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capitolkat
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[*] posted on 1-4-2011 at 12:48 PM
FMM over and back


I have an FMM that is good for 180 days and doesn't expire until April. we are going to Phoenix in a week and driving and will return after 4 days. Can I just keep my FMM and not reapply when I return as it still has time on it??? thanks--



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[*] posted on 1-4-2011 at 01:14 PM


How would "they" know? I certainly wouldn't stop and ask Mexican immigration, since there is money to be made by taking your old one and selling you a new one. The only time I have had a problem was when I pulled an expired one out of my wallet by mistake. That error cost me $20 for not turning it in.
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[*] posted on 1-4-2011 at 03:14 PM


Let us know what happens when you go back for another one AFTER the 180 days expire... unless you turn the unused portion in after your second trip. The new FMM is designed to track your time in Mexico. You get ONE per year, and the days in Mexico are subtracted from 180, until you turn it back in. Do you get it back for the next trip that year or do you pay all over again?

180 days max. per year in Mexico for 'tourists' now. If you want to stay longer, they figure you must have a place there (property rented, etc.)... You are supposed to have an FM-3 or 2 once you no longer just go to Mexico as a tourist (on a vaction and stay in hotels or camping).

Hopefully, this nightmare is a joke like the FM-T before, required where and when ??? Nobody at the border gives a straight answer consistantly!




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[*] posted on 1-4-2011 at 04:07 PM


DK, Absolutely no offense whatsoever, but what do you
base your theory on 180 days per yr./ 1 fmm per
person per yr. on? Can you point to a single individual
who has been denied entry into Mex because of a
previous fmm that has expired it's 180 life in a yr.?
Of course you can't, the' Tourist Card', fmt now fmm,
is the same. Can't say what will happen down the
line, but fmm's are being issued at will,
one expires, get a new one. I've seen you post this
info before, it is incorrect. If not, please give an
example. There was confusion, rumors when the fmm came
out 5/1/10, but as it is being currently applied
there are no restrictions
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[*] posted on 1-4-2011 at 04:17 PM


Quote:
Originally posted by sancho
DK, Absolutely no offense whatsoever, but what do you
base your theory on 180 days per yr./ 1 fmm per
person per yr. on? Can you point to a single individual
who has been denied entry into Mex because of a
previous fmm that has expired it's 180 life in a yr.?
Of course you can't, the' Tourist Card', fmt now fmm,
is the same. Can't say what will happen down the
line, but fmm's are being issued at will,
one expires, get a new one. I've seen you post this
info before, it is incorrect. If not, please give an
example. There was confusion, rumors when the fmm came
out 5/1/10, but as it is being currently applied
there are no restrictions


From reading, and the only reason for the change given... to track the time we are in Mexico... to make sure that those non-Mexicans who have second (or first) homes in Mexico all have an FM-3 or 2 and not using a tourist card for each 180 days, going across the border on day 180 and getting another one for 180 more days...

Naturally, when we go only into the border zone (Maneadero, San Quintin or the entire state???) for 3 days (or 7 ??) max. we don't need the tourist card... so those days don't count against us!

Now Sancho, as I said... the whole thing is either a joke or a nightmare... No firm answers, nothing in print that is clear and complete...




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[*] posted on 1-4-2011 at 05:58 PM


I agree with DK. Everything published pointed to the idea that the new forms were designed to allow multiple entries that totaled 180 days per year. Logic dictated that they were, in part, cracking down on full time residents that just used the tourist visa. But since there was no announcement as to how one might conveniently trigger a stop to the running time....

Always thought they should have kiosks between the lanes at the border.

Then, there is the question of how reliable and detailed their data base is. Not all that long ago, the agents at SY didn't even have computers. Recently, I;ve actually had my passort swiped there, similar to what is currently being done at airports in Mexico. My most recent entry, no swipe. Who knows??
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[*] posted on 1-5-2011 at 09:02 AM


Well I guess nobody knows- we plan to go back to the US in April for a couple of months and then when we come back next time apply for the FM3 after we get back to La Paz. That way we will be within the 6 months of completion of our house and can ship our belongings on the manaje de casa. We'll see if the couple of months out of the country- and we will surrender our FMM in April - as we are flying out will make any difference to the 180 days.. Norm



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[*] posted on 1-5-2011 at 10:16 AM


