BajaNomad

Where do I turn in my FMM at San Ysidro?

maryellen50 - 6-9-2015 at 03:19 PM

I have a 180-day FMM expiring in August so where do I go to turn it in at San Ysidro? And I need to stay in the U.S. for 3 days before applying for a new FMM? I can't find any info on the web.
Thanks everyone for the info.
How many days before I can return across the border to get a new FMM?
If my passport is stamped with the date of entry into Mexico don't I have to get an exit stamp?
[Edited on 6-10-2015 by maryellen50]

[Edited on 6-10-2015 by maryellen50]

woody with a view - 6-9-2015 at 03:28 PM

the closest trash can. other than that, the same place you got it!

David K - 6-9-2015 at 03:31 PM

Because it is near impossible for vehicles going home to park anywhere near the INM at Tijuana, you can mail it back to them, as well... Discover Baja Travel Club has posted the address.

Udo - 6-9-2015 at 04:07 PM

When I used to get it every six months, I always mailed it to San Ysidro INM.

bajabuddha - 6-9-2015 at 10:01 PM

Archivo trese.

bajatrailrider - 6-10-2015 at 06:39 AM

I used to file it,in the trash can.Remember Mexico's record keeping is state of the art.

DENNIS - 6-10-2015 at 07:09 AM



Please don't cause unnecessary work for Mexico INM. It may compromise their heartfelt efforts to do absolutely nothing. It ain't easy, ya know.

norte - 6-10-2015 at 10:30 AM

No please do not do the right thing. Do not mail it in. Do not turn it in. After all it is Mexico. Break the law at every opportunity..after all following the law should only be done when things are state of the art.

SFandH - 6-10-2015 at 11:00 AM

I'm looking at my FMM now. It's still valid, expires in September.

Nowhere on the document does it say you need to turn it in when you leave Mexico. Also, nowhere on the document is there an address to do so. And there is a section, marked IMPORTANT on the back in English with information. No mention of turning it in.

Also, FMM stands for Forma Migratoria Multiple. You can't make multiple entries if you turn it in when leaving.

Plus, at the border crossing I use, Tijuana, no provision has been made by the Mexicans to turn one in when leaving Mexico. No parking and no office, except in the pedestrian entrance into Mexico to do so. I don't think you can get to that office walking north. It's all one way south pedestrian traffic.

Can someone point me to a Mexican government webpage that says it needs to be turned in?


[Edited on 6-10-2015 by SFandH]

[Edited on 6-10-2015 by SFandH]

soylent_green - 6-10-2015 at 11:17 AM

This January, I heard at a conference the regional head of Mexican Immigration say you should throw it away.

AKgringo - 6-10-2015 at 11:30 AM

So if I leave Mexico after a month with a 180 day FMM, whether I turn it in, or throw it away, what happens if I show up shortly after that requesting a new one? Is a record kept of who has entered their country lately?

[Edited on 6-10-2015 by AKgringo]

gallesram - 6-10-2015 at 11:39 AM

I tend to agree with SF and H's post above; I interpret the form to permit "multiple" entries and therefore when it expires you toss it. My last one expired a few weeks ago and 1 week after that I got a new one at the airport in Tijuana without any problem; the agents did scan my passport and then gave me the completed form (they actually complete it now which is nice).

For anyone who has flown into the TJ airport you'll remember that they have INM agents just before baggage claim who ask to see your tourist card. Those agents have never asked me if I'm leaving the country, where I'm staying in Tijuana, etc. Based on all of this I have concluded that once it expires you need to get a new one in place if you plan to visit and it will last for 6 months. If anyone has had a different experience (i.e., an agent stating that you must turn it in to an office or mail it back to an office) then please tell us.

mtgoat666 - 6-10-2015 at 11:54 AM

Quote: Originally posted by maryellen50  

I have a 180-day FMM expiring in August so where do I go to turn it in at San Ysidro? And I need to stay in the U.S. for 3 days before applying for a new FMM? I can't find any info on the web.


throw it in the trash. that's what i do and i have had a 100% success rate.
it is paper so dispose in the blue bin :light:

if you are still concerned about this, then next time you get a visa ask the immigration agent what to do with it when you leave mexico,... report back here with your new information

akshadow - 6-10-2015 at 12:04 PM

I believe "multiple" applies to purposes not entry and exit.
In Mexicali when I asked the Mexican immigration officials issuing the FMM both said return it when leaving, but it looked like they were winking. But did agree I could probably go to the states for a day or so to pick up prescriptions etc without going through the entire process again.
Quote: Originally posted by SFandH  


Also, FMM stands for Forma Migratoria Multiple. You can't make multiple entries if you turn it in when leaving.


