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John M
Super Nomad
Posts: 1922
Registered: 9-3-2003
Location: California High Desert
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Returning an FMM Tourist Card
Ten days ago we entered Baja via Mexicali West (old crossing). I had an unexpired 180 day Fmm. My friend went into the immigration office to get his
seven day free tourist card. The clerk spoke perfect English and asked him about the tourist card he had gotten this past January at Mexicali East and
why it hasn't been returned as required. Of course the action of not returning a tourist card has been going on for as long as I've gotten them, no
doubt longer than that. The reason for not returning it was that it's pretty difficult to return it to the Baja Immigration when you are northbound at
the border.
The Mexicali agent was intending on refusing to issue a new tourist card since the old seven day card was outstanding. After a bit of cajoling the
agent relented and issued a seven day tourist card; with a warning that he had been warned about returning it.
Interestingly, the Mexicali West agent had pulled up on his computer the date of the January entrance, the info about the permit issued then, and even
the name of the agent that had issued it. We were surprised.
Of course coming home we failed again to turn it in.
BajaGeoff posted late last year: "The FMM does not have to be returned to an immigration official when leaving Baja California by land."
Is there a mail in return procedure? I'm going back in June and my 180 day card expires this month.
John M
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David K
Honored Nomad
Posts: 64857
Registered: 8-30-2002
Location: San Diego County
Member Is Offline
Mood: Have Baja Fever
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Posted a couple years ago:
| Quote: | Originally posted by bajaguy
You could avoid the hassle at the border and return the FMM by mail:
Postage is $1.15 (as of Aug. 2014) if mailing from the U.S.
INSTITUTO NACIONAL DE MIGRACION
PUENTE PUERTA S/N
COLONIA FEDERAL
TIJUANA, B.C. MEXICO C.P. 22310 |
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sancho
Ultra Nomad
Posts: 2524
Registered: 10-6-2004
Location: OC So Cal
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Good timing, I crossed into Mex 2 Wed. ago, Mexicali West, and as I won't knowlingly violate Mex regs, stopped at the Imm office at the West crossing
to get the free 7 day fmm. I have
a 7 day fmm from walking into TJ maybe it is 5 mos. old, never
returned. Was given a 7 day fmm. I asked the Imm officer, who
also spoke perfect English, if the fmm had to be returned. He was adament that, YES, it
had to be returned before it expires, no question about it.
So while in the vehicle car line coming back, the wife drove while
I got out, 3 blks before the little park, and walked maybe 6 blks.
to the Mexicali West Imm office and returned them. This has
happened before there. Seems to be particular to the Mexicali
West crossing. Was a post on another site, a mo. or so back,
same thing, a Gringo was asked why the previous free fmm was
not returned, was not given another. Had to get the 180 day. The reported not having to return them is spotty at best. It is
almost like their computer is set up only for their own
crossing. I know 1 thing, Mex Imm does not have a uniform,
consistant application of Imm regs from TJ to Algodones,
the regs are only for the Office you're dealing with
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TMW
Select Nomad
Posts: 10659
Registered: 9-1-2003
Location: Bakersfield, CA
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Discover Baja Travel Club says you do not need to return the FMM Tourist Card. This is their FAQ list. It's at the bottom.
FMM Tourist Permit FAQs
FMM tourist permit visa baja mexicoAs of September 2015, INM (Mexico’s immigration department) requires that all U.S. and Canadian citizens have an
FMM tourist permit any time they are in Mexico. Below are answers to frequently asked questions about the FMM tourist permit. To obtain a prepaid FMM
tourist permit through Discover Baja, saving you time and hassle at the border, or for more information about FMMs, see our FMM Tourist Permit Page.
FMM Tourist Permit
$390 pesos at the border
$37 prepaid FMMs for Discover Baja members
Valid for up to 180 days
Free FMMs available for stays of seven days or less
What is an FMM tourist permit?
The FMM, Forma Migratoria Múltiple, is a tourist permit or tourist card that allows citizens from the U.S. and Canada (as well as from other countries
that are listed here) to travel in Mexico. While often called a Mexican “visa,” the FMM is not a visa and is completely different from the Mexican
visa that is required for citizens of specific countries listed here. U.S. and Canadian citizens do not need a visa to travel in Mexico, but they do
need an FMM tourist permit.
