Driving into Tijuana, how do I get a tourist card (FMM)? Do I need one?
I will be driving into Mexico for my first time. I am a U.S. citizen and will be in Mexico for about 4 days in the Tijuana area. I've read online that I need to get an FMM form because I will be there for more than 72 hours, do I need to do this before I enter Mexico? Is the process obvious enough for me to figure out on the spot or should I keep doing research so I know exactly what to expect when I cross the border into Mexico.
Best Answer
From the Baja Bound Site:
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.
So you will get the card at the border crossing.
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Quick Answer about "Driving into Tijuana, how do I get a tourist card (FMM)? Do I need one?"
Do you need an FMM for Tijuana?
Yes. Mexican law requires that tourists from the U.S. and Canada have an FMM tourist permit for any trip into Baja. You may encounter INM checkpoints along the peninsula where they will ask to see your passport and FMM.Do you need a FMM form to enter Mexico?
ALL foreign citizens traveling to Mexico MUST fill out an Official Entry Immigration Form (FMM) prior to their arrival to Mexico. To ease the immigration entry process now you can fill out the Immigration Form(s) in the comfort of your home or office.Do I need to fill out FMM?
Completing the tourist card application form in person Arriving by land: foreigners must get and fill out a Mexico tourist card at the border crossing point of their choice. Arriving by sea: cruise passengers need to hand a completed FMM to the Mexican authorities at the first point of entry.What happens if you dont have an FMM in Mexico?
If you don't get an FMM form on the plane, you can get one at immigration when you land. Once you land, follow the signs to immigration. You'll present your passport and FMM form to the immigration official and they'll stamp you into Mexico.Where to get your FMM Tourist Card stamped @ the (San Ysidro) El Chapparral Border
More answers regarding driving into Tijuana, how do I get a tourist card (FMM)? Do I need one?
Answer 2
Unlike at most borders, the road doesn't automatically take you through passport control, meaning you drive through the border unchecked.
You can obtain an FMM in advance HERE
Or, alternatively, locate an immigration office shortly after crossing the border, where you obtain the FMM and passport stamp.
And yes, you do need it for staying more than 72 hours; however unless running into a police check, you can get away with not obtaining it in practice - as again Mexico doesn't operate border checks at the border with the US.
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