BajaNomad

7 day - 6 night Free FMM - "tourist card" ?

elskel - 12-27-2011 at 02:56 PM

To all: In the past I have seen posts mentioning the " free 7 day-6night FMM" (tourist card). My question, Do these Free 7 day FMM's truly exist? I have never seen one and know of no one getting one. Does anybody have any information or have they picked one up. Any information would be helpful.
thanks brian

DENNIS - 12-27-2011 at 03:35 PM

What part of Baja are you planning on visiting? I ask because if you stay in the Free Zone, you don't need any type of visa, free or otherwise.....for seven or fewer days, that is.

oooops....just noticed you are in Pescadero. I doubt you'll be touristing around the border areas.



.




[Edited on 12-27-2011 by DENNIS]

O.G. - 12-27-2011 at 03:41 PM

If you arrive by auto, taxi or oxcart -- no FMM needed in the "free zone". If you arrive by air, commercial or private, you will need the FMM; even in the free zone.

elskel - 12-27-2011 at 03:46 PM

I am good, I have a FM-2. I am asking because of what I am hearing on another sight. This is a fishing sight and the word is a FMM is going to be required for a person entering Mexican waters and not setting foot on Mexican soil. For me it is a privelage to fish in Mexican waters. I have heard of these FMM's in the past, but never heard of anyone obtaining one.
brian

Bajahowodd - 12-27-2011 at 04:09 PM

Sounds like a complex problem to me. Since there was a recent post about US based boats fishing in the SOC, I have to believe this is something of a pushback by some element in the Mexican government.

bajabass - 12-27-2011 at 04:22 PM

Are you leaving the U.S. on a sport boat, and fishing yourself?? If you hold a valid FM-2, FM-3, or FMM, you should only need a Mexican licence or permit to be legal. Check with the landing you are leaving from for sure!

elskel - 12-27-2011 at 04:39 PM

Not a problem for me, I have a valid FM-2. Scenario, private skiff leaves San Diego to fish Coronados for the day or off-shore, they are going to need a FMM to be legal. That was why I was aking about the 7 day free FMM I have heard of on some of these discussion sites. If not, it would be twenty dollars plus, every time you would fish below the border to be legal. The other option FMM - 180 days x 2 per year= About $50 per year. Plus valid Mexican fishing license. The same would hold true for any SD sportboats fishing below the border one FMM per person for each trip
brian

Sweetwater - 12-27-2011 at 05:04 PM

FMM vs FMT?

I have an extra FMM from an airline flight....can I fill it out and use it while driving across on a moto?

Last year, Nov, 2010, we got fined and spent an entire afternoon chasing down an FMT at Guerro Negro...I used that same FMT in February 2011 without problems. Where are up to date rules posted?

sancho - 12-27-2011 at 05:17 PM

My opinion is, others have theirs, is that ANYWHERE
in Baja, whether standing on Revolution Ave. TJ, or
elsewhere, if you exceed 72 hrs. in Baja/Mex you
need some form of Immigration papers. Free Zone,
don't need one for 7 days or less, or other
interruptation is not what I go by. Mex Imm will often
tell you at their office you don't need one for stays
of 7 days or less, the Federal IMM regs do NOT state
that. So I get the 180 day or the free 7 day. I have heard
discussion on the SD Fishing Radio Show about this,
the Mother Ships out of San Felipe now require passengers
to get an fmm at the Border, otherwise they will not be
permitted to board, they get the free 7 day fmm at
the Mexicali Crossing. Exactly how would one get an fmm
and fish the Coronados out of SD? Would you go to
TJ Mex IMM then back to SD with the fmm? I don't believe
there is any other place to get an fmm, yrs. back the
Mex Consulate in downtown SD issued them,
not any more. Be polite to Mex IMM, ask them they will
issue you 1, as I stated all passengers on the T Reyes
San felipe boats are required to have 1,
First fmm was issued May1, 2010 replaced the fmt
There are prepaid, but you still have to go to an IMM
Ofice to have them validate it, wouldn't save you any time
and will cost approx another $25 on top of the $23 fmm cost
Free fmm online, no
[Edited on 12-28-2011 by sancho]

