fmm tourist card mexico

• 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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Multiple Immigration Form saved correctly.

¡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.

The FMM for Mexico Explained: How to Get a Tourist Card

By: Author Zachary Friedman

Posted on Last updated: January 19, 2024

Categories Mexico , Visas and Borders

Home » Mexico » The FMM for Mexico Explained: How to Get a Tourist Card

Mexico offers visa-free entry to those who hold passports from countries on its no visa required list. Instead of a Mexican visa, visitors must obtain an FMM tourist permit (Forma Migratoria Múltiple). This document allows you to stay in Mexico for the purpose of tourism or business for up to 180 days. The FMM currently costs 685 pesos or $38. If you’re staying for less than 7 days, it’s free. To get an FMM, you need a valid passport or passport card. This guide explains everything you need to know about the FMM for Mexico. I’ll explain what the FMM tourist card is, how to apply, the travel documents you’ll need, where it is issued, costs, eligibility, validity, and more.

I’ve also made this YouTube video that outlines the main points of the article.

Quick Info About the FMM Tourist Card

• Cost- $687 pesos (about $38). Free for stays of 7 days or less
• Validity- Up to 180 days. The number of days you’re granted will be written on the form.
• Issued on arrival at the point of entry or online . The Mexico FMM is available at land borders, international airports, and most seaports.
• Eligibility- Citizens of the U.S., Canada, the U.K., Australia, New Zealand, European Schengen Area Countries, Japan, South Korea, and more. If your country is on this list , you’re eligible.
• How to apply- Fill out the form with basic travel info. You will receive the form at the port of entry.
• Required documents- A valid passport or passport card
• Issued by INM (Instituto Nacional de Migración), a Mexican government agency

Important note

The Mexican government is currently phasing out the paper version of the FMM permit. It is being replaced with a passport stamp. Currently, some ports of entry still use the paper form. Some have transitioned to the stamp. The rules are all still the same. The eligibility, validity, and cost haven’t changed. If you’re given a paper form on arrival, fill it out as normal. If you don’t receive a paper form, the Mexican authorities will stamp your passport instead. I’ll update this article as additional information about this change comes out.

Table of Contents

• What is the FMM Visitor’s Permit?
• Eligibility and Who Needs an FMM
• Required Documents
• FMM Validity
• How to Get an FMM

What is an FMM Tourist Permit?

The FMM Tourist Permit (Forma Migratoria Múltiple) is a travel document that allows those who are eligible to enter Mexico without a visa.

The FMM Visitor’s Permit allows you to stay in Mexico for up to 180 days. During that time, you can participate in tourism activities, do business, transit through the country, study, volunteer, or live anywhere in Mexico.

You are not allowed to be employed, work, or earn money in Mexico while visiting on an FMM permit. If you plan to work and earn money in Mexico, you will need to apply for a temporary resident visa and work permit.

The FMM is issued by the INM (Instituto Nacional de Migración), a Mexican government agency. You can obtain an FMM permit on arrival at the port of entry. All you need is a valid passport. Mexico also offers online FMM applications as well. You simply fill out the application form, print it out, and bring it with you to get stamped by immigration authorities when you arrive.

The FMM is also referred to as the Mexico tourist card. It is also sometimes called a Mexico tourist visa, even though it is not technically a visa.

Who is Eligible for an FMM Tourist Permit and Who Needs a Visa?

FMM tourist permits are available for visitors from countries on this list. If the country that issued your passport is on that list, you don’t require a visa to visit Mexico. The list includes the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, Schengen area countries, Australia, New Zealand, Japan, most Latin American and Caribbean countries as well as many others. If your country is on the list, you only need an FMM permit to visit Mexico. You do not need a Mexican tourist visa.

In addition, to be eligible for an FMM you must be visiting Mexico only for purposes of tourism, business, volunteering, or studying. Your trip must last 180 days or less. If you plan to visit for another purpose or for a longer duration, you’ll need to apply for a Mexico visa in advance.

Regardless of your citizenship or residency, you are also eligible for an FMM tourist permit if you hold a valid permanent residency visa or a multi-entry visitor visa for the United States, Canada, United Kingdom, Japan, or a European Schengen Area country.

You are not eligible for an FMM if you are a citizen of one of these countries. If the country that issued your passport is on this list and you do not have a valid visa to one of the above-listed countries, you need to arrange a visa in advance to enter Mexico.

You can apply for a visa at your nearest Mexican consulate or embassy. For more info on the application process, check out this Mexican government website.

If you plan to travel to Mexico for longer than 180 days or if you plan to work, study, invest, or get married in Mexico, you need to arrange a visa in advance, regardless of your citizenship. The most common type of visa for these types of trips is a temporary residency permit. There are several classes of temporary residency permits available for different types of trips. For example, some allow you to work and earn money while others don’t. For more info, check out my guide here.

If you already hold a temporary or permanent residency visa for Mexico, you do not need an FMM permit. You can present your residency visa at the port of entry instead.

Who Needs an FMM Tourist Permit?

Everyone entering Mexico for the purposes of tourism, business, studying, or volunteering needs an FMM tourist permit. Only temporary resident visa holders, permanent residency visa holders, and Mexican citizens can enter Mexico without an FMM permit.

Children under 2 years of age do not need to pay for an FMM. They will need a valid passport.

Before October 2015, there was an unofficial ‘free zone’ near the Mexican border where an FMM was not required if you were staying for 72 hours or less. This was never part of Mexico’s official immigration law but it was widely accepted.

Now, all foreign nationals entering Mexico needs an FMM unless they have a valid Mexican residency visa. Even if you’re only crossing the border to spend the day in Tijuana and staying near the border, you still need to stop and get an FMM.

Ideally, you should carry your passport and FMM permit with you when you’re out and about so you can present them if you’re stopped by the police or at a security checkpoint. Checkpoints are set throughout the country where you must present your FMM and passport to prove that you’re in the country legally.

While walking around cities I don’t like to carry my passport. I always worry about it getting lost or stolen. While in transit, I always keep my passport handy just in case.

What Documents Do I Need to Get an FMM Tourist Permit?

• A valid passport. If you’re crossing the border by land or sea, you can use a passport book or passport card. If you’re flying in, you need a passport book. It must be valid when you enter and must remain valid for as long as you plan to stay in Mexico. Your passport must also have at least one blank page for a stamp. For more info, check out my guide: Do I Need a Passport to go to Mexico?
• A completed FMM form. You get the form at the port of entry. If you’re flying to Mexico, a flight attendant may hand you the form during the flight. If you’re applying for your permit online, you fill the form out online. You’ll receive an acceptance email that you must print and bring with you to get stamped at the Mexican border.
• 594 Pesos (about $30) in cash. You pay this at the border upon entry or exit depending on where you enter. It’s best to bring pesos. Dollars may be accepted.

What Information is Required to fill out the FMM Form?

The FMM form requires basic travel information including:

• Date of birth
• Residency and nationality
• Passport number
• Purpose of your trip- tourism or business
• Entry date and date that you plan to leave Mexico
• How you’re entering- by air, sea, or land
• Your destination in Mexico
• The name and address of the place that you plan to stay in Mexico
• Your signature

If you enter by air, you may get a slightly different form that asks for the flight number and airline that you arrived on.

How Much Does the FMM Tourist Permit Cost

If you’re staying in Mexico for less than 7 days, the FMM tourist permit is free.

If you’re staying in Mexico between 7 and 180 days, there is a 594 peso (about $30) fee for the FMM tourist permit.

You pay this fee in cash at a Banjercito bank window at the border. At some borders, you pay the immigration official who checks your passport directly.

How to Pay for the FMM Tourist Permit

Most borders accept payment in pesos or US dollars. You’ll get a more favorable rate if you pay in pesos. Some borders only accept pesos. It’s best to carry pesos just in case.

If you arrange your FMM permit online, you can pay the fee with a credit card or debit card. They accept Visa and Mastercard.

Some smaller land border crossings don’t have the facilities to accept the FMM fee. In this case, you will pay when you exit Mexico. You can also pay the fee at immigration offices that are located in cities and towns throughout Mexico as well as in all international airports.

After you pay your FMM fee, the banker gives you a receipt. You bring the receipt to the immigration official. They stamp the receipt, tear the FMM form in half, and hand your half back. You must keep the receipt as proof that you paid. If you lose it, you will have to pay the fee again when you exit Mexico because there is no proof that you have paid.

When you arrive by air or cruise ship, the FMM fee is often included in the price of your ticket. Check with your airline or cruise line before you travel so you don’t pay twice. Usually, the FMM will be listed in the ‘fees and taxes’ section of your ticket.

If you find that you’ve already paid for an FMM, carry a copy of your ticket with you for proof. When the Mexican authorities try to charge you again when you exit, you can show them that you have already paid. If you can’t prove that you’ve paid, you’ll be charged again.

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 you get is up to the immigration agent issuing you the permit.

Sometimes the Mexican immigration authorities will ask you how many days you plan to stay in Mexico and then grant you that many days on your FMM. For example, if you indicate that you plan to stay in Mexico for 2 weeks, you may only be granted 2 weeks on your FMM. This means you can only stay in Mexico for 2 weeks. I recommend you always request 180 days. That way, you can stay longer if your plans change.

Your passport cannot expire before you plan to exit Mexico. For example, your passport must have at least 180 days of validity if you want an FMM that is valid for 180 days. Mexico does not require that your passport have 6 months of validity to enter, like most other countries. If your passport has 1 month of validity but you want to travel to Mexico for 1 week, you can.

When you pass through immigration, the official who checks your passport and FMM form will write the number of days you can stay on the visitor’s permit. It’s up to you to calculate the correct exit date so you don’t accidentally overstay. For example, if you enter Mexico on January 1, and are granted 180 days, you must exit Mexico by June 30. It’s important to remember that 180 days isn’t exactly 6 months because some months are longer than others. You must leave before the permit’s expiration date or you will be fined.

There are several cases where Mexican officials may grant you fewer than 180 days. For example, when entering Mexico on a cruise ship you often only get 21 days. When transiting through Mexico, you may only get 30 days. If you indicate on the FMM application that you only plan to stay for 2 weeks, the immigration official might only grant you two weeks. If you want the full 180 days, you can always ask. Usually, you’ll get it.

Caution: Do not tamper with the FMM form. I have read stories of travelers changing the date on their FMM to give themselves more days. Don’t do this. Your FMM form has a serial number that is recorded when you enter Mexico. The number of days you are granted is stored. You could get in trouble if you’re caught tampering with your FMM.

How to Apply for an FMM Tourist Permit?

You get the FMM Visitor’s Permit at the port of entry. This could be a land border, airport, or seaport. The process varies slightly depending on where and how you enter Mexico. In this section, I’ll outline the process of obtaining an FMM at each type of port of entry. I’ll also outline how to get the FMM online.

Entering by Land: Driving or Walking into Mexico

When driving across the border, you will need to park your car and go into the immigration and customs office (INM and Aduana) to get your FMM tourist permit.

While driving across the border, look for a sign pointing you to the ‘something to declare’ area. There will be parking available here. The immigration office is generally nearby. If you don’t see this area, you can ask around for immigration (inmigración in Spanish.) Alternatively, you can just drive across the border into Mexico, find a place to park near the border, and walk to the immigration building.

If you’re walking into Mexico, you can proceed directly to the immigration desk. There is no exit procedure for the U.S. There will be signs pointing you toward immigration and a path to follow. If you’re unsure, just walk toward Mexico and follow the crowd.

Once you find the immigration desk, you will be handed an FMM form to fill out. The forms are available in the immigration building. Be sure to bring a pen with you.

At some borders, an immigration officer may fill the FMM form out for you. In this case, they will ask you a few questions about your trip and copy your personal information from your passport.

After filling out the FMM form, hand it to the immigration official along with your passport. They will look over the form and run your passport through their computer.

The immigration official may ask you a few additional questions about your trip such as, how long are you going to stay in Mexico? Where are you staying? Do you have accommodation booked? What is your final destination in Mexico? What is the purpose of your trip? Where are you going? etc.

At most land borders, you pay your FMM fee when you enter the country if you’re staying longer than 7 days. After an immigration officer inspects your completed FMM form and your passport, you will take the FMM form to a Banjercito bank window near the immigration desk and pay the fee. The cashier will hand you a receipt. Next, you take your receipt back to the immigration official along with your passport. They will stamp your receipt and FMM form and the receipt. After that, you can proceed to customs and into Mexico.

Some small land border crossings do not have payment facilities. If you enter through one of these borders, you will pay your FMM fee when you exit Mexico. You can also pay the fee at an immigration office in Mexico or at all international airports.

Be sure to keep your FMM receipt. When you exit Mexico, you’ll have to prove that you’ve already paid for the FMM permit. If you can’t prove it, you will be charged again.

If you’re driving to Mexico, you’ll need to buy temporary car insurance. I recommend Baja Bound Mexican Insurance . They offer reasonable prices and friendly service. Click the link to get a free quote in just a couple of minutes.

Arriving in Mexico by Air

On most flights, a flight attendant will hand out FMM forms to everyone who needs one. You should fill it out before you land so you’re ready to go through immigration when you arrive. If you don’t get an FMM form on the plane, you can get one at immigration when you land. They will be sitting around on a table or someone will be standing around handing them out.

Once you land, follow the signs to immigration. You’ll present your passport and completed FMM form to an immigration official and they will stamp you into Mexico.

Mexican airports do not collect FMM fees from inbound passengers. This is because pretty much every airline includes the FMM fee in the price of the ticket. If you’re flying into Mexico, chances are you’ve already paid for an FMM.

Make sure you keep a copy of your ticket with proof that you have paid the FMM fee. This will usually be outlined in the ‘taxes and fees’ section of your ticket. If you can’t prove you’ve already paid, you will be charged a second time when you exit Mexico.

Tip: Once you get your FMM, place it in your passport. If you’re traveling long-term and you’re afraid you’ll lose it, consider stapling it or taping it to a page in your passport. You can do the same with your receipt.

Entering Mexico by Sea

If you’re entering Mexico on a cruise ship or your own boat, you can get an FMM at the first port of call. You’ll simply fill out the FMM form at the port and pay the fee. The process is basically the same as arriving overland.

If you’re arriving on your own boat, you should double-check to make sure the port where you plan to enter Mexico offers FMMs. You won’t have to worry about this if you’re arriving on a cruise ship. Cruise ships only dock at major ports.

If you’re bringing your own boat to Mexico, you also need to get a temporary vehicle importation permit (TIP) for the boat. You need to arrange this before you enter Mexican waters. You can’t get this document in Mexico.

If you’re entering Mexican waters but don’t plan to go to land, you’ll need a nautical Sportfishing FMM visitor’s permit. This document is also required if you plan to go fishing in Mexican waters. The process is a bit different from obtaining a normal FMM. You can get your nautical FMM online. For more info, check out this guide from Discover Baja.

Applying for an FMM Online

Mexico offers the option to apply for an FMM tourist permit online. This involves filling out a simple online application form and paying the fee with your Visa or Mastercard credit or debit card. Upon acceptance, you’ll receive an email with your FMM form. You’ll need to print this out and get it stamped at the border when you pass through immigration. You must enter Mexico within 30 days of getting your permit online.

For most travelers, it’s still better to get the FMM on arrival at the border. The reason is that you still need to stop at the border to get your immigration documents stamped, even if you applied online. You can’t just drive through. There is really no benefit to arranging your FMM permit in advance. You might save a couple of minutes waiting in line at the bank window.

The only time applying for an FMM online makes sense is if you’re also applying for a Temporary Vehicle Importation Permit (TIP) online. In this case, you’ll need to get your FMM online before applying for the TIP. For more info, check out my guide to the Temporary Vehicle Importation Permit.

You can apply for an FMM online here.

When you apply for your FMM online, you receive an email with your approved FMM document within a few minutes. You’ll need to print this document out and bring it with you to immigration to get it stamped and validated.

When applying online, you must use your FMM within 30 days. Otherwise, it expires.

Frequently Asked Questions About the FMM

Can i make multiple entries on an fmm tourist permit.

No. The FMM is a single entry permit. When you fly out of Mexico, you must surrender your FMM at immigration before boarding the plane. At this point, it is invalidated. You’ll have to buy a new one when you return to Mexico. When you re-enter, you’ll fill out a new FMM form and pay for another permit.

When you exit Mexico at the southern border to Guatemala or Belize or any northern border outside of Baja California, you will also have to surrender your FMM when you pass through immigration. At this time, it will be invalidated and you will have to get a new one when you return.

There is one exception where you can use your FMM for multiple entries. You can enter and exit the state of Baja California Norte overland as many times as you like until your FMM permit expires. This is great for people who want to take short trips over the border. The FMM used to be a single-entry permit. In 2015, the INM changed the rules to allow this one exception.

Can I Stay in Mexico for More than 180 Days with an FMM

No. If you plan to stay in Mexico for longer than 180 days, you should apply for a Temporary Resident Visa or Permanent Resident Visa. You must apply for these visas at a Mexican consulate or embassy before your trip. You can’t obtain them in Mexico.

Alternatively, you could leave Mexico before your FMM expires then return and buy a new one for another 180 days. This is often called a border run. To do this, you can travel overland to the US, Guatemala, or Belize and then cross back into Mexico. You could also fly to your home country or a third country, then return to Mexico.

How Long do I Have to Leave Mexico Before Returning for a New FMM?

There is no rule stating how long you must remain outside of Mexico before returning and paying for a new FMM permit. In most cases, you can exit and then re-enter immediately after if you want. It really depends on the immigration official. Most don’t care and allow you to cross right back over.

Some expats have lived in Mexico on an FMM tourist permit for years. They simply make visa runs to the border to get a new permit every 6 months.

With computerized entry and exit and facial recognition technology, it is possible for Mexico to track how much time you spend in the country on an FMM permit. If you exit and re-enter too many times, they could deny you entry at some point if an immigration official decides that you’re spending too much time in Mexico on an FMM.

Recently, Mexico has begun cracking down on people living in the country on FMM permits. They are issuing permits with fewer than 180 days. Some visitors are only getting 10-30 days upon entry. To get 180 days, you may have to provide some supporting documents such as proof that you’ve paid for long-term accommodation.

If you plan to stay in Mexico longer than 180 days or retire or live in Mexico, it’s best to apply for a Temporary Resident Visa. This gives you peace of mind knowing that you are staying in the country legally. You don’t have to worry about being denied entry.

Keep in mind that there is a financial requirement to get a Temporary Resident Visa. You’ll need to prove that you have enough income or assets to support yourself while in Mexico. Currently, you need to show that you have an income of about $2400-$2700 per month or around $45,000 in a savings or investment account.

What Happens if You Overstay an FMM Visitor Permit?

You need to leave Mexico before your FMM visitor’s permit expires (usually 180 days). If you don’t, you will be fined for overstaying. The fine depends on how long you overstayed. Mexico charges on a per-day basis. The maximum fine is around $350 (7000 pesos). As far as I know, the fine is the only punishment. Mexico won’t bar you from re-entering if you overstay.

You can pay the fine at an immigration office or at an international airport. If you’re flying out of Mexico, you should take care of this fine a couple of days before your flight so you don’t risk missing it. Otherwise, you’ll want to show up for your flight a few hours early. The process could take some time.

If you overstayed your FMM by a couple of days, it’s usually not a big deal. You’ll simply pay a small fine and leave. If you overstayed by months, you’ll probably have to answer some questions.

What if you Lose Your FMM Permit?

If you lose your FMM Visitors permit while in Mexico, you need to visit a local immigration office and apply for a replacement before you can leave the country. The process involves filling out some forms and paying a replacement fee.

I don’t know exactly how much the current fee is. I have read reports ranging from $30 and $60 (around 500-1200 pesos). You can find immigration offices in many towns and cities across Mexico as well as in international airports.

If you go to the border without your FMM card, chances are you will be allowed to exit without it but you will have to pay a fee (or bribe.) I have heard that the charge is around $100 (2000 pesos).

If you go to the airport to catch a flight without your FMM, you’ll be sent to the immigration office in the airport to get a replacement. Be sure to leave yourself extra time if you have to do this so you don’t miss your flight.

If you’re planning to exit Mexico overland from the state of Baja California Norte, you’re in luck. You don’t need to bother getting a replacement because Mexico does not check passports when you exit and cross into the United States. You proceed straight to U.S. immigration. When you go to U.S. immigration, they do not look at the FMM.

What if You Kept Your Visitor’s Permit When You Left Mexico?

At some border crossings, there is nowhere to turn in your old FMM permit when you exit. For example, when crossing from Baja California to the U.S., there is no passport control when you exit Mexico. You just drive or walk straight to U.S. immigration. This means you keep your FMM document.

Legally, this is fine. As of 2015, you do not need to turn in your FMM when exiting Baja California overland according to the INM. You can re-use it for multiple entries until it expires then discard it. There is still a note on the back of the FMM that says that you must return the document.

The problem with this situation is that you won’t get an exit stamp to prove that you left Mexico. When you go to re-enter on your next trip, the immigration official checking your passport could question you as to why you don’t have an exit stamp. They could assume you overstayed on your previous visit. I have heard of people being fined in this situation but I have not been able to confirm whether or not this is actually true.

Unfortunately, there really is no solution to this problem. There is no official procedure as to how to go about returning your FMM if you exit Mexico overland at a border where you don’t pass through immigration to exit.

If you’re questioned, you’ll have to explain that you exited at the northern border where FMM forms are not collected and passports are not stamped upon exit. When you enter Baja, nobody will question you. When you fly to Mexico or enter at another part of the country, you could be questioned.

If you kept your FMM when exiting Mexico and have no plans to return before it expires, you can throw it away. If you plan to return to Mexico and enter through one of the Baja California crossings, you can use it again when you re-enter.

For those who are really worried about keeping their FMM and not getting stamped out, you can contact your nearest Mexican consulate, embassy, or INM office to ask them what to do. They may tell you to mail it somewhere. The process is unclear.

What if I Entered Mexico Without Getting an FMM?

It is possible to enter Mexico without going through immigration and getting an FMM. At the U.S. Mexico border, you can drive right across without stopping. Nobody will flag you down unless you look suspicious. You may feel tempted to drive through to avoid paying the FMM fee. There are a number of reasons why you shouldn’t do this.

If you’re caught in Mexico without a valid FMM, most likely you will be temporarily detained and then told to go back to the border to get one. If you made it hundreds of miles from the border, this would be a major hassle. The officer that catches you could also try to solicit a bribe or issue you a fine. If you’re trying to exit Mexico without an FMM, you may have to pay the immigration official a fee/bribe of around $100.

If you are driving your car in Mexico without an FMM, your insurance probably isn’t valid because you technically entered the country illegally. Check your policy. If you’re pulled over, the police could impound your car if they wanted to. It is also important to note that there are regular checkpoints throughout Mexico. At these checkpoints, the officers will ask to see your passport and FMM to make sure you’re in the country legally.

You also will not be able to board a flight in Mexico because an FMM is required. Even for domestic flights. If you were involved in a serious accident or experienced a medical emergency and you need to be evacuated by air to another city, you may experience a delay if you don’t have an FMM.

Of course, it is also the law. You need an FMM to legally be in Mexico as a tourist. It’s always best not to break the law in a foreign country. For these reasons, you should always take the time to get an FMM when visiting Mexico, even if you’re only crossing the border for the day.

Can I renew or extend an FMM?

No. FMM tourist permits can not be extended or renewed in Mexico. You must leave the country before your permit expires or you will be fined based on the number of days that you overstayed.

The only way to extend your stay is to leave the country and then re-enter and get a new FMM. This is officially called ‘leave to remain’. Alternatively, you could leave the country and apply for a temporary residency visa. Either way, you have to leave Mexico before the visitor’s permit expires. It is non-renewable.

Can I Exchange an FMM for a Residency Visa?

No. You must apply for a temporary residency visa or permanent residency visa outside of Mexico at a Mexican embassy or consulate.

There are a couple of exceptions to this. It is possible to exchange your FMM permit for a temporary residency visa in a small number of situations. In order to do this, you must meet a specific set of criteria.

You must be the spouse, child, or parent of a Mexican national or permanent residency visa holder. You must also meet the other requirements for obtaining a temporary residency visa. In addition, you may be able to apply for residency within Mexico if you are seeking political asylum.

Do I Have to Stop at the Border or Can I Get an FMM in Mexico?

Yes, you have to stop at the border to get a Mexican tourist card. You cannot get an FMM anywhere but an official port of entry (land border, seaport, or international airport). If you applied for your FMM online, you still have to stop at the border to get it stamped and validated.

In the past, you could drive across the border and travel into Mexico and get an FMM at an immigration office. This was easier and faster because you didn’t have to deal with stopping at a busy border crossing. Unfortunately, this is no longer possible.

Most border crossings are open 24/7/365 so there is no excuse for not stopping. Check the hours of the border before you plan to arrive just to be sure. At busy border crossings, you can also check the average wait time before you go. You can check border wait times on the U.S. Customs and Border Protection website here.

Final Thoughts

The FMM permit makes it easy for U.S. citizens, Canadian citizens, and citizens of many other countries to visit Mexico without arranging a visa in advance. If you’re eligible, you can get your FMM on arrival at the border or airport in just a few minutes. All you need is a valid passport and enough cash to pay the permit fee. The only complication is that the process varies slightly depending on where and how you enter Mexico. Hopefully, this guide clears things up and makes planning your trip to Mexico a bit easier and smoother.

Have you visited Mexico on an FMM visitor’s permit lately? Share your tips and experience in the comments below!

More from Where The Road Forks

• Is Mexico Safe? Avoiding Crime and Scams
• Renting a Car in Mexico
• Healthcare in Mexico for Americans
• How to Fly out of Tijuana and use the Cross Border Xpress
• Living in Tijuana as an American
• Traveling to Mexico With a Dog
• How to Travel from San Diego to Tijuana by Bicycle

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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Wednesday 30th of August 2023

My wife has a green card from USA and her passport is from a country not on the list to travel without going to The Mexican Consulate office to get the FMM? It's only a 4day stray traveling by land. Does she have to go to the Consulate?

wheretheroadforks

Wednesday 13th of September 2023

I believe the green card is sufficient but I'm not 100% sure. Sorry I can't be of more help.

Wednesday 2nd of August 2023

Hi.... I just filled out my FFM form to enter MX on 8/6 and it sent me a "registration number" but won't let me print the form and there is no link to pay the fee. Is this a new policy for what do I need to do to get a copy of the form or to pay? Thanks for your help.

Sunday 6th of August 2023

That's strange. I'm not really sure. It could be a new policy.

Monday 5th of June 2023

I flew into CDMX and got a passport stamp instead of paper FMM, but I'm leaving by land border. Do you know if they'll accept the passport stamp in leiu of the form at the land border??

Yes, they will. At some points of entry, they're changing over to a passport stamp instead of the FMM. Eventually, they're going to get rid of the FMM completely.

Tuesday 4th of April 2023

Great video! If I cross the border from San Diego and fly into Cancun from TJ airport (domestic) for 10 days, do I need the FMM? What about for my return trip from Cancun to TJ?

Thursday 6th of April 2023

Yes, you will need the FMM. Pretty much any time you enter Mexico, you'll need the FMM.

Alejandro Arashi

Friday 24th of March 2023

I can’t find references to the below in any official Mexican government websites …. can you provide a link to the 2015 IMN rule change/exception?

“ There is one exception where you can use your FMM for multiple entries. You can enter and exit the state of Baja California Norte overland as many times as you like until your FMM permit expires. This is great for people who want to take short trips over the border. The FMM used to be a single-entry permit. In 2015, the INM changed the rules to allow this one exception.”

Thursday 30th of March 2023

I couldn't find it. I know that I have used my FMM to travel back and forth multiple times. I'm not sure how the rules will change as the FMM is phased out though.

UponArriving

Mexico Tourist Card (FMM) Ultimate Guide

If you’ve ever travelled to Mexico then you know that in order to get access into the country you will have to fill out and submit a “Mexico tourist card.”

The problem is not every airline will issue you one of these cards while you are on the plane and so in many cases you will have to wait until you arrive at the airport to fill it out.

Some Mexican airports, especially the popular ones such as Cancun, can receive an overwhelming amount of tourists hopping off flights which means that you will be trying to beat the crowds while filling out your Mexico tourist card.

That can be quite a stressful experience but luckily you can avoid some of that stress by taking care of your immigration card ahead of time.

In this article, I’ll tell you everything you need to know about filling out this form including how to do it and also give you some other tips.

Table of Contents

What is a Mexico tourist card?

The Mexico tourist card aka Official Entry Immigration Form (FMM) is an immigration form that must be filled out prior to your entry in Mexico.

It’s a form that you will submit to immigration once you arrive at the airport and is required for every person including children.

It is recommended to fill out the form and register online in order to make it more convenient for yourself when you are making your way through immigration at the airport.

Update: this form is no longer needed for US tourist visits to Cancun.

Tip: Use the free app WalletFlo to help you travel the world for free by finding the best travel credit cards and promotions!

Are you eligible for a Mexico tourist card?

The first question that you need to answer is are you actually eligible for a Mexico tourist card?

If the following situations apply to you then the answer is yes.

• You are a foreign citizen traveling to Mexico
• You have a valid passport
• You will travel to Mexico in less than 30 days
• You will not stay in Mexico more than 180 days
• You are traveling to Mexico for pleasure, vacation, or recreational purposes
• You are NOT going to Mexico to seek employment 

So if you are a standard American heading to Mexico for a nice week long vacation then you will fall into the category of being eligible for a Mexico tourist card.

I think the most important factor to consider is that you need to be traveling in less than 30 days in order to fill out the form and register.

Related: How to Easily Get to Tulum Mexico (for Cheap)

How to get a Mexico tourist card

You can now fill out your immigration form online via a very convenient and straightforward process.

Here is what you will need to fill out your form completely:

Contact information

Flight information.

• Address or name of the hotel you were staying at

Email address

This will be basic information like your name and address.

For the form, you will need to provide your passport number along with dates such as the issue date and expiration date.

When filling out your passport details, Make sure that you have at least six months of valid time on your passport when visiting Mexico, regardless of how long you plan to stay in the country.

If your passport expires in under six months, you will have to fill out a manual form once you arrive at the airport. Also, according to some reports it’s possible that you may be denied entry into the country.

To be 100% on the safe side I would advise for your passport to have at least six months of eligibility left.

You will need to provide your flight number and airline.

This can be found on your boarding pass or when you check your itinerary via the airline’s website or app.

Look for a number that has two letters in front of it and then numbers following after that.

For example, if you were flying on United Airlines flight 125 your flight number would look like “UA125.”

When you input your details, typically you will input the airline separate from the number.

So using that UA125 example above, You would input your details as follows.

• Airline: United Airlines
• Number: 125

Hotel information

Many people often arrive at the airport with no idea about the address of the hotel and some people don’t even know the name of the hotel.

By filling out this form ahead of time you can avoid any confusion at the airport.

While it is not necessarily required to input the full address of your hotel and you could simply include the name, since you are filling this out ahead of time you might as well input all of the relevant information regarding the address.

It’s also always a great idea to have the address of your hotel saved somewhere in your phone or on a piece of paper just in case you need to reference that while traveling.

Your tourist card will be emailed to you so make sure that you have a working email address.

Tip: Sometimes there will be issues with the email system so it is recommended that you download and print the tourist card as soon as you have that option.

Finally, you will need to print off your tourist card. Make sure that your printer is working well so that you can avoid any issues with legibility.

Filling out the tourist cards

You can find a link to register for the Mexico tourist card here.

The first part of the process is filling out some basic information which I will break down below.

The form that you will be filling out will look like this:

Country of citizenship

This will be the country of your passport.

Port of entry

You will be able to select from a drop-down menu of different airports.

You should be able to find your airport on the menu if it is one of the major airports but if you are flying into a smaller city then you may have to just select “other.”

Here are the airports you will find:

• Acapulco International Airport
• Cancun International Airport
• Cozumel International Airport
• Guadalajara International Airport
• Huatulco International Airport
• Los Cabos International Airport
• Manzanillo International Airport
• Mazatlan International Airport
• Merida International Airport
• Mexico City International Airport
• Puerto Vallarta International Airport
• Zihuatanejo/Ixtapa Airport

Note that some airports may refuse to accept your online tourist card and might require you to submit a manual card. This might be more common at smaller airports.

Arrival and departure dates

You will need to select your arrival and departure dates which are the dates that you will actually be entering and leaving the country.

The dates should line up with your airline’s itinerary if you are flying.

Name or address of hotel

As stated above, supply your name or preferably the address of your hotel. You can likely just copy and paste the address from something like Google Maps.

Contact name

Simply input your name.

Total number of people traveling to Mexico

You will need to select the total number of individuals traveling to Mexico including yourself. This number should include all children and also infants.

Main contact email

Make sure you input a valid email address.

Simply enter in your postal or ZIP Code.

Things to consider

After you submit your details, there will be a confirmation page that goes over some of the key points of consideration.

Here is a summary of these points:

• Every individual must fill out an individual tourist card
• The cards are free for all passengers traveling by air with a major commercial airline
• You can only apply for a tourist card within 30 days of your arrival to Mexico
• Your passport must be valid for 180 days to apply for a card online otherwise she will have to fill it out manually when you arrive
• The information on your application must exactly match the information on your passport
• The flight information that you will input is only for your arrival flight
• Sometimes there are issues with the email systems so you should download and print your card when given the option
• After you download the first card you finish you will have the option to begin a new application
• You can print your tourist card in color or black-and-white
• You will print out two pages and do not cut or alter the forms in any way
• On rare occasions, an immigration officer may not accept a tourist card and may require you to fill out a manual form.

In addition to the points above, be sure to retain the portion of the card that the immigration officer returns to you.

In many cases, you will need to show this stub when you depart the country. If you lose this then you might be delayed at the airport when departing and you might even get fined.

Finally, you will have to fill out a customs form when you arrive regardless of if you have already filled out your tourist card.

Related: Cabo vs Cancun: Which is Better for You?

Registration form

After you input your preliminary details you can then proceed to the next stage of registration. You will need to input some of the same details you already did but this is the final step to register.

You will begin by selecting the type of travel you are doing which could be air or land.

After you select your type of travel (let’s say you selected air) you will then need to input more details.

Tip: if you will be making multiple land crossings into Mexico you should consider applying for SENTRI ).

Once again, you will need to fill out the point of entry, which is the airport you are arriving to, your travel dates, airline name, and flight number.

You will then need to input your personal information which would include your name surname (which is your last name), gender, date of birth, nationality, and country of birth.

Then you will need to fill in the details regarding your identification document which in most cases will likely be your passport.

Select the type of document that you have and then enter in your document number which would be your passport number, country of issue which will be the US for a lot of readers, date of issue, and expiration date.

Keep in mind that the format for your dates is date, month, year.

Then we need to input your place of residence which would be the US and your current home address.

Next you will select the reason of your trip.

Then select the state and address that you will be staying at which would be the hotel.

Finally, provide your email address and submit the verification code.

Once you have finished processing your form, you can download and print it out and bring it along with you on your flight. It should also arrive in your email inbox.

Coronavirus update

Due to the outbreak of the coronavirus, you may encounter additional requirements when entering the country. For example, you may be required to complete a health questionnaire.

In addition to contact and trouble information, it will ask you questions such as “have you been in contact with a confirmed case of coronavirus?”

It will also inquire about potential symptoms such as temperatures, coughing, headaches, and difficulty breathing.

Global Entry

If you would like to expedite your entry back into the US when traveling from an international destination, you should highly consider getting Global Entry.

It will allow you to bypass the main immigration line which can often be very long and you can also get expedited entry through customs as well.

If you have the right credit card, you can get it for free and it will be good for five years.

Obtaining a Mexico tourist card is a great idea because it will make your travels much more convenient when arriving at the airport.

It is easy to fill out the form and register and so I would strongly recommend anybody traveling to Mexico to go ahead and complete the registration online.

You might also be interested in the following article:

• Is Cabo, Mexico Safe?

Daniel Gillaspia is the Founder of UponArriving.com and the credit card app, WalletFlo . He is a former attorney turned travel expert covering destinations along with TSA, airline, and hotel policies. Since 2014, his content has been featured in publications such as National Geographic, Smithsonian Magazine, and CNBC. Read my bio .

Unfortunately, it isn’t as easy as you claim….or at least not in my case. I’m planning on flying into the Queretaro International Airport…but that isn’t offered in the Point of Entry drop down box….yes, I initially put in Other, but then it proceeds to the next page and again asks for Point of Entry where “Other” is not offered, nor is Queretaro International Airport. I see that Ing. Fernando Espinoza Gutiérrez Airport is offered as a selection, but as per Wikipedia…

“Ing. Fernando Espinoza Gutiérrez Airport (IATA: formerly QRO, ICAO: formerly MMQT) was located in Santiago de Querétaro, Querétaro, Mexico. This airport was inaugurated in 1955.[2] Due to the construction of the new Querétaro International Airport in 2004, the airport is no longer used. The buildings and land that formed the airport are now government buildings, and were donated to the Universidad Autónoma de Querétaro.”

…so what’s a guy to do??? So frustrating and this is only my first step on this journey…it’s not looking promising!!

I would like to be FULLY ready and prepared when we travel to Cancun next week. How do I know which forms/webistes are true and safe to submit. Is there a place I can print out a blank hard copy of a form and fill it out manually? Is it safe to submit it online? In the past, we have always been given the forms on the plane and had them filled out when we landed. We have had 3 trips canceled because of COVID so I know things have changed. Now facing possible cancellation again next week. Thank you in advance for any help to make our trip go smoothly. Also, this was a very good and informative webiste. Thank you!!!

Thanks, not all sights (even the government one) mentions “within 30 days” I was trying to fill out the application but it wouldn’t accept my arrival date. I’m just trying to get as much done as I can now to alleviate anxiety later… but I’ll wait a few more days to apply!

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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.

Mexican Tourist Cards and How to Get One

Ben Pipe / Getty Images

Who Needs a Mexico Tourist Card?

How to get a tourist card in person, how to apply online, length of validity, what to do if you lose your card, how to extend your tourist card.

• Frequently Asked Questions

Mexico tourist cards ( Forma Migratoria Multiple,  also known as FMT) are a government form declaring that the stated purpose of a visit to Mexico is tourism. Although more than one kind of Mexico visa exists, a Mexico tourist card essentially says the holder has the intention of vacationing in Mexico for no more than 180 days. The form requires minimal information including name, nationality, date of birth, the purpose for visiting, flight details, and the address of the place you'll be staying in Mexico. and address of stay in Mexico.

Travelers can think of it as a visa on arrival, as it functions in the same way, even though it's not technically a visa. Foreign nationals who will be working in Mexico are required to obtain a work visa from the National Immigration Institute (INM).

Be sure to hold on to your tourist card and keep it in a safe place, as you will need to hand it in when you are departing the country.

In the past, travelers who were remaining within the United States border zone for up to 72 hours did not need a tourist card. However, now the tourist card is required for most non-Mexican visitors to the country, including infants, who will remain for fewer than 180 days. 

Exceptions are granted, however, to travelers staying in Mexico for fewer than 24 hours. As of August 2022, Cancun International Airport has done away with tourist cards and customs forms for most foreign visitors, including U.S. passport holders. The 180-day rule still applies, however; travelers will instead receive a stamp upon arrival, ensuring that they stay no longer than what's allowed.

If flying into Mexico, passengers will be given a tourist card and instructions for filling it out onboard their plane—the cost of a tourist card (about $25) is included in the fare, so travelers won't need to pay upon arrival. The card is stamped at customs/immigration in the Mexico airport, showing the visitor is in the country legally. Should your flight attendant not hand you a tourist card, you can pick one up at an immigration desk at a Mexico airport.

If you're  driving ,  taking the bus , or walking into Mexico, the tourist card is given at the border inspection station/immigration office after showing your ID or passport  proving your U.S. citizenship. Visitors need to go to a bank and pay the card fee, and it will be stamped to show the payment was made. The next step is returning to a border immigration office to have the card stamped again—proof the holder is visiting the country legally.

Tourists can also get a tourist card at a  Mexico consular office  or  Mexico government tourism office  in a U.S. city before heading to Mexico.

To ensure a smooth customs process, you may find it easier to complete your immigration online via the Mexico Tourist Card website . You can apply for one within 30 days of your trip; unlike tourist cards that you can get in person, these are free.

Once you've filled out the application, you will receive your card—which consists of an entry form and exit form—via e-mail. You will need to print both; upon arrival in Mexico, you will present them to an immigration official, who will stamp your exit form and write in the number of days that you are allowed to stay in the country. The official will keep the entry form, but you will need to hold onto the exit form for the duration of your trip.

The tourist card is valid for a maximum of 180 days or six months; however, the time actually given is at the discretion of the immigration official. Often, only 30, 60, or 90 days are granted. If you wish to stay in Mexico for longer than the time allotted on your tourist card, you will either need to leave and re-enter the country, extend your card, or apply for a tourist or work visa.

