Before You Go

Getting a Tourist Card at El Chaparral

About the Immigration Office: (INM - Instituto Nacional de Migración)

Location:
Between San Ysidro (San Diego) and Tijuana. (Replaced Puerto México)

Hours of Operation:
24 hours

Mexican document issued:
FMM (Forma Migratoria Múlitple) for tourists aka tourist card or tourist "visa"

Documents accepted to get a tourist card:
Passports and passport cards only

Current tourist card (FMM) price (Jan 2017):
$533.00 pesos - appx U.S. $24; FREE for visits 7 days or less and crossing by land

Bank locations to pay for the FMM:
Right around the corner from the office

Bank names:
Banjercito and Bancomer

Bank hours:
24 hours

FAQS

Where is the immigration office at El Chaparral located?

As you cross the border, the immigration office is in the blue SAT Aduanas building on the right. The entrance to the office is on the outside of the building up a few stairs.

Is there parking available?

Yes. Parking is available in two areas. (1) By following the Declaration Lane into a parking area. This parking area is closest to Mexican Immigration (INM). AFter visting Immigration, it's easy to leave the parking facility to cross the border. Or (2) after crossing the border, just past the overhang as you leave the facility, there are spaces in the center toward the back. You may have to do a left or right u-turn in order to park. Look for the blue and yellow signs on the chain link fence that read Area de Inspección/Inspection Area. The parking lot is right after the chain link fence. Ask a customs official where you may park if you have any doubts.

Where can I get more details about the tourist card (FMM)?

Read our page about Mexican Tourist Cards (FMM) and our article about 2015 Mexican Tourist Card (FMM) Changes

Note: This article only describes the small immigration office where Mexican tourist cards are issued. For resident cards and visas, visit the main immigration office.

PreviousFAQs for Entry and Exit NextVehicle Permits for Mexico