[Edited on 12-28-2011 by sancho]

[Edited on 12-28-2011 by sancho]

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[Edited on 12-28-2011 by sancho]

[Edited on 12-28-2011 by sancho]

elskel - 12-27-2011 at 05:25 PM

The new FMM laws were passes back in May, the Federal Gov IMM has not released the written form and any interpretations yet. I do believe per Mexico law the written form was due at the begining of Dec. / 6 months.

elskel - 12-27-2011 at 05:31 PM

I guess one would have to cross the border, pick up an FMM and have stamped for 180 days, and then return to the U.S. Unless the process was changed and the ability to pick up some sort of prepayed FMM, this side of the border. I believe this would affect only boats fishing 0-12 miles from Mexico land territory.

elskel - 12-27-2011 at 05:33 PM

Or some sort of Free FMM via online (7day).

David K - 12-28-2011 at 09:38 AM

I would check with the sport fishing boats at H&M Landing (San Diego) to see what is needed.

Obviously, going from a U.S. Harbor into Mexican waters there is no INM office to validate a card (if you got one at a consulate or Discover Baja).

Yes, there is a 7 day free tourist card... I believe Sancho reported on getting one in Mexicali..?

KurtG - 12-28-2011 at 09:50 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by elskel
To all: In the past I have seen posts mentioning the " free 7 day-6night FMM" (tourist card). My question, Do these Free 7 day FMM's truly exist? I have never seen one and know of no one getting one. Does anybody have any information or have they picked one up. Any information would be helpful.
thanks brian


Last March when we drove to GN for whale watching we stopped at the San Ysidro immigration office for tourist permits, we told the official that the trip was less than a week and they marked the FMM's for 7 days and there was no charge. It was the same form as the 180 day permit but no need to go to the bank.

DENNIS - 12-28-2011 at 10:02 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by KurtG
Last March when we drove to GN for whale watching we stopped at the San Ysidro immigration office for tourist permits, we told the official that the trip was less than a week and they marked the FMM's for 7 days and there was no charge. It was the same form as the 180 day permit but no need to go to the bank.


That would make sense to me. GN is below the Free Zone which supposedly ends around Maneadero on the Pac side.

As far as boat passengers in Mexico water....I wouldn't take any chances or guess at any requirments. The Mexican Navy has a record of confiscating vessels and confining passengers without discussion.
Right or wrong.....once they have your property, the fight just begins to get it back.

sancho - 12-28-2011 at 11:32 AM

Mex IMM has been messing with the fmm requirement
regarding boats recently, I was unaware of the need
for an fmm for the N baja Coast fishing, last I heard just a
Passport was required for boat passengers. Up until
recently, Mex IMM required SD Based long range boats
that fish Guadalupe Isle, some 150 mi. west of Ensenada,
to port in Ensenada first, clear IMM in Ensenada, fish
Guadalupe, then return to Ensenada to clear IMM,
while they do not require SD boats fishing Cedros and
points further so. to clear IMM, go figure
To require a SD private boater to walk across at San
Ysidro, get an fmm, to fish the Coranados doesn't
make much sense, but it is Mex, As DK pointed out, I would
call Fishermans Lnading Tackle at the landing off Rosecrans
they will have current info

[Edited on 12-28-2011 by sancho]

Gaucho - 12-28-2011 at 01:23 PM

I flew Volaris out of TJ on 12/11 returning 12/14 for a quick trip to Los Cabos. Normally, when checking in, I'm directed to the Aeromexico counter to pay for my FMM. For some reason the "airport lady" said I didn't need one and directed me to the gate. I said "are you absolutely sure?" and she said yes. I thought for sure they would ding me on the return trip but I was waived right through after showing my passport. Anybody else experience this?

