BajaNomad - Rules for vehicle reentry to US

Rules for vehicle reentry to US

texascarwasher - 5-3-2010 at 11:36 AM

We're driving back to the US at the end of May and are unsure of the official procedure/paperwork required to get our car back across the border. We currently have the temporary vehicle permit and our FM-3's, which don't expire until December. Can someone explain what we will need/what will (or should) happen at the border as far as the car is concerned? The car is US registered/licensed and we have both US and Mexican insurance. We are ferrying over to the mainland and will probably cross the border in Texas (Presidio). Thanks!

mulegejim - 5-3-2010 at 12:29 PM

As long as the registration is in your name and current there should be no problem. Most likely won't even be asked about the vehicle. Jim

sharktooth - 5-3-2010 at 12:45 PM

If you are NOT coming back to Mexico with the vehicle within the vehicle permit time - MAKE SURE TO CANCEL YOUR VEHICLE PERMIT before crossing into the US.

Unlike tourist visas (for people, not cars) vehicle permits must be cancelled when before you exit Mexico.

mulegejim - 5-3-2010 at 12:57 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by sharktooth
If you are NOT coming back to Mexico with the vehicle within the vehicle permit time - MAKE SURE TO CANCEL YOUR VEHICLE PERMIT before crossing into the US.

Unlike tourist visas (for people, not cars) vehicle permits must be cancelled when before you exit Mexico.

I believe you are also required to cancel an FM-T prior to expiration - the following is from the Discover website. Jim

"Before your Tourist Visa expires, return it in person to any Mexican Immigration Office OR mail to: INSTITUTO NACIONAL DE MIGRACION
PUENTE PUERTA S/N
COLONIA FEDERAL
TIJUANA, B.C. MEXICO C.P. 22310"

[Edited on 5-3-2010 by mulegejim]

jak - 5-3-2010 at 02:18 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by texascarwasher
We're driving back to the US at the end of May and are unsure of the official procedure/paperwork required to get our car back across the border. We currently have the temporary vehicle permit and our FM-3's, which don't expire until December. Can someone explain what we will need/what will (or should) happen at the border as far as the car is concerned? The car is US registered/licensed and we have both US and Mexican insurance. We are ferrying over to the mainland and will probably cross the border in Texas (Presidio). Thanks!

Probably be yanked to secondary inspection.

Bajahowodd - 5-3-2010 at 02:37 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by mulegejim

Quote:

The return of the FM-T has been a topic for discussion on other threads. I'm kinda guessing that it is not presently being enforced, lest we'd have a number of postings on here by folks who have been denied new visas, because it does not appear that many folks have been turning in their old ones. That doesn't mean that it will be enforced at some time. They have been rapidly entering the cyber age and once everything is automated with adequate data bases, they could easily enforce. Wasn't too long ago, it was all just done on paper. and I often wondered what the IMM guy did with his copy of the forms after you left the office.

jak - 5-3-2010 at 03:14 PM

@ Bajahowodd :

" I often wondered what the IMM guy did with his copy of the forms after you left the office. "

he most likely stamped it and sent it up the chain for further stamping. :lol:

Bajahowodd - 5-3-2010 at 03:50 PM

I was thinking more about the dumpster. :lol:

But, not so much today. It really does look like Mexico is getting more serious about this stuff.

And btw- Catavina?

[Edited on 5-3-2010 by Bajahowodd]

bajalou - 5-4-2010 at 07:26 AM

I believe Texas said he had a FM3.

The rule has been that the TIP is automatically extended to the expiration of the FM3 or FM2, including renewals. If you are planning to return to Mex, no need to do anything. If you aren't, then you need to get the TIP canceled at the Army Bank at your exit point.

Get an exit stamp in your FM-3 booklet

Kimpatsu_Hekigan - 5-4-2010 at 07:45 AM

Quote:

texascarwasher sez:

We currently have the temporary vehicle permit and our FM-3's...

In addition to turning in your vehicle Temporary Importation Permit on the way out, don't forget to stop at Mexican Immigration on the Ojinaga side of the border to get an exit stamp in your FM-3 booklet on the Registro de Salidas page.

It used to be that no one cared if you didn't get your FM-3 stamped when you left the country by land, but Mexican Immigration is getting much stricter these days.

If you get an entrance stamp when you return that doesn't balance a previous exit stamp, you may have problems when you try to renew your FM-3.

FWIW,

-- K.H.

[Edited on 5-4-2010 by Kimpatsu_Hekigan]

BAJA.DESERT.RAT - 5-4-2010 at 08:00 AM

Hola, i have an FM3 and i used to get it stamped going both ways. i asked my mexican accountant two years ago and she said i only need to have it stamped if i'm going to get a mexican citizenship, which i won't.

however, in may, there will be a new fm? and nobody is aware of what will be the requirements.

BIEN SALUD, DA RAT

durrelllrobert - 5-4-2010 at 10:20 AM

Quote:

[, don't forget to stop at Mexican Immigration on the Ojinaga side of the border to get an exit stamp in your FM-3 booklet on the Registro de Salidas page.

It used to be that on one cared if you didn't get your FM-3 stamped when you left the country by land, but Mexican Immigration is getting much stricter these days.

How do you do this at TJ/ San Ysidro crossing? Get out of 1-2 hour north bound lineup to go to MX customs :?: