Do I need a tourist card or a visa to enter Mexico?
If you are a U.S. or Canadian citizen traveling to Mexico for vacation, you may only need a tourist card, FMM (Forma Migratoria Múltiple, formerly called the FM-T). This tourist card is required depending upon where you will visit and how long you will be in Mexico.
(If you are visiting Mexico for other reasons, view our Business or Resident visa pages.)
Tourists/Pleasure
U.S. and Canadian Citizens ~ If the reason for your visit is for pleasure or recreation, most likely you only need a tourist card (an FMM). Tourist cards can be obtained quickly, usually within minutes, at the Mexican immigration offices at the border. A tourist card is required if:- 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.
Other Nationalities ~
- Further information is available from a Mexican Consulate, like the one in San Diego:
Countries that do not need visas, but will need an FMM
- Tijuana – Ensenada
- Sonoyta – Puerto Penasco
- Cuidad Juarez – Paquime
- Piedras Negras – Santarosa
- Reynosa – China – Presa el Cuchillo
Tourist Card - FMM
You should get a tourist card if you will be traveling south of any of the above corridors, or south of Mexicali on Highway 5.
It is important to note that in the case of Baja California even though you can 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.
What type of documentation do I need to bring with me?
U.S. and Canadian Citizens
- If you are a U.S. or Canadian citizen you will need to have a valid passport to present to the Mexican Government officials in order to get a tourist card (FMM).
- Keep in mind that for visitors returning to the U.S. by land, U.S. officials will now ask for a valid passport or passport card to grant readmission.
- If you are not a U.S. or Canadian citizen, please contact the Mexican consulate for the most current requirements on visa requirements.
How do I obtain a tourist card (FMM)?
Paying For The Tourist Card
For the most part, tourists who drive across obtain their tourist card from an immigration office at a border crossing point. 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.
Before the tourist card is fully issued, you will be sent to the bank next door to pay for it and come back with the receipt to show the immigration official. The immigration office in Tijuana and the bank are open 24 hours a day 7 days a week.
How much does a tourist card (FMM) cost?
As of February 2011, tourist cards cost $262.00 pesos (just over US $21) 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.
Tourist cards are issued per person including minors and infants.Tourist Card Tips:
- Make sure that the Mexican officials stamp your card.
- Keep your card in a safe place. It is better not to keep it on your person.
- Write your tourist card number down and keep it separate from your actual card. If you lose your card, this will help to expedite the situation with immigration.
- If you do lose your card, you will need to go to a local immigration office to obtain a new one.
Traveling with Minors
If a minor (person under 18 years old) is traveling with only one parent or another person it is necessary to bring a notarized letter signed by the absent parent(s) stating that the minor is permitted to travel with whomever they are traveling. If the parents are divorced, proof of sole and physical custody must be presented. If one parent is deceased, a death certificate is required.
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