A tourist visa is a “Forma Migratoria Multiple” (FMM) and one is not required for those under the age of two. It is required for everyone else, even in the “Free Zones”, unless you are a legal resident. It allows one to enter Mexico, one time, for up to 180 days but recently, often 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 638 pesos.

FMM cards are being eliminated throughout Mexico. When a person enters Mexico, you may not be issued a FMM. You may 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 180.

Similarly, when a person has a pre-approved visa from a Mexican consulate as found in their passport, a FMM may not be issued and if not, then a date will be stamped on the pre-approved visa. As well, written will be “CANJE 30 days”. For those with no FMM and stamps on your pre-approved visa, you must scan the QR code (as below) 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 corroborated the information is correct, select “Ingresos” and next 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. For clients, I will do this for you.

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.

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.

Electronic FMM Tourist Card

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. I do not recommend obtaining a FMM on-line. Reasons are:

1. Some web sites are fraudulent and charge as much as $50 extra.

2. A FMM is included in your airfare.

3. At most airports FMM’s are no longer used and soon will be eliminated altogether.

The traditional way of obtaining the FMM at ports of entry is still available at some border points of entry and airports. The electronic version allows you to fill out the form in advance. 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 and will be required when you leave the country.

Prior to your FMM expiration normally you return to the border. At some Immigration offices there is a temporary program and you may apply for a new FMM. Financials may be required along with certified translations. Names on your passport and financials must be exactly the same. There is a review fee, a fine and the cost of the FMM tourist card. Those three costs paid to Immigration depending on fine plus possibly certified translations is a minimum of 5000 pesos plus the cost of someone to assist. The FMM fee is currently 638 pesos per person. If your FMM does expire while in Mexico, and you are flying out, please go to Inmigracion at the airport and pay for another prior to boarding your plane.

​In Mexico, as a tourist, you must carry both your passport and original FMM tourist card.

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 visa 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 have a regular 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.