We are traveling to Guerrero Negro next week and are trying to determine if we need to take our passports or will the passport card will be sufficient
enough? With my research, it also appears we do not need to get a travel Visa?
Can anyone help us with these two issues? Thank you.David K - 1-11-2016 at 12:40 PM
You are required (to avoid penalty) to have a FMM Tourist Card (a paper actually) for travel south of the border towns or visits longer than 72 hours.
You need your passport to get them. Some have reported that the Passport Card works. Why would you leave the United States without the passports, too?
They don't take up much room in your glovebox or pocket.
Pedestrians have been asked to get an FMM if just going to Tijuana, as well.bajaguy - 1-11-2016 at 01:57 PM
Passport card, get your FMMAKgringo - 1-11-2016 at 02:07 PM
If for some reason you need to fly out of Mexico on short notice, I don't think a passport card will get you through customs.
I only have the book, but intend to get a card for my next trip. The card will stay with me, and the book stored with my travel pack. sancho - 1-11-2016 at 02:36 PM
for travel south of the border towns or visits longer than 72 hours. You need your passport to get them. Some have reported
Pedestrians have been asked to get an FMM if just going to Tijuana, as well.
The border zone, 72 hr. reg doesn't exist any longer, it is a thing of the past. The regs
are the same for pedestrians entering TJ or visitors
entering TJ by vehicle. Peds entering TJ at the newer crossing
will not be asked to get an fmm. they will get one to proceed,
getting either the free 7 day or the $22 180 day, the only
difference in those who drive in, is Mex Imm will not stop
vehicles. Can one drive to GN without an fmm, sure. I always
have a concern about a accident, and some Fed/City cop
asking for a tourist card, not that it would affect your insurance, but it would give the cop a heck of a lot of leverage for
mordida if he chooses, take your passport, doesn't take up
much room
You are required (to avoid penalty) to have a FMM Tourist Card (a paper actually) for travel south of the border towns or visits longer than 72 hours.
outdated information!? gee, shockeer
Nope, just the facts... I did not say south of Maneadero (the original limit of the border zone before the new stuff of 2015).
There is no way all the non-Mexican cars can stop at the border, get this paper, and goes back in their cars for a day or weekend trip to Tijuana,
without creating a 2-4 hour backup of traffic southbound. People who drive south of the border zone are far fewer... and you know very well only a few
might stop at the border for the FMM. Unless you are reading this or some other place online about the procedure, there are NO signs before entering
Mexico telling visitors they must stop at the INM office before going another foot into Mexico!nbacc - 1-11-2016 at 06:45 PM
so we both have passports and cards although we have sent my husband's passport off to be renewed.......as it expires in March. WE are now wanting to
leave earlier (we are cold) and are wondering if we can go and he will just use his card. WE have never been asked for the passports (but had them)
when we have returned to the USA in the Ready Lane with our cards. Not sure if we should wait for his to come back or just go., anyone have any
ideas? Are we good to go? We probably will go no further than San Felipe on this visit. Thanks for the info NancyBigBearRider - 1-11-2016 at 07:01 PM
I wouldn't be concerned about coming back to the US with only a Passport Card. I've done it many times (although I have always had both the Passport
Card or Passport book with me). (I keep my card in my wallet at all times "because you never know when you may decide to go South.") After I got
Global Entry (SENTRI), I have not had to even show my Passport Card or Passport book on the way back via land, just the Global Entry card.
As pointed out above, you need to get the FMM and others have had success using the Passport Card to get it. I haven't tried it, but will give it a
shot next time.
My concern about not bringing the Passport Book would be that some Mexican official may decide that the Book is required because I don't have it with
me. But, I've never had anything like that happen. yellowklr - 1-11-2016 at 09:54 PM
passport card is just fine for getting your FMM I do it all the timeCortezBlue - 1-11-2016 at 10:07 PM
Bottom line
New rules
There are no 72 hours, there are no penalties.
If you enter into, lets say, Mexicali.
You are required to get a visa
7 days are free a fee, I think 25 bucks for 6 months.
You are allowed within Mexicali, but as soon as you get below Mexicali, I think the officer who stopped us, said 20km south of Mexicali proper.
There are no "fines" you will be turned around and sent back to the USA.
This is what an INM officer who was stationed at the San Luis military check point. He was very polite and spoke great english and gave us a quick
education. This took place in November and he said they started to enforce the rules in April 2015
Good luck and don't let this deter your trip. It is a simple process and most of the INM agents have always been polite and friendly. Some, but not
all, speak english as well David K - 1-12-2016 at 09:38 AM
