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paranewbi
Senior Nomad
Posts: 913
Registered: 4-15-2011
Location: San diego
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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.
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bajabuddha
Banned
Posts: 4024
Registered: 4-12-2013
Location: Baja New Mexico
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Mood: Always cranky unless medicated
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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!!
I don't have a BUCKET LIST, but I do have a F***- IT LIST a mile long!
86 - 45*
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Sandlefoot
Nomad
Posts: 220
Registered: 10-31-2011
Location: La Paz
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Mood: Home
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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]
" Don't find fault, find a remedy; anyone can complain." Henry Ford
If you are not living on the edge...you are taking up to much space!
Just because it may not be a good idea does not mean it will not be fun!!!
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Alm
Ultra Nomad
Posts: 2729
Registered: 5-10-2011
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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.
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BigBearRider
Super Nomad
Posts: 1299
Registered: 4-30-2015
Location: Big Bear, Punta Chivato, and Cabo
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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?
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David K
Honored Nomad
Posts: 64835
Registered: 8-30-2002
Location: San Diego County
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Mood: Have Baja Fever
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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.
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churro
Nomad
Posts: 195
Registered: 5-6-2013
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You're Kidding ... Right?!?
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akshadow
Nomad
Posts: 287
Registered: 2-1-2007
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payment receipt?
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. |
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sancho
Ultra Nomad
Posts: 2524
Registered: 10-6-2004
Location: OC So Cal
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| 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.
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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
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David K
Honored Nomad
Posts: 64835
Registered: 8-30-2002
Location: San Diego County
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Mood: Have Baja Fever
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| 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.
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BajaRick16
Newbie
Posts: 7
Registered: 8-4-2015
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Leaving Mexico just for a few hours.....
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."
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SlyOnce
Nomad
Posts: 262
Registered: 12-26-2013
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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).
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David K
Honored Nomad
Posts: 64835
Registered: 8-30-2002
Location: San Diego County
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Mood: Have Baja Fever
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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.
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Bajahowodd
Elite Nomad
Posts: 9274
Registered: 12-15-2008
Location: Disneyland Adjacent and anywhere in Baja
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| 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!!
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You do know that the tire spray by GN is optional, right? Just say no and they let you pass.
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WestyWanderer
Nomad
Posts: 277
Registered: 10-24-2014
Location: San Clemente, CA
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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]
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dasubergeek
Senior Nomad
Posts: 694
Registered: 8-17-2013
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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??"
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Marc
Ultra Nomad
Posts: 2802
Registered: 5-15-2010
Location: San Francisco & Palm Springs
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On the flight back they will keep you FMM.
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SFandH
Elite Nomad
Posts: 7084
Registered: 8-5-2011
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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.
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