Mexico Tourist Card (FMM)

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.

Travelers from Brazil, Russia, Turkey, and Ukraine will need a Mexico ETA on top of the Tourist Card.

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 your 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 you have an active Schengen visa or a US F1 visa, you do not require to get the Mexican visa. As long as you can show proof the your Schengen visa is n good standing, all you'll need is the Tourist Card. Also, if you have an active visa, or permanent residency for the USA, Canada, Japan, or The United Kingdom, you wont need the Mexico visa, only the card.

Arriving by Air

The 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 you arrive at the international airport, an immigration officer will ask to see the tourist card details and the itinerary paper. Once this is cleared, you will be able to pass through Immigration.

Arriving by Land

The 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. So now you know. Both names refer to the same document.

After The Card is Received

Once the FMM card is processed, it will be sent to the email provided. You will also be able to download the card on your dashboard. The dashboard is automatically created when the card is purchased. The FMM card will need to be printed out so make sure you have a working printer ready. Print the card. You will notice the card has your details printed on the paper. This is what you will need to present when you arrive in Mexico.

Use of the FMM Card

It is important to be aware what the visitor can do in Mexico once they enter. You can visit Mexico with the tourist card for recreational purposes. That may be sightseeing, visiting friends and relatives, and holidaying.

You can also attend business meetings in Mexico. However, you cannot get paid for any work related activities. This will require a work visa. If you are interested in this, contact the embassy for guidance

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

Applying for The Tourist Card Multiple Times

There is no limit to how many times you can apply for the card. As long as you fall within the guidelines of the FMM card, you can apply for it multiple times. You can visit Mexico several times a year if desired. As long as you 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 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 your 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 for your Tourist Card. This online process eliminates the need for spending time, waiting in queues. Make sure that the information you provide is correct.

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

Make Payment: The last step requires you to pay the fee. This can be done with a credit or debit card that is valid and working. The paperwork will take a few days after which you will receive the Tourist Card on your email ID.

Travelers are required to present their Mexico 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.

A List of Top Travelers to Mexico

The number are constantly changing, but at the moment, these travelers are:

• United States
  
  
• Canada
  
  
• Australia
  
  
• United Kingdom
  
  
• Germany
  
  
• Ukraine
  
  
• Russia
  
  
• Cuban
  
  
• France