Learn About Your Mexico Visitors Permit, FMM (2024)

People who come to 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 can complete a visitors permit, known as Forma Migratoria Multipleor FMM, at the port of entry.

  • If you arrive in Mexico by land, you will need to get a visitors permit at the port of entry;
  • If you fly to Mexico, air crews on international flights might hand-out the visitor permit forms before the flight lands, and they are also available at Mexican airports, near the immigration desks
  • You can get your FMM online and print this out to take with you; the official at the port of entry will stamp the printed form.
  • If you are visiting a Mexican port(s) as part of a cruise ship, you’ll need to get a visitors permit at your first Mexican port of call.

(If the country that issued your passport appears onthis list of countries which do require a visa for Mexico, read this.)

Mexico is phasing out paper versions of the FMM

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

Read this article for further details.

Fee for Mexico’s Visitor Visa (FMM)

If you arrive by land and leave Mexico within 7 days of your arrival date, there is no fee for the permit. If you fly into Mexico from overseas, the fee is usually included within your air ticket’s “fees and surcharges.” The fee is approximately US$25.

Keep Your Visitors Permit (FMM) Safe

Once completed, the immigration official at the port of entry will stamp both halves of the form and hand you the smaller half, stamped with the date you entered the country. It’s important to keep this document safe, as you will need to surrender it when you leave Mexico.

If you are departing Mexico on a flight, your airline will insist you surrender your stamped half of the Visitors Permit to them before they allow you to board.

If you have a Visitors Permit and are leaving the country by land you should voluntarily surrender your form to an immigration official before your departure. Failure to do so might cause delays the next time you try and enter Mexico.

Your Mexico Visitor Permit: FAQs

Here are the most frequently asked questions about Mexico’s visitor permit

How long can I stay in Mexico with a Visitors Permit (FMM)?

Your visitor permit is valid for the number of days granted by the immigration official and written on the permit —that will never exceed 180 days, but may be less than 180 days— starting from the date of your arrival. The arrival date is always stamped on the permit.

Read this article about the number of days being granted to people arriving in Mexico under auspice of a visitor permit, FMM.

This allowance is given per entry: every time you exit and re-enter Mexico on another date the allowance ‘resets.’ (You surrender your current FMM when you leave and get a new FMM when you return.)

  • If you enter Mexico as a tourist or visitor, to volunteer, or as a business visitor, then the immigration official at the port of entry will grant you a maximum 180 days to stay in Mexico.
  • The number of days you are allowed to stay will be written on the part of the form that’s handed to you for safe-keeping.
  • The date stamped on your permit is your arrival date.
  • To determine the latest date you must leave Mexico, count the number days (some months are longer than others) from the arrival date stamped on your form.

Caution about Tampering with your FMM form

We’ve seen stories on Social Media that suggest some people might be manually altering the number of days written on the form. The form has a unique serial number printed on it that correlates to an electronic record of your entry to Mexico. The number of days you are granted is stored on that record and the INM will not take kindly to anyone tampering with the form by altering the number of days written on it by the immigration official.

What happens if I overstay my Visitor Permit?

If you overstay the time you were granted on your visitors permit (see previous question about validity), 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.

The amount of the fine depends on how long you have overstayed; it is calculated on a per-day basis; contact your local immigration office (or the immigration kiosk at the airport) for details.

Can my Visitor Permit be extended or renewed?

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

Check your form to calculate your exit date based on the number of days you have been given: you must leave Mexico before it expires.

Learn more about the number of days being granted to people arriving in Mexico under the auspice of a visitor permit, FMM.

How long do I have to remain outside of Mexico before returning under the auspice of a new Visitor Permit?

There is no time limit to remain outside the country before re-entering using a new FMM—and thus obtaining up to another (maximum of) 180 days to stay in Mexico. There is also no limit on how many times you can re-enter Mexico each year with a new FMM; however, see the caution note below about continual exit and re-entry to Mexico using a FMM.

Caution – Using a visitor permit for continual re-entry to Mexico

Some people have been using the flexibility of the FMM to stay in Mexico longer-term—leaving Mexico when it expires, and re-entering Mexico again in short order.

However, with today’s computerized entry and exit systems, immigration officials at ports of entry have ready-access to your movements through Mexico and ‘perpetual visitors’ —people who continuously enter, stay for a few months, exit and then re-enter Mexico in short order— are now having their intentions questioned at the port of entry.

We know of cases where people have been turned away at the border after trying to re-enter Mexico continually using a FMM; if you intend to stay in Mexico longer-term, we recommend you consider applying for residency in Mexico.

