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jeremias
Nomad
Posts: 218
Registered: 12-11-2009
Location: Huntington Beach, El Sauzal, BCN
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Mood: Muy Tranquilo
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FMM reality?
Hola Nomads
The FMM I got in June is set to expire here in about 10 days, and was hoping to get some info about what I should expect, or can actually do. I've
looked around the net and only found lots of conflicting info about whether a person is limited to 180 days per calendar year or not. I'm headed to
San Ysidro tomorrow and was going to turn the thing in and probably try to get another one on my way back down, unless that is a bad idea and I should
be packing my stuff instead.
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David K
Honored Nomad
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Location: San Diego County
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Mood: Have Baja Fever
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Let us know... maybe you can't go back to Mexico until next May? 
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bajajudy
Elite Nomad
Posts: 6886
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Location: San Jose del Cabo,BCS
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Did you check out?
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jeremias
Nomad
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Location: Huntington Beach, El Sauzal, BCN
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Mood: Muy Tranquilo
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I haven't checked out yet, but will probably turn the thing in tomorrow. I have found a couple threads around that sound fairly credible, that say
there is not a limit on FMMs. But in Mexico, I'm guessing anything is still possible.
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oxxo
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Although I got my FM3 two months ago, I have received consecutive FMTs at Tecate over the last 5 years, going in and out as many as 8 times a year.
Nobody ever said anything to me.
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jeremias
Nomad
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Location: Huntington Beach, El Sauzal, BCN
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I think that is part of the confusion(or at least mine)about the purpose of the FMM. Supposedly, the FMM is tracked by computer. I'm guessing the bar
code has something to do with it. Also, how do you get to the migracion side to turn the thing in on the way back up north? hmmm.
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David K
Honored Nomad
Posts: 65410
Registered: 8-30-2002
Location: San Diego County
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Mood: Have Baja Fever
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| Quote: | Originally posted by jeremias
I think that is part of the confusion(or at least mine)about the purpose of the FMM. Supposedly, the FMM is tracked by computer. I'm guessing the bar
code has something to do with it. Also, how do you get to the migracion side to turn the thing in on the way back up north? hmmm.
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There is no sysytem for them to collect the things as you drive out of Mexico... basically they are useless for driving tourists who make more than 2
trips to mexico a year, but stay less than 180 days per year during their trips.
Discover Baja has provided an address to mail them in at the end of your trip... if that works it would be the only sane way to turn them in...
However, they will be getting more money than they should if one has to pay each time for the next FMM ($23) no matter how few days your trip is.
If the computer recorded you turned it id by mail and the next one during the 180 days was free... then fine... but we don't know.
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sancho
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This subject has been bounced around quite a
bit, I'm glad you are going to be the first
to put it to rest. I'll buy you a case of Pacifico
if you can't get another fmm. The first fmm was issued
May1 2010, so 6 + mo's have past, the first fmm's
have expired or are about to. I have never seen a
Mex Immigration scan a passport or manually enter
info into a computer, at least not while I have been standing
there. I believe that 180 day per some mythical yr.
is incorrect. Somehow that rumor got started and
won't die. Travellers going so. toward Guaymas
report no problem getting another fmm after
their current one expires. However I probably
would'nt hand them one that is about to expire and
immediately apply for another
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jeremias
Nomad
Posts: 218
Registered: 12-11-2009
Location: Huntington Beach, El Sauzal, BCN
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That's what I'm thinking too sancho. I was hoping to hand it in on my way north and then get a new FMM in a couple of days. Maybe thinking of trying
to just get a new one before even handing it in at that time, as it won't have expired just quite yet. I also don't recall any computer or anything
when i got it.
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jeremias
Nomad
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Location: Huntington Beach, El Sauzal, BCN
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I found a thread on some other site that would imply there shouldn't be much of an issue getting another one.
http://forumsfallinginlovewithsanmiguel.com/showthread.php?t...
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oxxo
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| Quote: | Originally posted by oxxo
Although I got my FM3 two months ago, I have received consecutive FMTs at Tecate over the last 5 years, going in and out as many as 8 times a year.
Nobody ever said anything to me. |
I should add that I never turned in my visa when leaving Mexico by car. I just applied for a new one at the border upon re-entry when the current one
had expired. Otherwise I just kept using the current one until the 180 days had expired.
I have never been asked for my visa by Immigration at the border. Why should they since no visa is required within XX miles of th border. Once
beyond the frontera, Immigration would have no idea that you have been out of the country. And I would never volunteer that information either.
The day that Mexican Immigration has a border station like the ones for re-entry into the US, and every car is stopped, and proof of valid visa is
required.......that will be a new ball game..........and the death of American border tourism. That ain't gonna happen soon. The cartels are making
too much money from Americans on one day trips to the border towns. 
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gnukid
Ultra Nomad
Posts: 4411
Registered: 7-2-2006
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Many people are getting replacement FMM and staying in BCS without returning North, though the standard line is you must return North... unless you
apply ask for a new one prior to expiration. If you have any trouble do not get upset or make a scene, just say okay and try again with an assistant.
The bottom line is Baja wants people to stay and they want to collect the money from you.
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Hook
Elite Nomad
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Registered: 3-13-2004
Location: Sonora
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| Quote: | Originally posted by David K
There is no sysytem for them to collect the things as you drive out of Mexico... |
Not true. In Sonora, there are sizeable immigration checkpoints that are near, but not adjacent to the border. They provide easy means for returning
the FMM/T, if you choose.
