BajaNomad

FM-3 TRAVEL

fishingmako - 11-20-2009 at 09:29 PM

I know all of these questions have been asked, and some are so confusing.

I just want to know this fairly simple answer, from someone that really knows how it works.

If I live in Rosarito Beach or Ensenada? I have a Fm-3. I want to travel by Plane from the US to somewhere in Mexico, I have never had this stamped, coming or going by car, so what does this mean when I fly? have I done a no no by not getting it stamped when crossing the Border by car, or do you only have to do this if you live below the restricted zone?

I have heard so many different stories I'm really confused , can someone help me out.

Thanks Much

gnukid - 11-20-2009 at 10:16 PM

I am just best guessing here but I would say get it stamped at least once a year by car and everytime on the plane.



[Edited on 11-21-2009 by gnukid]

BigWooo - 11-21-2009 at 07:48 AM

If you're in the U.S. right now and close enough to the border, take a drive to Otay Mesa. It's really easy to walk across, get your FM-3 stamped and walk back.

I've never obtained an exit stamp that way, but when we first received our FM3's from the consulate, since we didn't plan to Mexico for a couple of months, we just walked across to get the initial entrance stamp. I would imagine it would be just as easy to get an exit stamp the same way. There are pay parking areas to the left when you take the last exit before the Mexico gate. It's a very short walk to the border from there.

To get back to the U.S. gate walk across the U.S. bound lanes and the U.S. gate on the other side.

I've never figured out how, or where you would park when driving to get an exit stamp, but exiting then walking back might be an option if you really need it.

fishingmako - 11-21-2009 at 11:05 AM

I guess my real question with this is? does someone with an FM-3 have to get it Stamped everytime they enter and leave Mexico? this just sounds strange, there are people that come and go weekly, you mean to tell me they stop and get this stamped each and every time they come and go, no one seems to know the correct answer.

Is there any one up to date on this issue?
Thanks Much

toneart - 11-21-2009 at 11:42 AM

I am not sure if there is a standardized answer to the question.(Citing written law is irrelevant). As stated on other threads regarding immigration in Mexico, it depends on which office you go to and who you see at that particular time. Consulate-issued FM3s are often (I didn't say "always") rejected when reporting your address at your local jurisdiction office (mandatory within 10 days of arrival) and you have to go through a whole new application process and pay the fees all over again.

My observations (not a definitive answer) are:

When flying commercially you are accountable.

When driving, it is inconvenient or impossible to get an exit stamp.

When entering while driving, the Mexican officials are interested in what you are carrying. They may or may not look at your FM3, but they have never stamped mine.

The soldiers at the checkpoints may or may not look at your immigration papers but they could care less regarding entry and exit stamps. They always ask where are you coming from and where are you going? They are mainly concerned about contraband.

There hasn't been an immigration official at Guerrero Negro for a couple of years; only an agriculture inspector ....and the poison sprayer.

The immigration office at Santa Rosalia is happy to renew if you are not late for your annual renewal date. They are even happier if you let them fill out your paperwork (their preference), for a small fee. You usually have to come back the next week to pick it up....Done!
Entry and exit stamps have never been an issue. It has never come up.

This is my history. You will have to go out and make some history of your own.:smug:

fishingmako - 11-21-2009 at 11:55 AM

Thanks toneart, I just have always heard if you have had an FM3 for a period of time, and all of a sudden you want to fly you have a problem, because you didn't get your FM3 stamped coming in and out of Mexico, driving not flying.

I have my FM3 had for a few years, and now want to fly and I am worried about not following policy, when they open and see you don't get it stamped everytime you cross by car, and why would you have to get it stamped everytime? when you ctross by car that would be almost an impossibility?

DENNIS - 11-21-2009 at 12:18 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by fishingmako
there are people that come and go weekly


Some, daily. Could you imagine the mess at the border if all FM3s had to be stamped on exit? It's not required.
In fact, knowing the layout of the gates at TJ/SY, where would one park to do this?

toneart - 11-21-2009 at 12:28 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by fishingmako
Thanks toneart, I just have always heard if you have had an FM3 for a period of time, and all of a sudden you want to fly you have a problem, because you didn't get your FM3 stamped coming in and out of Mexico, driving not flying.

I have my FM3 had for a few years, and now want to fly and I am worried about not following policy, when they open and see you don't get it stamped every time you cross by car, and why would you have to get it stamped every time? when you cross by car that would be almost an impossibility?


I see your conundrum. Flying does present a problem that I haven't had to face since I have had an FM3. Airport officials are the bug-a-boo in this situation. They seem to be consistent in their requirements.

I guess the suggestion that someone offered in this thread: while driving back into the U.S., find a parking place (not easy) and walk back and get an exit stamp. If you are already in the U.S. and suddenly decide to fly, unless you can get to a border crossing for the stamp before flying, you have a problem.

mulegejim - 11-21-2009 at 09:32 PM

To be honest, I have not done this for a couple of years, however, for many years I would fly in or out of Loreto or La Paz and never had a problem about my FM-3 being stamped as I sometimes drove north and flew back - driving north I didn't get the FM-3 stamped out and if I flew back there was no problem. That said, when flying out I was directed to immigration and filled out the form they provided and kept the copy they gave me and presented it on returning, if by plane. Never had a problem either way, however, I may have just been fortunate. I am not sure if I would worry about the stamps either way as long as the FM-2/3 is current.

twogringos - 11-22-2009 at 10:33 AM

If you are flying into Mexico from the US you SHOULD have an exit stamp or you could be subject to a fine. You may be able to talk yourself out of it, but it depends on who you are talking to. They take these entry/exit stamps very seriously outside of Baja. DO NOT try to get an FMT. There are many reports in this forum of serious consequences. If you can, cross the border and get an exit stamp. Be sure to get an entry stamp next time you drive in to Mexico.

At the entry airport you will need an FME form. It is a two part form, the original stays with immigration on entry and you return the second copy on exit. Be sure the officer stamps entry and exit in your FM-3 as well as on the FME.

osoflojo - 11-22-2009 at 06:11 PM

In the scenario you set forth, I have done it several times over the years. When you leave the US by plane you just tell the people that you do not need an FM T when you present at the Migra they will ask you for your exit document, you just tell them your lasr exit was by car. I have never been questioned further.