mexico travel permit

• Forma Migratoria Múltiple

Multiple Immigration Form (FMM)

General conditions.

The FMM applicant shall hold a valid and current passport or card passport (Tarjeta Pasaporte) in accordance with the international law regulations; in case the country of citizenship requires it, the passport must have a valid unexpired visa.

The applicant is aware that the card passport (Tarjeta Pasaporte) can only be used in the border crossings by land and for visiting the border zone; it might not be used to travel to the territory of the Mexican Republic or used for international air trips.

The applicant shall complete the information needed in the request of the FMM, as appears in his/her passport.

The applicant accepts under oath, that the information and documents provided are true; therefore, the applicant acknowledges herein that if any false information is provided, he/she could be subject to penalties in accordance with the applicable legal regulation.

Conditions of the Forma Migratoria Múltiple obtained by electronic means

The Forma Migratoria Múltiple can be obtained by electronic means through the Institute website, the foreigners, who enter to the country by land, can obtain it through the facilities aimed for the international transit of persons.

The applicant agrees that the status condition of stay that he/she shall obtain, by means of the information provided, only be as visitor without permission to work.

The applicant acknowledges herein that the FMM has a maximum validity of 180 calendar days and shall be valid for one entry only.

The applicant acknowledges herein that the validity term of the FMM shall start upon the migratory stamp is fixed, provided with, he/she should comply with the requirements to enter Mexico.

The applicant shall print and bring the FMM to the facility aimed for the international transit of persons where he/she wishes to enter through.

The applicant acknowledges herein that the fees paid to obtain the condition of stay, is not a guarantee to enter Mexico.

The applicant shall produce a valid and current passport or card passport (Tarjeta Pasaporte), as well as the FMM shall be produced at the time his/her enter is requested.

I have read and agree to the terms and conditions above.

Aviso de Privacidad Simplificado Registro para los procesos de Internación y Salidas del Territorio Nacional Mexicano

El Instituto Nacional de Migración (INM) a través de las Direcciones Generales de Control y Verificación Migratoria, Administración, así como Tecnologías de la Información y Comunicaciones, respectivamente es el responsable de los datos personales que sean recabados como parte de su registro en los procesos de internación y salidas del territorio nacional mexicano, con la finalidad de revisar se cumplan con los requisitos establecidos en la Ley de Migración y ordenamientos aplicables, comprobando la veracidad y congruencia de lo manifestado para su paso a territorio nacional con la documentación de los mismos, ejerciendo la facultad de autorizar o no el ingreso a la República Mexicana y la obtención de un tiempo y/o condición de estancia a su favor; documentar el flujo de entradas y salidas al país de los nacionales y extranjeros; generar el control migratorio por los lugares destinados al tránsito internacional de personas por tierra, mar y aire; hacer más ágil la internación a México; generar estadísticas; realizar el cobro de derechos que por los servicios migratorios se deriven y garantizar el tránsito y la estancia de los extranjeros en el mismo, así como la preservación de la soberanía y de la seguridad de los Estados Unidos Mexicanos. Los datos personales que nos proporcione, serán protegidos conforme a lo dispuesto por la Ley General de Protección de Datos Personales en Posesión de Sujetos Obligados, y demás normatividad que resulte aplicable.

El aviso de privacidad integral lo podrá consultar en la página institucional, dentro del apartado de Protección de Datos Personales, o bien, en la siguiente liga: http://www.inm.gob.mx/static/transparencia/pdf/avisos/Aviso_de_Privacidad_Internacion_y_Salidas.pdf .

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Entry Information

Personal information, identification document, place of residence, trip information, father, mother or guardian information,   notification.

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¡important.

For your application, you need to make payment. Said payment must be made in the Portal de Servicios del Instituto Nacional de Migración (https://www.inm.gob.mx/spublic/portal/inmex.html). It is important to keep the following information to be able to reference your payment:

Immigration Form:

Document number:

Surname(s):

Nationality:

For more information, we suggest you carefully read the material available in the section on “Ayuda del Portal”.

Note: In order to generate the payment in the INM service portal, it is necessary to have an active account and the passport that you will register in your application.

What Documents Do I Need for Mexico Travel?

StudioLaurent / Twenty20

• Passport or PASS Card
• Acceptable ID
• Mexico Tourist Card
• Where You'll Show Documents
• COVID-19 Documents
• Travel Insurance

If you're a U.S. citizen planning a vacation to Mexico, you'll be happy to hear you don't need much in the way of documentation in order to visit this beautiful country! Read on to discover just what you need to make sure you have with you in order to cross the border south. 

Passport or PASS Card?

To return to the U.S. from Mexico by land, sea, or air, you must present a passport or PASS card (available to anyone) or Enhanced Driver's License (residents of some U.S. states can get these) at the border.

Please be aware that you can no longer use proof of U.S. citizenship, like an embossed birth certificate, with a government-issued photo ID (more on those below) to get into or out of the country. Regardless of your ID choice, you will also need a Mexico tourist card , which you'll be given to fill out on the plane or at the border if you'll be traveling overland.

Identification Acceptable for Crossing U.S./Mexico Borders by Land

For decades, it was the case that U.S. citizens could use a combination of proof of U.S. citizenship, like a birth certificate and a driver's license or other state-issued photo ID, to return from Mexico to the U.S. At that time, it was still the case that passports weren't needed to return from Mexico by land even after it became necessary to use a passport to return to the U.S. by air.

All of that changed back in 2009, and you must now have a passport, PASS card, Enhanced Driver's License, or other acceptable ID. A full list of IDs you can use is below: 

• A Valid Passport
• Trusted Traveler Cards (NEXUS, SENTRI, or FAST)
• State Issued Enhanced Driver's License (when available)
• Enhanced Tribal Cards (when available)
• U.S. Military Identification with Military Travel Orders
• U.S. Merchant Mariner Document when traveling in conjunction with official maritime business
• Native American Tribal Photo Identification Card
• Form I-872 American Indian Card

Tip: it is far cheaper to get a passport at your leisure than to rush a passport just before you need it. If you need to rush a passport application , though, do it yourself—there's no need to pay even more for a passport expediting service.

How to Get a Mexico Tourist Card

A Mexico tourist card, also called an FMT, is a government form declaring that you have stated the purpose of your visit to Mexico to be tourism, and it must be carried with you while you are visiting Mexico. Although more than one kind of Mexico visa exists, this is a simple declaration of your intention to vacation in Mexico for no more than 180 days.

It's essentially a standard arrivals card you have to fill in when entering most countries. At immigration, they'll attach a departure card to your passport to hand back when you leave the country. Make sure to fill this out in advance of arriving back at the airport to save time when passing through immigration. 

If you are driving to Mexico, you can get a tourist card at or near the border. If you are flying to Mexico, you will get a tourist card on the plane. 

Where Will I Need to Show My Documents in Mexico?

Whenever you cross the Mexico border, you will need to show your travel documents.

If you are flying into Mexico, you will need to show your travel documents to the Mexico customs agents before leaving the airport. You may have to show your travel documents again before picking up your luggage. When you leave Mexico by plane, you will need to show your travel documents before you pass through security and board the plane. You'll be expected to hand in your departure card as you pass through immigration, as well, so make sure not to lose it while you're in the country.

If you are driving into Mexico , you will need to show your identification before crossing the border. You will get a tourist card at or very close to the border, and you'll be expected to carry this with you at all times while you're in the country. If you are driving out of Mexico, you will need to show all of your travel documentation before crossing back into the United States. 

COVID-19 Related Documents

At this time, there is no required COVID-19 documentation to enter Mexico. Once you land (if you're flying), you will be required to pass a health screening at the airport, and depending on where you're staying for the duration of the trip, you might need to fill out a health questionnaire at your lodgings.

However, those travelers returning to the United States must present a negative COVID-19 test at least one day prior to travel. If you had COVID within 90 days of your trip, you could also use documentation of recovery to get back over the border.

Remember to Keep Track of Your ID and Tourist Card

You will need to turn your tourist card in when you leave Mexico, and you might need ID at different points during your Mexico visit, although after seven months spent traveling across the country, I've never been asked for mine.

While it's rare for you to need to produce yours, it's best to keep everything on your person at all times, just in case you are asked. The last thing you want is to be taken down to the police station because you can't produce your ID. 

Tip: Don't Forget Travel Insurance 

Travel insurance is a travel essential, so if you're going to be going to Mexico and you're organized enough to be researching which documents you need, there are no excuses for not getting insured. There's plenty that can go wrong on a vacation to Mexico: your overnight bus could be in a crash; you could get pickpocketed while walking around a market; you could contract dengue fever; you could fall from your hotel balcony (it's happened.) 

Suppose something serious happens while in Mexico; you'll need travel insurance. The costs of medical care can often add up to far more than you'd spend on insurance, and if it's so bad that you have to be repatriated to the United States, you could find yourself in seven figures worth of debt. It's not worth taking the risk: get travel insurance. 

Travel Insurance Documents You'll Need

You'll want to bring at least one copy of your travel insurance confirmation of coverage when you're traveling to Mexico. Your confirmation should have the insurance compay's phone number on it in case you need to reach out to them, your policy number, and a thorough explanation of your coverage. We recommend bringing a digital copy and at least one physical copy, that way you'll have access to it at all times. It wouldn't hurt to have a digital copy of your policy terms and conditions either, just in case you need to refer back to it.

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Mexico Entry Requirements: Visas, the FMM Visitors Permit, and TIP Explained

By: Author Zachary Friedman

Posted on Last updated: April 2, 2024

Categories Mexico , Tijuana , Visas and Borders

Home » Mexico » Mexico Entry Requirements: Visas, the FMM Visitors Permit, and TIP Explained

Mexico’s entry requirements can be a bit confusing. The system has slightly different sets of rules depending on your nationality as well as where and how you plan to enter the country. This guide will help you determine whether or not you need a visa to go to Mexico. It also outlines the different types of visas and entry permits available to help you decide which you need for your trip. This guide also explains exactly how the FMM visitors permit and temporary vehicle import permit (TIP) work. Finally, I will outline the entry process for driving into Mexico, entering on foot, and flying into Mexico. Hopefully, this guide makes your trip a bit smoother.

I have lived in Mexico for the past three years. I’ve spent most of that time living in Tijuana and Mexico City. During that time, I have crossed the border dozens of times. I have crossed on foot, driven, and flown in and out of the country. In this guide, I’ll share my experience.

Key Takeaways

Most visitors do not need a visa to go to Mexico. All you need is a valid passport and an FMM tourist permit. This document is available to Citizens of the U.S., Canada, the U.K., Australia, New Zealand, European Schengen Area Countries, Japan, South Korea, and more. If you are not eligible for an FMM, you will need to apply for a visa in advance. The FMM is available on arrival. It is valid for up to 180 days. It costs 687 pesos or $38 if you’re staying for more than 7 days. It’s free for stays of less than 7 days. If you want to live in Mexico long term or work in Mexico, you will need to apply for a temporary residency permit at your nearest Mexican consulate. If you plan to drive to Mexico, you will also need a temporary import permit. This document is required if you plan to drive outside of the border zone (12-15 miles from the border), the Baja Peninsula, the Sonora Free Zone, or Quintana Roo.

Table of Contents

• Do you need a visa to go to Mexico?

Types of Mexican Visas

• The FMM Visitors Permit Explained: What is it and how does it work?
• Entering Mexico Overland from the US
• Temporary Vehicle Importation Permit (TIP) Explained
• Flying into Mexico
• Entering Mexico from the South: Crossing from Guatemala or Belize
• How to Avoid Paying the Mexico FMM Visitors Permit Fee Twice
• A Few Border Crossing Tips

Do You Need a Visa to Go to Mexico?

Whether or not you need to apply for a visa before you travel to Mexico depends on which country issued your passport, which country you are a resident of, which visas you currently hold, as well as the purpose and length of your trip. In this section, I’ll outline who does, and who does not need to apply for a visa before arriving in Mexico.