Who needs an FMM tourist permit?
All U.S. and Canadian citizens over the age of two, without a Mexican temporary or permanent resident card, need to obtain an FMM tourist permit when
entering Mexico.
Do I have to get a FMM tourist permit when I go to Baja?
Yes. Mexican law requires that tourists from the U.S. and Canada have an FMM tourist permit for any trip into Baja. You may encounter INM checkpoints
along the peninsula where they will ask to see your passport and FMM. If you get into an accident in Mexico and you don’t have an FMM tourist permit,
you are not considered to be in accordance with Mexican law, and therefore your Mexican auto insurance can be rendered invalid. Each individual must
have their own FMM, including children ages two and up.
What about the “free zone” for short trips just across the border?
As of September 2015, there is no longer a “free zone” and every person entering Baja, regardless of destination or duration of trip needs to obtain
an FMM. If you are only going to be in Mexico for seven days or less, you can get a free FMM, but you still need to stop at the border to fill out the
paperwork to obtain the permit.
How much does an FMM cost?
Discover Baja members can get their prepaid FMMs through Discover Baja for $37. If you obtain your FMM at the border, it costs $390 pesos (as of
January 1, 2016). If you will be in Mexico for seven days or less, you may obtain a free FMM at the border.
How long is the FMM valid for?
The paid FMM tourist permit is valid for a period of up to 180 days (as long as your passport does not expire before that time) At the border, they
will ask you how long you would like the permit for and you should ask for the full 180 days. The free FMM is only valid for seven days or less.
Can I use my FMM for multiple entries?
While the old law said that FMM tourist permits were only valid for one use into Mexico, the INM has recently said that FMM tourist permits can be
used for multiple entries in and out of Mexico, through the end date of the permit.
What do I need in order to get an FMM tourist permit?
You will need to have a passport or passport card. Keep in mind that since passport books and passport cards have different numbers, you will need to
carry whichever one you use to obtain your FMM (ie you can’t use your passport book to obtain the FMM and then just carry around your FMM with your
passport card).
Where do I get an FMM tourist permit?
You can obtain an FMM at the immigration office as you cross into Mexico. Discover Baja members can also obtain prepaid FMMs through Discover Baja,
saving time and hassle at the border.
What is the process to get an FMM?
You will need to stop at the border as you cross into Mexico. You will look for the INM/SAT Aduanas building (immigration and customs). You will first
go to INM where you will fill out the paperwork for the FMM. Then you will need to go to Banjercito where you will pay for the FMM. Once paid for,
take your receipt back to INM to complete the process and get your FMM stamped by immigration. Discover Baja members can save time and hassle at the
border by getting a prepaid FMM through Discover Baja and will just need to get the FMM stamped when entering Baja.
Do I have to stop at the border to get my FMM? Can’t I stop farther down to get one?
You must get your FMM stamped at the border when entering Mexico. You are no longer allowed to get an FMM for land travel at immigration stations
farther south. The INM office in Ensenada now only processes nautical FMMs for visitors entering Mexico by boat. The San Ysidro El Chaparral border
crossing in Tijuana is open 24/7, 365 days a year, so there should be no problem with getting your FMM at the border no matter what time you’re
crossing into Baja.
What if I’m entering Mexico by airplane or boat?
If you are flying to Mexico on a commercial flight from the U.S., the airline will provide you with the paperwork for the FMM tourist permit and has
included the fee for the FMM in the price of your ticket. If you are flying from Tijuana, you can obtain your FMM tourist permit from Discover Baja or
at the Tijuana airport.
If you are crossing into Mexico by sea, and going south of Ensenada, you can get an FMM through Discover Baja and have it validated at the first port
of entry (Ensenada). If you will be crossing into Mexico by sea, but not going south of Ensenada, and not stopping on land, you will need to obtain a
nautical FMM tourist permit which is an entirely different process. Discover Baja is now processing nautical FMMs for our members. Please note that it
takes 48 hours to obtain a nautical FMM. For more information, see our page on Nautical Sportfishing FMMs.
Do my kids need an FMM?
Any children over the age of two years old need to have an FMM (and therefore a passport or passport card).
Do I need an FMM tourist permit if I have temporary or permanent resident card (formerly known as FM2 or FM3)?
