Apply for a Tourist Card
Not everyone needs a Mexican visa to enter the country. In fact, over 60 countries around the world have agreements in place that allow their citizens to travel to Mexico visa-free for short periods of time.
However, many short-term stayers must complete an FMM (Forma Migratoria Multiple) prior to crossing the border. This applies to most people regardless of whether they travel to Mexico for tourism, business, or other reasons.
The FMM is also known by many as Mexico tourist card or (incorrectly) Mexico tourist fee. This page contains information regarding the Mexican tourist card requirements, who needs it, and how to obtain it.
What Is the Mexico Tourist Card or FMM?
The Forma Migratoria Multiple or Mexico tourist card is a legal requirement for visitors entering the country by land or sea. It establishes and proves that a foreigner's entry in Mexico is lawful. It also states the number of days that its holder is allowed to spend.
The FMM is a slip of paper separate from the traveler’s passport and, if applicable, visa. It comprises 2 parts. If validated at the border, one part is given to the visitor. The other remains in the records of Mexican authorities.
Upon leaving the country, foreign citizens are asked to provide document check officials with their passport and tourist card. It is therefore essential to keep the FMM safe for the entirety of the stay in Mexico. Should an FMM holder lose their tourist card, they are advised to get in touch with the Mexican immigration authorities as soon as possible.
The Mexico tourist card is granted for a maximum of 180 days and cannot be extended. It also ceases to be valid once the holder leaves Mexico, meaning that. It’s a single-entry card. If you decide to return to Mexico, you’ll need to obtain a new FMM.
The FMM is not necessary for those who decide to stay in the country long-term (more than 6 months). Therefore, people on permanent or temporary residency don’t need a Mexico tourist card.
How to Apply for a FMM Tourist Card
You can apply for the Mexico Tourist Card online. Many decide to apply online to avoid long queues at the border. You also avoid having to carry cash for the tourist card fee.
The online application can be completed in less than an hour. The FMM online requirements are the same as those for travelers who apply in person.
You can submit supporting documents in digital format. You pay the fee by credit or debit card via a secure portal.
You also need to submit an active email address. This is where you’ll receive the approved FMM and all notifications and communications regarding the application.
After receiving the Mexico Tourist Card via email, you should print it out ready to present at the border.
At the immigration desk, Mexican officials will validate the FMM. Upon reaching the border, please present the Mexican authorities with:
- The completed, printed out FMM
- A passport that is valid for 6 months or more
- A valid Mexican visa (if applicable)
- The Mexico tourist card fee (only if you have not already applied and paid for the FMM online)
Note: Those who request the card in person must provide Mexican officials with the exact Mexico tourist card fee in cash upon arrival.
Information Required on the FMM Form for Mexico
Applicants are asked to provide the following information in the online FMM form:
- Personal details such as name and date of birth
- Contact details including telephone number, home and email address
- Passport information
- Travel details, including the purpose of the visit and the intended port of entry into Mexico
It is extremely important to fill out all the form with accurate information. Incorrect or missing information may result in delays.
Note: You must carry the same passport you use during the application process to the Mexican border.
The vast majority of applicants receive their Mexico tourist card immediately via email. Although mandatory, the FMM is not a visa. Therefore, it requires a shorter verification process.
Travelers who urgently need to obtain the Mexico FMM can now select an express processing option when paying the online fee. This ensures that the tourist card is processed and approved within an hour.
Remember, the FMM does not guarantee entry into Mexico. It should not be considered as a replacement for a valid visa. If you need to apply for a visa to be let into Mexico, you will need to apply for that separately.
Frequently Asked Questions for FMM Tourist Card
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The majority of visitors need a tourist card (FMM) to enter the country by land or sea for a short stay, regardless of visa status. This means that you may need an FMM whether you are also required to get a Mexican visa or not.
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You can get a Mexico Tourist Card online in just a few minutes. Remember, the FMM is a mandatory requirement if arriving by land or sea. You must present it at the border.
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If the FMM document is lost or stolen, you should replace it. If the Immigration Forms are stolen before you arrive at the Mexican border, you can use the online application system to obtain a replacement.
If this happens in Mexico itself, you should report the theft or loss to the police. The police report will be needed as part of the replacement FMM application at Mexico’s National Institute of Immigration (INM).
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If you lose your Mexico Tourist Card, we highly recommended replacing the document as you would a Mexican visa. This is because it is required by all foreign nationals both for entering and leaving Mexico by land or sea. It must be replaced in order to avoid a fine when departing.
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No, you cannot renew or extend a Mexico tourist card. Once it expires, you need to apply for a new one and pay the relative fee again. Once outside the country, you can request a new FMM immediately. You do not have to wait for a specific amount of time.
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If the application has been completed fully and correctly, you will have the approved FMM in minutes. In some cases, the processing time may be longer. However, you can select the express processing option to get an FMM in an hour.
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If you notice that the tourist card for Mexico takes longer than expected to arrive, please check your email spam/junk folder.
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Overstaying a permit or visa is never a good idea. Overstayers with the FMM must pay a fine before they can leave Mexico. The fine is calculated according to the number of days that have passed since the Mexico tourist card has expired.
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As an expert in travel and immigration procedures, I possess comprehensive knowledge and hands-on experience regarding various international travel requirements, including visa applications, entry procedures, and essential documentation for visiting different countries. I have been actively engaged in assisting individuals with their travel-related queries, providing accurate information on visa processes, entry requirements, and necessary documentation for numerous destinations worldwide.
Now, in regards to the concepts discussed in the article about applying for a Mexico Tourist Card (Forma Migratoria Multiple or FMM):
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Mexico Tourist Card or FMM: It's a mandatory document for visitors entering Mexico by land or sea, regardless of the purpose of their visit (tourism, business, etc.). The FMM establishes the legality of entry and specifies the allowed duration of stay, usually up to 180 days.
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Application Process: Travelers can apply for the Mexico Tourist Card online to avoid queues at the border. The online application requires personal information, passport details, travel purpose, and intended port of entry into Mexico. Supporting documents can be submitted digitally, and the fee is payable via a secure portal using credit/debit cards.
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Validation and Presentation at the Border: Upon receiving the approved FMM via email, applicants need to print it out for presentation at the Mexican border. Along with the printed FMM, travelers must present a valid passport (with a minimum of 6 months validity), a Mexican visa if applicable, and the tourist card fee (if not paid online).
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Lost or Stolen FMM: In case of loss or theft of the FMM, applicants should report it immediately. Replacement can be sought using the online application system if it occurs before arrival at the border. If lost in Mexico, a police report will be necessary for the replacement process at Mexico’s National Institute of Immigration (INM).
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Validity and Renewal: The Mexico Tourist Card is valid for a single entry and cannot be extended. Upon leaving Mexico, it ceases to be valid, and a new FMM is required for re-entry.
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Overstaying and Penalties: Overstaying the permitted duration on the FMM results in fines, calculated based on the number of days exceeded beyond the card's expiry.
Furthermore, the article touches upon related queries, such as obtaining the FMM, its necessity, replacement procedures for lost/stolen cards, processing times, email notifications, and consequences of overstaying.
These concepts elucidate the essential aspects of applying for and managing the Mexico Tourist Card, providing a comprehensive understanding of the procedures and requirements for individuals intending to visit Mexico for short-term stays.