If you lose your Mexico tourist card, or it gets stolen, you will have to pay to replace it, which should be done as soon as possible. Go to the  nearest immigration office  in the country, or try the immigration office at the nearest airport, to pay a fine (reports vary from $40-$80) and receive a new card. It shouldn't take more than a few hours in total. Bring all relevant documentation, including travel tickets, receipts, and your passport should the officials request proof of length of stay.

Technically, it is possible to be deported from a country without a passport stamp or the proper visa and documents, but reports are rare that this step is taken for travelers who have misplaced their tourist cards. The majority typically pay a fine and are reissued a new card without issue.

If wish to travel around Mexico for a bit longer, and the immigration official cleared you for a stay of fewer than 180 days, you can apply for an extension at the National Institute of Immigration Office ; be sure to bring your passport and proof of income to your appointment. For those planning to stay longer than 180 days, you will need to apply for a tourist visa.

If you are a foreign citizen and are traveling to Mexico for pleasure or short-term business, you will need a tourist card. Exceptions are made to those arriving in Mexico by way of Cancun International Airport.

You can get a Mexican tourist card online, at a Mexico airport (or at a Mexico port of call if arriving by sea), or at your home country's Mexico embassy.

It depends on where you get yours. If you're flying, your airline may provide you with a tourist card, which is included in the cost of your ticket. You can also get a card for free online. If you're applying at an immigration office, however, it will cost you about $25.

U.S. Department of State. "Mexico International Travel Information." Accessed January 12, 2023.

iVisa. "How to Obtain a Mexico Tourist Card Online Quick and Easy." November 24, 2022.

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FMM Tourist Permit FAQs

Fmm tourist permit $687 pesos at the border (as of jan. 1, 2023) valid for up to 180 days free fmms available for stays of seven days or less.

What is an FMM tourist permit?

The FMM, Forma Migratoria Múltiple , is a tourist permit or tourist card that allows citizens from the U.S. and Canada (as well as from other countries that are listed here ) to travel in Mexico. While often called a Mexican “visa,” the FMM is not a visa and is completely different from the Mexican visa that is required for citizens of specific countries listed here . U.S. and Canadian citizens do not need a visa to travel in Mexico, but they do need an FMM tourist permit .

Who needs an FMM tourist permit?

All U.S. and Canadian citizens over the age of two, without a Mexican temporary or permanent resident card, need to obtain an FMM tourist permit when entering Mexico. Other non-Mexican citizens from the countries listed here need an FMM as well.

Do I have to get a FMM tourist permit when I go to Baja?

Yes. Mexican law requires that tourists from the U.S. and Canada have an FMM tourist permit for any trip into Baja. You may encounter INM checkpoints along the peninsula where they will ask to see your passport and FMM. If you get into an accident in Mexico and you don’t have an FMM tourist permit, you are not considered to be in accordance with Mexican law, and therefore your Mexican auto insurance can be rendered invalid. Each individual must have their own FMM, including children ages two and up.

What about the “free zone” for short trips just across the border?

As of September 2015, there is no longer a “free zone” and every person entering Baja, regardless of destination or duration of trip needs to obtain an FMM. If you are only going to be in Mexico for seven days or less, you can get a free FMM, but you still need to stop at the border to fill out the paperwork to obtain the permit.

How much does an FMM cost?

If you obtain your FMM at the border, it costs $687 pesos (as of January 1, 2023). If you will be in Mexico for seven days or less, you may obtain a free FMM at the border.

How long is the FMM valid for?

The paid FMM tourist permit is valid for a period of up to 180 days (as long as your passport does not expire before that time) At the border, they will ask you how long you would like the permit for and you should ask for the full 180 days. The free FMM is only valid for seven days or less.

Can I use my FMM for multiple entries?

While the old law said that FMM tourist permits were only valid for one use into Mexico, the INM has recently said that FMM tourist permits can be used for multiple entries in and out of Mexico, through the end date of the permit.

What do I need in order to get an FMM tourist permit?

You will need to have a passport or passport card that is valid for six months or more past date of entry into Mexico. Keep in mind that since passport books and passport cards have different numbers, you will need to carry whichever one you use to obtain your FMM (ie you can’t use your passport book to obtain the FMM and then just carry around your FMM with your passport card).

Where do I get an FMM tourist permit?

You can obtain an FMM at the immigration office as you cross into Mexico. 

What is the process to get an FMM?

You will need to stop at the border as you cross into Mexico. You will look for the INM/SAT Aduanas building (immigration and customs). You will first go to INM where you will fill out the paperwork for the FMM. Then you will need to go to Banjercito where you will pay for the FMM. Once paid for, take your receipt back to INM to complete the process and get your FMM stamped by immigration. 

Do I have to stop at the border to get my FMM? Can’t I stop farther down to get one?

You must get your FMM stamped at the border when entering Mexico. You are no longer allowed to get an FMM for land travel at immigration stations farther south. The INM office in Ensenada now only processes nautical FMMs for visitors entering Mexico by boat. The San Ysidro El Chaparral border crossing in Tijuana is open 24/7, 365 days a year, so there should be no problem with getting your FMM at the border no matter what time you’re crossing into Baja.

What if I’m entering Mexico by airplane or boat?

If you are flying to Mexico on a commercial flight from the U.S., the airline will provide you with the paperwork for the FMM tourist permit and has included the fee for the FMM in the price of your ticket. If you are flying from Tijuana, you can obtain your FMM tourist permit from Discover Baja or at the Tijuana airport.

Do my kids need an FMM?

All children over the age of two years old need to have an FMM (and therefore a passport or passport card).

Do I need an FMM tourist permit if I have temporary or permanent resident card (formerly known as FM2 or FM3)?

No. Your temporary resident or permanent resident card already functions as your permit to be in Mexico. You do not need to obtain an FMM tourist permit on top of this, and in fact, can be fined for having more than one permit at a time.

If I am applying for a temporary or permanent resident card, do I need to pay for an FMM?

No. After you submit your documents for a temporary or permanent resident card, you will receive your visa inside your passport. You need to stop at an immigration office at the border where they will provide you with an FMM at no cost to you. You will exchange that FMM for your resident card at the immigration office closest to your Mexican residence.

Do I need to return the FMM?

As of September 2015, you do not need to return your FMM to the INM upon leaving Baja by land (contrary to what it says on the back of the permit). After they have expired, you may shred or discard them.

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Mexican Tourist Cards (FMM)

Mexican tourist cards (fmm) 2024.

Updated March 29, 2024

Tourist Card (FMM) Facts:

• The FMM is a document issued by Mexico's INM (Instituto Nacional de Migración)
• Casually called a tourist card or tourist "visa" although it is not officially a visa
• Issued to U.S., Canadian and other nationalities for vacation or visitor purposes
• Easily obtained at an INM office at the border or online. (If you get an FMM online, it is still required to stop at an INM office at the border for the official entry stamp. If applicable, you will also need to have a copy of your payment receipt.).
• Requires a valid passport or passport card
• The stamped FMM is valid for land travel throughout Mexico
• Cost: $717.00 Pesos (appx U.S. $43) per person; FREE if the trip is 7 days or less and you cross by land
• May be issued for up to 180 days

Traveling through San Ysidro/El Chaparral? See where to get a tourist card at the El Chaparral border crossing (San Ysidro/Tijuana).

Visit the online FMM application or read more on how to get an FMM online now.

FAQs about Tourist Cards (FMM):

What is the general procedure to get a tourist card (fmm).

• Fill out a tourist card (FMM) form at the immigration office (INM) and walk to the nearby bank and pay for the tourist card
• Or fill out the online tourist card (FMM) application and pay online with a Visa or Mastercard credit or debit card. Your online tourist card (FMM) will be ready to print within minutes. After printing your FMM form, it must be stamped by INM within 30 days to be valid
• Whether buying the tourist card at an INM office or online, visit the INM office to get your tourist card (FMM) stamped/validated

When I drive across the border, will I be stopped to get an FMM?

What is a tourist card (fmm), what type of documentation do i need to obtain a tourist card (fmm), what information is asked on the tourist card (fmm) form.

• Nationality
• Date of birth
• Passport number
• Purpose of trip
• How you are entering Mexico: air, sea, land

When is a tourist card (FMM) free?

How much does a tourist card (fmm) cost, is it possible to enter and exit baja multiple times with the same tourist card (fmm), what if i lose my tourist card (fmm), does the tourist card (fmm) have to be returned to inm, how do i obtain a tourist card (fmm).

Keep in mind that if you obtain your tourist card before crossing the border, you will still have to stop at the Mexican immigration office at the border to document your entry date and to have your tourist card stamped by immigration officials. Tourist cards are no longer available at Mexican Consulates.

Who may obtain a tourist card (FMM)?

For citizens of other countries view the INM's list of Countries and Regions That Require and Do Not Require a Visa To Travel to Mexico - but DO require an FMM.

Visit INM's website in Spanish for the most updated information: Countries That Require a Visa and Countries That Do Not Require a Visa.

When is a tourist card (FMM) required?

Previously it was believed there was a tourist zone/72 hour exemption, but this was never actually part of Mexican immigration law according to federal delegate Rudolfo Figueroa from INM (Mexican Immigration).

It is important to note that in Baja, even though you may take your vehicle to the end of the peninsula without a vehicle permit (see vehicle importation regulations ) you are required to have a tourist card (FMM) in order to travel anywhere in the state.

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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, mexico phasing out use of paper visitor permits (fmm).

Mexico’s immigration service has begun to phase out use of paper versions of the FMM—the multi-purpose visitor permits and arrival form

For decades, people who’ve arrived in Mexico for leisure or business visits lasting 180 days or less, and who are passport holders of one of the many countries which don’t require a visa to enter Mexico, have completed a paper form known as Forma Migratoria Multiple (FMM) at the port of entry.

Multi-purpose paper arrivals form

In addition to being a visitor’s permit, the form is also used by those arriving with visa stickers in their passport issued by Mexican consulates abroad, particularly residency visas.

The half of the paper form that is stamped and given to you for safe keeping is used by visitors to exit the country, or as part of the process when you are apply to exchange your residency visa to a residency card.

The FMM form is sometimes issued to passengers by airlines, and they are also available at ports of entry.  If you apply for a FMM online , the current procedure requires you to print a paper copy and carry this with you when you come to Mexico.

