Crossing Border & Getting Your FMM Stamp — Escapar a La Baja - Vanlife Gathering Baja California (2024)

Crossing Border & Getting Your FMM Stamp — Escapar a La Baja - Vanlife Gathering Baja California (1)

Crossing the Border and Getting your FMM Stamped

Crossing at San Ysidro, Tecate, and Mexicali and getting your FMM

Crossing into Mexico can be intimidating at first, but once you’ve done it once, it’ll be smooth sailing. The important thing to remember is to get you FMM stamped, and here is where to do it at each of the border crossings, at San Diego / San Ysidro / Tijuana, Tecate, and Mexicali / Calexico. A Forma Migratoria Múltiple, aka FMM, is required to travel in Mexico. It can be obtained at the border at an INM (Instituto Nacional de Migración) office or online here. Note: Even if you obtained your FMM online, you still need to stop and get it stamped.

San Diego / Tijuana Crossing

Tijuana Customs - Garita El Chaparral

Canalización Rio Tijuana s/n, Federal, 22010 Tijuana, B.C., Mexico

When approaching the border on I-5 stay in the far right lane. When I-805 merges into I-5, immediately move to the far right lane. Follow signs saying "Something to Declare (Autodeclaración)" When approaching the plaza, the crossing will be a sharp left. Instead continue straight to reach the other side of the plaza and there will be a small parking lot for declarations. Park here and have your FMM stamped inside.

Calexico / Mexicali West Crossing

Puerto Fronterizo Mexicali I

Calz. de los Presidentes S/N, Río Nuevo, 21120 Mexicali, B.C.

Keep to the left. Park in the declarations lot and walk into the building next to it to get your stamp. (Ignore the map image, it hasn’t been updated since construction was completed.

Tecate Crossing

Control de Aduanas de Tecate

Pdte. Lázaro Cárdenas 190, Primera, 21400 Tecate, B.C., Mexico

Make a right turn immediately after you cross the inspection area.

Crossing Border & Getting Your FMM Stamp — Escapar a La Baja - Vanlife Gathering Baja California (2024)

FAQs

Is an FMM required for Baja California? ›

If you are driving to Baja and will be there for seven days or less, you may obtain this document for free at the Immigration office at the border. For visits of eight days or more, paid FMM tourist permits are required. Children ages two and older must have an FMM.

Where can I get my FMM stamped? ›

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.

Do you need a passport to go to Baja California? ›

Citizens and Lawful Permanent Residents. When crossing the border back and forth between Baja and San Diego, you'll need to have a valid passport or other acceptable identification handy.

What do you need to cross the border from Mexico to California? ›

Documents You Will Need

All U.S. citizens need U.S. passport books if re-entering by air. Land and sea border crossings accept additional travel documents, such as U.S. Passport cards and Trusted Traveler cards. Child travelers have additional options - see the Traveling with Children section.

Can I enter Mexico without FMM? ›

Stays less than 72 hours within the border area, do not require an Official Entry Immigration Form (FMM). U.S. citizens who travel as tourists beyond the “border zone” or enter by air must fill out an Official Entry Immigration Form (FMM), which is provided by commercial airlines or at the Mexican airport of entry.

How much does FMM cost? ›

Online Mexico FMM Tourist Card Facts:

Print out the FMM form in minutes. The fee as of 2023: $717.00 Pesos - approximately U.S. $43 per person. The fee may be paid by Visa or Mastercard only (credit or debit card)

Can I get FMM online? ›

If you are a foreigner entering Mexico you will need to present a completed FMM Form. Complete the form online, save time and expedite your crossing. You will be required to present a printed copy of the completed form on the day of your trip.

Is FMM still required? ›

The Forma Migratoria Multiple (FMM), commonly known as the Tourist Card, is no longer required for travelers arriving or departing from the following Mexican airports: Cancun International Airport (CUN) Cozumel International Airport (CZM) Los Cabos International Airport (SJD)

Does FMM need to be printed? ›

You'll receive an acceptance email that you must print and bring with you to get stamped at the border. 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.

Can I drive my car into Baja California? ›

There is no permit requirement for visiting the entire peninsula of Baja. There is a permit requirement to travel into mainland Mexico or if you will take the ferry from Baja to the mainland. Visit our vehicle permit page for more information on how to obtain a Mexican vehicle permit.

Is Baja part of California or Mexico? ›

Baja California (Spanish pronunciation: [ˈbaxa kaliˈfoɾnja]; 'Lower California'), officially Estado Libre y Soberano de Baja California (English: Free and Sovereign State of Baja California), is a state in Mexico. It is the northernmost and westernmost of the 32 federal entities of Mexico.

What does border Patrol look for when crossing? ›

At Checkpoints

Border Patrol may stop vehicles at certain checkpoints to: (1) ask a few, limited questions to verify citizenship of the vehicles' occupants and (2) visually inspect the exterior of a vehicle.

When you cross the border, what do they check for? ›

What Information Do Immigration Officers in the U.S. Have?
  • Name.
  • Country of citizenship.
  • Home address.
  • Date of birth.
  • Method of travel.
  • Purpose of travel.

What needs to be declared at Mexico border? ›

You must declare medicines, animals, and agricultural products, if they are not for personal use and enjoyment. Otherwise you will be committing a crime. You must declare U.S. currency or the equivalent or any other monetary instruments valued in excess of $10,000.

Is the FMM form no longer required in Mexico? ›

The Forma Migratoria Multiple (FMM), commonly known as the Tourist Card, is no longer required for travelers arriving or departing from the following Mexican airports: Cancun International Airport (CUN) Cozumel International Airport (CZM) Los Cabos International Airport (SJD)

Do you need a permit to travel to Baja California? ›

There is no permit requirement for visiting the entire peninsula of Baja. There is a permit requirement to travel into mainland Mexico or if you will take the ferry from Baja to the mainland. Visit our vehicle permit page for more information on how to obtain a Mexican vehicle permit.

Do you need a temporary import permit for Baja California? ›

The entire Baja Peninsula is considered part of Mexico Free Zone, meaning your are not required to get a temporary vehicle import permit if you plan to drive your US or Canadian registered vehicle in Baja. However, if you plan to drive to mainland Mexico, you will need to get a Mexican temporary vehicle import permit.

Do I need an FMM for Cabo San Lucas? ›

SJD Los Cabos Airport, San Jose del´Cabo International Airport Visitors require a passport and the “Migration Form for Tourists, Transmigrants, Visiting Businesspersons, or Visiting Consultants” [commonly referred to as a FMM Tourist Card or, an FMM (“Forma Migratoria Múltiple,” previously referred to as an FMT), is a ...

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