You can enter Mexico without arranging a visa in advance if any one of the following applies to you:

• The country that issued your passport is on this list of countries that don’t require a visa to visit Mexico . You won’t need a visa as long as you’re traveling for leisure, volunteering, or business without employment for 180 days or less.
• You hold a permanent residency visa or a multi-entry visitor visa for the United States, Canada, United Kingdom, Japan, or a European Schengen Area country. Before you travel, you should still contact your nearest Mexican embassy or consulate just to be sure that you’ll be allowed to enter. In some cases, there may be other requirements.
• You are a legal resident or a citizen of Mexico. This includes temporary residency permits (Visa de Residente Temporal) or permanent residency permits (Visa de Residente Permanente).
• You hold an APEC Business Travel Card. This is a travel document that is issued to business travelers. It allows you to visit other APEC countries for business purposes without arranging a visa in advance. For more info, check out apec.org.

If you meet one of the above criteria, you can enter Mexico for tourism purposes and stay for up to 180 days without arranging a visa in advance. All you need is a valid passport with a blank page for the visa stamp. When you arrive, you’ll be given an FMM visitor’s permit. More on that in the next section.

If the country that issued your passport appears on this list of countries that do require a visa to visit Mexico, and you do not meet any of the above 4 criteria, you will need to apply for a visa before traveling to Mexico. You can apply at your nearest Mexican consulate or embassy. If you don’t, you will be denied entry.

Regardless of your passport and residency, you will need to arrange a Mexican visa in advance if you plan to:

• Stay in Mexico for longer than 180 days without leaving
• Work or start a business in Mexico
• Study in Mexico (this includes language schools)
• Marry a Mexican Person

Mexico offers three different types of visas.

FMM Visitor Permit (Visitante)

• Temporary Residency Visa (Visa de Residente Temporal)
• Permanent Residency Visas (Visa de Residente Permanente)

Which visa you need depends on the purpose of your trip and the amount of time you plan to spend in Mexico. The application requirements vary depending on the type of visa you’re applying for.

The Visitor Permit is for people who are visiting Mexico for tourism purposes, business trips, or volunteer trips that last 180 days or less. You cannot extend or renew it. It works like a tourist visa.

If you do not need a visa to enter Mexico (as outlined above), the Visitor’s Permit is issued at the airport, land border, or seaport when you arrive in Mexico. You will fill out a Forma Migratoria Multiple (FMM) and pay a 575 peso (around $30) fee. I’ll talk more in-depth about the FMM in the next section.

This permit is good for multiple entrances into Mexico if you’re crossing the border by land. If you’re flying in, it’s only good for one entrance.

Temporary Resident Visa (Visa de Residente Temporal)

The Temporary Resident visa is for people who plan to stay in Mexico for longer than 180 days but less than 4 years. Typically, immigration issues this visa for one year. After the year is up, you can renew it for an additional 1,2, or 3 years. You can enter and exit Mexico as many times as you like with this visa. Retirees, students studying abroad, professionals with certain skills, investors, temporary workers, and those planning to get married in Mexico would require a temporary residency visa.

There are a number of different classes of Temporary Resident visa available. Which one you need depends on what you plan to do in Mexico. These are non-immigrant visas. You can only participate in specific activities authorized under the visa. For example, some Temporary Residency visas allow you to work and earn money while others don’t (lucrative vs non-lucrative).

The exact requirements to obtain a Temporary Resident visa depends on the class of visa you’re applying for. For example, if you’re not going to work in Mexico, you must prove that you have sufficient income or assets to support yourself. If you are planning to work in Mexico, you’ll need visa sponsorship from your company in most cases. You may also be able to get a temporary residency visa by investing a certain amount of money in Mexico. In some cases, someone with an in demand professional skill may also qualify for this visa.

You cannot apply for a Temporary Resident visa in Mexico. You need to obtain the visa at the nearest consulate or embassy before you arrive. They will stick the visa in your passport. You must visit an immigration office within 30 days of your arrival in Mexico. At the immigration office, an official will stamp your Temporary Resident visa and issue you a plastic Temporary Resident ID card.

You cannot renew the Temporary Resident Visa after holding it for 4 years. At that point, you must apply for a Permanent Resident visa or leave Mexico.

Permanent Resident Visa (Visa de Residente Permanente)

The Permanent Resident visa is designed for people who plan to reside in Mexico long term and maybe even apply for citizenship. This is an immigrant visa. To qualify for a permanent resident visa, you must meet one of the following requirements:

• Hold a temporary resident visa for 4 years
• Have close family living in Mexico
• Marry a Mexican national or permanent resident and hold a temporary resident visa for 2 years
• Meet the requirements of being considered a political refugee

Once you receive your Permanent Resident visa, you will also receive a plastic ID card indicating your immigrant status. With this visa, you can apply for citizenship or naturalization.

The FMM Visitors Permit: What is it and How Does it Work?

FMM Visitor’s Permit (Forma Migratoria Múltiple) is a travel document that allows citizens of the United States, Canada, and a number of other countries. to enter Mexico without arranging a visa in advance. The FMM is issued on arrival by the INM (Instituto Nacional de Migración).

The FMM visitors permit allows you to stay in Mexico for up to 180 days for tourism or business purposes. You are not permitted to work, study, or earn money in Mexico with an FMM.

FMM visitors permits are issued at the land border, airport, or sea port where you arrive in Mexico. Recently, Mexico started offering online applications for the FMM. You fill out the form, pay, print it out, then get it stamped at the border. You can apply for the FMM online here.

This section outlines the FMM. For more in-depth info, check out my complete guide here.

Also, check out my Youtube video about the FMM:

What You Need to Get an FMM Visitors Permit?

• Passport. When crossing by land, you can use either a book or card style passport. When flying in, you need a passport book.
• 575 Pesos (about $30). Immigration charges this fee at the border or airport.
• A completed FMM form. Forms are handed out at the point of entry.

FMM Entry Permit Cost

If you plan to stay in Mexico for less than 7 days, there is no charge for an FMM. If you’re staying longer than 7 days and less than 180 days, there is a 575 peso (about $30) fee for the FMM.

The fee must be paid in cash at the border or airport. At the northern border, you pay when you enter. At the southern border and airports, you pay when you exit. When you pay, you’ll be given a receipt. The immigration official who stamps you in also stamps the receipt. Keep this as proof that you have paid.

Tip: When you fly into Mexico or arrive on a cruise ship, the fee may be included in the price of your ticket. Check this with your airline or cruise line before you arrive so you don’t pay twice.

Who Needs an FMM?

Everyone who is not a Mexican resident visa holder or Mexican citizen needs an FMM to enter Mexico. Even if you’re only crossing the border for a couple of hours and staying in the border zone, you still need to get one. In the past, there was a ‘free zone’ where you could travel without an FMM. In 2015, the law changed. Kids under 2 are not charged for an FMM. They will need a passport.

If you hold a passport from a country that requires a visa to enter Mexico, you’ll need to arrange a tourist visa in advance with your nearest Mexican consulate or embassy instead.

How Long Can You Stay with an FMM Visitor’s Permit?

The FMM Visitor’s Permit is valid for up to 180 days (about 6 months) from the date that you entered Mexico. The number of days that you’re given is up to the agent that issues you the permit. Most give 180 days to everyone. If you indicate on the FMM form that you’re staying for fewer days, they may just give you the number of days that you wrote in.

The officer at passport control will write the number of days you are granted on your visitor’s permit. You should calculate your exit date so you don’t overstay accidentally.

There are a couple of cases where the immigration officer may automatically grant you fewer than 180 days. For example, when you transit through Mexico, you may only get 30 days. When you enter on a cruise ship they often only grant 21 days.

Making Multiple Entries on an FMM

You can enter and exit Mexico overland as many times as you like until your FMM expires. In the past, the FMM was only good for one entry. This policy recently changed.

There is one exception to this rule. When you take an international flight out of Mexico, you must turn your FMM into the immigration official that stamps you out of Mexico before boarding the plane. You’ll have to fill out a new form and buy a new one when you come back.

When you leave Mexico overland at the end of your trip, you do not have to turn in your FMM. Just discard it. Of course, if the immigration officer asks for it, you need to hand it over.

Trips Longer than 180 Days with an FMM

If you wish to stay in Mexico for more than 180 days should apply for a Temporary Resident or Permanent Resident visa. You would apply for these at your nearest Mexican consulate or embassy before your trip.

Alternatively, you can leave Mexico before your FMM expires then return for another 180 days. There is no time limit as to how long you need to leave before returning for another 180 days.

People do stay in Mexico long term on an FMM visitor permit. Sometimes for years. With computerized permit logging and facial recognition technology, it is possible for Mexico to track how much time you spend in the country on an FMM permit. The problem is that you could be questioned or denied entry if you continue making visa runs and living in Mexico. If you’re planning to live in Mexico, it’s best to just get the proper visa to avoid any surprises or immigration problems.

What if You Lose your FMM?

If you lose your FMM visitor permit, you need to go to an immigration office to get a replacement. This involves filling out a few forms and paying a replacement fee at a nearby bank. I’m not sure exactly how much the fee is. I have read conflicting reports from $30-$60 (around 500-1200 pesos). Comment below if you know how much the fee is. You can find immigration offices in most cities as well as international airports.

Overstaying an FMM Visitor Permit

If you overstay your FMM, you will be fined. The fine is charged on a per-day basis. The maximum fine is around $350 (7000 pesos). You pay this fine at an immigration office or the airport. Try to handle this a few days before you leave so you don’t miss your flight. Better yet, don’t overstay.

Temporary Vehicle Importation Permit (TIP) for Mexico: What is it and when do you need it?

The Temporary Vehicle Importation Permit (TIP) is a document that allows you to temporarily drive a foreign plated vehicle in Mexico for a predefined period of time. The TIP allows you to drive anywhere in Mexico for up to 180 days if you’re traveling on a visitor permit. A TIP is required for cars, motorhomes, motorcycles, and boats. Only people traveling in Mexico on an FMM permit, Temporary Resident Visa, and Mexican citizens are eligible for a TIP.

The TIP works similar to a carnet de passage. It allows you to import your car without having to pay tax on it. If you don’t export your vehicle before the TIP expires, you will lose the deposit you paid and face fines. If you’re caught without a TIP, your vehicle could be confiscated.

Banjercito issues the TIP. This is the only agency that issues TIPs. To apply, visit the Banjercito website here. You can also buy a TIP at most border crossings.

You only need one TIP per car. The TIP owner’s spouse, kids, parents, or siblings can drive the vehicle as long as they are insured and have a non-Mexican driver’s license. Other people can drive as long as the owner is in the vehicle and they have a non-Mexican driver’s license.

This section outlines the most important points about the TIP. For more in-depth info, check out my complete guide.

Where is a TIP required?

You’ll need a tip if you want to drive a foreign plated vehicle anywhere in Mexico except the free zones. In the free zones, you do not need a TIP. The free zones include:

• The entire Baja Peninsula. This includes both Baja California Norte and Baja California Sur
• Sonora Free Zone. Here is a map of the Sonora Free Zone.
• Within 25km of any land border
• The state of Quintana Roo.

How Long is the TIP Valid?

The TIP is linked to your visitor’s permit or visa. It is valid for as long as your immigration document is valid. If you’re traveling on an FMM visitor’s permit, the maximum TIP validity is 180 days. If you’re traveling on a temporary resident visa, the TIP is valid as long as your visa is valid. You cannot extend or renew a TIP. You can make multiple entries as long as the TIP is valid.

What Documents do I Need to Get a TIP?

• Passport or passport card
• A Mexican immigration permit- This could be an FMM permit or Temporary resident visa only. You can’t get a TIP with a Permanent residency visa.
• Non-Mexican drivers license
• Your vehicle’s title and registration- If the title is in your spouse’s name, you’ll need to bring your marriage certificate. If it’s in somebody else’s name, you can’t get a TIP.
• Proof of temporary Mexican auto insurance

You should gather all of the above documents before applying for your TIP.