No. Your temporary resident or permanent resident card already functions as your permit to be in Mexico. You do not need to obtain an FMM tourist
permit on top of this, and in fact, can be fined for having more than one permit at a time.
If I am applying for a temporary or permanent resident card, do I need to get an FMM?
No. After you submit your documents for a temporary or permanent resident card, you will receive your visa inside your passport. You need to stop at
an immigration office at the border where they will provide you with an FMM at no cost to you. You will exchange that FMM for your resident card at
the immigration office closest to your Mexican residence.
Do I need to return the FMM?
As of September 2015, you do not need to return your FMM to the INM upon leaving Baja by land (contrary to what it says on the back of the permit).
After they have expired, you may shred or discard them.
To obtain a prepaid FMM tourist permit through Discover Baja, saving you time and hassle at the border, or for more information about FMMs, see our
FMM Tourist Permit Page.
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TMW
Select Nomad
Posts: 10659
Registered: 9-1-2003
Location: Bakersfield, CA
Member Is Offline
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I emailed Discover Baja and asked them to verify whether the FMM needed to be turned in and also asked who they contacted for the information.
I referenced the John M posting above.
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SFandH
Elite Nomad
Posts: 7084
Registered: 8-5-2011
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Quote: Originally posted by sancho  | I know 1 thing, Mex Imm does not have a uniform, consistant application of Imm regs from TJ to Algodones, the regs are only for the Office you're
dealing with
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I think it's safe to assume the regs are uniquely determined by the misinformed Mexican official you are speaking with at the moment. But I am a bit
pessimistic about matters such as these.
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sancho
Ultra Nomad
Posts: 2524
Registered: 10-6-2004
Location: OC So Cal
Member Is Offline
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You can post info from whatever Ins Broker you chose, your info
doesn't mean jack. They are NOT an official source for Mex Imm
regs. The ONLY regs in force at the time you're dealing with
Mex Imm are the one's the Imm Officer says they are. Not
some print sheet from a Ca. Ins Broker
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Bajahowodd
Elite Nomad
Posts: 9274
Registered: 12-15-2008
Location: Disneyland Adjacent and anywhere in Baja
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My take on this is that since Mexico implemeted the "everyone coming in needs to get the FMM" which is valid for 6 months, there is absolutely no
reason to try and return the visa. You can cross with it for six months, thereafter you will need to get a new FMM. No problem.
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David K
Honored Nomad
Posts: 64857
Registered: 8-30-2002
Location: San Diego County
Member Is Offline
Mood: Have Baja Fever
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I think the Mexicali people are looking for some "processing" compensation? That the same INM officers in Tijuana say "throw it away" and Mexicali
says turn it in, and both are in the SAME country, is a bit hysterical.
I would say to him next time, "I mailed it in, as instructed".
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SFandH
Elite Nomad
Posts: 7084
Registered: 8-5-2011
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I think the rules are up in the air. For example look at the San Ysidro crossing. If you walk across they check for and require a FMM and you can use
the same one multiple times, but if you drive across they don't. I understand there are practical reasons, if they stopped traffic to check the
back-up would be to the north pole. But still.....
It would be tough to argue with an official that is enforcing the law as it is stated on the document. On the back of the FMM it is stated that you
must turn it in when leaving Mexico.
[Edited on 4-30-2016 by SFandH]
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mrfatboy
Nomad
Posts: 478
Registered: 4-17-2008
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@david
Do you happen to have a link to the Mexico Gov website that says we can mail it in? It be nice to show the immigration official if he/she hassles us
about turning it in.
If I can prove to the official that they allow mail in returns of the FMM then my go to answer would be that I did so and you guys must have lost
it:
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mtgoat666
Select Nomad
Posts: 18401
Registered: 9-16-2006
Location: San Diego
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Mood: Hot n spicy
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Technology! If they can't track us by microchip implant, then FMM is next best way, eh?
the border exits from Mexico seem to all have chiclet-selling street urchins that need better jobs. Mexico should hire them to collect FMMs.
Or an enterprising amputee could start a service to turn in FMMs for a fee of a couple pesos each.
Problem solved!
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Bajaboy
Ultra Nomad
Posts: 4375
Registered: 10-9-2003
Location: Bahia Asuncion, BCS, Mexico
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Might it be the free 7 day card needs to be turned in?