Can someone point me to a Mexican government webpage that says it needs to be turned in?


[Edited on 6-10-2015 by SFandH]

[Edited on 6-10-2015 by SFandH]

gallesram - 6-10-2015 at 12:09 PM

I'm flying down in a few weeks and will go over to the INM booth and ask at the TJ airport, then report back.

SFandH - 6-10-2015 at 12:24 PM

Quote: Originally posted by akshadow  
I believe "multiple" applies to purposes not entry and exit.


That makes sense, I didn't think of that.

More info from: http://www.mexperience.com/blog/?p=2391

"If you are departing Mexico on a flight, your airline will insist you surrender the FMM to them before they allow you to board. If you are driving out or leaving the country by sea, you should surrender your FMM to an immigration official before your departure. Failure to do so might cause delays the next time you try and enter Mexico."

So.......I dunno.

With the assistance of my browser that automatically translates (do they all do that now?), I've been reading Mex gov websites. Nothing about turning them in yet.


SFandH - 6-10-2015 at 12:32 PM

And from: http://www.bajabound.com/before/permits/visa.php

"Last time we checked with INM (aka INAMI) in January 2015, returning the FMM was not necessary in Baja California. Although there is statement on the back of the FMM saying to return it, there is no procedure about how to return it or where to return it within the Baja region. The Federal INAMI Delegate in other regions may require that you turn it in and get an exit stamp. If you are not in the Baja Peninsula, it would be best to check with your local INM office."

But there is no statement on the back of mine saying to return it, like the above says there is.

Murky.

Whn I get a new one this fall, I'll ask.

tripledigitken - 6-10-2015 at 12:34 PM

Quote: Originally posted by SFandH  
I'm looking at my FMM now. It's still valid, expires in September.

Nowhere on the document does it say you need to turn it in when you leave Mexico. Also, nowhere on the document is there an address to do so. And there is a section, marked IMPORTANT on the back in English with information. No mention of turning it in......



[Edited on 6-10-2015 by SFandH]


On the back of the FMM form the first sentence says.."During your stay in Mexico, you must retain this immigration form and SURRENDER it upon leaving the country."

For the last 5 years or so, at the advice of Discover Baja we have done just that by mailing it to....

INSTITUTO NACIONAL DE MIGRACION
PUENTE PUERTA S/N
COLONIA FEDERAL
TIJUANA, B.C. MEXICO C.P. 22310

after the term expires. Easy peasy.

Do they have the ability to check, I don't know or care? It's just too easy to mail it and rest easy.

just my 2 cents.

SFandH - 6-10-2015 at 12:38 PM

Quote: Originally posted by tripledigitken  


On the back of the FMM form the first sentence says.."During your stay in Mexico, you must retain this immigration form and SURRENDER it upon leaving the country."

For the last 5 years or so, at the advice of Discover Baja we have done just that by mailing it to....


FAIL. I don't know how I missed that TWICE.

Where were you an hour ago?

Thanks.

What's the word? Chagrin?

[Edited on 6-10-2015 by SFandH]

tripledigitken - 6-10-2015 at 12:41 PM

Quote: Originally posted by SFandH  
Quote: Originally posted by tripledigitken  


On the back of the FMM form the first sentence says.."During your stay in Mexico, you must retain this immigration form and SURRENDER it upon leaving the country."

For the last 5 years or so, at the advice of Discover Baja we have done just that by mailing it to....


FAIL. I don't know how I missed that TWICE.

Where were you an hour ago?

What's the word? Chagrin?


No worries. I've searched the house looking for my sunglasses sitting on top of my head!!

paranewbi - 6-10-2015 at 08:06 PM

Wife and I went camping at Gonzaga 5/27 and stopped at Mexicali crossing to get a free 6 day FMM. Issuing official said to stop back there on our way out to turn it in. 6 days later stuck in the line to cross back over we could see the office (back of) from the traffic line but couldn't get there to turn it in if we wanted.
Last Saturday while going to Tecate for some taco's and a drink at Bar Diane I ran into the INM office and tried to hand the FMM's over. The official told me to go to the bank kiosk right outside and pay the FMM fee as It was expired and I had kept it pass the permissible time. I tried to explain to him we were stuck in the line and had left Mexico and were now returning to turn it in...he told me to go pay and handed the FMM's back to me. I said sure, and joined my wife for the walk down the hill to the Bar Diane.
Learned my lesson...had never done that before...always threw it in the trash. Seems like the best policy.

bajabuddha - 6-10-2015 at 09:21 PM

This thread is hysterical.