OK, here's a scenario. a guy gets the prepaid fmm
last May 1, hands it to Mex IMM at San Ysidro, Officer
stamps it. Gringo is on his way, fmm expires in last Nov.
Gringo gets another prepaid fmm, crosses Mex IMM
stamps it. Does anyone here truly believe Mex IMM will
enter the guys passport, and refuse to validate the fmm?
because he has used up his 180 day term?
Thats absurd. Not happening. There would be feedback
by now if that was the case. Printed on the fmm, it states
shall be returned to Mex IMM upon exit from the country
(Mex), who can read that and come away with the impression
it is designed for multiple entries .Sure you can use it over
and back as long as it is valid. The form has the words
forma multiple in it, that does not refer to multiple entries,
it refers to the fmm form combining business, tourist, classifications etc., into one form. You can get so called back to back fmm's.
In the future as has been mentioned, they may want illegal
Gringo residents of Mex to get fm3's, instead of fmm's,
who knows, but it remains they are not restricting Tourists
to one fmm per yr., 12 mo calender or other
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[*] posted on 1-5-2011 at 10:39 AM


So, you think it is okay to charge every man, woman, child tourist that crosses the border $23US each for each trip during the 6 months it should be valid for? This provided they follow the instructions you read, and turn it over or mail it back in at the end of each trip.

Oh, yah... that will make more people want to go to Mexico on vacation!

One charge per 180 days is more than enough... specially since it doesn't even benefit the people of Baja... it hurts them. Before mid-2000 there was NO FEE for a tourist card... They wanted us to come south as much as we could!




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[*] posted on 1-5-2011 at 03:06 PM


DK, In no way am I expressing an OPINION on Mex IMM
policies, just stating a fact that on the fmm form it says,
to repeat myself, 'shall be returned to Mex IMM upon
exit from the Country (Mex)', I'm not suggesting someone
should, I don't. I can't make it any more CLEAR. That is what
is PRINTED on the fmm form.
I use it until it expires, over and back a few times,
then get a new one. By the way, what does it cost
a Mex National to get a temp Visa to visit the US?
I'll go way out in a limb, it is more than $22
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[*] posted on 1-5-2011 at 03:23 PM


Confusing details below regarding traveling to US. How much does a Border Crossing Card cost?

Citizens of the 36 countries within the Visa Waiver Program [3], as well as Canadians, Mexicans living on the border (holding a Border Crossing Card), and Bermudians (with British Overseas Territories passports) do not require advance visas for entry into the United States. In the case of Canadians and Bermudians, the entry period is normally for a maximum of six months. However, since 2009, travelers entering the U.S. through the Visa Waiver program must now apply for Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) approval online [4] before their flight, preferably 72 hours before travel. An ESTA approval is valid for two years (or until your passport expires) and costs US$ 14 [5]. Approvals issued before September 8, 2010 (i.e. those which were free at the time) remain valid until their expiry date.

Travel under the Visa Waiver Program is limited to 90 days for tourism or business purposes only; neither employment nor journalism is permitted with a Visa Waiver.




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[*] posted on 1-5-2011 at 04:28 PM


But what does it cost the Mexican to get the "Border Crossing Card"?



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[*] posted on 1-5-2011 at 07:08 PM


Quote:
Originally posted by sancho
DK, In no way am I expressing an OPINION on Mex IMM
policies, just stating a fact that on the fmm form it says,
to repeat myself, 'shall be returned to Mex IMM upon
exit from the Country (Mex)', I'm not suggesting someone
should, I don't. I can't make it any more CLEAR. That is what
is PRINTED on the fmm form.
I use it until it expires, over and back a few times,
then get a new one. By the way, what does it cost
a Mex National to get a temp Visa to visit the US?
I'll go way out in a limb, it is more than $22


I know...

Nothing personal, just exchanging info. here.

As for what it costs Mexicans to come north... well, the United States (or just California) doesn't have nearly the per centage of its financial needs satisfied by Mexican tourists on vacation, as Mexico does (or Baja specifically).

This is a Baja travel issue, afterall.

[Edited on 1-6-2011 by David K]




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[*] posted on 1-5-2011 at 07:14 PM


Completely irrelevant to this discussion, Brian L. Suggest you start a separate thread.

From what we have seen and heard directly from INM agents, people are going to be allowed to immediately apply for a 6 month FMM immediately after their first one expires. In other words, there is no limit of 180 days in the country, at least in terms of enforcement, whatever the letter of the law states.