I got a new FMM in late October at K21 south of Nogales, AZ. I had been out of the country for 3 months and did not return my old FMT when I left in
July. At the time I received it, I pointedly asked the INM agent if I could receive another one immediately, when this one expired in 180 days. He
said, YES. I also asked a person at the INM office in Guaymas while my wife was applying for a new FM-3. He also said, YES.
I suspect that INM is probably going to monitor (via computer) when you actually are issued an FMM. Rather than deal with the logistic headache of
processing the returning of them, maybe they will just try and ensure that you dont apply for more than one in 180s, if that is the length you
stipulated on your original FMM.
But who really know. This is Mexico.
What we are hearing is that you really must apply for a new FMM at one of these border-adjacent INM stations or risk paying a fine if you try and get
one at an office further down in the country. Some have reported the fine as being close to 100.00US. Gnukid's post above doesnt directly address this
fine issue.
BTW, the INM office in Guaymas was cleaned out of the agents who were on the take to expedite, much like the Loreto office was. Replacing them are
agents who are efficient and who can call someone over who speaks English, if needed. There is actually an assisting agent who greets you in the
waiting room, sees what you are there for and then relays this to the agents behind the counter. It is altogether a much better experience.
Well, except for the clusterf#*k parking situation.
[Edited on 11-22-2010 by Hook]
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David K
Honored Nomad
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Registered: 8-30-2002
Location: San Diego County
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Sorry... I should have been more specific... drive out of Baja, not mainland Mexico.
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gnukid
Ultra Nomad
Posts: 4411
Registered: 7-2-2006
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Everything changes... often. At the moment there seems to be no problem getting a new 180 visa in BCS but again, you should proceed prior to
expiration and you should have a good reason besides, I don't know what I am doing here... Something like, I arrived, I really like it here in Baja
California Sur and will be continuing on a sailboat, car, plane etc... and will hopefully return to see you again for a permanent visa! Say something
nice and reasonable and dress nicely, don't be a slouch.
Unfortunately I have to make this point, many gringos don't seem to understand that they come across as very rude which leads to miss-communication.
Try this:
1) wake up early, take a shower
2) put on clean clothes and shoes
3) gather your passport identification and your current visa in a folder, make copies of both
4) go to INM
5) greet people as you enter
6) smile
7) look for a sign in book and sign in and sit down
8) wait patiently for your turn - do not get angry if someone goes ahead-there may be special circumstances
9) when asked to-step up to the window, step forward and introduce yourself by your full name, greet the agent by their name (tag) and ask how they
are? Listen for the answer and when asked a question answer back honestly.
10) briefly and clearly explain your circumstance, e.g. I came for a visit some months ago and got my visa and have proceeded 100% correctly, now I
like it here so much, especially the people, well also the food, the tamales, frijol, also the colors and art, I would like stay a bit longer prior to
my departure by - car, boat, plane etc... Would you please grant me a new visa for this portion of my trip, please?
Remember that the agent should become your ombundsman, speaking on your behalf and assisting you, but they will do so only if you are someone they
would like assist as you are requesting special circumstances.
Good luck
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shari
Select Nomad
Posts: 13052
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Mood: there is no reality except the one contained within us "Herman Hesse"
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gnukid's post is right on...so much depends on your attitude and personal presentation so please take all of this advice and you should be successful.
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mtgoat666
Platinum Nomad
Posts: 20371
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Location: San Diego
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| Quote: | Originally posted by gnukid
Try this:
1) wake up early, take a shower
2) put on clean clothes and shoes
3) gather your passport identification and your current visa in a folder, make copies of both
4) go to INM
5) greet people as you enter
6) smile
7) look for a sign in book and sign in and sit down
8) wait patiently for your turn - do not get angry if someone goes ahead-there may be special circumstances
9) when asked to-step up to the window, step forward and introduce yourself by your full name, greet the agent by their name (tag) and ask how they
are? Listen for the answer and when asked a question answer back honestly.
10) briefly and clearly explain your circumstance, e.g. I came for a visit some months ago and got my visa and have proceeded 100% correctly, now I
like it here so much, especially the people, well also the food, the tamales, frijol, also the colors and art, I would like stay a bit longer prior to
my departure by - car, boat, plane etc... Would you please grant me a new visa for this portion of my trip, please?
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that's all good advice. regarding #1, how early must I wake up? 
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DENNIS
Platinum Nomad
Posts: 29510
Registered: 9-2-2006
Location: Punta Banda
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| Quote: | Originally posted by gnukid
we also like the food, the tamales, frijol, |
Yeah....tell him how much you like the beans. If he isn't already sitting down, he'll have to quickly before he blacks out from laughter.
Jes kiddin', Gnu. All of your points are really good, but it just struck me as funny.
I'd better sit down.
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jeremias
Nomad
Posts: 218
Registered: 12-11-2009
Location: Huntington Beach, El Sauzal, BCN
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Mood: Muy Tranquilo
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Thanks all.  I'm still wondering if it's a better idea to try to turn in my
original FMM before crossing, or to just apply for a new one before it expires, with all the possible explaining in my feeble spanglish it might
entail.
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bajaguy
Elite Nomad
Posts: 9247
Registered: 9-16-2003
Location: Carson City, NV/Ensenada - Baja Country Club
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Mood: must be 5 O'clock somewhere in Baja
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just get a new one........if they start asking questions, give the standard Nomad reply.........
No habla fumar............
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