Same topic comes up about twice a year, with the same comments from the same commenters (some of the names have been changed to persecute the innocent and protect the guilty).

TOSS 'EM. THEY DON'T MATTER.

Quite simple, really. Ever seen one 'scanned' into the... or any... system? Think they don't want your money next visit?

They're good for 180 days whether you cross once or 6 times going south; coming NOB, NO PROB. Want a new one only after 150 days? They'll take your $30. Wanna quibble? You can't afford it anyway then .

It's like the tire-spray at the Giant Tuning Fork at Guerrero... it's an extra $2 for.... whatever it's for. Get over it, get to the beach, have a cerveza and Don't Worry, Be Happy!!
:bounce:

Sandlefoot - 6-10-2015 at 09:40 PM

Quote: Originally posted by maryellen50  
I have a 180-day FMM expiring in August so where do I go to turn it in at San Ysidro? And I need to stay in the U.S. for 3 days before applying for a new FMM? I can't find any info on the web.
Thanks everyone for the info.
How many days before I can return across the border to get a new FMM?
If my passport is stamped with the date of entry into Mexico don't I have to get an exit stamp?
[Edited on 6-10-2015 by maryellen50]

[Edited on 6-10-2015 by maryellen50]


And because no one else has ventured to answer the second part of your question: It has been my experience that you can go through the gate north bound and within the first two hundred feet turn around and go back south, stop at IMN and get a new FMM without any questions! Don't know where the three days come from, but that is not necessary. After all even if you turned in the old one they still don't know when you left!!! So get one immediately, there is no reason to wait!


Happy Trails

[Edited on 6-11-2015 by Sandlefoot]

Alm - 6-11-2015 at 06:14 PM

Quote: Originally posted by akshadow  
I believe "multiple" applies to purposes not entry and exit.
I

That's correct. The form is for a single entry, though nobody cares, as long as it didn't expire.

I never returned mine, and never got an exit stamp in Baja.

Never heard of 3 days waiting before re-issuing the form. In fact, don't recall any other country "around here" where one of requirements for new tourist visa would be completing a certain waiting period. Neither US nor Canada require this from people who do need a tourist visa.

BigBearRider - 8-6-2015 at 02:51 PM

A search for "FMM and 180 days" brought this thread up.

I got a 180-day FMM when flying down to Loreto in June. I ended up driving back, and didn't return it. I've been down to Ensenada a couple of times since then, without picking up a new one (I don't know that I've ever met anyone who got an FMM for Ensenada, although you are supposed to).

I'm headed to BCS this weekend, and was not planning on picking up a new FMM. I'll bring my FMM from June. Do I hear any objections?

David K - 8-6-2015 at 05:18 PM

On July 19, we got 180 day FMMs at Mexicali. Our passports were also stamped. Data was entered into the computer at the INM desk. No going to a bank window to pay either (just like in 2012 in Tijuana). I asked about needing an FMM for San Felipe, and he said "yes"... even if for just three days? Again, "yes", but he added: Up to 7 days the FMM is free.

During the 20 minutes we there (some of that time was because he didn't have change for our 200 peso notes we used to pay the FMM tax with), not one other motorist came into the INM office, while dozens and dozens dove in behind us! One British citizen on foot came in to get his passport stamped, but he was only going to a museum in Mexicali for the day.

FMM payments is a money tree for the government, but who knows just how the computer entry tracks it? What tiny percentage takes the time to be 'legal' and is it important to Mexico to impede the flow of money south by making the FMM process more and more 'mandatory' than in all years past?

