Mexico Tourist Card (FMM)

Mexico Tourist Card Explained

The Tourist Card is a travel document that grants travellers from different countries entry to Mexico. Keep in mind some travelers will need to obtain a visa and a Tourist Card, however most will only need the card. Visitors that only require the Mexico Tourist Card can just apply online and the document will be sent to them on their email. The Tourist Card is only applicable for those who are travelling to Mexico by air or land.

The Tourist Card is in no way a substitute for a Mexico visa. While people from most countries can enter Mexico with a Mexico Tourist Card, people of certain nationalities might have to acquire both the Tourist Card and a Mexico visa. Therefore, depending upon the citizenship of an individual, one needs to apply for either of the documents (in some case both) to enter Mexico.

Mexico Visa for Travelers That Require It

Again, most travelers will not require a visa to Mexico. However, if a visa is required, it is advised to contact a Mexican embassy in the country of origin. The Mexico visa application shouldn't be too complicated; this will depend on how long the stay will be and if the purpose of visits falls outside the typical tourism or business visit. 

If a visa to Mexico is needed, it is important to remember the Tourist Card (FMM) will also be needed. The card is a must no matter what.

The great news is, if visitors have an active Schengen visa or a US F1 visa, they do not require to get a Mexican visa. 

As long as they can show proof the the Schengen visa is in good standing, all they need is the Tourist Card. Also, if they have an active visa, or permanent residency to the USA, Canada, Japan, or The United Kingdom, they wont need the Mexico visa, only the Tourist Card.

Arriving by Air

The Mexico Tourist Card for Air is for individuals arriving in Mexico by air only. 

This form must be applied for online prior to departure from the country of origin. Keep in mind that most airlines are no longer handing out the card so it is important to get this before leaving to the airport. 

This card is needed for all international arrivals. Once they arrive at the international airport, an immigration officer will ask to see the Tourist Card details and the itinerary paper. 

Once this is cleared, travelers will be able to pass through Immigration.

Arriving by Land

The Mexico Tourist Card for Land is for travelers who will be arriving in Mexico at a land border crossing. 

International visitors will need to apply for and obtain the card before they attempt to enter Mexico by land. Applications can be filled out before leaving the visitor's home country. 

While these cards are sometimes available at the border, this is not guaranteed and the best way to ensure entry into Mexico is to apply for the card before leaving. 

Visitors who cross the land border will need to show their tourist cards and have them stamped by Mexican officials in order to be in the country legally.

Tourist Card vs FMM Card

The tourist card and the FMM card are the same document. There is absolutely no difference between the two. Some people call the document by a different name that is all. 

The FMM is the official name of the card which stands for Forma Migratoria Multiple. Both names refer to the same document.

After The Tourist Card for Mexico is Received

Once the FMM (tourist card) card is processed, it will be sent to the email provided as a PDF file. Applicants will also be able to download the card on their Natvisa dashboard. The dashboard is automatically created when the card is purchased. 

The Mexico FMM card will need to be printed out so its important to have a working printer ready. Print the PDF. The card will have the applicant's details printed on the paper. This is the document that will be needed when arriving in Mexico.

Use of the FMM Card

It is important to be aware what the visitor can do in Mexico once they enter. They can visit Mexico with the Tourist Card for recreational purposes. 

That may be sightseeing, visiting friends and relatives, and holidaying.

They can also attend business meetings in Mexico. However, they cannot get paid for any work related activities. 

This will require a work visa. If interested in this, contact the embassy for guidance

They can use the FMM Card for a single entry. If they want to visit Mexico again, they will need to apply for the card again.

Applying for The MX Tourist Card Multiple Times

There is no limit to how many times visitors can apply for the card. As long as they fall within the guidelines of the FMM card, they can apply for it multiple times. 

They can visit Mexico several times a year if desired. As long as the visit doesn't exceed 180 days.

FMM Card Issued by Airlines

The immigration card has been handed out by airlines for many years. They would hand it out to passengers about 45 minutes prior to landing in Mexico. This practice is being phased out by airlines. 

Instead, they are asking future visitors to get the card online prior to their arrival.

This new practice will save Immigration money in paper expenses as the cost will be transferred to the visitor

Sign the Card

Once the Tourist Card for Mexico is received, make sure to sign the document. This is very important as its not valid until the traveler signs the paper. 

Make sure the same person that is listed on the card signs the FMM card. Once signed, store it with other travel documents like the passport or Mexican visa.

Steps to Apply for a Mexico Tourist Card

Due to the introduction of the electronic system, applying and obtaining a Tourist Card has been very easy. 

It constitutes 3 simple steps:

Fill Application Form: Filling out the application form is the first step to get the Tourist Card. This online process eliminates the need for spending time, waiting in queues. Make sure that the information provided is correct.

Documents Needed: Next, they will need to have their passport handy as the passport number, and details will be needed on the application form.

Make Payment: The last step requires applicants to pay the fee. This can be done with a credit or debit card that is valid and working.

Processing takes a few minutes and the Mexico Tourist Card will be sent by email.

Travelers are required to present their Tourist Card to the immigration officers at the airport to enter the country.

Allowed Activities

With the FMM card, visitors can engage in many activities. This is why Mexico is such a popular destination for so many visitors. They dont require a visa to visit Mexico; as long as their visit is within the correct date range.

Currently, visitors can visit Mexico with the card for conferences, conventions, exhibitions, fairs, and investments opportunities. This is classified as a business visit, and they are valid with the tourist card.

Tourists can visit Mexico for recreational purposes. This includes sigh-seeing, holidaying, etc. This is considered a tourism visit.

There is another category that is called 'other'. Visitors can use this category to visit Mexico for artist related events, sports events, health, religious and study events.

Instruction for Visitors Applying for Mexico Tourist Card

The Tourist Card is granted only for the purpose of tourism and business. Individuals entering Mexico with a Tourist Card must not engage in any employment during their stay in the country, and must leave Mexico prior to the entry stamp expiration. 

Travelers entering Mexico via any International Airport must have a print out of both the sides of their Tourist Card.

The Mexico Tourist Card is only granted to those individuals who are arriving in Mexico by air or land. Therefore, when applying for the Tourist Card to Mexico, travelers must provide details of their itinerary.

Travelers wanting to stay long term must follow proper process to avoid penalties and fines.

Who Can Get the Mexico ETA?

The ETA for Mexico is available for citizens of Turkey, Brazil, Ukraine, and Russia. This process allows these visitors to bypass the formal visa application to enter Mexico. 

Keep in mind, these travelers that are eligible for the ETA will also need a Tourist Card.