David K - 12-28-2011 at 01:36 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by Gaucho
I flew Volaris out of TJ on 12/11 returning 12/14 for a quick trip to Los Cabos. Normally, when checking in, I'm directed to the Aeromexico counter to pay for my FMM. For some reason the "airport lady" said I didn't need one and directed me to the gate. I said "are you absolutely sure?" and she said yes. I thought for sure they would ding me on the return trip but I was waived right through after showing my passport. Anybody else experience this?


Are you Mexican-American or latino-looking? Nobody bugged you for it on your landing or return, huh? Great!

DENNIS - 12-28-2011 at 01:40 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by David K
Are you Mexican-American or latino-looking? Nobody bugged you for it on your landing or return, huh? Great!


David...are you suggesting that profiling is an immigration tool in Mexico? :lol::lol:
Wouldn't that be fun.

Gaucho - 12-28-2011 at 01:43 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by David K
Quote:
Originally posted by Gaucho
I flew Volaris out of TJ on 12/11 returning 12/14 for a quick trip to Los Cabos. Normally, when checking in, I'm directed to the Aeromexico counter to pay for my FMM. For some reason the "airport lady" said I didn't need one and directed me to the gate. I said "are you absolutely sure?" and she said yes. I thought for sure they would ding me on the return trip but I was waived right through after showing my passport. Anybody else experience this?


Are you Mexican-American or latino-looking? Nobody bugged you for it on your landing or return, huh? Great!


I'm Scottish/Irish/English, on the 2nd boat over from the old world. I'm just wondering if they changed things regarding the FMM when flying out of TJ?

elskel - 12-28-2011 at 02:21 PM

The sport fishing landings are waiting for the Federal IMM to come out with the final written regulations. The word is FMM's are going to be needed if the boat is fishing from 0-12 miles from land. It is true, passports have been needed by people fishing Mexican waters for awhile now. The FMM's would also be needed for any private boats. If this becomes the case, hopefully individuals would have the ability to easily obtain some sort of legal documentation. Up until a few years ago you could not buy a Mexican fishing liscense online and now you can.

sancho - 12-28-2011 at 03:03 PM

Quote:
Quote:
Originally posted by Gaucho
I said "are you absolutely sure?" and she said yes. I thought for sure they would ding me on the return trip but I was waived right through after showing my passport. Anybody else experience this?


I'm Scottish/Irish/English, on the 2nd boat over from the old world. I'm just wondering if they changed things regarding the FMM when flying out of TJ?



Scottish/Irish?
Maybe they thaught you are related to Graham Mac?
In the past, the TJ Airport issued the free 7 day fmt's,
for short trips, before the fmm.
I am not so concerned about an fmm
when flying, but I question the validity of the person
at the Airport who said you don't need one. I am more
concerned when driving without an fmm

DENNIS - 12-28-2011 at 04:06 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by sancho

Scottish/Irish?



What are types of Whiskey. [Jeopardy practice]

Bajahowodd - 12-28-2011 at 04:44 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by KurtG
Quote:
Originally posted by elskel
To all: In the past I have seen posts mentioning the " free 7 day-6night FMM" (tourist card). My question, Do these Free 7 day FMM's truly exist? I have never seen one and know of no one getting one. Does anybody have any information or have they picked one up. Any information would be helpful.
thanks brian


Last March when we drove to GN for whale watching we stopped at the San Ysidro immigration office for tourist permits, we told the official that the trip was less than a week and they marked the FMM's for 7 days and there was no charge. It was the same form as the 180 day permit but no need to go to the bank.


This is really a very helpful post.

We head down to "play" with the whales every year. Most of the time, we already have unexpired FMMs from earlier Baja trips.

But, it we didn't have those documents, it saves us $20+ dollars apiece to know that we can get the free ones for a short trip.