Before the 180 days we paid for expires, I will mail it in using the address provided by Discover Baja Travel Club. Until then, it stays with me to show anyone who cares in Mexico I paid for one, if I go back south before the end of the year.

churro - 8-6-2015 at 07:40 PM

You're Kidding ... Right?!?

payment receipt?

akshadow - 8-6-2015 at 08:35 PM

Once when I returned our FMM's at Mexicali East, the officer wanted to see our receipt to "prove" we had paid. Eventually he let us turn it in and depart with his warning "next time have your receipt" Next time we got an FMM the immigration agent rolled her eyes and said receipt not required to turn it in"
I think the issue was if you do not have a receipt you might have paid agent and agent may have never accounted for the money.
Quote: Originally posted by David K  
On July 19, we got 180 day FMMs at Mexicali. Our passports were also stamped. Data was entered into the computer at the INM desk. No going to a bank window to pay either (just like in 2012 in Tijuana). I asked about needing an FMM for San Felipe, and he said "yes"... even if for just three days? Again, "yes", but he added: Up to 7 days the FMM is free.

During the 20 minutes we there (some of that time was because he didn't have change for our 200 peso notes we used to pay the FMM tax with), not one other motorist came into the INM office, while dozens and dozens dove in behind us! One British citizen on foot came in to get his passport stamped, but he was only going to a museum in Mexicali for the day.

FMM payments is a money tree for the government, but who knows just how the computer entry tracks it? What tiny percentage takes the time to be 'legal' and is it important to Mexico to impede the flow of money south by making the FMM process more and more 'mandatory' than in all years past?

Before the 180 days we paid for expires, I will mail it in using the address provided by Discover Baja Travel Club. Until then, it stays with me to show anyone who cares in Mexico I paid for one, if I go back south before the end of the year.

sancho - 8-7-2015 at 01:55 PM

Quote: Originally posted by akshadow  

I think the issue was if you do not have a receipt you might have paid agent and agent may have never accounted for the money.














Mex Imm has in the past, and apparently still does, issue fmm's
off hrs. if there is no open bank. They stamp the fmm with
the instructions to pay within 5 days down the road in Baja.
Never could figure out what the difference is in an fmm
issued during off hrs., stamped, and an fmm given out
without a reciept if paying an Imm officer directly? Nothing
the way I see it, I suppose the pay down the road is hoping
the Tourist complies

David K - 8-7-2015 at 02:01 PM

Quote: Originally posted by sancho  
Quote: Originally posted by akshadow  

I think the issue was if you do not have a receipt you might have paid agent and agent may have never accounted for the money.














Mex Imm has in the past, and apparently still does, issue fmm's
off hrs. if there is no open bank. They stamp the fmm with
the instructions to pay within 5 days down the road in Baja.
Never could figure out what the difference is in an fmm
issued during off hrs., stamped, and an fmm given out
without a reciept if paying an Imm officer directly? Nothing
the way I see it, I suppose the pay down the road is hoping
the Tourist complies


This should no longer be an issues, since the INM office has been authorized to take the payment, and has their own cash drawer. I can see them not wanting to bother if there is a bank teller a few steps away.

Leaving Mexico just for a few hours.....

BajaRick16 - 8-11-2015 at 09:35 AM

Reading these replies got me thinking. I will be relocating to the Ensenada area in October - initially on the 6 month Tourist card. I understand it's about $22 to get the card.
Here's my question - let's say I want to drive to San Diego once a month to visit/shop, etc. just for the day.

Does that mean I need to spend another $22 for another Tourist card upon re-entry to Mexico? I know the Tourist card is good for 180 days, but as we all know, we are supposed to surrender it when we "leave."

SlyOnce - 8-11-2015 at 03:19 PM

You don't need the card in Ensenada, only past Manadero where there is an abandoned checkpoint.

You can't find someone to turn the card into when leaving TJ so don't bother. Just keep it. When your 180 days are up get another if you feel you must.

I live in Playas, cross every day. Don't have any visa, although I am in the process of getting a Residente Temporal (mainly for other reasons such as if I retire in 2 years and move to southern Baja).

David K - 8-11-2015 at 04:12 PM

Rick, it's a technicality perhaps, but if you are living in Ensenada, you are no longer a tourist. There is a visa for part time residents, others can fill you in, or better still, visit the immigration office (INM) or a Mexican consulate in the U.S.

Tourist cards are papers for 'tourists' i.e., people on a vacation who visit one or more places in Mexico, then go home (up to 180 days). They leave NO personal property in Mexico when their vacation is over.

If you decide to rent or buy a place while on your vacation, that is fine with the FMM tourist card, BUT you would (or should) next go about getting the proper visa to live in Mexico and leave personal items in Mexico, should you go back north for any time.

This type of visa has a new name now, but it used to be called an FM-3 and another version was called an FM-2.

