BajaNomad

FMM Trouble?

kiterkip - 9-23-2011 at 05:15 PM

Last December I crossed into Mexico at San Isidro and acquired an FMM (180 day visa). I drove down the Baja to La Paz and took the ferry to the mainland. My car of course also had all it's necessary visas. I spent the next 5 months enjoying Mexico.
OK, when I returned to the US though the Lukeville/Sonoyta crossing (after visiting the ADUANA and clearing my car)... I drove right past the Mexico portion of the crossing and entered the US.
I never turned in my FMM. Is this going to cause a problem when I attempt to acquire another FMM in December when I cross?

Oddly... Looking at my US Passport, there is no stamp anywhere from my trip through Mexico last winter. So the only trace to my errant FMM would be if the immigration computers catch it. Is there a fine for not turning this in?
Thank You,
Kip

DENNIS - 9-23-2011 at 05:25 PM

I've never heard of a fine for failure to turn it in. Just insist that you did if the issue comes up.

David K - 9-23-2011 at 05:26 PM

Posted last May:

fatoldcapt

posted on 5-10-2011 at 01:12 PM

Tourist Card Info Straight from the Authorities



After a recent trip down South, the matter of what to do with the Toutist Card came up once again. So I e-mailed the Secretary of Tourism Office. I received a reply from "HHiguera@baja.gob.mx"

Good morning Mr. Stephens

Regarding you question, you have to return the form to the Immigration office that is in Mexican Costumes in Tijuana B.C.. What you can do is:

1.- There are several parking lots in that area, and you are able to walk to Mexican customs.

2.- You can send your immigration form to our State Secretariat of Tourism P.O. Box #2448 Chula Vista Ca. Zip. 91912, and we happily can deliver it to Immigration ( We call the Immigration office and they told us that you don't have to return it personally).

Thank you for visiting our great State of Baja California.

also from "mcronaf@baja.gob.mx"


Dear Sir,

It is our pleasure, the permits can be returned in any Mexican Immigration office, on the entrance of San Ysidro or Otay International Border, and the only way that this can happen , is like you were saying, parking on the US side and walking across to the office, and reenter the US on foot

The offices are on the bridge Puerta Mexico, which goes to the International Border Mexico- US side, public hours are from 09:00 to 13:00 hrs.
Tel. 01 (664) 682 98 62, and the permit can be delivered to any officer on duty.

I hope that this can help you,
Sincerely

Uh-Oh........

bajaguy - 9-23-2011 at 05:28 PM

I don't know how you crossed at San Isidro....... :?: but when in (THE) Baja, it's difficult to do what is required, because the government (on both sides) really doesn't know what is going on.

I really don't think you will get into trouble, as the Mexican computer system probably is not up to speed yet. I'm sure there is a fine, but they will not know what it is. However, YMMV.

The only time I have had my US Passport stamped by US Immigration when returning from Mexico is when I asked them to do it.

Let us know what happens in December......and don't lose any sleep over it.....:lol:

Oh, welcome to the board!!!!

David K - 9-23-2011 at 05:32 PM

On the Discover Baja Travel Club web page:

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

David K - 9-23-2011 at 05:35 PM

If it helps ease any worry... I have traveled in Baja (and other parts of Mexico) since 1965... and neither my parents or I have ever returned our tourist cards. The address above from Discover Baja is a recent improvement in facilitating the task, however.

rts551 - 9-23-2011 at 06:02 PM

My son returned his this last year and the customs officer in Tecate dutifully entered the info into the computer.

edit; he walked across while I drove. Any bets on who waited on the US side?

[Edited on 9-24-2011 by rts551]

BajaBlanca - 9-23-2011 at 07:07 PM

He did !!

kiterkip - 9-23-2011 at 07:43 PM

Thanks! Wow, quick responses.
So either I'll mail it (about 90 days late since it expired on 7/2/11) to the Chula Vista, or TJ office... or I'll throw it in the trash and go back to sleep.
Hmmmmm
Kip in Tacoma

[Edited on 9-24-2011 by kiterkip]

bajaguy - 9-23-2011 at 08:57 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by kiterkip
Thanks! Wow, quick responses.
So either I'll mail it (about 90 days late since it expired on 7/2/11) to the Chula Vista, or TJ office... or I'll throw it in the trash and go back to sleep.
Hmmmmm
Kip in Tacoma

[Edited on 9-24-2011 by kiterkip]





Put it in a stamped addressed envelope, smudge your return address, spill some coke or coffee on the envelope, crinkle the envelope up a bit, step on it a couple of times then rub it in the dirt a little.......drop in any mailbox........