TRAVELMEXICO
Crossing the Mexico Border

Most foreign nationals are allowed to stay in the "border zone" of Mexico for a period of 72 hours without a visa.

If you drive in, you will go through a device which will randomly show either a red or green light. A green light allows you to enter without being searched, and a red light means that your vehicle will be searched.

If you walk in, it is highly unlikely that you will be asked any questions. Although people entering Mexico are rarely asked for a passport or other form of identification, it is very important that you carry these documents.

Popular Mexico Travel destinations include: Guadalajara, Copper Canyon, Monterrey, Oaxaca, Manzanillo and Ixtapa Zihuatanejo

TRAVELMEXICO - Longer Stay

If you intend to proceed further into Mexico or stay longer than 72 hours in the border zone, you must apply for a document called an FMT. Many people are unaware of this, but it is very important because without it, you are an illegal immigrant in Mexico.

If you are flying into Mexico, forms will usually be given to you when you check in for your flight or during the flight. You fill them out on the plane, then present them to an official of Mexico's Institute Nacional de Migración (INM) upon arrival in the country. It is up to this official how long you will be allowed to stay in Mexico. They are technically allowed to give up to 180 days, but very often give only 90 days or less. Be sure to inform the official on how long you will be in Mexico. You also must present to the Mexican official proof of your identity and nationality, preferably a passport.
 

If everything is in order, the Mexican official will stamp the document and hand it back to you after writing on it the number of days you are allowed to stay in Mexico. Do not lose this. If you fly out of Mexico, it will be collected by the airline, who will fine you if you can not present it. If you enter Mexico by land, the situation is more complicated since foreigners are allowed to enter the border zone without having an FMT.

If you are driving to Mexico

you can stop at the border to do this or at the checkpoint which marks the end of the border zone. If you are traveling by bus, however, you MUST have the FMT issued before arriving at the checkpoint. If you walk in, you can easily take care of this at the border, or, if you are going through Tijuana, there is an INM office at the bus station which issues FMTs.

If you are on a bus crossing the Mexican border directly

make sure the driver will stop at the border so you can get your FMT. The fee for the FMT is 210 pesos, about US$20. When you fly in, this fee is included in the price of your ticket. However, when you arrive by land, this fee must be paid before you leave the country. Usually you can go to a number of banks (they're listed on the back of the card) and pay the bank who will stamp the card indicating that you have paid. There is usually a bank at most major border crossings so you can take care of this immediately. Sometimes at these crossing which have a bank, the official will instruct you to go to the bank first before he will issue the FMT.

Those under age 18 traveling by themselves or with only one parent will need written authorization from the absent parent(s). Contact a Mexican Embassy or Consulate for specifics on this.

US Green Card Holders: If you are a foreign national residing in the US as a permanent resident (green card holder) you do not need a visa to visit Mexico. You do need to have a valid passport and valid green card with you for the duration of your travel.
 

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