Also: Read this article about changes in the number of days being granted to people arriving in Mexico under auspice of a visitor permit, FMM.

Can a Visitor Permit be exchanged for a Residency Permit?

In a small number of circumstances, mostly related to Family Unit situations, a Visitor’s Permit can be exchanged for a residency permit in-country, but most people need to begin their application for residency in Mexico at a Mexican Consulate abroad.

What if I lose my Visitor Permit?

If you lose your Visitors Permit (FMM) while you’re in Mexico, you will need to visit one of the local immigration offices situated in towns and cities across the country, or at the airport, and apply for a replacement before you can leave. This will involve some form-filling and filing, and a trip to a local bank to pay your permit replacement fee (about US$40) before you return to the immigration office to receive your FMM replacement.

Mexico is phasing out paper versions of the FMM

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

Read this article for further details.

What happens if I accidentally kept my Visitor Permit after leaving Mexico?

We sometimes get emails from readers who have arrived home and realized that they still have their FMM tourist permits, usually after driving back across the Mexico-US border. The best thing to do, if this happens to you, is to contact your nearest Mexican Consulate, who will advise what to do.

How do I apply for a Visitor Permit FMM online?

You can apply for your visitor permit online, make the payment, print-out the form and get this stamped/confirmed at the border.

Note that authorization for entry and the number of days granted remains at the discretion of the immigration official at the port of entry, even if you pre-apply online.

See the eFMM Application Pageon the Mexican immigration site for details, terms and conditions.

If you have questions or experience difficulties with the online procedure, please contact the INM directly–Mexperience cannot help you with issues related to online FMMs.

Further information

Here is some further information you may find helpful:

Documentation required for entry to Mexico

For a summary of the documentation required to enter Mexico, see Documents required for travel and entry to Mexico

Entry entry procedures at the Mexican border

To learn about the procedures at the Mexican border see Procedures for entering and leaving Mexico

Obtaining legal residency in Mexico

Mexperience publishes information and resources to help you learn about how to apply for and obtain legal residency in Mexico:

  • Learn about the principalroutes to obtaining legal residency
  • Rea about thefinancial criteria to qualify for residency in Mexico
  • See the latestresidency-related feescharged by Mexico’s government
  • Download our free eBook:Mexico Immigration Guidethat encapsulates essential information about visas and residency permits for Mexico.

Mexico in your inbox

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

Learn About Your Mexico Visitors Permit, FMM (2024)

FAQs

Do you still need a FMM form to enter Mexico? ›

ALL foreign citizens traveling to Mexico MUST fill out an Official Entry Immigration Form (FMM) prior to their arrival to Mexico. To ease the immigration entry process now you can fill out the Immigration Form(s) in the comfort of your home or office.

Do US citizens need FMM Mexico? ›

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.

Do I have to fill out the FMM form online? ›

The FMM form for Mexico can only be filled in online if you travel by land, it cannot be filled in online if you're traveling by sea or air.

How much does FMM cost? ›

How Much Does It Cost? As of 2021, the fee for an FMM is $687 MXN (approx $36 USD) to the INM office processing your visa at the border. The immigration officer will give a break off a part of the FMM when you come into Mexico.

Can I fill out FMM form at airport? ›

Applications can be found at the airport, and you need to complete the FMM form for Mexico before you get your turn at the FMM service counter. Once you do that, you hand it to the immigration officer, he or she will rip it in half and you will get one.

What happens if I dont get an FMM? ›

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.

Do I need a FMM to go to Mexico by plane? ›

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.

Is Mexico FMM card free? ›

Fee for Mexico's Visitor Visa (FMM)

If you arrive by land and leave Mexico within 7 days of your arrival date, there is no fee for the permit. If you fly into Mexico from overseas, the fee is usually included within your air ticket's “fees and surcharges.” The fee is approximately US$25.

Where do I get a FMM form? ›

Filling the FMM Form

Filling Application Form: The FMM form is simple to fill online by visiting the website natvisa.com. It will not take you more than 5 minutes to apply for the Mexico Tourist Card.

Do I need a FMM to go to Cancun? ›

You NO longer need to fill out the Forma Migratoria Multiple (FMM) also known as Tourist Card. There are some exceptions: If you are flying to/from ANY OTHER airport in Mexico NOT listed above, then you may still need to fill out the Immigration Form "manually" when you arrive or depart from another airport in Mexico.

Does my FMM form need to be printed? ›

Is it submitted online, or just print and take to immigration when you arrive? Don't panic, though. You do not HAVE to do it online. It's just an option, becoming more popular recently as many airlines seem to not be giving them out anymore on the plane down.