Where to Get a TIP

You can get a TIP either online or in person.

The easiest way to get a TIP is by applying online on the Banjercito website. You must apply 7-60 days before you travel to Mexico. To apply, you can upload the required documents in PDF format and pay the fee by credit or debit card. Before applying for a TIP online, you will need to get your FMM permit online or get a temporary resident visa. You will receive your TIP by email. Print the document and receipt out and carry it with you while driving in Mexico.

You can also get TIP in person at some border crossings. You will need to go to a CIITEV office to apply in person. These are located near select crossings in Arizona, California, New Mexico, and Texas. Before you travel to the border, you should verify that there is a CIITEV office where you plan to cross. Banjercito will send you an email with a copy of your TIP. They will also print you a hard copy that you can carry with you.

You can also apply for a TIP at a few Mexican consulates in the U.S. These include Phoenix, Los Angeles, San Bernardino, Sacramento, Denver, Chicago, Albuquerque , Austin, Dallas, Fort Worth, and Houston. Banjercito still issues the TIP if you apply at a consulate. The consulate just facilitates the process for you.

When you apply, you will have to sign a declaration stating that you will export the vehicle before the TIP expires and that you will obey all regulations related to the TIP.

What if you don’t have a title because the vehicle is leased, financed, rented, or owned by a company?

If you are financing or leasing your vehicle, you won’t have a title. In this case, you will need a notarized letter of permission from the lienholder or leasing company. You’ll also need your lease or credit contract. If the vehicle is a company car, you need a notarized letter of permission from the company that states that you are an employee and are permitted to drive the vehicle into Mexico. If you rented the vehicle, you need a notarized letter of permission from the rental agency.

How Much Does the TIP Cost?

The current fee is 1060.18 Pesos. That’s around $50-55 depending on the exchange rate.

In addition, you must pay a deposit. The amount of the deposit depends on the age of your car.

• 2007 and newer- $400
• 2001-2006- $300
• 2000 and older- $200

The deposit is refunded when you export your vehicle and cancel the TIP. The refund process can take a couple of weeks. Your money will be refunded back to your credit card or in cash if you paid in cash.

You can pay with cash or a non-Mexican credit card that is in your name.

Canceling the TIP

You must cancel or surrender your TIP at an approved Banjercito location at the end of your trip after you exit Mexico. You do not have to exit at the same border you entered. The person whose name is on the document must show up with the vehicle to make the cancelation. This must be done before the TIP expires. This way, customs knows that you have exported the vehicle from Mexico and followed up your end of the deal. You’ll get your deposit back if you followed all of the rules.

If you don’t stop to cancel your TIP at the border, you’ll have to drive back to make the cancelation. Remember that not all borders have a Banjercito office so you should check before you cross. You can’t cancel the TIP online or anywhere within Mexico. Only on the border. If you don’t cancel your TIP, you won’t get your deposit back and you can never get another TIP.

Entering and Exiting Mexico

The entry and exit process varies slightly depending on where and how you cross the border. For example, crossing the Northern Border from the U.S. works slightly differently from crossing the southern border with Guatemala or Belize. Driving across the border to Mexico is slightly different from crossing on foot. Flying into and out of Mexico has a slightly different set of rules as well. In the following sections, I’ll outline a few key differences. Hopefully, this makes the border crossing process a bit smoother and less stressful.

Entering Mexico From the US

This is the border that I have the most experience with. Having spent over a year living in Tijuana  and working in San Diego, I have crossed this border hundreds of times. The process of crossing and obtaining an FMM at Mexico’s northern border is a bit different than the rest of the country. Here’s how it works for crossing by foot and in a car.

Walking Across the Northern Border to Visit Mexico

When you cross the northern border to Mexico on foot , you must show your passport and pass through immigration and customs. The process is the same for entering Baja and the Sonora Free Zone. The steps are as follows:

• Follow the signs to the Mexican immigration building and get into the line for non-Mexican residents.
• Once you reach the immigration desk, the official will hand you an FMM. Fill it out and hand it to the official along with your passport.
• If you indicate on the form that you are staying less than 7 days, the official will stamp your passport and send you through. (Skip to step 7 if staying less than 7 days)
• If you indicate on the form that you are staying for more than 7 days, the official will direct you to a bank window to pay the FMM entry permit fee.
• After you pay the fee, you will be given a receipt.
• Go back to the immigration desk and present your receipt to the official along with your passport. They will stamp your FMM permit, passport, and receipt and send you through. Keep your receipt and FMM.
• After passing through immigration, continue on to customs. At most borders, you will be asked to place your luggage on a belt to pass through an x-ray scanner to check for contraband. Occasionally a customs officer may bags. If you have something to declare, go up to a customs desk and pay your import tax before proceeding to the scanner.
• You can now exit the building. You’re in Mexico.

Driving Across the Northern Border to Mexico

Typically, cars are not stopped when entering Mexico from the United States unless something looks suspicious. The Tijuana border, in particular, is the busiest crossing in the world. They just don’t have the manpower to check every vehicle entering. Before you cross, you want to make sure you have all of your documents in order. If you don’t, you could get sent back when you encounter a checkpoint.

What documents you need to drive across depends on how long you plan to stay, what you plan to do, and where you plan to go.

If you plan to drive outside of the Baja Peninsula and Sonora Free Zone, you’ll need to get a Temporary Vehicle Importation Permit (TIP). You’ll also need the proper immigration document (an FMM visitor’s permit, visa, or residence permit depending on how long you plan to stay and your citizenship.

If you don’t plan on driving outside of the Baja Peninsula or Sonora Free Zone, all you need is the appropriate immigration document. To be safe, you should also get a temporary Mexican auto insurance policy. I recommend Baja Bound Mexican Insurance .

You need to gather all of your documents before you cross the border. The TIP, FMM, and Mexican auto insurance are available at most large border crossings. Be sure to check before you leave for your trip. You can also get them online before your trip.

Before you can apply for your TIP, you’ll need to get your FMM permit or temporary residency visa and temporary Mexican auto insurance. You will also need all of your supporting documents and copies of each.

Flying into Mexico: The Entry Requirements

If you don’t require a visa to enter Mexico, the only document you need when flying in is your passport. You need a book-style passport to fly to Mexico. Card style passports are not accepted when entering by air.

During your flight, a flight attendant will hand you an FMM form to fill out. Fill this out on the flight so you’re ready when you arrive at immigration. if you don’t get an FMM form on the flight, you can get one at immigration in the airport. You should fill this form out on the plane so you’re ready to go through immigration when you arrive in Mexico.

If you already have a valid Mexican visa in your passport, like a Temporary Residency Visa, you don’t need to fill out an FMM form.

You will not be charged the visitor’s permit fee at the airport on arrival in Mexico. Simply hand over your passport and completed FMM form to the immigration official. They stamp it and send you through.

Tip: Check your ticket to see if you’ve already paid the entry permit fee – Most airlines include the visitors permit fee in the price of the ticket. If you’ve already paid the visitors fee, be sure to print your ticket so the immigration official stamping you out doesn’t try to charge you again when you exit the country.

Flying Out of Mexico

If you are staying in Mexico for more than 7 days and are flying out, check your ticket to see if you have already paid the visitor’s permit fee. It should be outlined in the ‘taxes and fees’ section of your ticket. Print the ticket to show proof when you exit. If you have not already paid the fee, be prepared to pay 575 pesos when you leave the country.

If you are staying in Mexico for less than 7 days and are leaving by air, check your ticket to see if the airline you flew in on charged you for the visitor’s permit. Contact them for a refund as you didn’t need to pay the fee.

Exiting Mexico Overland

If you are staying in Mexico for more than 7 days and are exiting overland to the South, check your ticket to see if you have already paid the visitor permit fee. If you have, print the ticket to show proof when you exit. Be prepared to pay the 575 peso fee when you leave if you haven’t already paid it.

If you are staying in Mexico for more than 7 days and are exiting overland to the North, you won’t be checked upon exit. You avoid paying the 575 peso fee unless the airline already charged you.

If you are staying in Mexico for less than 7 days and are exiting overland, you have nothing to worry about. You won’t be charged when you exit.

Entering Mexico From the South: How to Cross The Border From Guatemala or Belize

Most tourists make this crossing by bus. The process is as follows:

• Once the bus reaches the border control of the country you are leaving (Guatemala or Belize), exit the bus with your passport so immigration can stamp you out. Usually, you don’t need to collect your luggage for the exit procedure. The bus staff will let you know either way.
• If you are traveling from Belize to Mexico, there is an exit fee of 40 Belize Dollars or 20 USD. If you are traveling from Guatemala to Mexico, there is no exit fee. Many times immigration will try to collect a 10 Quetzales (about $1.50) exit fee. This is a scam. You may be able to talk your way out of it or just pay it and move on. They may not even ask. It just depends on the immigration official that you talk to.
• After getting stamped out, get back on the bus. You’ll drive for a few minutes to Mexican immigration.
• Once you arrive at Mexican immigration, collect your luggage and get in line with your passport.
• Someone will hand you an FMM visitors permit form to fill out. Complete the form while you wait in line.
• Present the completed FMM along with your passport to the immigration official.
• After reviewing the documents, you’ll be stamped in and sent to customs. At most southern borders, you will not be charged anything upon entry.
• At customs, you will be asked to place your bag on a belt to pass through an x-ray machine. Some borders have a system where everyone who passes through must press a button. This button controls a stoplight device that flashes one of the lights at random. If the light is green when you press the button, you are free to go. If you get a red light when you press the button, they search your bag. This is just a random system for checking bags for contraband.
• After clearing customs, you are free to load your luggage and get back on the bus.

Overall, this crossing is pretty smooth. Wait times typically aren’t too long. The only scam you may encounter is the ‘exit fee’ at the Guatemala border. The Belize exit fee is kind of annoying but there is no avoiding it. Mexican immigration officials are always pleasant and professional in my experience.

How to Avoid Paying the Mexico Visitors Permit Fee FMM Twice

Many travelers end up paying the FMM fee twice and think they got scammed. There is no scam. The fee is legitimate. Mexico just has an inconsistent system for collecting it. As we have seen, at some ports the fee is collected on arrival, and at others, it’s collected upon exit. This section explains how to avoid paying twice.

The northern border is the only part of Mexico where you must pay the 575 peso FMM fee on arrival if you will be staying longer than 7 days. At the southern border and airport, immigration generally collects the fee when you leave.

The north is different because there is no passport check on the Mexican side when you exit from the north. No stamp. No nothing. You go straight to US immigration. It would be impossible for immigration to collect the fee upon exit so they collect it when you enter.

I don’t know why Mexico doesn’t check passports upon exit in the north. It probably has something to do with the volume of people crossing. For example, the border at Tijuana is the busiest crossing in the world. Tens of thousands cross every day. Evidently, Mexico decided that it just wasn’t worthwhile to check them all.

This is a problem if you plan to enter Mexico in the north and exit in the south or fly out. For example, many backpackers enter Mexico from the US at Tijuana, travel down Baja and through the rest of the Country before flying home or continuing to Central America. Many travelers also decide to fly out of Tijuana airport to save money on flights.

The only way to avoid paying the fee twice is to keep your receipt. It is your proof of payment. Show it to the immigration official at the airport or border when exiting and they will not charge you a second time.

If the airline charged you for the visitor permit fee when you purchased your ticket, simply print the receipt so you have proof that you’ve already paid. Make sure you print the ‘taxes and fees’ part that outlines the fee. Nobody is trying to charge you the FMM visitors permit fee twice. They just need to see proof that you’ve already paid.