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23S52N
Nomad
Posts: 135
Registered: 7-30-2015
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This is the letter i received from Baja Bound. I have heard constant rumours about the FMM returns and asked for something in writing....you will
note there is a phone number for the agent to call if he has questions. Whether or not he does, is another matter, as we all know. For the first
time, i did not return my FMM when returning crossing north at Mexicali east. Note that since this letter, they advise that the FMM can be used
multiple times.
Attachment: FMMInfo.pdf (24kB)
This file has been downloaded 779 times
[Edited on 4-30-2016 by 23S52N]
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David K
Honored Nomad
Posts: 64857
Registered: 8-30-2002
Location: San Diego County
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Mood: Have Baja Fever
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My goodness! that FMM link seems to be from 2012 and states the FMM must be returned at the end of the trip... so that contradicts the latest changes
we hear about it being good for multiple visits.
mrfatboy, that address (posted by bajaguy) to return the FMM did come from Discover Baja, so maybe give them a call for the latest?
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David K
Honored Nomad
Posts: 64857
Registered: 8-30-2002
Location: San Diego County
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Mood: Have Baja Fever
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No, not alluding.
What "street cop"?
My comment is what this appears to be at Mexicali, since it is not happening anywhere else.
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David K
Honored Nomad
Posts: 64857
Registered: 8-30-2002
Location: San Diego County
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Mood: Have Baja Fever
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No worries Frank... I just said "I think" that is what is happening... What do think is happening? Whatever you (or I) think is in no way an
indication of us instructing anyone here to do something wrong.
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David K
Honored Nomad
Posts: 64857
Registered: 8-30-2002
Location: San Diego County
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Mood: Have Baja Fever
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That makes sense... I am amazed at how many here on Nomad as well as those not on Nomad I met in Baja who buy homes or lease lots in Baja and have
nothing more than a tourist card for their immigration status!
Yes, the FMM can be used to to make the initial purchase, but then with property in Mexico, that stays in Mexico when you leave, you are no longer a
'tourist' but instead are a part-time resident.
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23S52N
Nomad
Posts: 135
Registered: 7-30-2015
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David,
I would like to know your reasoning, experience, knowledge, behind this statement. Why is owning property in Mexico for a foreign national be any
different than a Canadian owning property in the US or vice versa? I bought my property in BCS in 2011 and lived there with an FM3 for a year.
Changes in my life dictated that i can only live part of the year there. So i go down on a 180 day FMM and then return to Canada. I have my
Fideicomiso, ......I enjoy both countries, Mexican immigration law will not allow me (to my latest knowledge) to acquire a temp resident card. Even
if it did, why would i want the extra expense and paperwork?
Your statement perplexes me......
Keith
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David K
Honored Nomad
Posts: 64857
Registered: 8-30-2002
Location: San Diego County
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Mood: Have Baja Fever
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Hi Keith,
Sounds to me that you are doing or trying to do the right thing? There is no difference other than having the correct immigration paperwork to keep
property in Mexico while you are not there, as well as when you are.
While I may not be as up-to-date the past couple of years, it has "always" been a case of defining what a "tourist" is in Mexico.
All the documentation that was available when I was more versed on the subject was pretty clear:
A tourist (one who is in Mexico on a 'tourist card' or tourist visa) is someone on a vacation staying in Mexico in another person's home, hotel, or
camping. At the end of their vacation, the "tourist" returns to their country leaving no property behind in Mexico.
IF that tourist decides to buy or leave property behind in Mexico, personal (car, clothes, appliances) or real (home, land) then that person is no
longer a "tourist" and must obtain the type of visa for part-time residents of Mexico who return year after year to their lot, home, property that
remained in Mexico.
Now in the past, a tourist card was an FM-T and a part-time resident (property left in Mexico) would obtain an FM-3. These letter designations have
changed, to FMM and ?? so, that is what is new. It was made clear, that buying a home on an FMM was okay, but until you upgraded the visa to the
correct status, you had no property rights (legal rights) in Mexico, for one thing.
There must be some legal status if a foreigner buys land or leases land and then builds on it, puts a trailer on it, or ?? that is different than the
tourist card we who go camping there or motel-ing there get at the border??
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