever looked at my
paperwork, seriously..i mean looked at it seriously..ya know....i have been made to go get another one at the airport a couple of times cause i lost
it in the confusion..but never, ever when driving anywherewilderone - 9-30-2009 at 08:37 AM
"If one wants to be a tourist longer than the allowed 180 days, is there a regulation in place to lengthen the duration of the FMT?"
Maybe forgiven for a week or two - but another 6 months? Doubt it. Only takes a 1/2 hour visit to Guatamala or a run at a US border, a cruise, a
flight to get a new 6-mo. visa. If you're traveling and on the move all the time and nobody ever looks at your visa, then I suppose you could take a
chance and just stay with your expired 6-mo. visa, but be sure the provisions for auto insurance doesn't specify a "valid" visa or that something else
isn't affected. It's not that big a deal to actually plan your travel legitimately. You know when your 6 months is up, so plan accordingly.DENNIS - 9-30-2009 at 09:20 AM
Quote:
Originally posted by mulegemichael
has anyone here EVER had their fmt looked at...truly LOOKED at?...not me..in 40 some years of coming and going, no one has ever looked at my paperwork
I guess it's like insurance. If you never have to use it, you're lucky.