I didn’t know this when I traveled through Mexico last year. I flew from Tijuana to Mexico City and traveled around Southern Mexico. When I crossed to Guatemala, I received an unpleasant surprise. I had lost my receipt and had to pay a second fee. I tried to talk my way out of it but the guy wasn’t having any of it.

Final Thoughts About Mexico Entry Requirements

While living in Mexico , I have crossed from San Diego to Tijuana hundreds of times and have never had a problem. The entry and exit process is always smooth and easy. I have also flown into Mexico several times and crossed the southern border between Mexico and Belize and Guatemala. All of the immigration officials that I have encountered in my travelers in Mexico have been professional. I have never encountered a scam while passing through Mexican immigration. Overall, it’s an easy country to visit. Hopefully, this guide has cleared up any uncertainties that you may have had.

Have you visited Mexico lately? Share your experience entering the country in the comments below!

Pin it for later!

More from Where The Road Forks

• Is Mexico Safe? Avoiding Crime and Scams
• 25 Mexico Travel Tips
• 29 Incredible Things to do in Tijuana
• 30 Best Places to Retire in Mexico
• The Ultimate Guide to Visiting Tijuana
• Inside a Tijuana Bar During an Armed Robbery

Zachary Friedman is an accomplished travel writer and professional blogger. Since 2011, he has traveled to 66 countries and 6 continents. He founded ‘Where The Road Forks’ in 2017 to provide readers with information and insights based on his travel and outdoor recreation experience and expertise. Zachary is also an avid cyclist and hiker. Living as a digital nomad, Zachary balances his professional life with his passions for hiking, camping, cycling, and worldwide exploration. For a deeper dive into his journey and background, visit the About page. For inquiries and collaborations, please reach out through the Contact page. You can also follow him on Facebook.

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Monday 18th of March 2024

I'm a permanent resident of Mexico. I'm driving across the boarder for the first time. I read through your entire article but I didn't see anything bout needing to stop for any reason. When flying, the FMM is no longer needed. Everything is electronic. Do I need to stop and show my resident card to anyone? Do I need to get my entry & exit recorded? I know that if I do it incorrectly, I could lose my resident status and have to apply again. Many thanks.

Zachary Friedman

Saturday 23rd of March 2024

As far as I know, you don't have to stop but I'm not 100% sure. It might be a good idea to stop and ask just in case so you don't risk losing your resident status.

Wednesday 5th of October 2022

Q: When re-entering Mexico as a resident, for the very first time, with a valid Residente Temporal, which is the correct number to use on the Residente card at passport control? Is it the CURP#, or the # on the cards back side?

Thank you, the info that has been provided above is great.

Thursday 23rd of December 2021

Thanks for the well laid out explanation!

wheretheroadforks

You're welcome!

Do you need a visa to go to Mexico?

Oct 24, 2023 • 4 min read

Find out if you can apply for a working holiday visa in Mexico © Thomas Barwick / Getty Images

Mexico is a vibrant country full of incredible culture and wonderful people – no wonder it's so continuously popular with visitors.

But navigating tourist permits, visas and officialdom can be daunting when you’re headed to a foreign country, especially one that revels in red tape. Have no fear! Here’s exactly what you need to know about entry requirements for  Mexico .

Who doesn't need a visa for Mexico?

Citizens of the US, Canada, EU, Israel, Japan and dozens of other countries are among those who do not require a visa to enter Mexico as tourists.

The same goes for any visitor, regardless of nationality, who is a permanent resident of or has a valid visa from the US (including an H1-B visa), Canada, the United Kingdom and any country in the Schengen Area or Pacific Alliance.

Notwithstanding visas, all foreign visitors must have  a passport with at least six months validity and a completed  Forma Migratoria Múltiple (FMM), Mexico’s tourist card or stamp.

Where do I get an FMM?

The paper version of the FMM is gradually being phased out across Mexico and replaced with a passport stamp. However, when needed, FMM forms are available at border crossings , international airports and ports ; if you’re flying to Mexico, the form will be provided to you on-board your aircraft. The FMM form can also be completed online , printed and presented to immigration officials.

Processing an FMM costs US$28, which is paid on the spot at borders and ports or is integrated into the cost of airline tickets under “fees and surcharges.”

Upon entering Mexico, immigration officials stamp the FMM or your passport, adding the number of days you’re permitted to stay. Officials can approve up to 180 days but often grant less. Be sure to ask for the number of days you’ll need to cover your visit!

When you leave Mexico, you must surrender your FMM, if it’s a paper version. Keep it safe. If you lose it, you’ll face a US$40 fine.

The requirements are a little different if you're entering Mexico by land:

• FMMs are free for visitors staying less than seven days
• FMMs are not required for visitors who stay less than 72 hours in the " Zona Libre " or "Free Zone" – the areas 20 to 26 km (12 to 16 miles) south of the US border
• If you're entering through the Zona Libre but are planning to travel beyond its limits, request an FMM form when crossing the border. If you forget, you’ll be stopped upon return to the Zona Libre and made to pay for the FMM. If departing Mexico from beyond the Zona Libre , you may be fined if you don’t have an FMM.

Visitors requiring a visa

Chinese, Indian, Russian and South African citizens are among those who are required to have a tourist visa to enter Mexico . In addition to having a valid passport, the following must be submitted in person at the nearest Mexican embassy or consulate:

• Visa application form
• A color passport photograph
• Proof of ties to an origin country (eg, a letter certifying employment or full-time study)
• Proof of economic solvency (eg, three months of bank statements or investments)
• Approximately US$51 fee (cash or bank transfers only)  

Appointments for tourist visas at Mexican embassies and consulates must be made online with the Secretaría de Relaciones Exteriores . At the pre-scheduled time, the submitted documents will be reviewed, biometric data taken (photo and fingerprints) and an interview conducted by a consular agent.

Once approved, a tourist visa is valid for up to 180 days. Upon entry to Mexico, travelers with tourist visas must also have an FMM.

Can I extend my stay in Mexico?

It's no surprise that many visitors wish to extend their visa and see more of Mexico. How you do that will depend on the details of your particular visit.

If your FMM was issued for less than 180 days, you can request an extension at an immigration office . Be sure to apply well before your FMM expires! Documents needed include a valid passport, valid FMM, valid tourist visa (if necessary) and proof of sufficient funds to remain in Mexico for the intended length of stay.

If your FMM was issued for 180 days, you'll need to leave Mexico and re-enter – this triggers the issuance of a new FMM. Most travelers opt to visit a neighboring country for just a couple of days before returning.

Travelers with tourist visas should seek an extension or apply for a new visa at an immigration office. Be sure to start the process well before the visa expires, as it may take some time to process the paperwork.

Can I take a working holiday in Mexico?

Mexico offers a working holiday visa called a " Visa Temporal – Vacaciones y Trabajo ," wherein certain foreign nationals are permitted to accept paid work in Mexico for up to 180 days. Those include citizens, aged 18 to 30, from Canada, Chile, Colombia, France, Germany, New Zealand, Peru and South Korea.

Extensions are not permitted and the visa cannot be converted into a work visa. To obtain this visa, schedule an appointment at your nearest Mexican embassy or consulate via the website of the Secretaría de Relaciones Exteriores .

This article was first published June 2021 and updated October 2023

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Mexico Travel Restrictions

Traveler's COVID-19 vaccination status

Traveling from the United States to Mexico

Open for vaccinated visitors

COVID-19 testing

Not required

Not required for vaccinated visitors

Restaurants

Not required in enclosed environments and public transportation.

Mexico entry details and exceptions

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Can I travel to Mexico from the United States?

Most visitors from the United States, regardless of vaccination status, can enter Mexico.

Can I travel to Mexico if I am vaccinated?

Fully vaccinated visitors from the United States can enter Mexico without restrictions.

Can I travel to Mexico without being vaccinated?

Unvaccinated visitors from the United States can enter Mexico without restrictions.

Do I need a COVID test to enter Mexico?

Visitors from the United States are not required to present a negative COVID-19 PCR test or antigen result upon entering Mexico.

Can I travel to Mexico without quarantine?

Travelers from the United States are not required to quarantine.

Do I need to wear a mask in Mexico?

Mask usage in Mexico is not required in enclosed environments and public transportation.

Are the restaurants and bars open in Mexico?

Restaurants in Mexico are open. Bars in Mexico are .

Mexico Entry Requirements for U.S. Citizens

Mexico Visa Needed

(for stays of up to 180 days)

Tourist Card (FMM) Needed

(if traveling by land)

Mexico has a number of entry requirements that citizens of the United States must meet when visiting the country.

US citizens planning to travel to Mexico should first check if they require a visa to cross the border, according to the Mexican visa policy.

What U.S. Citizens Need to Travel to Mexico

American citizens must have a few essential documents to travel to Mexico. These include:

• US passport
• FMM tourist card (for land travel)
• Mexican visa (if applicable)

A visa for Mexico may not be required for US passport holders. This depends on the period of stay and your reason for traveling.

U.S. passport requirements for Mexico

Your US passport must meet certain criteria when traveling to Mexico. It must not expire for at least 6 months after the date of arrival.

If your passport is due to expire sooner than this, renew it before getting the FMM and traveling to Mexico.

Do U.S. citizens need a Tourist Card for Mexico?

Americans must register for a Mexico tourist card to visit the country for the following reasons:

The tourist card required by visitors from the US is called the Forma Migratoria Múltiple (FMM) .

The FMM is not a visa. It’s an entry requirement for all foreign visitors, including Americans . It’s mandatory if you plan to travel more than 20 kilometers into Mexican territory and stay more than 72 hours.

A Mexican tourist card for United States citizens is a single-entry document. It becomes invalid once you leave Mexico. You need to get a new FMM for every trip to the country.

Do U.S. citizens need a Mexican visa?

Tourists and business travelers from the United States can stay up to 180 days visa-free in Mexico. Americans can also transit in Mexico for up to 30 days without a visa.

The same is true for non-US nationals who hold a valid US visa or Green Card . These documents must be brought as proof to gain visa-free entry to Mexico.

Citizens of the United States who plan to work, study, or engage in other non-tourist or business activities need a visa for Mexico .

Americans also need a visa to stay in Mexico for more than 180 days.

How Can U.S. Citizens Apply for a Mexico Tourist Card?

US citizens can now complete the tourist card form online. This saves time and the inconvenience of dealing with paperwork during their journey or at border control.

The streamlined electronic form greatly expedites the process of entering Mexico .

Mexico's Immigration Policy for U.S. Nationals

Citizens of the United States of America must comply with Mexico’s immigration policy when traveling to the country.

US nationals must :

• Have the correct documentation
• Comply with customs and border regulations
• Leave Mexico within the time permitted (180 days for visa-free visitors)

Americans must not :

• Bring any unauthorized or illegal items into Mexico
• Overstay the terms of their visa or visa exemption

Do Americans need vaccinations for Mexico?

Mexico’s travel rules for US passport holders do not include any mandatory vaccinations .

However, the US CDC highly recommends being immunized against the following before traveling to Mexico:

• Hepatitis A and B

Malaria is present in certain areas of Mexico. US nationals are advised to bring anti-malaria medication if staying in these regions.

What Do U.S. Citizens Need to Leave Mexico?

When leaving Mexico , you’re required to present the tourist card alongside your passport.

Therefore, it’s important to keep the slip of paper safe during the entirety of the stay in the country.

The validity of the FMM document for Americans begins from the moment it is stamped at the Mexican border . If the FMM is lost or stolen before arriving at immigration control in Mexico, you can obtain another form online.

If a validated Mexico FMM for US citizens is lost or stolen within Mexico, you should report the theft to local police. You must then include the subsequent police report in the application for a replacement tourist card. You can do this at an Instituto Nacional de Migración office within Mexico.

The U.S. Embassy in Mexico

The US Embassy in Mexico is located in Colonia Cuauhtemoc, Mexico City. The embassy provides a variety of services to American citizens in Mexico.

