Updated March 29, 2023
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?
At this time, officials are not frequently checking for FMMs when driving across the border. However, it is important to note that there have been immigration checkpoints on the highways recently. The FMM is legally required in Mexico, so you may be turned around at checkpoint if you don't have a valid FMM on you.
What is a tourist card (FMM)?
According to the INM, an FMM, or Forma Migratoria Múltiple is an "admission document" issued to vacationing visitors of certain nationalities. Although the tourist card (FMM) is also popularly known as a tourist "visa," it is not officially a visa. U.S. and Canadian citizens driving to Mexico for vacation may obtain a tourist card (FMM) within minutes at a Mexican immigration office at the border with only a valid passport or passport card. The tourist card application is now available online as well. The tourist card (FMM) may be issued for up to 180 days and is issued per person including children.
What type of documentation do I need to obtain a tourist card (FMM)?
If you are a U.S. or Canadian citizen you will need to have a valid passport or passport card to present to the Mexican Immigration officials in order to get a tourist card (FMM).
What information is asked on the tourist card (FMM) form?
The following information as it appears on your passport:
- Full name
- Nationality
- Date of birth
- Passport number
- Purpose of trip
- How you are entering Mexico: air, sea, land
When is a tourist card (FMM) free?
The tourist card is free if your stay in Mexico is 7 days or less and you are traveling by land into Baja. This isn't frequently advertised. Ask your local INM official.
How much does a tourist card (FMM) cost?
As of early 2023, tourist cards cost $717.00 pesos (appx U.S. $43) and may be issued for up to 180 days. It is advisable to have your card valid for 180 days even if you don't plan on staying in Mexico that long. It is easier to already have the time granted to you than extend your card later if you stay longer.
Is it possible to enter and exit Baja multiple times with the same tourist card (FMM)?
Yes. The INM delegate for Baja California Norte announced in September 2015 that the FMM is now multiple entry for land travel in Baja California Norte only.
What if I lose my tourist card (FMM)?
If you lose your tourist card, visit the nearest INM office in order to obtain a new one.
Does the tourist card (FMM) have to be returned to INM?
According to INM, returning the FMM is not necessary in Baja California if you traveled by land. Although there is a statement on the back of the FMM saying to return it, there is no procedure about how to return it or where to return it when crossing by land. The Federal INM Delegate in other regions may require that you turn it in and get an exit stamp. If you are not in the Baja Peninsula, it would be best to check with your local INM office.
How do I obtain a tourist card (FMM)?
The tourist card (FMM) application is available online or by stopping at an immigration office at the border. View the online application.
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)?
If you are a U.S. or Canadian citizen traveling to Mexico for tourist reasons, you may only need 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?
A tourist card (FMM) is required for all tourists who enter Mexico.
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.
Sources:
Baja Bound staff, INM,U.S. Dept of State
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