BajaNomad - Tourist visa and Vehicle requirements.

Tourist visa and Vehicle requirements.

Jonno_aus - 12-6-2013 at 12:01 PM

Driving down the Baja in a few weeks in a U.S plated car. Will be staying in La Paz for 6-9 months or so depending on funds.

If after 6 months I can stretch it another few months down there, I'll obviously have to leave at the 6 month mark because of the FMM requirements.

Question I had, do I have to drive my car back up to the States? Or can I fly out for a week or two before flying back down leaving the car in La Paz until I finally leave 2 or 3 months later?

A little unclear in the requirements when it comes to vehicles on the Baja. Any help greatly appreciated.

Jonno.

David K - 12-6-2013 at 12:20 PM

There is an INM office in La Paz and you should go there and apply for an extension a couple weeks before yours expires. The FMM you get for flying into Mexico is NOT the same as the one for DRIVING or WALKING across the border. You cannot leave your personal property behind, as this is a red flag that you are bringing cars to La Paz to sell.

woody with a view - 12-6-2013 at 12:27 PM

if they won't give you an extension, tell them you'll leave the country. promptly walk out and continue your vacation and drive home when you're ready....

sancho - 12-6-2013 at 12:40 PM

I have never tried to get an extension on an fmm,
not to say it is not possible, I wouldn't count on it.
I suppose if you talk to an agreeable Mex Immigration
Officer in La Paz, you might get an extension.
There is no registration of vehicles in Baja so leaving
a vehicle in LP, flying back to the US, and flying back
to Mex with a new fmm from the airlines is an option.
If that was your sole reason for flying back to the US
was to get a new fmm, personally if it were me, I would
come back at the end of the fmm 180 days, or if
you are a bit of an outlaw, drive back with the fmm expired.
Back in my LP days, I knew a guy would routinely get
a new fmm when his ran out, he had a connection,
ask around in LP

Jonno_aus - 12-6-2013 at 01:05 PM

Ok thanks for the help. I'll consider the extension option. La Paz here we come!

[Edited on 12-6-2013 by Jonno_aus]

David K - 12-6-2013 at 01:08 PM

If you are on a 9 month vacation, why not see Baja... La Paz is near the tip and there is so much more before that point. Vacation slowly back north by the end of the 180 day period... Then cross back if you still want 3 more months in paradise!

Jonno_aus - 12-6-2013 at 01:28 PM

Sounds like a plan too! Thanks!

David K - 12-6-2013 at 02:21 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Jonno_aus
Sounds like a plan too! Thanks!

Please check the links (blue) in my signature, below each of my posts... they are there to help people have an idea of what's in Baja and what they may want to see in person.

My web site http://vivabaja.com is also full of photos and links to other web sites, mesaage boards, details, maps... Don't worry, seeing the places in anybody's photos will not take away from the experience of seeing them in person!

Jonno_aus - 12-6-2013 at 02:37 PM

Thank you very much, David. Those links will keep me busy for sometime!

bajaguy - 12-6-2013 at 03:08 PM

The rules in Baja (Mexico) are convoluted and confusing, however just try and be legal while you are here.

Oh, and bring some Vegemite with you....they don't stock it in Baja

Quote:

Originally posted by Jonno_aus
Sounds like a plan too! Thanks!

apple - 12-6-2013 at 03:14 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by David K
There is an INM office in La Paz and you should go there and apply for an extension a couple weeks before yours expires. The FMM you get for flying into Mexico is NOT the same as the one for DRIVING or WALKING across the border. You cannot leave your personal property behind, as this is a red flag that you are bringing cars to La Paz to sell.

You sure about that? I drove in, flew out and then flew back without a problem. The visas looks the same to me too...

David K - 12-6-2013 at 04:30 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by apple

Quote:

You sure about that? I drove in, flew out and then flew back without a problem. The visas looks the same to me too...

Sure about which?

There was an INM uniformed officer at the hot dog stand in La Paz last year, so yes... I think he just got there after work.
They need to be in port cities, not just the borders, for boats or planes that arrive into Mexico at those places.

The FMM may look the same, but you have to check AUTO, BOAT, or PLANE... I have not read or recall when you could use a single FMM for more than one method of transportation. If you can, then great!!

Jonno_aus - 12-6-2013 at 04:48 PM

Yeah....in prison doesn't sound appealing! Unless the tacos they serve are ok...

toneart - 12-6-2013 at 04:48 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by David K

Quote:

Originally posted by Jonno_aus
Sounds like a plan too! Thanks!

Please check the links (blue) in my signature, below each of my posts... they are there to help people have an idea of what's in Baja and what they may want to see in person.

