BajaNomad

Birth Certificates and Tourist Cards

bajajoaquin - 2-15-2022 at 08:15 PM

For a number of reasons, I find myself with extra hotel accommodations for this weekend in Baja. I have a friend who may want to come along, but his son only has a birth certificate. I know it's good for return to the US, but can you use it for getting a tourist card in Mexico?

David K - 2-15-2022 at 08:28 PM

No

AKgringo - 2-15-2022 at 08:32 PM

I don't think so, but I have never tried to get an FMM with anything other than my passport. It is what they ask for, and box#6 on the form calls for a passport number.

For what it is worth, nobody has ever asked to see my FMM.

bajajoaquin - 2-15-2022 at 09:14 PM

Thanks. Looks like my kids will enjoy extra space.

BajaMama - 2-16-2022 at 07:49 AM

He may need a notarized letter from the kid's mother to enter if she isn't accompanying them.

TMW - 2-16-2022 at 01:08 PM

Just go and don't worry about it.

bajatrailrider - 2-16-2022 at 03:08 PM

80 % I know dont get visa

Maderita - 2-16-2022 at 04:39 PM

bajajoaquin,
Your original post did not specify where in Baja, mode of transportation, or age of the "son".

If in the border region (Mexicali, Tecate, Tijuana, and south to Ensenada), and entering by car, it is unlikely that they would be asked for documents. Many,and probably most, US citizens crossing south to those areas do not get an FMM. To be legal, it is a requirement. The law is routinely ignored. (caveat: I'm not saying one should violate the law; just that many people do with no adverse consequences in the border region of BC).

Checkpoints further south are likely to cause significant problems. Don't go there without full documentation. Travel by air requires appropriate documents. There was a crackdown on pedestrian traffic at the Chaparral (San Ysidro) crossing, maybe 3 or 4 years ago. I don't know if there is current enforcement there.

Perhaps the father having a US Passport and getting a FMM would be better than neither having full documentation.

BajaDanD - 2-16-2022 at 09:34 PM

I have been asked for my fmm at the military check point before San Felipe also at the border of Baja Norte and Baja Sur and at the military check point coming into LA Paz. We stop and get ours if we are going south of the border zone.

TMW - 2-17-2022 at 03:53 PM

The last time I was asked for my FMM papers was about 15 years ago at the Guerrero Negro check point. My two brothers and I didn't have any so the guy asked for $20 and told us to go.

David K - 2-17-2022 at 04:11 PM

I drove 15,000 miles all over Baja from 2016-2018 researching for the road guide and maps.
I crossed into Mexico 8 times and always had an FMM.
I was NEVER asked to show it anywhere during those trips or others since 2009 (the last time I was asked to show it at the state border/ eagle monument).

To me, it is akin to having a drivers license... you may never need to show it but to travel without one is just dumb and disrespectful of Mexican border regulations.

A wise man once said, "to have it and not need it is far better than to need it and not have it"!!!