These include emergency assistance in cases of:

• Loss of passport
• Arrest of a US Citizen
• Death of a US Citizen
• International Parental Child Abduction

The embassy can provide emergency financial assistance and support to US citizens who are victims of crime. It is also authorized to issue certifications of US citizenship for eligible individuals born abroad to American parents, among other services.

Register with the U.S. Embassy in Mexico

It is now possible for US citizens and nationals to register with the nearest embassy or consulate when traveling in Mexico.

By registering with a US embassy in Mexico, travelers can:

• Make informed travel plans based on information received from the embassy, such as safety and security advice.
• Be contactable in the case of emergency: the US embassy will get in touch in circumstances such as a natural disaster or family emergency.
• Help family and friends to get in contact in an emergency.

US passport holders can enrol when registering for the tourist card on this website . Simply select the Embassy Registration option on the payment page.

An official website of the United States government

Here’s how you know

Official websites use .gov A .gov website belongs to an official government organization in the United States.

Secure .gov websites use HTTPS A lock ( Lock A locked padlock ) or https:// means you’ve safely connected to the .gov website. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites.

• For U.S. Citizens/Lawful Permanent Residents

Are You Planning a Trip to Mexico from the United States?

Warning: it's Illegal to Carry Firearms or Ammo into Mexico.

For border crossing information, tune into the port of entry's Loop Radio on 1620 AM. Report drug and alien smuggling. Call (956) 542-5811 in the U.S., 001800-0105237 from Mexico.

Prohibited/Permissible Items

• All articles acquired in Mexico must be declared.
• $800 exemption for gifts and personal articles, including one liter of alcoholic beverages per person over 21 every 30 days.
• Cuban cigars are prohibited.
• Check with U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) about importing any medications prior to crossing into Mexico.
• CBP has a zero-tolerance policy on illegal drugs. Any type, in any amount may result in serious fines, seizure of vehicle, federal record and/or imprisonment.
• Switchblade knives, sea turtle boots or any other articles of endangered species (i.e. spotted cats, coral, crocodile, elephant, etc) are prohibited.

Prohibited/Permissible Agricultural Items

• Most fruits are prohibited (No oranges or apples)
• Do not take U.S. fruits and meats to Mexico-You cannot bring them back.
• Before you go to Mexico, ask a CBP Officer for a list of items you can bring back.
• Fines of $50 to $1,000 may result if you fail to declared agricultural items.

Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission

• You must be 21 years of age to possess alcoholic beverages, if you are not 21, the alcohol will automatically be confiscated.
• One liter of alcohol and one case of beer may be imported per person every 30 days.
• No ID=no liquor. You must prove that you are 21 or older. If you show false or altered personal identification, the ID will be confiscated and you will be prosecuted.
• If you are 18 or over one carton of cigarettes may be imported.
• It is illegal in Texas to consume or possess with intent to consume alcoholic beverages in a public place on Sundays between 2:15 a.m. and noon or on any other day between 2:15 a.m. and 7 a.m.
• You are required to pay state tax on all alcoholic beverages and all cigarettes imported into Texas.

Mexico Tourist Card Multiple Immigration Form - FMM

3 easy steps to apply for mexico tourist card/fmm:, what is fmm (forma migratoria múltiple) or tourist card.

FMM/Tourist card for Mexico is a travel document issued by the government to all tourists or foreigners wishing to come to Mexico. 

Visitors must fill out an official entry immigration form (FMM) prior to their arrival. The Tourist Card is valid per person, regardless of age or length of stay in Mexico. The Mexican Immigration Authority keeps the information you submit on the Tourist Card as an official record of your visit to Mexico, allowing you to enjoy your stay and exit the country safely and easily.

Tourist Card Mexico Requirements

• You are a foreign national visiting Mexico
• You have a valid passport
• You will set off for Mexico within 30 days
• Your stay in Mexico will not exceed 180 days
• The purpose of your visit to Mexico is pleasure, entertainment, and/or vacation
• You’re not heading to Mexico to look for work

You DO NOT need a visa for Mexico if you are a citizen of the Schengen Region, the United Kingdom, the United States, Canada, Japan, or if you have a valid visa or permanent residency permit for any of these countries. When visiting Mexico, however, you will still require a FMM document. See the list below of countries whose nationals require the FMM document for Mexico:

List of countries

South America

What do you need for an online FMM/Tourist card

• Applicant’s contact information
• Your passport information. Keep in mind that your passport should be applicable for at least six months from the date you enter Mexico
• Your address or Hotel name in Mexico
• Arrival and departure flight details
• Your email address for receiving the Tourist Card
• A printer to print the Tourist Card

How to apply for a FMM document 

The online registration process is very efficient and straightforward. All you need for the online registration process is your passport, flights information, the address or name of the hotel where you will be staying, and a printer to print your Official Entry Tourist Card.

• For your FMM to be valid, you will be attended by a federal immigration agent who will stamp your printed electronic FMM and authorize your entry into the national territory at the point of admission you chose .  From that moment,  you have 180 days  to transit and visit Mexico. The page of entry (the first page from FMM) will be taken from a federal immigration agent.
• Remember that  you must keep  the part that corresponds to the  exit registration (the second page from FMM) in which the  immigration entry stamp is  recorded since it is evidence of your  regular stay  in the country and  will be required when leaving  Mexico.

Travel Experiences

Trip planning, travel destinations, destination highlights, mexico lifestyles, living & lifestyle, lifestyle planning, real estate, healthcare & wellbeing, leisure assistance, lifestyle assistance, insurance coverages, property assistance, about mexperience, mexico essentials, discover more, procedures for entering and leaving mexico.

There are some straightforward paperwork procedures to engage with when you arrive to, and depart from, Mexico. This article describes them

When you are arriving in or departing from Mexico, there are some straightforward paperwork procedures that you will need to engage with.

Specific entry and exit procedures exist for foreign visitors, foreigners with resident visas and resident cards, as well as Mexican nationals and naturalized foreigners.

This article describes the procedures you need to engage with when you arrive to, and leave from, Mexico.

Foreign visitors to Mexico

If you hold a passport issued by one of the many countries on Mexico’s “ no visa required ” list,* you don’t need to apply for a visa to visit Mexico.  You can, instead, complete a Visitor’s Permit, also known as a FMM , at your port of entry.

There is a ~US$25 fee for the permit, which is usually included in your airfare’s “fees and taxes” if you fly in to Mexico; if you drive-in to Mexico, the fee is waived if you depart within 7 days of your arrival date. The visitor’s permit is valid for stays up to 180 days.

Paper FMM forms are being phased out and it’s likely that the FMM will be stamped into your passport instead.

However, if you are given a paper FMM when you entered Mexico, don’t lose the half of the form that is handed back to you at immigration as you’ll need it to exit the country.

If you lose the permit; or keep the permit when you leave; or over-stay the number of days limit written on the permit , you’ll face some additional procedures: see this article for details about those situations.

Automated lanes for TOURISTS entering Mexico

Airports in Mexico City and Cancún have automated kiosk lanes where TOURISTS may register their entry to Mexico by scanning their passport on a machine.  The machine will give you a receipt with a QR code that you must scan with your smartphone to get a digital version of your FMM.  You’ll need to do this before you leave Mexico.

You can only use these automated lanes if you are a passport holder of the US, Canada, Japan, UK and some other European countries; you are over 18; and you are not traveling with minors.  See this government page for more details .

Foreigners with a resident visa sticker in their passport

If you are arriving in Mexico with a resident visa stamp (sticker) in your passport provided by a Mexican Consulate abroad, you might need to fill out the Visitor’s Visa on arrival (see blue box above about phasing out of paper FMM forms).

Show the immigration officer the page in your passport with the residency visa stamp and double-check that the officer checks the box on the form that reads “Canje” (exchange) NOT “ Vistante .” (If the officer admits you as a visitor/tourist, this will cause problems when you attend the immigration office to exchange your resident visa stamp for a residency card.)

If you don’t have to complete the paper FMM form at your port of entry, the official will place a stamp in your passport, instead, and mark ‘Canje’ to indicate that you need to exchange your visa for a residency card. You then have 30 days to attend the immigration office and exchange your resident visa stamp for a residency card .

Foreign residents with resident cards

Foreign residents who are in possession of a Residente Temporal or Residente Permanente card (or one of the old FM3 or FM2 residency permits) need to present their passport and resident card to the Immigration Officer at the port of exit (e.g. airport or border crossing) before they depart.

You must use your residency card to exit and re-enter the country if you are legally resident in Mexico.

If you have lost or damaged your residency card , you need to apply for a replacement.

Some airports no longer issuing Exit Stamps

Readers have told us that some airports (Puerto Vallarta and Guadalajara) are no longer issuing Exit Stamps to holders of residency cards.  However, other airports (Mexico City) continue to issue Exit Stamps.

We recommend that if you hold a residency card and leave Mexico you continue to attend an INM office or kiosk at the exit port and ask for an Exit Stamp.  You might be told that it’s no longer required.

There has been no official notice of a change of policy, but we will keep this page updated with new information as it becomes available. [January 2024]

Paper FMM forms being phased out

Until recently, residents always needed to complete a paper form (FMM) , which is used by the government to record statistics.  Depending on what port you exit from, this may no longer be required and officer will simply stamp your passport.  See also: Phasing out of paper FMM forms .

Returning to Mexico as a legal resident

When you return, you must present the immigration official with your resident card and the exit FMM form’s date-stamped copy issued to you at exit, or the exit stamp that was placed in your passport.

Note: If you re-enter Mexico as a tourist (Visitor) when you have residency in Mexico, you at are risk of losing your legal residency status.

Lost/missing FMM form: If you were given a paper copy of the FMM and lose the half that was handed to you when you left Mexico, you’ll need to re-complete a FMM when you return to Mexico and explain to the immigration official that you lost the half that was given to you when you departed.

Lost passport with exit stamp: If you had a stamp in your passport when you left Mexico and you lose that passport, explain this to the officer when you return to Mexico.  If you update your passport, take the previous (cancelled) passport with the stamp in it to show the immigration officer.

Expired residency card: If you hold a temporary residency card, be sure to check its expiry date. If you leave Mexico with an expired card, it might be confiscated at the port of exit.  If you are outside of Mexico when it expires, you have a limited time frame to return to Mexico to get it renewed.  See this article for details .

Mexico is phasing out paper versions of the FMM

The paper versions of the FMM are being gradually phased out and replaced with a stamp in your passport.

Read this article for further details .

Mexican nationals and naturalized foreigners

If you are in possession of Mexican passport, you will need to complete a form before you exit the country known as the Formato Estadístico para Mexicanos  (FEM).  The government uses this to record statistics of Mexican nationals traveling abroad.

Lost visitor/tourist permit, lost residency card

If you are visiting Mexico as a visitor/tourist and you lose your visitor’s permit, you will need to attend a local immigration office (in a town or city or at the airport) to apply for a replacement; there is a fee of around US$40 involved—the local immigration office will advise you of the current replacement fee.

Lost passport with exit stamp: If you had a stamp placed in your passport when you arrived in Mexico and you lose that passport, visit the local immigration office to explain this and to get guidance.

Updated passport: If you had a stamp placed in your passport when you arrived in Mexico and you update your passport while you are in Mexico, take the previous (cancelled) passport with the stamp in it to show the immigration officer.  If you don’t have the cancelled passport visit your immigration office for guidance.

Tourist permit replacement process: You will be required to undertake some paperwork and to pay the fee.  This  process can take up to an entire day of your time.  Take good care of your visitor’s permit and, in the event of its loss, we recommend you allow a whole day in your schedule to secure a replacement.

Lost residency cards: If you are resident in Mexico and lose your residency card, learn about how to apply for a replacement residency card in Mexico .

*If you are a passport holder of a country that is not listed on the “no visa required” list, read this article for further information and advice about applying for a visa before you travel to Mexico.

Further information

Here is some further information you may find helpful:

• For a summary of the documentation required to enter Mexico, see Documents required for travel and entry to Mexico
• Many people don’t need to pre-apply for a visa to visit Mexico, but some do.  Read Do I need a visa to visit Mexico? for details.
• You can get full details about immigration procedures on your arrival in Mexico on our comprehensive guide to Mexico Entry Requirements .

Obtaining legal residency in Mexico

For information about long-term residency, including permits for living, retirement, and working in Mexico, read this article about typical routes to obtaining residency in Mexico  and download a copy of our comprehensive Mexico Immigration Guide (eBook) .

Mexico in your inbox

Our free newsletter about Mexico brings you a monthly round-up of recently published stories and opportunities, as well as gems from our archives.

22 Comments

Dear Mexperience,

I am an American holding a Residencia Permanente. I live part time in Mexico. Could you tell me the Pros and Cons of obtaining Dual Citizenship? Thank you very much.

Hi Robert, See this article for details: https://www.mexperience.com/becoming-a-naturalized-mexican/

My husband and I have decided not to exchange our temporary residency cards for permanent residency cards. This is mainly due to our advanced age (81 and 72) and the fact that we only stay in Mexico a maximum of 4-5 months per year. We are currently in Mexico and our cards expire 3 weeks before we return to Canada. Do we need permission to leave the country?? We like to avoid visiting a busy INM office during a pandemic. Your advice is very much appreciated.

Hello Maryanne,

You can leave Mexico with an expired Temporary Residency card, however you will need to pay a fine at the airtport. (Note that you’ll have to go to the bank to pay the fine, so build-in extra time for that on your departure date.) The fine varies depending on circumstances and is a maximum of $8,000 Mexican pesos.

If you want to avoid the fine, you need to leave Mexico with a non-expired residency card, or if it’s expired, you need to enter into a renewal procedure.

You can find out more about expired permits here: https://www.mexperience.com/expired-mexico-resident-permit/

Traveling to Cancun in late February, 2021. My passport expires in late July, 2021. Is that sufficient or should I renew? Thanks

Hi Elizabeth

We recommend your passport is valid for at least 6 months from the date of entry. Admision to Mexico depends on the official at the border. If your passport does not have 6 months of valid time left, and you can provide evidence of your departure before the passport expiry date, the official may allow you in.

See the blue information box on this page for more details: https://www.mexperience.com/mexico-essentials/mexico-entry-requirements/#ReqTourists

So, if you have Schengen visa, do you still need FMM filled out ?

Hi Ana, all visitors arriving in Mexico need to complete a FMM, regardless of whether they have a Schengen visa.

My brother in law is a permanent resident of the USA and living in houston. What does he need to travel By plane into mexico City and back?

Hello, I entered mexico in texas at the pharr bridge. But when i got to the other side, there were no people. I had to stop at a lift gate arm, where it seemed my picture was taken by a machine, and then the gate arm lifted and I drove on through. I kept expecting to be stopped to have my passport stamped and pay my vehicle deposit and get my forma de immigration. But there was noone there and no where to stop and no signs. Before I knew it, I was in mexico driving down the highway on my way to oaxaca amd chiapas Was there somewhere I was supposed to go? I was trying to follow the law and procedures, but somehow i dont think I did. Am I breaking the law? What comsequences can I expect? What shoukd I do? Thank you

If your vehicle has no TIP https://www.mexperience.com/temporary-import-permit-tip-vehicles-mexico/

And you don’t have a FMM https://www.mexperience.com/your-mexican-tourist-permit-fmm/

And you have driven past the ‘free zone’ then you and your vehicle are not legally present in Mexico.

You need to drive your vehicle out of Mexico and get yourself a FMM and and TIP (see links above).

We have airline tickets leaving out of Tijuana and my sons passport will not be here in time will he be able to still get the FFM permit with only a drivers license and Birth Certificate? We’re US citizens

Hello Deann, your son will need a passport to enter Mexico, and to board a flight. You can find further information here: https://www.mexperience.com/documents-required-for-travel-and-entry-to-mexico/

I am hoping to get some clarification on whether a felon from the U.S. is able to travel to Cabo. I see conflicting opinions on this so maybe you are able to give me accurate information. Are criminal records from the United States checked upon entry at the airport?

Hi Ann, You can find the answer to that question on our Immigration FAQs page here: https://www.mexperience.com/mexico-immigration-visas-faqs/

My name is Julita . Holding philippine passport. I am legally married to a mexican but his living in US..we want to live in mexico what is the best for me to do, first i need a visa . How to apply . Please i need your help. Thank you

Our Mexico Immigration Guide (free eBook download) contains detailed information about the requirements and procedures as well as the criteria: https://www.mexperience.com/ebook/mexico-immigration-guide/

If you’d like assistance with your application, consider our Immigration Assistance service; our associate can provide consulting to talk about your individual situation, suggest the best approach for your application, and also provide practical assistance as you make your way through the process–details here: https://www.mexperience.com/lifestyle/living-in-mexico/relocation-consulting-request/

Hello Mexperience. I’m in the process of buying a property in CDMX. Can I fly into Mexico to take care of things related to this purchase between Aug 1 to 9? Also, I have dual citizenship. Which is the most recommended way for traveling, as Mexican or as American? I have both passports. Thank you and look forward for some info. Regards.

Hello Jaime, There are no restrictions when you fly to Mexico, but check with the airlines for schedules and and policies they have in place. You can enter Mexico with your US or Mexican passport. There are no restrictions on American passport holders entering Mexico by plane.

Can you drive to/from Mexico without passport if you have a permanent resident card in the US?

Hi Erik, according to the current rules you need either a passport (air/land) or passport card (land only) to enter Mexico. You can find more details on this Mexperience article: https://www.mexperience.com/documents-required-for-travel-and-entry-to-mexico/

This article shares advice about what to do when you forget to give back your FMM (Visitor Permit): https://www.mexperience.com/blog/your-mexican-tourist-permit-fmm/

Comments are closed.

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Traveling to México by car this summer? You need a permit for that, but the website may not work

Lea en español

Are you planning to travel by car this summer to México? You’ll need to process your permit for the temporary importation of a foreign vehicle if you plan on driving farther than the designated free zone — 12 to 16 miles from the U.S.-México border.

In México, there is a free zone that extends through the states of Baja California Norte and Sur, where motorists can travel without a permit.

In Sonora, motorists can also travel freely through the northwest of the state. A permit is needed if driving further south once reaching the town of Empalme.

If you plan to travel beyond these zones, it is necessary to obtain a permit.

Both for Mexican citizens living in the U.S., and tourists traveling to México, there are three ways to obtain the permit: in the Banjercito modules at the border; in 11 of the Mexican consulates located in the states of Arizona, California, Illinois, Texas, Colorado and New Mexico; and online.

This last option, however, despite being promoted as one of the simplest methods, has turned out to be a tedious one for many since the site itself is not accessible to everyone. According to officials, if you do not have an updated device, you could experience some difficulty accessing the site, making it almost impossible to carry out the procedure online.

Although the site to process your permit has been functioning for more than 10 years, the interest in this service has been growing gradually, more so in the last year due to the pandemic.

And more so now that a digital permit is accepted by Mexican authorities, no longer obligating travelers to obtain a physical permit.

“Before, you had to put a home, apartment or business address, where once the procedure was approved, the documents were sent by normal mail. Now, the same data is entered, but an email is requested, making the entire process digital,” said Beatríz Cano Flores, the Banjercito official who operates out of the Consulate General of México in Phoenix. Banjercito is the Mexican government entity that grants permits for the importation of foreign vehicles.

However, as with any government procedure, if you choose to process online, it is advisable to do it at least 10 days in advance for two reasons: It takes time for Mexican border officials to review the documentation you’ve submitted, and you could very well not be able to access the site at all, which would require you to prepare for an in-person visit.

Processing online can be ‘cumbersome’

Mexicans legally residing in the United States typically head back to their hometowns in México using their own vehicles during three important seasons: during the Catholic celebration of Holy Week, summer vacation and the holiday season — the latter being the busiest.

“In 2019, 575,691 permits were requested at the national level, something that dropped to 408,512 in 2020 during the most active part of the COVID-19 pandemic. In Arizona, approximately 3,000 permits are requested per year, and in 2020 less than 2,000 were requested,” Cano Flores said.

According to Cano Flores, the permit is valid for a period of six months. Paisanos, those who are “legal residents of the United States and citizens who have maintained their Mexican nationality," can use their permit all at once or in intervals of months or weeks at a time within a year of having obtained it, as long as they do not exceed those 180 days.

Foreigners are granted a six-month permit as well, but this must be used up all at once — they would either have to stay in México for the duration of the permit or cancel it upon their early return to the U.S.

If you try to process the permit in person at any of the consulate general offices in the U.S. or Banjercito offices in México, it should take an average time of six minutes, Cano Flores said. But the entire process has been known to take up to 20 hours or more during the busy travel seasons.

It is estimated that with the new digital option, the online process can take less than 10 minutes, allowing at least 10 days before you travel to get approval via email.

“The novelty is that now the information on the importation of vehicles can be shown to the Mexican authority on any electronic device, without having to stick a sticker on the windshield of the car,” said Cano Flores, adding that the applicant can choose to print out the permit, but is not required to.

“The process is easy. Some people complain that the site is low or that they cannot access the website, which often has more to do with the incompatibility of their own operating systems (Android or iOS) that makes it a bit cumbersome,” Cano Flores said.

If you want to process the permit through the site, you will have to try several times since the page sometimes does not respond . Cano Flores recommended trying to access it from multiple devices.

"If someone is having problems accessing the site, the recommendation is to clear 'cookies' and 'cache' from the browser, since apparently the page was or is undergoing maintenance and causing issues for many,” said Julio Ortiz, director of Lead One, a software consulting company in Phoenix.

Aside from going through these possible workarounds, the only other option is to obtain a permit in person.

However, if you are able to access the site, you will need to fill out the application and submit the required documents online, which the agency will need to verify before approving your permit. Click here to see what documentation is required.

Once the corresponding documentation has been uploaded and verified, Banjercito will send you the temporary importation permit via email, which you must keep with you at all times when driving in México.

How to process in person

Online option didn't work out? You can always head to a consulate general office or a Banjercito branch once you've crossed the border.

If you plan on obtaining your permit in the U.S. at a consulate general office, you must make an appointment through their website . Additionally, be sure to print out the appointment confirmation and carry it with you. No appointment is needed to process at a Banjercito location in Mexican territory.

If you plan on only visiting the state of Sonora, you can choose to obtain the Only Sonora permit, which is less expensive but confines you to state lines. This is the only kind of temporary importation permit that the Consulate General of México in Phoenix processes.

If you wish to travel to other states, you can either make an appointment within the U.S. at other consulate offices — located in California, Texas and New Mexico, to name a few — or head out to the Banjercito ones upon crossing the U.S.-México border.

Before heading out, be sure to carry with you the requested documents — both originals and copies.

“When going through the process, people have to present their proof of legal residence in the U.S. and documents that prove ownership of the vehicle. It can also be done if the owner is a direct relative, but not if the owner is a cousin or a friend," Cano Flores said. "Apart from the temporary permit, there is a security deposit that varies depending on the year of the vehicle, which is returned to the applicant once the permit is canceled.”

The actual permit, however, may be delivered to you electronically, even if you process it in person.

"The permit is only delivered to you on a sheet of paper or as an electronic record (QR Code) that people can show when required," Cano Flores said.

Once the permit is obtained, it is recommended that the permit holder always travels in the imported vehicle. They don’t, however, have to be the driver.

What happens if the permit is not canceled?

Upon your return to the U.S., you can cancel or “pause” the permit by presenting your vehicle and permit at the border.

If you choose to pause it, the days will not continue counting until you reactivate it again upon reentry to México. If you decide to cancel it, the security deposit will be refunded.

"If you forget to cancel your permit, in addition to your deposit being lost, this goes in the record as you having left the vehicle in México," Cano Flores said.

Without canceling or pausing the permit, Mexican authorities have no way to verify that the vehicle did in fact return to the United States. When this happens, a permit will not be granted again — neither for the car that entered Mexican territory nor for the person who processed the permit, Cano Flores explained.

In the event that a person suffers an accident or has their vehicle stolen from them in Mexican territory, and cannot return in their vehicle to their residence abroad, customs officials will be tasked with providing the permit holder their deposit — as long as they are able to provide proof in the form of a report of the accident or theft.

The permit is also specific to the person who processed it; is specific to two per year and cannot simply be transferred from one vehicle to another.

“The import permits for a vehicle are granted per person and you have 180 days to use it. ... If you traveled in a car for 10 days and now you want to return in a van, you have to first cancel the permit of the car and a new one would have to be processed for the van, but the person would now have 170 days to use it,” Cano Flores said.

What if you don’t obtain a permit?

According to Cano Flores, any authority at any level of government can request information on the vehicle's import permit. The National Guard, state and municipal police and foreign trade officials can stop the driver to check the authenticity of the digital permit.

“The immediate consequences if one does not show proof of having obtained that permit are the confiscation of the vehicle and the possibility of arresting the owner or driver, and making an accusation for bringing a vehicle into the country illegally will depend on the official,” Cano Flores added.

Where to process it?

To do the procedure online, click here .

Permit cost:

• Internet procedure (not including taxes), $45.
• Processing through Mexican consulates in the United States and at the border (not including taxes), $51.
• Only Sonora permit: $26.62 dollars in the Banjercito module in Empalme; $29.09 in the Banjercito modules in Agua Prieta and Cananea; $52.19 on the website.

Documents required for the procedure:

Mexicans with legal residence in the United States must present at least one of the following documents:

• Permanent Residence Card (Resident Alien).
• Passport (Not Mexican).

A foreigner must present one of the following documents:

• Valid passport or passport card.
• Official document issued by the National Institute of Migration (INM).

To prove ownership of the vehicle, one of the following must be presented:

• Property title.
• Current license plate registration.
• Credit contract with a validity of no more than three months.
• Current lease agreement.

For more information, contact the following:

Consulate General of Mexico in Phoenix

• Address: 320 E. McDowell Road, No. 105, Phoenix, AZ 85004.
• To make an appointment: https://www.banjercito.com.mx/citasconsulares/ .
• Telephone: 011-52-559-689-8006.

For general information on the permit, you would have to call Mexican authorities:

• From the United States of America and Canada: 1-877-448-8728, option 7 and 8.
• From Mexico City: 55-627-22-728, option 7 and 8.
• From the rest of the country: 55-627-22-728, option 7 and 8.

Traveling To Mexico By Car: Your Complete Guide

About the author

Alex Gomez, the founder of Mexico Travel Buddy, combines his firsthand, on-the-ground experiences in Mexico with a personal connection to the country, fostered through his Mexican wife and numerous explorations. More info

If you’ve thought about taking a road trip to one of the greatest countries in the world, you may be wondering what exactly is required to travel to Mexico by vehicle.

This article covers everything you need to know about traveling to Mexico by car. Jump to whichever section you find most relevant using the following table of contents.

When you’re ready, you will also need to purchase a Mexican car insurance policy – check out my comprehensive guide on that topic.

Required Documents To Travel To Mexico By Car

Driving to Mexico from the U.S. is quite simple. However, you need to ensure you have a few things before crossing the border by land. Make sure you have these essentials, or you won’t be crossing the border anytime soon.

• Valid Passport Card or Book (passport card is more convenient)

Entry Permit (FMM)

• Mexican Vehicle Insurance (if your current policy doesn’t cover you in Mexico)

Valid Proof Of Vehicle Registration

• Temporary Vehicle Importation Permit (purchase online at Banjercito.com or at the border)

Crossing The Border Into Mexico By Car

Upon arrival at the U.S. – Mexico border, you will need to choose the appropriate lane for your situation. If you have more than $75 worth of merchandise, but no more than $1,000 per person, then you must proceed to the “Declaration Lane.” Here you will fill out a declaration form regarding the merchandise you are bringing across the border.

If you have nothing to declare besides your personal items, choose the “Nothing To Declare” lane.

Regardless of which lane you choose, if you get the green light, you are good to proceed. However, if you get a red light, you must head to the secondary inspection area.

See also: Mexican Car Insurance: Everything You Need To Know

Here, CBP will inspect your vehicle and likely ask a few more questions about your travel plans. No need to panic here, they are just doing their job, and you will be on your way within a few minutes as long as you have nothing to hide.

If CBP finds something in your vehicle that should have been declared but wasn’t, you risk a fine or even jail time. So please don’t risk it.

Do You Need A Passport To Go To Mexico By Car

U.S. citizens must present a valid passport book or card and their Entry Permit (FMM) upon entry into Mexico.

A passport card is more convenient due to its RFID chip technology. If you have one of these cards, you can drive through a designated Ready Lane at the border and save some time (find out more info here ).

How To Use The Ready Lane

Once you have located the Ready Lane, get out your passport card and get ready to scan. When you pull up, display each card to the “Point Cards Here” sign on the in-lane reader.

Once you are finished, proceed forward as directed by a CBP officer and wait for further instructions.

See also: 13 Safest Cities In Mexico Worth Visiting – Insider Insights

In addition to your passport, you will need your entry permit, otherwise known as Forma Migratoria Multiple. Although they may not check for this form at the time of your border crossing, it is still a legal requirement to have this form on you when visiting Mexico as a foreigner.

You can get your Entry Permit at the Mexican Immigration office at the border, usually within minutes, and it only requires a valid passport to receive. If you prefer being ready ahead of time, you may fill a form out online instead .

You must ensure the vehicle you’re driving to Mexico with has a valid registration. If you are caught in Mexico without registration or even expired tags, you risk having your vehicle confiscated by Mexican authorities . Furthermore, you may end up with additional fines and potentially incarceration.

Why even risk the hassle of any of these potential outcomes? Confirm your registration is good, and you will be good. Simple.

When Is A Temporary Vehicle Importation Permit Required

A temporary vehicle permit is not required if you are traveling within the “Free Zone” (no further than 25 miles past the border or 60 miles in Sonora) or when driving in the Baja Peninsula . A TIP is good for up to 6 months on a foreign vehicle for private use.

If you plan on traveling outside of the Free Zone, a Temporary Vehicle Permit is required .

See also: What You Need To Legally Fish In Mexico: A Complete Guide

Where To Get A Temporary Vehicle Importation Permit

You may request a temporary vehicle permit online or in person at Banjercito . When requesting your permit online, I recommend you do this 7 to 14 days in advance of your planned trip.

If you prefer to get your temporary vehicle permit in person, you may do so at a Banjercito office at the Mexico border, or you can schedule an appointment at certain Mexican Consulates in the U.S. Click HERE to schedule an appointment at your nearest consulate.

Documents Required To Receive a Temporary Vehicle Importation Permit

If you need a TIP, make sure you have the required documents to prove legal ownership of the vehicle being temporarily imported.

Mexicans with legal residency outside of Mexico must have the following documents to receive their Temporary Vehicle Permit:

• Permanent Resident Card
• Passport (Not Mexican)
• Passport Card

Requirements For A Financed Vehicle To Receive Your TIP

If your vehicle is still financed and you do not have the title in hand, you will need to request a letter of permission from your lender. Generally, the lender will need a copy of your Mexican insurance policy for your vehicle. Your policy will need to show coverage for the entire time you plan on being in Mexico with your vehicle.

Note that if you owe more on your vehicle than it is actually worth, your lender may require a more expensive insurance policy to be purchased in order to cover the total loan amount.

Cost Of A Temporary Vehicle Importation Permit

Do you need mexico car insurance to drive in mexico.

Only third-party liability (TPL) insurance is required by law in Mexico when operating any vehicle on a federal roadway; any other insurance is optional. If you are pulled over without proper insurance coverage or involved in an accident, you may be fined up to $500,000 ! Not only that, but you may be thrown in jail.

Most U.S. insurance policies will not cover you or your vehicle while in Mexico, so check with your current insurance provider.

Where To Buy Mexico Vehicle Insurance

You may purchase a Mexican insurance policy at the border or conveniently online at BajaBound.com . I highly recommend you purchase your Mexico insurance policy before leaving on your trip so there is no hassle at the border and you are stress-free.

SO PLEASE , get a dang insurance policy so you are covered in Mexico. I don’t care where you get your policy. Ensure you have a policy to avoid any potential fines or imprisonment. It’s not something worth risking, at least not in my opinion.

You will need to purchase a Mexican insurance policy for the time you will be traveling in Mexico. I don’t want you to worry; getting a Mexican insurance policy is generally quick and easy. You can even ask your current insurer if they have a policy you can purchase for use in Mexico.

Otherwise, I would personally get insurance through BajaBound Mexican Insurance . They are the easiest way to get Mexican auto insurance, and you can have a quote supplied instantly after submitting the required information.

They have been in business for over 20 years and are also rated A+ by the Better Business Bureau the last time I checked. As well they offer 24/7 customer service and have some of the best rates you will find, even for the budget traveler. I took these screenshots to show you how simple getting insurance on BajaBound is.

If you don’t get your insurance through BajaBound, at least check out their site ; they also have some excellent information regarding traveling to Mexico.

Don’t forget to also visit my article on Mexican Car Insurance for more in-depth information.

Driving A Rental Vehicle To Mexico

If you plan on taking a rental vehicle to Mexico, you will first need to find a rental company that allows their vehicles to travel out of the country to Mexico. Also, you will need the rental company to provide a letter of permission stating you can drive the vehicle to Mexico.

Only a few rental car companies will even consider allowing you to take their vehicle out of the country and into Mexico. Budget rental car company will allow you to take their vehicle into Mexico but you must sign up for a corporate account; so if you’re not traveling for work, good luck.

Enterprise , however, will let anyone drive their vehicles to Mexico. The only catch is that only certain branches will offer this service. Contact whichever branch you are renting from to confirm they allow travel to Mexico.

If you can’t find a branch locally that offers this, you may have better luck contacting a branch closer to the U.S. – Mexico border. Moreover, you will have to purchase Mexican auto insurance through them as part of the fee.

Is There A Fee To Enter Mexico By Land

The fee to enter Mexico by land or air is approximately $25.00 . When you purchase your Entry Permit (FMM), this is the entry form you are paying for that allows you entry into Mexico and is valid for up to 180 days once stamped. If you are staying in Mexico for 7 days or less, there is no fee.

Is It Safe To Travel To Mexico By Car

Generally, traveling to Mexico by car is considered safe. However, I recommend you avoid driving at night if you can to avoid potential crime , animal crossings, and large potholes in the roadway.

When driving in Mexico, it’s important you keep some pesos on you for toll fees. Also, carry some extra pesos if you need to stop somewhere to purchase anything. If you stop in a smaller town, they may have out-of-date ATMs or even no ATMs, so it’s best to be prepared and have some extra cash on you.

Prohibited And Restricted Items Not To Bring Back To The U.S.

The items that CBP prevents you from bringing back into the U.S. may injure community health, public safety, American workers, children, domestic plant and animal life or those that would defeat our national interests.

If an item is prohibited , it is forbidden by law to enter the U.S. with them. Some examples of prohibited items are dangerous toys, bush meat, or a vehicle without proper safety standards.

If an item is restricted , you need proper licenses or permits from a federal agency before the item is allowed into the U.S. Some examples of restricted items would be certain fruits and vegetables, animal by-products, and firearms.

Driving to Mexico can be quite an experience, especially if it is your first time. Being prepared and knowing what to expect will save you a lot of time and hassle when you get to the border.

It’s not as bad as you may think, though. Over 19 million people travel to Mexico by land every single year. So there is no reason to feel alone or even crazy about driving to Mexico because it’s very common.