Mexico’s paper FMM forms being phased out

Beginning the summer of 2022, Mexico started to phase out the paper version of the FMM forms.  As of now, many ports of entry across Mexico no longer use them.

However: the immigration rules, procedures, and time scales —for example the number of days you can stay in Mexico as a visitor, and the need to exchange a residency visa for a residency card— have not changed .

The phasing out of the FMM paper forms is happening on graduated basis.

If you are not issued with a a paper FMM when you arrive in Mexico, or asked to complete a paper FMM form when you’re resident in Mexico and leave the country, the immigration official will place a stamp in your passport, instead .

Whether a paper FMM is stamped and the visitor half given back to you, or whether you have no paper to deal with and a stamp is placed in your passport will depend on which Mexican port you enter or exit through—the changes are being rolled out on a gradual basis.

Eventually, all paper FMMs will be phased out and everyone will be given a stamp in their passport instead.

How to navigate the transition period

We are still learning about the changes taking place are updating this article as additional information becomes available.  Meanwhile:

If you arrive in Mexico as a visitor

• Continue to complete a paper FMM form if it’s available at the port of entry.
• If you apply online for a FMM, continue to follow the procedures stated on the online system.
• If a paper version of the FMM is stamped and given back to you at the port of entry, keep this safe —you’ll need it to exit Mexico when you leave.
• If you don’t get a paper version of the FMM, the immigration official will place a stamp in your passport instead , in lieu of the paper FMM. This will also be marked to show how many days you have been granted to stay as a visitor. You’ll need to show this page when you leave Mexico.

If you arrive with a residency visa in your passport

• If you arrive in Mexico with a residency visa sticker,  continue to complete a paper FMM form if it’s available at the port of entry.
• If a paper version of the FMM is stamped and given back to you, keep this safe . You will need to give this to the immigration office when you are exchanging a residency visa for a residency card.
• If you are not issued with a paper FMM when you arrive in Mexico with a residency visa sticker, the immigration official will place a stamp in your passport instead , in lieu of the paper FMM, and will mark this with the word “ Canje .” Show this page to the immigration office when you go to exchange your visa for a residency card.

If you’re already resident in Mexico with a card

• If you are already resident in Mexico and have your residency card remember that you need to register your departure at the port of exit before you leave.
• Many ports are now stamping passports instead of using paper FMM forms to register residents’ departures and returns.
• Continue to attend the immigration kiosk at the port of exit to register your departures and follow the guidance given by the immigration official at the port.

Immigration rules and time scales unchanged

Remember that the immigration rules and time scales  remain unchanged , for example:

• The official at the port of entry will stipulate how many days stay in Mexico you have if you arrive as a visitor. This number will be written in your stamped passport instead of the on the FMM paper and will not exceed 180 days .
• If you come with a residency visa in your passport, you have 30 days from the date of your arrival in Mexico to exchange your residency visa for a residency card.

Learn more about Mexico visas and immigration

Mexperience publishes extensive information about visas and immigration to Mexico, including:

• Learn about  Mexico’s visitor permit, the FMM .
• Read the FAQs related to Mexico’s FMM
• Learn about the exchange procedure when you have a residency visa sticker in your passport
• Learn about the entry and exit procedures at Mexican ports.
• Discover the  principal routes for obtaining legal residency in Mexico

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• What Is the FMM (Forma Migratoria Múltiple)?

The FMM (Forma Multipla Migratoria), also sometimes known as a visitor’s permit, tourist card, or mistakenly as a tourist visa, is a Mexican immigration document. When visiting Mexico (from a country that doesn’t require a visa) or as a resident, you need one when entering and exiting the country. However, it is used differently for visitors and residents.

FMM for Visitors and Tourists

Whether you enter the country, you will have to complete this form before you reach immigration at your point of entry. The form is distributed on airplanes entering Mexico. You may also complete it digitally and download it for submission by visiting: https://www.inm.gob.mx/fmme/publico/en/solicitud.html . It is available online in English, Spanish, Mandarin, Korean and Japanese.

The immigration agent will stamp the card to validate it, and indicate how many days you can stay in Mexico (maximum 180). Extensions are not possible even if you receive fewer than 180 days. You will receive back one portion of the card. The agent will retain the other half.

It is important that you keep the card with your passport and other travel documents. You must present it again at the airport when you leave the country after your visit. Failure to do so will result in an additional tax. Locate the immigration office to do this before you check in. Once the form has been verified by the agent along with your travel documents then proceed to the check-in. If you have lost or had the form stolen or damaged, you will be charged a tax of approximately $25 USD.  

If you do not leave Mexico before the FMM expires, you risk problems with immigration, including a fine and/or deportation, should you be checked. Contact immigration well ahead of your flight i f you have overstayed your visit, in order to deal with any resulting taxes or paperwork. 

Forma Migratoria Múltiple for Residency Applicants – IMPORTANT

If you have applied for residency at a Mexican consulate in your home or another country, you will receive a visa in your passport. This allows you to enter Mexico for 30 days to finish the procedure. This step of the procedure is called canje . It refers to the exchange of the visa in your passport for a resident card.

When entering Mexico for the first time in order to complete the canje procedure you will also need to fill out an FMM to enter Mexico. Be careful at this stage. You are not entering Mexico as a visitor or tourist. Do not tick that box on the form. Instead, check CANJE. If you are unsure, leave these boxes blank and consult with the immigration agent when you arrive. When you mistakenly check tourist instead of canje , you will invalidate your visa. This means you enter Mexico as a tourist and have to begin your procedure all over again. 

Once your entry is approved, the immigration agent will retain one half of the form and give you the other. Keep this safe. You must present it at your local immigration office along with your temporary visa, other application documentation and passport when completing the canje procedure. Once approved and finalized, immigration will give you a resident’s card in exchange for your FMM and the visa in your passport will be invalidated.

FMM for Residents

The Forma Migratoria Múltiple also applies to temporary and permanent residents in Mexico. However, it works differently – practically in reverse. When leaving the country, visit the immigration agent at the airport before checking in. They will give you the form to complete and get stamped by them. With this, you can proceed to check in as usual. When boarding the plane, one portion will be retained by staff at the gate. You hold on to the other portion. Keep it safe when traveling. You will have to submit this other half along with your resident card and passport when re-entering Mexico. 

For further information about immigration procedures, contact Adriana Vela at [email protected] .

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Mexico Tourist Cards (FMM)

• A FMM or (Forma Migratoria Multiple) is a document allowing any citizen of any country with a passport entry into Mexico.  A stamped FMM is required and mandatory for each traveler and all foreign tourists that enter Mexico.
• The FMM document is essentially an Entry Immigration Form that details information about your visit to Mexico. The form will obtain your name, nationality, DOB, purpose of visit, destination, and point of entry.
• The requirement for obtaining an FMM is you must have a valid passport or passport card.
• To obtain a FMM you have 2 options.  Option 1:  Simply stop at the immigration office (INM) at any border crossing and fill out the paperwork.   Option 2: Fill out the online tourist card (FMM) application and pay online and print it out. If you choose to get it online you still must stop at the border within 30 days and have it stamped.
• An FMM is free if you are traveling 7 days or less.  More than 7 days the cost is $43.00.  You can obtain a FMM for up to 180 days.
• You do not have to return the FMM when you cross back into the US and for Baja Norte only you can use the same FMM for multiple entries into Mexico.
• If you lose your FMM you simply stop at the border and get a new one.  They will not be able to retrieve a card purchased or obtained in the past.

FAQ's about Mexican Tourist Cards (FMM):

Will they ask me for a FMM when I cross the border into Mexico? 

When driving across the border,  Mexican border officials will not ask for FMM's and they will not remind you to obtain one.  When you cross by car it is up to you to stop at the border and get your FMM.  If you are walking across the border they will ask you for your FMM and getting one will be part of the crossing process.  At airports they will also ask you for your FMM and getting one is part of the check-in process.  Obtaining an FMM is legally required and there have been reports of checkpoints in Mexico requesting to see them.

Can my FMM be renewed or extended? 

They do not renew or extend a visitors visas (FMM).  Once your current FMM expires you simply get a new one.  Each FMM will have a start and finish date for you to follow.

What is the process of getting a FMM at the border?  

All border crossings have an JNM office for obtaining your FMM.  You simply park and walk into the office and there will be a desk with agents ready to assist you.  They will have you fill out the FMM application and they will check your passport and stamp your card.  If you are staying longer than 7 days you will be charged a fee.           

Does not having a FMM mean my auto insurance is invalid? 

It is important to realize that not all insurance carriers are the same.  Our top rated carrier HDI Seguros has informed us that they would never deny a claim or not back a policy if a customer failed to get an FMM.   With that being said that does not mean a different Mexican insurance carrier would not use the lack of FMM against you to not pay you on a claim.  We highly encourage all of our customers to follow the Mexican laws and get your FMM online or in person at the border. 

What if I lose my tourist visa card? 

If you lose your FMM don't panic. Simply visit the nearest Mexican INM office and get a new one.  If you are asked for it during your travels let the Mexican official requesting it know that it was lost. Mexican officials understand accidents do happen.  

Isn't there free zones or areas close to the border where a FMM is not required?  

There are no longer any free zones.  A stamped visitors visa (FMM) is required and mandatory for each traveler and all foreign tourists that enter Mexico.   

Does everyone in my car need a FMM or just the driver? 

Each individual crossing the border will need to obtain their own FMM. Each individual will also need to provide their passport.  If you do not have a valid passport you will not be able to get a FMM and you could be denied entry into Mexico. 

How long is my visitors visa good for? 

The paid FMM is valid for up to 180 days and you can enter and exit multiple times.  You never have to return your FMM.  When it expires you can simply throw it away.  The free FMM is valid for 7 days.  When you get your FMM in person the Mexican agent at the border or airport will ask you how many days you will be in Mexico and where you are going.  Usually the agent will give you the # of days you request to cover your trip.  There are reports that 180 day permits are not given out automatically unless you can show you will be in Mexico for that duration.

Do I also need a FMM when I fly? 

A FMM is mandatory when flying to Mexico.  The airline will provide you with a FMM to insure you can travel with no interruption.  Just like driving across you will need to provide a valid passport in order to get the permit.    

I see many websites to buy a FMM online.  Are they safe? 