Whew! In my first reading I thought you said
"in prison".

Bajahowodd - 12-6-2013 at 04:58 PM

I'm guessing that if you fly back to La Paz many months into your trip, you can probably get away with using the FMM you will be obliged to pay for while in flight. Just remember to write on it the last date foe which you will need for driving back. That would serve to extend your original FMM, so to speak.

I understand what DK says about the FMM being different between driving in and flying in. But in my experience, it is the exact same paper form. The difference is that if you get the FMM for a flight into Mexico, the airline will confiscate it before you can board a flight out of Mexico.

So, I do believe that if you decide to fly out of La Paz mid-trip, to return later, they will not let you board without surrendering your original FMM.

I invite comments.

David K - 12-6-2013 at 05:36 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Bajahowodd
I'm guessing that if you fly back to La Paz many months into your trip, you can probably get away with using the FMM you will be obliged to pay for while in flight. Just remember to write on it the last date foe which you will need for driving back. That would serve to extend your original FMM, so to speak.

I understand what DK says about the FMM being different between driving in and flying in. But in my experience, it is the exact same paper form. The difference is that if you get the FMM for a flight into Mexico, the airline will confiscate it before you can board a flight out of Mexico.

So, I do believe that if you decide to fly out of La Paz mid-trip, to return later, they will not let you board without surrendering your original FMM.

I invite comments.

That is what has been reported here... Perhaps since he is losing his FMM when he flies out, and he is flying out to get one, that is okay...

Another point, is Jonno_aus, an Australian? We are advising him about North American rules for Mexico.

I saw vegemite being mentioned... Better learn to like peanut butter! G'day!

[Edited on 12-7-2013 by David K]

bajagrouper - 12-6-2013 at 07:12 PM

First of all you can not get an extension for an FMM tourist permit,180 days is it.

second of all the FMM is the same paper form which ever way you enter, the difference is where it is stamped if driving there is a silhouette of a car, if flying a silhouette a plane and a boat silhouette if by boat......

Jonno_aus - 12-6-2013 at 08:05 PM

Ok, by the sounds of it I'll be driving back up to the States, then back down again for a few months (I'm committed to go back to oz in late Sept. next year) before driving back up again.

So I'll gain some more experience driving the Baja and on the opposite side I'm used to. :light:

The Vegemite is coming, but it'll be taking a back seat to the tacos. :yes:

El Jefe - 12-6-2013 at 08:33 PM

Seems to me that you could just park your car in a long term parking area (there is one on the road to the airport) and then fly back and get it with your new FMM. Sure your old one that you turn in will say you came in a car, but it doesn't say it was your car. If you were just a passenger could you not legally fly out?? Just thinking.

I wouldn't hesitate to fly out and back with your new FMM and leave your car while gone.

MitchMan - 12-7-2013 at 08:11 AM

Based on the above, it appears that the FMM form itself, as pre-printed, is identical whether flying in, driving in or boating into Baja. The difference is that the FMM is "stamped" or completed or filled out indicating the mode of transportation used by the tourist to enter Baja, i.e., whether by auto, plane, or boat.

It's been my understanding that Mexico requires that you enter and leave within the 180 day period by the same method. Don't know why that is required, but I guess it has something to do with the requirement not to leave personal property behind in Baja when you leave as a tourist.

I have personally entered and left Baja by different means many times as a tourist and as a USA citizen with an FM3 and a No-Inmigrante. Never ever had a problem. Could be that I always either drive into Baja and then walk out across the border and vice versa and, either way, no one has ever checked my Mexican visa status going into or out of Baja by either of those two means.

It's sort of like a ferociously infectious disease with absolutely no symptoms.

Do not consider this post as advice, just consider it as an "observation". I don't want you to get into any trouble.

vandenberg - 12-7-2013 at 08:24 AM

How about playing the ignorant game and just forget about the 180 day limit.
Been here for 23 years and never ever have been asked to show any kind of paper but my DL. And never turned the expired Tourist Permit in upon leaving for the US. when driving.

RnR - 12-7-2013 at 08:32 AM

There may be the rules and then there is actual practice...

For the past 14 years:

I have driven into Baja in late October, set up camp/housekeeping in the East Cape area, flown back to the States the week before Christmas, (the incoming FMM/FMT was taken at the airport departure gate), flown back to Baja in mid January, (filled out a new FMM/FMT on the plane), and driven back to the States in mid March.

Same routine, every year, for 14 years.

Nobody, airline, INM, Guerrero Negro checkpoint, has ever given the paperwork more than a passing glance (if that).