Alex Gomez, the founder of Mexico Travel Buddy, combines his firsthand, on-the-ground experiences in Mexico with a personal connection to the country, fostered through his Mexican wife and numerous explorations. As a professional writer and avid travel enthusiast, his favorite destination remains anywhere within Mexico's diverse landscapes. His extensive travels have equipped him with a treasure trove of tips, tricks, and insights, which he enthusiastically shares with his audience. Alex's stories and photos on the website not only showcase his love for Mexico but also offer readers a deeply authentic and engaging perspective.

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Temporary Vehicle Import Permit for Mexico

A Temporary Vehicle Importation Permit (TIP) allows non-Mexican citizens and Mexican citizens living abroad to take vehicles across the border into Mexico from other countries, such as the U.S. and Canada. It is required for areas outside the free or border zone . Only people with the immigration status of "visitor" (FMM), Temporary Resident, Temporary Resident Student, or Mexican citizens living abroad are eligible for a TIP.

A TIP can ONLY be obtained through Mexico's Banjercito government agency.

Please note: Mexpro has no affiliation, authority or connections with Banjercito.

If you plan to drive a vehicle beyond the Mexico Free Zone you will need to purchase a Mexico Temporary Vehicle Importation Permit (TIP).

The vehicle import permit can ONLY be obtained from Banjercito, the official Mexican issuing agency. Get your permit online at the Banjercito website or at the Mexico border. Online purchases must be made 10 to 60 days prior to travel into Mexico.

The TIP is valid for any type of vehicle weighing less than three and a half metric tons (7,716 lbs. GVRW), for a maximum of 180 days.

If your vehicle is registered as a motorhome you can get an RV TIP that is good for 10 years.

In Sonora, you are only required to obtain a permit if you are driving outside of the Sonora Free Zone , which is the area of Sonora that is west of the 15 highway and north of KM 98. If you only plan to travel in the Mexican State of Sonora, you can buy a Sonora ONLY Vehicle Permit at a lesser cost.

You do NOT need a Temporary Vehicle Import Permit for driving in any part of the Baja California Peninsula, Quintana Roo, the northwest portion of Sonora (the area west of the 15D and north of Guayamas), and within 25 kilometers of the borders.

Despite any advice, official or unofficial, vehicle permits cannot be obtained at checkpoints in the interior of Mexico, except at the ferry terminal in La Paz, Baja Sur. You must have a valid FMM to obtain a TIP at that location.

  Required Documents

It is recommended that you carry three black and white copies of each of these documents. (Mexico considers color copies to be attempts at forgeries.)

Passport, passport card, or green card

If you are not a Mexican citizen, a Mexican immigration permit — such as a Forma Migratoria Múltiple (FMM) tourist permit , business, or immigrant permit/visa.

A non-Mexican driver's license with photo

Original and photocopy of the title and registration of the vehicle issued by a foreign authority in the applicant's name. If the title or registration is in the name of a spouse, a marriage certificate must be presented. Only the owner of the vehicle and/or his/her spouse can get a TIP.

Proof of temporary Mexican auto insurance for your vehicle.

In addition, if you are bringing a leased, financed, or company car into Mexico, you will also need the following:

Leased Vehicles: Lease contract and notarized letter of permission from the leasing company.

Financed Vehicles: Credit contract and notarized letter of permission from the lienholder or lending institution.

Company Car: A notarized letter of permission confirming the employment relationship and authorizing the employee to import the vehicle into Mexico.

  TIP Declarations and Payment

In addition to having the required documents, you will need to do the following:

Sign a declaration, pledging to return the vehicle within the 180-day period for which the permit is valid and not disobey any other regulations.

Pay approximately $51.00 USD at the border or $45.00 USD online, plus IVA (tax) with cash or a non-Mexico issued credit card. The cost can vary based on the peso exchange rate and will likely increase from time to time.

Pay a deposit:

$400 U.S. — 2007 model year and newer

$300 U.S. — 2001 – 2006 model years

$200 U.S. — 2000 model year or older

The deposit will be refunded if the vehicle import permit is canceled within the 180-day period and no violations have taken place.

According to the Banjercito website, the IVA and deposit amount can vary depending on the peso to dollar exchange rate.

An International credit card (American Express, Mastercard, Visa) in the name of the driver of the vehicle (importer) or cash will be needed to pay the fees.

Your card number could be held or charged for the import amount. Be sure to contact your credit card company upon your return, to be sure you've received a refund.

  Obtaining Your Permit Online

Banjercito recommends buying online. Applying for the Permit online on the Banjercito Website will speed up the process and allow you to avoid potentially long lines at the border.

Online purchases must be made 10 to 60 days prior to travel into Mexico.

You must purchase your FMM online before buying a TIP online.

Don't forget that when you buy your FMM online, you must stop at the border and get immigration (INM) to stamp/validate it. Bring both your printed FMM AND your receipt to show proof of payment.

You will receive your permit by email. Print it and your receipt, and keep the printed copy with you while driving in Mexico. Use your email as verification of your TIP purchase. If you do not have Internet, your printed copy will be your backup.

  Obtaining a TIP at the Border

Temporary import permits may be purchased at CIITEV offices located at Aduana locations at various U.S./Mexico border locations. Find Banjercito locations in Arizona , California , New Mexico or Texas .

Banjercito will send you an email with your TIP and give you a printed copy, along with your receipts. Keep your email and copy with you at all times while driving in Mexico.

  Getting a TIP at the Mexican Consulate

You can also buy a permit at one of the following Mexican Consulates in the U.S.

• Arizona: Phoenix
• California: Los Angeles, San Bernardino, Sacramento
• Colorado: Denver
• Illinois: Chicago
• New Mexico: Albuquerque
• Texas: Austin, Dallas, Houston

Banjercito will give you your receipts and a copy of the TIP, which will also be sent to your email. Keep a copy with you at all times while driving in Mexico.

  How it Works

If you are stopped for TIP verification the officer should scan your TIP using a cell phone application. Sometimes there will be no cell service so you will need to verify using your paperwork.

  Multiple Entries with Your Vehicle

Once you have a vehicle import permit you may drive your vehicle across the border multiple times during the valid length of your permit.

  Other Drivers

If the documentation shows the vehicle is registered in the name of a spouse, the importation can be done as long as the marriage certificate (and a copy) is presented.

The owner's adult spouse, children, parents, and siblings are permitted to drive the temporarily imported vehicle in Mexico, without the owner present, as long as they are not permanent residents of Mexico, and have a non-Mexican driver's license. One should carry documentation verifying your relationship to the owner.

Other persons may drive the vehicle as long as the owner is in the vehicle and they have a non-Mexican driver's license.

  Canceling Your Permit

You MUST CANCEL/SURRENDER YOUR VEHICLE IMPORT PERMIT UPON YOUR FINAL RE-ENTRY INTO THE U.S. If you do not, you will lose your deposit, and will not be allowed to get another Temporary Import Permit. This is how Mexico verifies the vehicle has left the country.

You CANNOT surrender and buy a new permit online or anywhere within the interior of Mexico .

You do not have to exit Mexico from the same port as you entered to cancel your permit. You must cancel and surrender your permit at an approved Banjercito TIP return location on the border. Find border locations for Arizona , California , New Mexico and Texas .

Get more details on how to cancel your Temporary Vehicle Importation Permit on Mexpro's blog.

  Vehicle Import Violations

The following will result in the loss of your deposit fee.

• Driving a vehicle with an expired vehicle import permit in Mexico.
• Selling an imported vehicle in Mexico.

  Other Important Facts

• Temporary Vehicle Import Permits (TIPs) cannot be renewed.
• You cannot surrender and obtain a new TIP within the interior of Mexico.
• You cannot surrender and obtain a new temporary permit through a Mexican Consulate abroad.
• You cannot surrender and obtain a new TIP online.
• If a vehicle has not been returned to Banjercito offices at the border and the TIP cancelled, a new permit cannot be issued.
• You will not be given a TIP if your vehicle has any restrictions in the U.S. or Canada (determined by the Vehicle Identification Number or VIN), like 'salvage' or theft.

  Mexican Auto Insurance

Temporary Mexican automobile insurance is required in order to purchase a temporary vehicle import permit. Buy Mexican Auto Insurance now from Mexpro.

Travelers should avoid individuals outside vehicle permit offices offering to obtain the permits without waiting in line, even if they appear to be government officials. There have been reports of fraudulent or counterfeit permits being issued adjacent to the temporary vehicle importation permit offices in border areas.

If the proper permit is not obtained before entering Mexico, do not proceed to the interior. Without the proper permit you could be incarcerated, fined and/or have your vehicle seized at immigration/customs checkpoints.

Sonora ONLY TIP

In Sonora, you are required to get a TIP if you will be driving outside the "Free Zone," which is the area west of the 15 highway and north of KM 98 (Guaymas). If you do drive outside the free zone, you have the option to purchase a "Sonora Only" Vehicle Importation Permit for a reduced price.

RV/Travel Trailer TIP

RVs and Travel Trailers require a TIP specifically for those vehicles. If you plan to drive your RV outside the free zone in Mexico get an RV Importation permit .

More Information

  Vehicle Import FAQs

  Vehicle Import Permits

  RV/Motorhome Import Permits

  Sonora Only Vehicle Import Permits

  Who is Banjercito?

  How to Cancel a Temporary Import Permit

  Get a Vehicle Importation Permit Now

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Senators probe if migrants illegally working as delivery drivers

N EW YORK ( NewsNation ) — A trio of Republican senators are targeting the three big food delivery services , writing a letter to Uber Eats, DoorDash and Grubhub, demanding to know what steps they’re taking to stop migrants from reportedly filling in as food delivery workers .

Tennessee Sen. Marsha Blackburn, Indiana Sen. Mike Braun and North Carolina Sen. Ted Budd are investigating a New York Post report from September that claimed newly arrived immigrants in New York City were paying current delivery workers to use their accounts to earn a living .

Since Oct. 1, there have been 1.7 million migrant encounters at the Mexican and Canadian borders. At the end of last month, federal data showed an estimated 1,000 migrants arriving in New York City every day. Federal law currently requires migrants to wait 180 days after their arrival for a work permit.

Food delivery has provided a path to independence for  immigrants who have recently come to the U.S. , but it is difficult to tell who is eligible to work or not, with stories circulating of some immigrants without work authorization using the accounts of others who are eligible for employment in the States.

Senators investigate food delivery apps

Braun and Budd sent letters to each of the food delivery platforms Thursday, saying they believe the apps are “being hijacked by illegal immigrants intent on gaming the system.” 

“The danger to Americans — and specifically consumers using your services — is real,” they wrote. “These illegal immigrants are delivering food directly to consumers’ doors without ever having undergone a background check and often without even using their real names.”

NewsNation reached out to all three senators for comment. Braun responded, placing the blame on the Biden administration.

“We need to close our southern border, and we also need to crack down on opportunities for illegal aliens to find work in the U.S. to remove every incentive to illegally enter our country,” Braun said.

Budd, Blackburn and Braun asked for more information from these companies on security and accountability measures, wanting to know how many account holders they’ve suspended for this alleged activity.

DoorDash and Grubhub respond

NewsNation received statements from DoorDash and Grubhub, both stating they have extensive policies to verify account holders’ identities and prohibit account sharing or selling.

“If we find anyone misrepresenting their identity or granting unauthorized access to an account, they’ll be removed from the platform,” Grubhub said.

“To be clear: There is no place on the DoorDash platform for those that can’t or won’t verify their identity,” DoorDash responded. “Every Dasher is required to have their own verified account.”

The three senators want answers to their inquiry by May 6. They did praise these platforms for “improving the lives of so many Americans,” but said they’re intent on protecting the gig economy and Americans from any potential dangers of having unverified drivers showing up at their homes.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to NewsNation.