Be aware there are many fake websites online that claim they are providing FMM's.  There are many reports of people paying these fake sites and having their money taken.  There is only one site we recommend for this transaction. If you are concerned about fraud simply get your FMM in person at any border crossing.   Multiple Immigration Form (FMM) Online      

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Mexico Tourist Card (FMM)

Check eligibility

The FMM Tourist Card , Known formally as “Forma Migratoria Múltiple” , is a requirement for all tourists visiting Mexico . Foreign nationals may also need to apply for an additional visa, depending on their nationality.

Mexico Tourist Card Information

The  Mexico Tourist Card , officially called  the  FMM  ( Forma Migratoria Múltiple ) is a mandatory entry requirement for all foreign nationals traveling to Mexico for the purposes of tourism, business, or leisure if arriving by land.

It was introduced by the Mexican Immigration Authority to keep  an official record of all visitors  to the country.

The FMM can be used for  a single entry by land  and is  valid for a maximum of 180 days , starting from the moment the immigration seal is stamped (upon arrival in Mexico).

When crossing one of Mexico’s land borders, the Tourist Card can be obtained by completing a simple online application form  prior to traveling.

This includes submitting some basic personal data, travel document details, and information about the planned trip to Mexico. The entire form takes  a matter of minutes to complete .

The approved FMM is sent to the applicant by email and  must be printed and presented at border control .

The Mexican Tourist Card can only be used to visit Mexico  for the purposes of business, tourism, and leisure . It does not grant the holder the right to work or seek employment in the country.

The FMM is  not a visa . Travelers from countries that are exempt from applying for a Mexican visa must still obtain a Mexico Tourist Card. Nationals of other countries must apply for the relevant visa for Mexico  in addition to an  FMM in order to visit.

All tourists  must be in possession of an FMM,  including children . Parents or legal guardians may complete the application on their behalf.

Passport (or passport card if arriving by land)

Current email address

Credit or debit card

Depending on nationality , an e-Visa or consular visa .

Mexico Tourist Card Requirements

In order to obtain an FMM,  travelers must complete an application form before arriving at the Mexican land border.

In order to apply online for the Mexico Tourist Card, the foreign national  must have the following items  to meet the requirements:

• Identification document (passport or passport card)
• Email address  to receive the approved Mexico Tourist Card
• Payment method (valid credit or debit card )

Once received,  the approved FMM must be printed . It is a compulsory requirement to enter the country by land. The traveler must present the printout at the Mexican border along with their travel document.

When entering Mexico, it is necessary to  present the same travel document that the applicant used to register in the Mexico Tourist Card application.

It is important to remember that  passport cards  can only be used to enter Mexico via a  land border crossing .

The Mexican Tourist Card is  not the same as a  Mexico visa . Although some foreign travelers are visa-exempt, they still need an FMM.

For others, both the Tourist Card  and a  Mexico visa  are  requirements  to travel to the country.

The Mexico Tourist Card  must be stamped  when passing through immigration in order to be valid.

Countries Eligible for Mexico

• Afghanistan
• Aland Islands
• Antigua and Barbuda
• Bosnia and Herzegovina
• British Indian Ocean Territory
• British Virgin Islands
• Brunei Darussalam
• Burkina Faso
• Cayman Islands
• Central African Republic
• Christmas Island
• Cocos Islands
• Cook Islands
• Czech Republic
• Democratic Republic of the Congo
• Dominican Republic
• El Salvador
• Equatorial Guinea
• Falkland Islands
• Faroe Islands
• Federated States of Micronesia
• French Guiana
• French Polynesia
• Guinea-Bissau
• Ivory Coast
• Liechtenstein
• Marshall Islands
• Netherlands
• New Caledonia
• New Zealand
• Norfolk Island
• North Korea
• Northern Mariana Islands
• Palestinian Territory
• Papua New Guinea
• Philippines
• Pitcairn Islands
• Puerto Rico
• Republic of Cyprus
• Russian Federation
• Saint Barthelemy
• Saint Helena
• Saint Kitts and Nevis
• Saint Lucia
• Saint Martin
• Saint Pierre and Miquelon
• Saint Vincent and the Grenadines
• Sao Tome and Principe
• Saudi Arabia
• Sierra Leone
• Solomon Islands
• South Africa
• South Korea
• South Sudan
• Svalbard and Jan Mayen
• Switzerland
• Syrian Arab Republic
• Timor-Leste
• Trinidad and Tobago
• Turkmenistan
• Turks and Caicos Islands
• United Arab Emirates
• United Kingdom
• United States
• United States Virgin Islands
• Vatican City
• Wallis and Futuna

Complete the Mexico Tourist Card Application

To obtain a Mexico FMM, fill in the Mexico Tourist Card application form with personal details, passport data, and a few pieces of travel information. The form only takes a matter of minutes to complete.

Before submitting the application, make sure that all of the information supplied is correct and matches the details of your passport. This is essential, as even small errors can result in a delay in receiving the approved Tourist Card.

Confirm payment for the FMM for Mexico

In order to finalize the Mexican Tourist Card online application, confirm the secure payment method you will use to cover the processing fee.

It is mandatory to use a valid debit or credit card to pay the FMM fee, as other payment methods are not accepted for online applications.

Receive the approved Mexico FMM

Once processed, the approved Tourist Card for Mexico is sent to the current email address you provided when filling out the application form.

You will need to print a copy of the FMM document to present to Mexican border officials upon arrival, alongside your passport (if entering by air) or, alternately, passport card (if entering by land). Depending on your nationality, you may also be required to present a valid visa for Mexico to gain entry.

This content has been reviewed by

Ekaterina Powell

Us immigration attorney.

Ekaterina Powell is a U.S. attorney licensed in the State of California, working in the area of U.S. immigration law for over 12 years . She has been featured as one of the top immigration lawyers in her state and city several times and has contributed to notable industry publications.

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FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

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FMM Application

Mexico Tourist Card Questions

What is the Mexico Tourist Card?

The Mexico Tourist Card, or FMM, is a mandatory requirement for all foreign citizens visiting Mexico for tourism, leisure, and business if arriving by land.

Is the Mexico Tourist Card required if arriving by air?

According to the recent changes in Mexican laws, the FMM is no longer required if arriving at Mexican airports.

However, if you are from a country that requires a visa, you will still need to fill out the FMM form if flying in or out of Mexico.

How do I apply for a Mexico Tourist Card?

Travelers can apply for a Mexico Tourist Card online through a simple application.

What is the validity period of the Mexico Tourist Card?

The Mexico Tourist Card is valid for a maximum of 180 days, starting from the moment it is stamped by an immigration officer (upon entry to the country).

How long can I stay in Mexico with the FMM?

The length of time a visitor can stay in Mexico with the FMM is decided by an immigration officer upon entering the country. It can depend on the nationality and visa type (e.g. online e-Visa, embassy visa, or visa-free). The maximum length of time a foreign national can remain in Mexico after entering the country with the Mexico Tourist Card (FMM) is 180 days.

What happens if I overstay the period granted under the FMM?

If you overstay the time you were granted on your FMM, you will need to visit an immigration office or the immigration kiosk at the airport and pay a fine before you can leave the country.

Can the Mexican Tourist Card be extended?

The Mexican Tourist Card cannot be extended or renewed. If the immigration official at the port of entry writes a number fewer than 180 days on your FMM, you must leave Mexico within the time frame given to you by the official at the entry port.

Who is eligible for a Mexico Tourist Card?

All travelers of all nationalities are eligible to apply for a Mexican Tourist Card: it is a mandatory requirement to enter the country if the purpose of the visit is tourism, leisure, or business by land. It remains a mandatory requirement for air travelers if they come with a Mexican visa.

Foreign nationals who have a different purpose of visit, such as to perform paid work, seek employment, or relocate to Mexico, cannot use an FMM to enter the country.

Can you work in Mexico with the Mexico Tourist Card?

No, travelers with an FMM are temporary visitors to Mexico without permission to work.

How do I apply online for an FMM for Mexico?

Applicants can complete an online application form to obtain the FMM for Mexico. This involves submitting personal details, including full name, gender, date of birth, nationality, and address.

The applicant must also fill in their passport information (or passport card information if traveling to Mexico by land) and give certain details about their travel plans.

What do I need to make an application for the Mexico Tourist Card?

Applicants must have a valid passport (or, alternatively, a passport card if they plan to enter Mexico via a land border), a current email address, and a method of payment (credit or debit card) to apply for the Mexican FMM.

What can I do if I make a mistake in my application?

Small mistakes are the most common cause of Mexico Tourist Card applications being rejected. Therefore, it is important to take care when filling in the online form and double-check all the details before submitting it.

What happens if my Mexico Tourist Card application is rejected?

The most common reason for an FMM application to be rejected is small errors or inconsistencies in the information provided. If this is the case, travelers may re-apply online, taking care to submit all their details accurately.

Do I need a Mexico Tourist Card for all my children? Should I include them on my application?

Each individual traveler must be in possession of their own Mexico Tourist Card, regardless of age. Children cannot be included on their parents’ applications. Parents and legal guardians may complete dependents’ applications on their behalf.

Is the Mexico Tourist Card a Mexico visa?

No, the FMM is not the same as a visa for Mexico. All travelers require a Mexican Tourist Card to enter the country as a tourist by land, but visitors from some countries need a Mexico visa (online e-visa or embassy visa) as well. It is important to check the visa requirements for your nationality and ensure that you have all the travel documents you need.

Do I need to print a copy of the Mexico Tourist Card?

Yes, a copy of the Mexico Tourist Card must be presented along with the traveler’s passport at the Mexican border in order to enter the country.

How much does a Mexico FMM cost?

The total price of the Mexico Tourist Card is made up of 2 fees: a government fee and a service charge.

This small charge covers the processing of the application as well as any additional support and assistance needed in completing the online FMM form.

What ports of entry can I use with the Mexico Tourist Card?

The Mexico Tourist Card can be used to enter Mexico via land borders or by air for visa-subject nationalities. The method of arrival in the country must be specified on the online application form before traveling.

Tourists crossing a land border checkpoint with the Tourist Card have the option of using a passport card or a passport to gain entry into Mexico.

Is the Mexico Tourist Card valid for multiple entries?

No, the Mexican Tourist Card is only valid for a single entry to Mexico.

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Tourist Visa Card – FMM (Forma Migratoria Multiple)

A FMM, or a tourist visa card, allows you to enter Mexico for up to 180 days for visitors from most countries. You can  check here at VisaHQ to be certain on the visa requirements for your country.

