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Mexican Tourist Cards (FMM)

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
Issued to U.S., Canadian and other nationalities for vacation purposes
Easily obtained at an INM office at the border, not available online
Requires a valid passport or passport card
Cost as of February 2013, $295 Pesos (appx U.S. $25) per person
May be issued for up to 180 days

See where to get a tourist card at the El Chaparral border crossing (San Ysidro/Tijuana).

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 (FMM) may be issued for up to 180 days and is issued per person including children.

Tourist Card - FMM

When is a tourist card (FMM) required?

A tourist card (FMM) is required when:

The visit is 72 hours or more
OR
The visit is outside the limits of the border zone or tourist corridors established by the Mexican government. The border zone varies slightly from one Mexican border state to another, but is an area south of the U.S. border down approximately 20 to 30 kilometers (12.4 to 18.6 miles) into Mexico.

The tourist corridors are as follows:

Tijuana – Ensenada
Mexicali - San Felipe
Sonoyta – Puerto Penasco
Cuidad Juarez – Paquime
Piedras Negras – Santarosa
Reynosa – China – Presa el Cuchillo

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 must have a tourist card if you plan to travel south of Maneadero.

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 Coutries and Regions That Do Not Require a Visa To Travel to Mexico - but DO require an FMM.

List of Countries and Regions That Require a Visa to Travel to Mexico

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

How do I obtain a tourist card (FMM)?

Most tourists who drive across the border obtain their tourist card from an immigration office at the border crossing. They are also available at border zone airports, airlines flying to Mexico, travel agencies and other ports. Tourist cards are no longer available at Mexican Consulates. 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.

How much does a tourist card (FMM) cost?

As of February 2013, tourist cards cost $295.00 pesos (appx U.S. $25) and can 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 the tourist card (FMM) available online?

No. It must be obtained from an INM office.

What is the general procedure to get a tourist card (FMM)?

1. Fill out an FMM form at the immigration office
2. Walk to the nearby bank and pay for the tourist card
3. Return to the immigration office to get your tourist card stamped

Is it possible to enter and exit Mexico multiple times with the same tourist card (FMM)?

Tourist cards (FMM) are not multiple entry, therefore each time you enter Mexico, you will need a new one.

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?

Yes. The back of the FMM document states "...surrender it upon leaving the country."

Tourist Card Tips:

Make sure that the Mexican officials stamp your card.
Keep your card in a safe place.
It is recommended to write down your FMM number in case it is lost or stolen.
Return the tourist card (FMM) to an INM office upon leaving Mexico.

Sources: Baja Bound staff, INM, U.S. Dept of State