FMM needed to fish in Mexican Waters

elskel - 12-28-2011 at 11:23 PM

The word is out from the Federal government, FMM needed to fish in Mexican territorial waters 24 miles. Link to story, http://www.signonsandiego.com/news/2...a-fish-mexico/

elskel - 12-29-2011 at 01:54 PM

The word is out from the Federal government, FMM needed to fish in Mexican territorial waters 24 miles:
Anglers need a visa to fish in Mexico



Anglers need a visa to fish in Mexico
As expected, all anglers venturing into Mexico on fishing trips – by sea or by land -- now are required to obtain a visa in order to fish there.

The cost of the visas will be approximately $21, but will be tied into the value of the peso. Anglers must also have a fishing permit (approximately $11) or a yearly Mexican fishing license (approximately $45).

The Sportfishing Association of California today released some of the parameters surrounding the new documentation that all anglers must have to fish in Mexico. The local landings are working out an arrangement for a private company to administer the visas at the docks. SAC member vessels will obtain a visa through a program sanctioned by the Mexican Immigration Department (INAMI). All crew members must have a visa in order to work on fishing boats in Mexico. The third party company will work out of the local landings to make it easier for local anglers to obtain a visa.

“This program will permit the application process to be administered through a company approved by INAMI,” the SAC release said today. “This company is currently working with the sportfishing landings in San Diego to establish the required infrastructure. Once the process is ‘live’ the feasibility of opening it up to the general boating public will be evaluated by the San Diego Landings.”

According to SAC, on May 25, 2011, a new immigration law in Mexico was enacted by Mexico’s Immigration Department “in order to create in our country a framework of guarantees to protect the rights of the individuals in our country, facilitate and manage the migratory flows to and from Mexico, favoring the protection and respect of human rights of Mexicans and foreigners, regardless their origin, nationality, gender, ethnicity, age and immigration status.” Source INAMI (Mexico’s Immigration Department).

INAMI informed SAC that the new immigration law requires that all foreigners entering Mexican waters

INAMI has informed us that Articles 33, 44, 46, 50, 153, and 154 of the new immigration law require that all foreigners entering Mexican territory, which includes Mexican territorial waters and contiguous waters (24 miles) from shore, must have a Visa.

INAMI said anglers have two primary ways to apply for a Mexican visa if they intend to enter Mexico’s territorial waters. Boaters may appear at the Mexican land border points of entry and obtain a visa through an INAMI designated facility. Or boaters may report to the Port of Ensenada’s point of entry and contact the IMANI Office at the Port to obtain a visa.

SAC is offering the third option for anglers to get a visa at the local landings.

The new rules are:

All U.S. or international tourists travelling to Mexico must have a visa to enter Mexico. It’s called a FMM permit. This permit must go through a different process, depending on whether one is entering Mexico by land or by sea.

INAMI has authorized a third party organization to issue the water entry visa at the five San Diego landings for tourists with passage on any SAC member vessel. All other visas must be obtained in Mexico.

The cost of the visa will vary and depend on the length of the trip and the value of the peso.

INAMI will monitor the border and do random inspections of all vessels crossing into Mexican waters. Private boaters along with commercial passenger fishing vessels will be checked.

All those boarded will be asked to show a national ID and a Mexican visa.

All FMM visas must be returned within 24 hours upon return to the U.S.

Recreational boaters who aren’t fishing, but just traveling through Mexico’s territorial waters, will not be required to have a visa.

Also, all crew members will be required to have a FM3 visa, which can be obtained through the third party company set up at the landings or at a INAMI office.

Visa applications may be made at the following locations:

Fisherman’s Landing, 2838 Garrison Street, San Diego, CA 92106 (619) 221-8500 www.FishermansLanding.com

H&M Sportfishing, 2803 Emerson Street, San Diego, CA 92106, (619) 222-1144 www.HMLanding.com

Point Loma Sportfishing, 1403 Scott Street, San Diego, CA 92106, (619) 223-1627 www.PointLomaSportfishing.com

Seaforth Sportfishing, 1717 Quivira Road, San Diego, CA 92109 (619) 224-3383 www.SeaforthLanding.com

Dana Landing, 2580 Ingraham Street, San Diego, CA 92109, (619) 226-2929 www.Danalanding.com