Don't sweat the small details. Just go.

El Jefe - 12-7-2013 at 09:56 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by RnR
There may be the rules and then there is actual practice...

For the past 14 years:

I have driven into Baja in late October, set up camp/housekeeping in the East Cape area, flown back to the States the week before Christmas, (the incoming FMM/FMT was taken at the airport departure gate), flown back to Baja in mid January, (filled out a new FMM/FMT on the plane), and driven back to the States in mid March.

Same routine, every year, for 14 years.

Nobody, airline, INM, Guerrero Negro checkpoint, has ever given the paperwork more than a passing glance (if that).

Don't sweat the small details. Just go.

EXACTLY.

Jonno_aus - 12-7-2013 at 10:30 AM

Yeah, that's what I was thinking. Because that would mean the same for passengers in the car, wouldn't it? Doesn't make sence that they'd ALL have to be in the car to return back to the U.S.

What if you hitched a ride down with friends that only stayed for a few weeks. Surely they wouldn't expect everyone to go back out the same way.

Think I'll just fly out. What's the worst that could happen? :biggrin:

David K - 12-7-2013 at 11:28 AM

Seriously, a smile and good attitude will do more for you! Don't worry, just go with the flow.

I am curious however, what information has the Mexican embassy in Australia provided you about your vacation and what are your visa restrictions. For that matter, how long of a visa can you get for the USA? Do you need a second entry visa from the USA consulate in Cabo San Lucas?

I got my Australian visa in New Zealand, and instead of making it for the same duration as my dad's who already had been living and working in Western Australia, they reduced his to the time they gave me! LOL

Bajahowodd - 12-7-2013 at 06:06 PM

As far as I have experienced, the Mexican IMM really does not have a reliable computer system. Therefore, I would strongly advise that flying out and surrendering your FMM then flying back in with a new one will work.

Fact is that they are issued for a maximum period of 180 days. I don't know if the airline counter attendant would be of any help here, but, I am almost certain that if you do surrender it to board a flight out of Mexico, that you will not be impeded from getting a new FMM when you board a flight back to Mexico.

This is somewhat academic, in that, as some have posted here, and I can concur, you will be almost never asked for your FMM. And, if the time comes and you are, when traveling back North, I sincerely doubt that they would retain you, but rather just tell you to get your Butt out of the country.

apple - 12-10-2013 at 11:26 AM

can anyone say with certainty whether or not a 180 day tourist visa can be extended?

sancho - 12-10-2013 at 12:37 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by apple
can anyone say with certainty whether or not a 180 day tourist visa can be extended?

I don't think the word certainty exists in Mex,
in most circumstances, I believe the term extension of a tourist card/fmm is
a myth, but getting a new fmm, paying the $24, at a port of entry, inside Mex, say La Paz, etc., MAY be possible, I've known it to happen in the past

apple - 12-10-2013 at 03:35 PM

There's a box on the bottom that says "estancia ampliación" on the bottom of the visa.

dasubergeek - 12-10-2013 at 07:45 PM

Yes, there is. It's there in case you get a shorter stay (say, 30 or 60 days) and want to extend it. The absolute limit is 180 days.

Jonno_aus - 12-10-2013 at 07:55 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by David K
Seriously, a smile and good attitude will do more for you! Don't worry, just go with the flow.

[B]I am curious however, what information has the Mexican embassy in Australia provided you about your vacation and what are your visa restrictions. For that matter, how long of a visa can you get for the USA? Do you need a second entry visa from the USA consulate in Cabo San Lucas?[\B]

I got my Australian visa in New Zealand, and instead of making it for the same duration as my dad's who already had been living and working in Western Australia, they reduced his to the time they gave me! LOL

Never went to the Mexican Embassy in Australia. I just get the tourist visa on entry. But a few years ago my wife and I got a 5 year US Visa. So makes it a little easier to come and go in the States.

Interesting now that I think about it, the last time we were in Baja, we flew into La Paz with the 180 day visa. Knew a few here already and 'bought' a car from an American friend of a friend. (Trust me, long story).

A month after we arrive, we drove up the Baja in 'our' car then back over the US border in another vehicle while 'ours' was left in Tijuana (yes, strange but another long story!). We crossed back into MX a week later on the bus. Actually missed out on getting a tourist Visa at the entry point - nobody issued us one or told us where to get it. Out of the bus, see ya later!

HUGE long story short, got one at Tijuana Airport. Drive back to La Paz for 6 months. Sell 'our' car and fly out. Nobody checking visa's or what happened to 'our' car.

Phew! That was confusing. :?:

Did everyone get that? :biggrin: