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Finchaser2020
Junior Nomad
Posts: 40
Registered: 12-10-2012
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Returning FMM's
Well I have always wondered what to do with my FMM when I drive back across the border. I have been told that you have to return them or mail them
in. Been told the computer systems are better now and you better follow the rules, whatever that means.
But I have always just deposited them in the trash.
Well now I just saw this on BajaBound.com
Guess I will just keep doing what I have been doing...
2015 FMM Tourist Card Changes
Mexican Immigration
For general information on the FMM "tourist card" view our page, Mexican Tourist Cards/Visas (FMM)
On September 25, 2015 Baja Bound attended a forum hosted by the Otay Mesa Chamber of Commerce. Rudolfo Figueroa, a federal delegate for the Instituto
Nacional de Migración (INM or National Institute of Immigration) for the Baja region was the guest speaker. Rudolfo presented new operational changes
that have been enacted for frequent visitors to maintain valid FMM immigration status.
Important results from the forum:
All visitors are legally required to obtain an FMM to visit Mexico regardless of the destination and length of stay.
The same FMM may be used to enter and exit multiple times through any land border crossing in the state of Baja California. Therefore you may get an
FMM for the maximum 180 day term available, and then use it to cross back and forth for an unlimited number of times during that period. The FMM may
not be reused at ports of entry outside of Baja California, nor will you be able to reuse it for air travel from a foreign airport into any
destination in Mexico.
The FMM does not have to be returned to an immigration official when leaving Baja California by land.
A new FMM may be issued consecutively after one expires. This means that there is no waiting period.
Kirk
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BajaGeoff
Super Nomad
Posts: 1727
Registered: 1-11-2006
Location: San Diego and Campo Lopez
Member Is Offline
Mood: Heading To Baja!!!
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Here is the link to the full article Baja Bound put together from the forum we recently attended where INM delegate Rudolfo Figueroa presented the
recent FMM changes...
http://www.bajabound.com/before/permits/fmm_changes.php
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sancho
Ultra Nomad
Posts: 2524
Registered: 10-6-2004
Location: OC So Cal
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Saw the 'newer' Mex Immigration info posted on bajabound's
site, a couple places recently. Most of us have used the fmm
and the previous fmt, for mulitiple entries and have not made
it a point to return them. So this info doesn't change much, but
it is nice to know that Mex Imm has APPARENTLY taken this
position. Peds crossing into TJ recently have sucessfully used the fmm for mulitiple entries. Now whether every Mex Imm officer from TJ to Algondones
has gotten the memo? Hopefully this puts an end
to the single/mulitiple entry debate, and the returning the
fmm debate. But however accurate this is, it is still a bit second
hand. Well, just read bajabound's email sent to it's users, so I take that back, the info comes from Mex Imm
directly, so I'll take it as fact
[Edited on 10-21-2015 by sancho]
[Edited on 10-21-2015 by sancho]
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BajaGeoff
Super Nomad
Posts: 1727
Registered: 1-11-2006
Location: San Diego and Campo Lopez
Member Is Offline
Mood: Heading To Baja!!!
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Here is the contact info for the INM office in Tijuana if any Nomads would like to inquire directly:
http://www.inm.gob.mx/index.php?page/Contacto_Baja_Californi...
Our article was a means to clear up some of the confusion lately about the FMM. It basically summed up what Rudolfo presented on behalf of the INM at
the forum we attended last month.
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Bajahowodd
Elite Nomad
Posts: 9274
Registered: 12-15-2008
Location: Disneyland Adjacent and anywhere in Baja
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It's nice to know that those of us who travel beyond the border zone will no longer have to worry about whether we should be returning the FMM upon
return. That said, I do have to wonder if the new rules may have a chilling effect on Tijuana day trippers. Wasn't quite clear as to whether walk ins
would have to get one on the way in.
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BajaGeoff
Super Nomad
Posts: 1727
Registered: 1-11-2006
Location: San Diego and Campo Lopez
Member Is Offline
Mood: Heading To Baja!!!
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Yes Bajahowodd....
Visitors walking across the border at the El Chaparral (Tijuana) port of entry are now required to have their passport or passport card and are asked
to fill out the FMM and pay the fee if necessary. The Otay Mesa crossing will follow suit as soon as the new border facility at that location is
completed.
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Bajahowodd
Elite Nomad
Posts: 9274
Registered: 12-15-2008
Location: Disneyland Adjacent and anywhere in Baja
Member Is Offline
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Quote: Originally posted by sancho  | Saw the 'newer' Mex Immigration info posted on bajabound's
site, a couple places recently. Most of us have used the fmm
and the previous fmt, for mulitiple entries and have not made
it a point to return them. So this info doesn't change much, but
it is nice to know that Mex Imm has APPARENTLY taken this
position. Peds crossing into TJ recently have sucessfully used the fmm for mulitiple entries. Now whether every Mex Imm officer from TJ to Algondones
has gotten the memo? Hopefully this puts an end
to the single/mulitiple entry debate, and the returning the
fmm debate. But however accurate this is, it is still a bit second
hand. Well, just read bajabound's email sent to it's users, so I take that back, the info comes from Mex Imm
directly, so I'll take it as fact
[Edited on 10-21-2015 by sancho]
[Edited on 10-21-2015 by sancho] |
Previously to what are the new rules, if you make another crossing by car, no one would ask to see your FMM, so it has always been, even if by
default, good for 180 days.
We had always tossed out FMM (FMT) in the trash when it expired and never had a problem getting a new one next visit.
My only concern is that when we make a crossing next week, will this rule have created a backup slowing our Southward progress down? The last few
times we went into the IMM office there, we were the only people there and were greatly expedited, including the help of the IMM officer who took our
money.
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BajaGeoff
Super Nomad
Posts: 1727
Registered: 1-11-2006
Location: San Diego and Campo Lopez
Member Is Offline
Mood: Heading To Baja!!!
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I hear you Bajahowodd....I guess time will tell. There is an online option to buy and print out the FMM so when you get to the border all you have to
do is get it stamped. Unfortunately, we tried the online process ourselves and it is not working properly. We have been in touch with INM to see when
it might be working, but nothing to report yet.
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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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Jayzus, just go. What part of "if your FMM is current and you have x-amount of days left, you don't need to check in", and
"get a new one when your old one expires", and "throw the old one away" don't people understand?? Or, waste your time finding it out by stopping and
asking; it's like waving to a Tecate cop.
The perennial argument is oh-fishully OVER. I hope. 
I don't have a BUCKET LIST, but I do have a F***- IT LIST a mile long!
86 - 45*
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Bajahowodd
Elite Nomad
Posts: 9274
Registered: 12-15-2008
Location: Disneyland Adjacent and anywhere in Baja
Member Is Offline
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| Quote: Originally posted by BajaGeoff | | I hear you Bajahowodd....I guess time will tell. There is an online option to buy and print out the FMM so when you get to the border all you have to
do is get it stamped. Unfortunately, we tried the online process ourselves and it is not working properly. We have been in touch with INM to see when
it might be working, but nothing to report yet. |
This reminds me of another issue. While folks driving into Mexico have gotten FMMs , and mostly thrown them away, I have always wondered about airline
passengers flying into Mexico, who have the cost of the FMM built into their fare. Airlines have confiscated the FMMs upon checking in to a return
flight.
So, will there be a change, that allows returning airline passengers to retain their FMMs?
I ask this only because if one can drive or walk across the border frequently for 6 months, if the airlines continue to confiscate the document upon
check in it seems to create an apartheid system.
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David K
Honored Nomad
Posts: 64749
Registered: 8-30-2002
Location: San Diego County
Member Is Offline
Mood: Have Baja Fever
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Nope... (unless another change) the flying FMM is a different deal than the land traveling (automobile) FMM.
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Finchaser2020
Junior Nomad
Posts: 40
Registered: 12-10-2012
Member Is Offline
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It is so funny because it should be a very simple thing. But their government (and all governments for that matter) seems to just want to make it
complicated.
I just make it a point to always have one when I go down, can never hurt. Takes 10 minutes out of your trip. And you are so screwed if something
goes sideways down there and you have no FMM.
Just tell me if I need to turn it in or not.
Simple.
I am thinking this article has put that question to bed for me...
At least for now......sigh
Kirk
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David K
Honored Nomad
Posts: 64749
Registered: 8-30-2002
Location: San Diego County
Member Is Offline
Mood: Have Baja Fever
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Good point Kirk.
Now, have we ever read a (first hand) report of anyone getting "screwed" for not having an FMM where/ when they are supposed to?
YES!
Nomad edm1 (Art) and his wife traveled from Mexicali to La Paz in July, 2011. At Mexicali, they both stopped at INM to obtain their tourist cards and
it was then discovered his wife's passport had just expired... the INM officer would NOT issue her a tourist card. They tried all kinds of options,
but the INM person was not going to do a thing (did he really think her U.S. citizenship ended with the passport or she was a different person
traveling with her husband?).
Their motorhome was loaded for a long trip down Baja, and they just reasoned they would deal with it if it ever was an issue further south. Well, at
the INM checkpoint at the Eagle Monument (near Guerrero Negro) they were FINED US$100 for her not having one. I am going to guess that INM agent
bought his wife a nice present soon after!
Anyway, Art paid and they had a nice vacation in La Paz with BajaTripper and Zully.
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Bajahowodd
Elite Nomad
Posts: 9274
Registered: 12-15-2008
Location: Disneyland Adjacent and anywhere in Baja
Member Is Offline
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| Quote: Originally posted by David K | | Nope... (unless another change) the flying FMM is a different deal than the land traveling (automobile) FMM. |
It's the same freaking form. Is there some reason to hold the airlines responsible to ensure everyone in is everyone out?
And, if one flies into Mexico and gets an FMM on their flight, which they pay for in the airfare, What happens if a month later, they want to walk
across the border? Another $20? Crazy.
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okiebaja
Newbie
Posts: 24
Registered: 8-27-2015
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Mood: Excited.
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Two weeks ago I crossed at Otey, and no one was checking or asking about FMM. I walked back into the office there (at 11pm no less) and he happily
gave me one for $ 25. I was going to drive to Cabo so I thought I should get one just in case.
I drove down, never once was asked to show papers, just waved through, and made it to Cabo. Wife flew in to Cabo, and when we left she mentioned I
needed some form to exit the country. Since this was the first time I had every actually flown out of mexico (vs crossing up north), I was confused.
Long story short, I could not get on board or leave unless I gave my FMM to the airline, who I then passed with a ticket to the security folks. So
when I come back to TJ/Mexicali in a few months, I guess it will cost me another $ 25. I was also told that if I had not happened to have had the
form - I would have been in for a $ 50+ ordeal and would have missed my flight.
This trip (I go every 4-5 mo) is the first one I got an FMM (ensenada is my usual destination), and from what I am reading I will need to get one no
matter what? (is that correct)
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David K
Honored Nomad
Posts: 64749
Registered: 8-30-2002
Location: San Diego County
Member Is Offline
Mood: Have Baja Fever
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Yes, crazy!
But so many here love big government, more fees and higher taxes! You just can't please all the people, all the time!
Thank you okiebaja, it is clear that the airline FMM is a one time use form (round trip, that is)... and they assume you flew down so you hand it when
you flew back. Of course, you drove down... but you see that is the catch... A tourist card holder cannot leave his property in Mexico when he
leaves... the car must come back. Tourists are people on a vacation. If you are a part-time resident (have a vacation home in Baja, leave a car in
Baja, etc.) then that is a different visa. Since you can't leave a car in Baja and fly back (on a tourist card), you could raise all sorts of
questions with INM!
Now, the whole FMM/ FM-3/ FM-2 thing is different... so, you guys who have the correct visa to rent or own a home in Baja, leave a car in Baja, etc.,
what is that visa called or is there a special stamp for the FMM now that will allow a tourist to become a part-time resident?
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bajaguy
Elite Nomad
Posts: 9247
Registered: 9-16-2003
Location: Carson City, NV/Ensenada - Baja Country Club
Member Is Offline
Mood: must be 5 O'clock somewhere in Baja
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| Quote: Originally posted by David K |
Now, the whole FMM/ FM-3/ FM-2 thing is different... so, you guys who have the correct visa to rent or own a home in Baja, leave a car in Baja, etc.,
what is that visa called or is there a special stamp for the FMM now that will allow a tourist to become a part-time resident? |
FM-2 is now a Residente Permanente
FM-3 is now a Residente Temporal
You need a FMM to start the process for Residente Temporal or Permanente
You can conduct real estate transactions (purchase, lease, rent) with an FMM
There are still permanent residents and temporary residents who think they can scam by with an FMM
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mtgoat666
Select Nomad
Posts: 18122
Registered: 9-16-2006
Location: San Diego
Member Is Offline
Mood: Hot n spicy
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Who here?
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David K
Honored Nomad
Posts: 64749
Registered: 8-30-2002
Location: San Diego County
Member Is Offline
Mood: Have Baja Fever
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| Quote: Originally posted by bajaguy | | Quote: Originally posted by David K |
Now, the whole FMM/ FM-3/ FM-2 thing is different... so, you guys who have the correct visa to rent or own a home in Baja, leave a car in Baja, etc.,
what is that visa called or is there a special stamp for the FMM now that will allow a tourist to become a part-time resident? |
FM-2 is now a Residente Permanente
FM-3 is now a Residente Temporal
You need a FMM to start the process for Residente Temporal or Permanente
You can conduct real estate transactions (purchase, lease, rent) with an FMM
There are still permanent residents and temporary residents who think they can scam by with an FMM |
Thank you... Now, let's say okie was being as legal as possible in Mexico and he is getting a Residente Temporal. Was the airline or INM correct to
take his FMM from him when he flew out of Los Cabos?
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bajaguy
Elite Nomad
Posts: 9247
Registered: 9-16-2003
Location: Carson City, NV/Ensenada - Baja Country Club
Member Is Offline
Mood: must be 5 O'clock somewhere in Baja
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| Quote: Originally posted by David K |
Thank you... Now, let's say okie was being as legal as possible in Mexico and he is getting a Residente Temporal. Was the airline or INM correct to
take his FMM from him when he flew out of Los Cabos? |
I don't know. I have RP status and I have not flown within Mexico.....yet
If he has an RT card/status, he probably doesn't need an FMM
And if you ask INM, you will get conflicting answers
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