How long does it take to get FMM? ›

You can get an FMM at the border within minutes if you are eligible. All you need is a valid passport. Mexico also offers online FMM applications as well. You simply fill out the form, print it out, and bring it with you to get stamped by immigration authorities when you arrive.

Is FMM same as tourist card? ›

The FMM (Forma Migratoria Multiple or Multiple Immigration Form) is also known as the Mexican tourist card. If you are a citizen of one of the countries selected to apply for the FMM online, you can save yourself the hassle and queues once you arrive in Mexico.

What forms do I need to fill out when entering Mexico? ›

To enter Mexico, you must have the following documents:
  • A valid passport or travel document. ...
  • A properly completed Multiple Migratory Form (FMM). ...
  • Mexican immigration officers at the port of entry may request additional documents depending on the purpose/activity of your trip.

How long does FMM last? ›

Mexico's visitor permit (FMM) allows visitors to remain in Mexico for a maximum of 180 days but the number of days granted has always been at the discretion of the immigration official at the port of entry.

Where can I get FMM stamped? ›

Crossing the Border and Getting your FMM Stamped

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.

How do I pay for FMM? ›

FAQs about Tourist Cards (FMM):
  1. Fill out a tourist card (FMM) form at the immigration office (INM) and walk to the nearby bank and pay for the tourist card.
  2. Or fill out the online tourist card (FMM) application and pay online with a Visa or Mastercard credit or debit card.
Jun 30, 2021

Do US citizens need Mexico tourist card? ›

Yes. Every foreign traveler wishing to visit Mexico must apply for a Mexico Tourist Card, including children.

What does a US citizen need to enter from Mexico? ›

U.S. citizens must present a valid U.S. passport book or card, in addition to an entry permit (Forma Migratoria Multiple or FMM) issued by Instituto Nacional de Migración (INM).

How do I get a Mexican FMM? ›

Travelers can simply fill out the online application, which is designed to be quick and straightforward. Applicants need to have access to a reliable internet connection. They should also make sure that their passport is valid for at least 6 (six) months from the date they intend to arrive in Mexico.

What documents do I need to travel to Mexico by Air 2022? ›

A valid passport book is required to enter Mexico by air, and those attempting to enter at an airport with a U.S. passport card only may be denied admission.

What forms do I need to complete to enter Mexico? ›

If you're visiting Mexico as a tourist you don't need to apply for a visa in advance, but you do need a stamped 'Forma Migratoria Múltiple' (FMM) which you will receive on arrival by completing an immigration form available at border crossings or on-board flights to Mexico.

What paperwork do I need to get into Mexico? ›

U.S. citizens must present a valid U.S. passport book or card, in addition to an entry permit (Forma Migratoria Multiple or FMM) issued by Instituto Nacional de Migración (INM). Travelers should be sure to enter Mexico with valid proof of automobile registration, even if remaining in the border zone.

Do US citizens need a tourist card for Mexico? ›

Yes. Every foreign traveler wishing to visit Mexico must apply for a Mexico Tourist Card, including children.

Do US citizens need visa for Mexico? ›

Do US Citizens Need A Visa To Go To Mexico? No, US citizens do not need a Mexica Visa. US citizens enjoy visa-free travel to Mexico for up to 180 days.

Is FMM still required? ›

You NO longer need to fill out the Forma Migratoria Multiple (FMM) also known as Tourist Card.

How do I get the Mexican FMM online? ›

How to get FMM for Mexico
  1. Complete online application. Prepare your passport and fill out our simple online application form in less than 5 minutes.
  2. Receive your tourist card. You'll get the document on your email in a couple of days. No need to go anywhere!
  3. Start your journey. Get ready to go!

Can you get a Mexican tourist card at the airport? ›

You can 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 Tourist Card ONLINE otherwise you will need to fill out a form "manually" aboard the plane or when you arrive at an airport in Mexico.

What documents do I need to cross the Mexican border? ›

Mexico Border Crossing Requirements
  • Valid U.S. Passport (or U.S. Green Card)
  • Mexico auto insurance policy.
  • Valid U.S. Driver's License (or International Driving Permit)
  • Vehicle registration documents.
  • Temporary Vehicle Importation Permit (TVIP)
  • Mexico Tourist Card (Forma Migratoria Múltiple, or FMM)
Jan 19, 2023

Is there a fee to enter Mexico? ›

Mexico charges a fee to all tourists and business visitors arriving in the country. The fee is approximately US$25. If you are visiting a Mexican port(s) as part of a cruise ship, you'll need to get a visitors permit at your first Mexican port of call.

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