This is for your protection so your property is not confiscated as 'abandoned' items when you go north. Again, you will get an earful here on Nomad... from folks who don't bother to do the legal immigrant/ resident paperwork to those who do. You do have rights as a non-Mexican, make sure you comply so your rights can be enforced.

Bajahowodd - 8-11-2015 at 04:53 PM

Quote: Originally posted by bajabuddha  
This thread is hysterical.

Same topic comes up about twice a year, with the same comments from the same commenters (some of the names have been changed to persecute the innocent and protect the guilty).

TOSS 'EM. THEY DON'T MATTER.

Quite simple, really. Ever seen one 'scanned' into the... or any... system? Think they don't want your money next visit?

They're good for 180 days whether you cross once or 6 times going south; coming NOB, NO PROB. Want a new one only after 150 days? They'll take your $30. Wanna quibble? You can't afford it anyway then .

It's like the tire-spray at the Giant Tuning Fork at Guerrero... it's an extra $2 for.... whatever it's for. Get over it, get to the beach, have a cerveza and Don't Worry, Be Happy!!
:bounce:


You do know that the tire spray by GN is optional, right? Just say no and they let you pass.

WestyWanderer - 8-11-2015 at 06:57 PM

I have driven to Cabo multiple times over the last decade and never once been asked for my FMM. Right, wrong, or indifferent, its worth noting that I simply get a new FMM every 180 days without issue and when the old one expires I simply throw it away.

With that being said, my in-laws live about an hour south of San Felipe and the immigration officials came into their camp last year around February and checked everyone's papers, those that did not have them were told to get them and that the officers would be back in a month, no one ever returned to check. A friends Grandparents live in Gonzaga Bay and had the same experience. For what its worth, IMHO just get the FMM and when it expires throw it away and get a new one.

[Edited on 8-12-2015 by WestyWanderer]

dasubergeek - 8-12-2015 at 12:11 PM

No one, in all the times I have ever had to show papers to any official anywhere in the Baja Riviera, has ever asked to see an FMM. The only exception is at TIJ, because you do need it to fly out of the border zone.

As for turning it in: when you leave Mexico via airplane, you will turn it in. If you are driving up from the interior, they may take it when you return your TIP (car importation permit).

Now, then, the official bit:

An FMM is for multiple uses, not for multiple entries. When I flew from Tijuana to the Yucatan and left to go to Belize via Chetumal, I had to show it and show proof that I had paid for it (that's the receipt you get from Banjército, not the FMM itself). Then when I returned I had to buy a new FMM and received a new Banjército receipt. They're strict about it there because there are a lot of British people on package holidays from Thomas Cook and Thomson and their FMM fees are not included in their airline ticket, so when they go country-hopping the Mexicans want their 306 pesos or whatever it is now. (Read online about it sometime, it's hysterical: when they fly out from the charter terminal at CUN, they are herded past boxes into which they have to deposit 800 pesos: 306 for the FMM and 494 for the airport tax which is also not included.)

They don't collect FMMs at the northern border, ever. Not in Tijuana, not in Tecate, not in Mexicali, not in SLRC, not in Nogales, not even in Ciudad Juárez. So if you go home and then drive back to the Eagle Monument before it expires, no one is going to say a durn thing to you. I tried to turn it in at El Chaparral once, it took getting permission to walk up to the border from the soldier guarding the property, a very confused look, and then it was thrown into the garbage right in front of my face.

I have never, in all my time in Mexico, ever had an exit stamp placed in my passport. The only comment ever made about my many Mexican passport stamps was when I left for Belize and the aduanero said, "Baja California??"

Marc - 8-13-2015 at 06:30 AM

Quote: Originally posted by gallesram  
I'm flying down in a few weeks and will go over to the INM booth and ask at the TJ airport, then report back.

On the flight back they will keep you FMM.

SFandH - 8-13-2015 at 07:27 AM

I've been asked twice for my tourist card, once at the BC/BCS border and another time at Santispac of all places. Two IMN officials from the Santa Rosalia office drove to each palapa along the beach checking for tourist permits.

Also, a friend who watches TJ local news told me of a news story two days ago about how they (the Mexicans) are going to start enforcing immigration laws at the border crossings. If you're an American living in Mex you will need to have the correct visa. Otherwise, of course, you're simply a tourist visiting a friend for the day.

I guess they plan on stopping everybody southbound to see ID and ask questions. If they do, it will take longer to drive into Mexico than it does driving out. What a mess, probably won't happen.