Prior to the expiration date, you should return your FMM card to an immigration official at the airport or at a border crossing, as long as you are not returning back during the same time period of your valid FMM.

NOTE: Some people do choose to re-enter Mexico on the same FMM, if it is still valid. They will do this for brief trips out of Mexico, where they plan to return within the validity period. There is nothing illegal about doing so. 

The FMM cannot be extended while inside Mexico. However, you can obtain an FMM online and re-enter Mexico at the border.

IMPORTANT:  If you have received a Temporary or Permanent Resident Visa and have left Mexico, DO NOT re-enter Mexico under the tourist category or obtain an FMM tourist card.

This will instantly void your residency status, and you’ll have to repeat the immigration process over again at a Mexican consulate outside of Mexico, or at an immigration office inside Mexico, depending on your situation.

Click here if you’ve lost your Visa outside of Mexico

APPLYING FOR A NEW FMM WHILE INSIDE MEXICO:

If you lose your FMM while you are in Mexico, you can get a replacement card at the immigration office inside the airport.

You will have to pay a $500 MXN peso fee. You’ll then have 30 days to use the document to leave and cross the border. There, it must be stamped upon entry / re-entry.

It is against the law in Mexico to make a color copy of your Mexican tourist visa card, your Mexican driver’s license or any other Mexican government issued ID . It is considered fraud and the penalties are serious.

It’s recommended that you take a picture of your FMM, residency card and passport with your phone, just in case you lose one of them.

When you are in Mexico, there is no requirement that you have your visa on your person at all times. A photo of your ID and visa in your phone is sufficient.

APPLYING FOR A NEW FMM WHEN OUTSIDE OF MEXICO:

If you are arriving by airplane, you will be provided an FMM form to fill out on the aircraft. Fill it out correctly and completely, or you’ll be refused service, and will have to go to the back of the immigration line and start again.

If you plan on driving in or crossing into Mexico by land, you will be provided an FMM when you reach the immigration checkpoint. Or you can obtain your FMM in advance by applying online.

Click here to apply for a new FMM online,  then follow the instructions below.

INSTRUCTIONS FOR THE ONLINE FMM APPLICATION:

Click the green button “FMM App”. Read the first page (Terms and Conditions or “Términos y Condiciones” ) and accept them at bottom where it reads “He leído y acepto los términos y condiciones” . Next, enter in the required information on the FMM form in Spanish. Save (“ guardar” ) the form. Pay the fee of $500 MXN pesos with your credit or debit card. Print the FMM document along with your proof of payment.

FMM Fee Refund Requests from Airlines who Automatically Charge the Tourist Fee

If you’re already a Temporary Resident or Permanent Resident and you fly into Mexico, you’re most often charged the FMM fee by the airline.

You can get a refund from the airline’s web site if you paid for the FMM and didn’t need to.

They usually have a link somewhere on the site regarding “refunds”.

According to their claim for refund requirements, you’ll likely need to send them digital copies or photos of your: 1) Residente Temporal or Residente Permanente visa card, 2) e-Ticket or ticket receipt and 3) boarding pass.

Example: If you flew with United, you’d go to united.com > reservations > refunds > select ‘E-ticket Refund’ and scroll down. Fill in your information.

One way to avoid being overcharged is to pay attention when you are booking online. Airlines often ask you to put your country of residence. Select Mexico, and you won’t be charged the tourist tax.

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Tourist card/FMM Application form

Please fill the required information below to obtain your Tourist card for Mexico/FMM .

The form must be completed individually by all foreigners entering Mexico.

All of the fields marked with * are mandatory.

Important note: From December, 1st 2022 FMM are not required when flying to Mexico.

" * " indicates required fields

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Tourist Card – FMM

The Mexican government requires that your passport be valid during the entirety of your trip and it is not required to be valid for six months.

A tourist card is a “Forma Migratoria Multiple” (FMM) and one is not required for those under the age of two. It is required for everyone else, including the “Free Zones”, unless you are a Mexican citizen. It allows one to enter Mexico, one time, for up to 180 days but sometimes for shorter periods. The back of the form confirms it is for one entry; however, in Baja California it may be used for multiple entries. The cost is 717 pesos.

Time as a Tourist

Many tourists are not being granted 180 days and in some cases as little as a week. Therefore, I suggest tourists have a brief, concise note written in Spanish. At the airport in Mexico give it to Immigration staff when you land. And, I would present it before providing your passport.

State that you understand the number of days is at their discretion but you would like to be granted X number of days and why. And, if you have reserved accommodations state where and for when. And, if you have a return flight state when you is the date of your departure. Keep it very brief and concise.

There is an electronic FMME . It is available here . Complete the application form. Print the FMM and keep it with you to be validated where you enter Mexico. However, I do not recommend obtaining a FMM on-line. Reasons are:

1. Some web sites are fraudulent and charge as much as $200 extra.

2. A FMM is included in your airfare.

3. At airports FMM’s are no longer used.

4. At the border the FMM requires a person to stop anyways and to have it date stamped.

FMM tourist cards at the borde r continue. It is very important to keep the stamped portion of the FMM that corresponds to the record of entry, as this is proof of your legal entry into Mexico. It will be required when you leave the country.

Prior to your FMM expiration you return to the border. It is impossible to extend or renew a FMM tourist card from within Mexico.

At some Immigration offices there is a temporary program called regularization . Financials are not required. Your time as a tourist must be expired. You are required to prove entry into Mexico prior to 2022 and one way to do so is with a stamp in your passport. There are 3 Immigration fees. You will be issued a 4-year Temporary Resident visa.

If your time as a tourist does expire while in Mexico, and you are flying out, please go to Immigration at the airport and pay for another period of time as a tourist prior to boarding your plane. Cost is currently 687 pesos. This is not a way to extend your time as a tourist in Mexico.

​In Mexico, as a tourist, you must carry both your passport and 

• original FMM tourist card when issued, or
• show stamp in your passport indicating when you entered Mexico, or
• printout from an airport scanner indicating when you entered Mexico and by when you must leave.

FMM Requirements When Entering Mexico

• When a tourist or temporary or permanent resident card holder enters Mexico at a border crossing you will normally be issued a FMM.

2. When a tourist enters Mexico at airports with passport scanners (currently Mexico City and Cancun) the photo indicates what you will be issued. You are to retain this receipt for when you leave Mexico. Those who are temporary or permanent residents must not use these scanners or you will be a tourist with a need to start your residency process over at a Mexican consulate.

3. When a tourist enters Mexico at an airport with no passport scanner , normally you will have a stamp in your passport and in that stamp will be written the date you entered and the date by when you must leave Mexico. And, in this example the number is 180.

4. When entering Mexico with a pre-approved Temporary or Permanent resident from a Mexican consulate , you have 6 months to enter Mexico. A pre-approval is for ONLY one entry, meaning you must finalize the process once you enter Mexico or you will need to start over at a consulate. When you enter Mexico, please show your passport and pre-approved visa. When entering at a border crossing , you will be issued a FMM marked CANJE, the number 30 and your pre-approved visa from the consulate will be date stamped. When entering at an airport , you will have a date stamp in your passport and written “CANJE” and “30“ as per the photo. The 30 means you have 30 days to start your visa process in Mexico at an Immigration office. But you must start your process in Mexico prior to the pre-approved visa expiration date.

For those entering at an airport with no FMM and only date stamp, the word CANJE and the number 30 in your passport, you must scan the QR code and print out the FMM. Or, you may also access the FMM portal here . Once you have uploaded a photo of your passport and you confirmed the information is correct, select “Ingresos” and click the small ORANGE CIRCLE with a check mark. Next, select “Descargar” for the download icon. You will not be able to process your pre-approved visa at Immigration in Mexico without a FMM that has been printed and presented to INM staff. You may only download it once so please do not lose the FMM you printed. For clients, I will do this for you.

5. When a Temporary or Permanent resident leaves Mexico your passport may be stamped with date and written is your visa status and the word “SALIDA”. And, as a TR or PR, when entering Mexico, your passport may be stamped with date, visa status and the word “ENTRADA”. As a TR or PR, the number of days will be blank. You may also find that there are no longer separate lines for citizens and non-citizens.

It will now be easier for Immigration to quickly see when were your last entries in to Mexico. This will limit or reduce a quick turn around for those who repeatedly and consecutively enter Mexico while seeking 180 days each time.

6. Printing a FMM

When entering Mexico, if the number of days allowed to be in Mexico as stamped on your passport or on your FMM are not clear or should you wish to confirm how many days have been issued, there is a QR code to check. Please, register first and then input your information. If your name is hyphenated, please leave out the hyphen and use a space.

All foreign visitors, regardless of their nationality, traveling to Mexico for tourism, business or in transit to another destination, are exempt from presenting a Mexican visa as long as they have a valid passport issued by any the following countries: Canada, Japan, the United States of America, the United Kingdom or any of the countries comprising the Schengen Area.

Mexico Tourist Visa Exemptions

If you are a Permanent Resident of the following countries : Canada, the United States, Japan, the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, any of the countries of the Schengen Area, and any of the countries members of the “Pacific Alliance”, you do not need a visa to enter Mexico for tourism, business or transit purposes. All individuals in this category are required to present their valid and unexpired resident card along with their passports. Both documents must be valid during your entire stay in Mexico.

If you have a valid and unexpired visa for the following countries:  Canada, the United States, Japan, the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland and any of the countries of the Schengen Area, you do not need a visa to enter Mexico for tourism, business or transit purposes. All individuals in this category are required to present their valid and unexpired visa along with their passports. Both documents must be valid during your entire stay in Mexico.

If you have a passport issued by one of the following countries , you do not need a visa to visit Mexico for tourism or business purposes for up to 180 days. You may also transit in Mexico without a visa for up to 30 days.

Tourist Visa Requirements

There are people who come to Mexico who must have a Mexican tourist visa to enter Mexico. This is the same as a Mexican Citizen to enter the US. These include countries such as Russia, Philipines China, Vietnam, Thailand, etc.

Foreigners entering Mexico coming from a country that requires a tourist visa from a Mexican consulate to enter Mexico to transit through an International airport in Mexico to go on to another country, must have a valid visa.

In other words, those coming from a country that requires a Mexican tourist visa to enter Mexico, who have an onward flight and are changing planes in Mexico, must have a valid tourist visa.

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