I cant comment on the partial credit for days outside of Mexico. Havent heard a thing about the reality of it.

[Edited on 1-6-2011 by Hook]




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[*] posted on 1-5-2011 at 10:56 PM


Huh? Relevant? I was merely responding to DK and Sancho's discussion on the difference between costs of US and Mexican tourism entry fees.

what is with your sudden outburst at me? Weird.

Now, back to discussion...

[Edited on 1-6-2011 by Brian L]




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[*] posted on 1-6-2011 at 04:21 AM


I was to-the-point. I'm often like that, if you've read other posts by me. You can define it as rude, if you like.

And, yes, their discussion DID lose some relevancy to the original post, as well. You had company. I apologize for not realizing that.

I still think my suggestion to begin another thread on your point is valid. It is unlikely that someone will address your issue under the title of this thread. This is about FMMs. But stick to this course, if you see fit.

This FMM discussion is VERY important at this time and place. We are within the time period where persons who received the original FMMs after May 1, 2010 have had them expire. It will be interesting to see how INM proceeds on renewal as these persons begin to reapply for a new FMM. This thread is a probable place for persons to share their experiences with this. It would be unfortunate if this discussion got far off its original intent; the application, enforcement and return of the FMM.




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[*] posted on 1-6-2011 at 06:09 PM


It would also be unfortunate if it disappeared from visibility. So..............


BUMP.




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[*] posted on 1-7-2011 at 10:55 AM


Well put, often posters try to out do one another,
I fall into that group on occasion. I'm sure I'm not
the only one, after pressing the post button, doesn't
like his choice of words. The the first fmm's
expired Nov. 1, or so, if issued May 1, the first time
they were issued. So frequent, long term Baja visitors
will be renewing fmm's. I haven't seen any indication
on this or mainland boards that anyone is being denied
another fmm. Whether the full time resident Baja gringos
are violating the letter of the IMM Regs, maybe.
I think we would have read some outraged travellers posts
if they were being denied an fmm. I think this is far more important than
some of the pointless discussions of Tiger Woods or the
biggest burrito. I'm unsure about the $22 being a MAJOR
deterrent for Tourists to baja, I think the US Economy,
Cartel Violence (exaggerated or not), and the misinfo
you need a Passport to return to the US, are more of
a factor. Reports are that fly down resorts in Mex are doing
OK/better, we all know the fmm price is embedded in an
International Flight to Mex, that doesn't seem to be deterring
flyers. I walked down Revolution Blvd a while back,
on a Sat. afternoon, there were 10 Gringo tourists on that 5
blk area. 35% of stores closed, in the past it was hard
to walk down the sidewalk, you don't need an fmm for
Revo Ave or for Tourist Corridor to Ensenada, for a short
stay

[Edited on 1-7-2011 by sancho]
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[*] posted on 1-7-2011 at 12:42 PM


Quote:
Originally posted by sancho
Well put, often posters try to out do one another,
I fall into that group on occasion. I'm sure I'm not
the only one, after pressing the post button, doesn't
like his choice of words. The the first fmm's
expired Nov. 1, or so, if issued May 1, the first time
they were issued. So frequent, long term Baja visitors
will be renewing fmm's. I haven't seen any indication
on this or mainland boards that anyone is being denied
another fmm. Whether the full time resident Baja gringos
are violating the letter of the IMM Regs, maybe.
I think we would have read some outraged travellers posts
if they were being denied an fmm. I think this is far more important than
some of the pointless discussions, like Tiger Woods
or the Biggest Burrito


It will be interesting to see!:light:




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[*] posted on 1-7-2011 at 01:36 PM


I have a feeling that full implementation of the intent of the law will happen in the future. Guessing that we'll find out when someone posts on here that they were denied a new FMM.

That said, and apologies to Hook, but since DK sort of raised the issue by complaining that it is self-defeating for Mexico to charge foreigners to enter the country legally, and Brian then responded with a question about the costs in reverse, which I do think is a relevant question, well....

http://www.travel.state.gov/visa/temp/types/types_1263.html

The Border card costs $140 for the application. If the application is denied, the fee is non-refundable. Since this card has biometric features, it appears that one must apply in person. According to this government website, the applications may be made in Mexico City, Guadalajara, or Merida. Kind of a pain in the tookus for Baja residents.
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