Mexico Tourist Land Card

The Mexico Tourist Card (also known as FMM, Forma Migratoria Múltiple) is a document that allows foreign visitors to enter Mexico for tourism or recreational purposes. The card is valid for up to 180 days and is required for citizens of certain countries, including the United States, Canada, Japan, Australia, and many European countries.

The Mexico Tourist Card can be obtained online, at Mexican consulates or at points of entry into Mexico such as airports, land borders. To apply online, travelers must complete an electronic form and pay the fee using a credit or debit card. Upon arrival in Mexico, visitors must present the Tourist Card along with their passport to the immigration authorities.

It's important to note that the Mexico Tourist Card is not a visa, and it does not allow visitors to engage in activities that generate income while in Mexico, such as working or studying. Visitors who wish to engage in such activities must obtain the appropriate visa before traveling to Mexico.

Travelers should keep their Mexico Tourist Card with them at all times while in Mexico, as it may be requested by authorities during their stay.

Who Needs a Mexico Tourist Card?

The Mexico Tourist Card is required for foreign visitors who are traveling to Mexico for tourism or recreational purposes and are citizens of certain countries. Here are some general guidelines to help you determine if you need a Mexico Tourist Card:

• Citizens of the United States, Canada, Japan, Australia, New Zealand, and many European countries are required to have a Mexico Tourist Card.
• Citizens of some Latin American countries (such as Argentina, Brazil, Chile, and Uruguay) are exempt from the requirement to obtain a Tourist Card if their stay is less than 180 days and they are not engaging in any income-generating activities.
• Visitors who are traveling to Mexico for business or to perform any kind of paid work or service are not eligible for the Mexico Tourist Card and will need to obtain a different type of visa.

It's important to check the current entry requirements for Mexico before your trip, as these can change without notice. Additionally, some airlines may require proof of a valid Mexico Tourist Card before allowing passengers to board their flight to Mexico.

How to Obtain a Mexico Tourist Card

There are several ways to obtain a Mexico Tourist Card, depending on your country of origin and your method of travel. Here are some options:

Online application: Visitors can apply for a Mexico Tourist Card online through the Mexican government's official website or through other authorized websites. The online application process involves completing a form, paying the fee with a credit or debit card, and receiving the Tourist Card by email. This method is particularly convenient for those who are arriving by air.

At the point of entry: Visitors who are arriving in Mexico by land, sea, or air can obtain a Mexico Tourist Card at the point of entry. There are immigration offices at airports, land borders, and sea ports where visitors can fill out the necessary paperwork and pay the fee in cash or with a credit or debit card.

At a Mexican consulate: Visitors who prefer to obtain their Mexico Tourist Card before their trip can apply at a Mexican consulate or embassy in their country of origin. The application process involves filling out a form, submitting the required documentation, and paying the fee in cash or by money order.

It's important to note that the requirements for obtaining a Mexico Tourist Card can vary depending on your country of origin and your method of travel. Some visitors may need to provide additional documentation or meet specific eligibility criteria

Mexico Tourist Card Fees

The fee for a Mexico Tourist Card varies depending on the method of application and the length of stay. Here are some general guidelines for Tourist Card fees:

Online application: The fee for an online Mexico Tourist Card application is currently $29 USD per person, regardless of the length of stay.

Point of entry: The fee for a Mexico Tourist Card obtained at the point of entry (such as an airport or land border) is currently approximately $22 USD per person for stays of up to 180 days. The fee may be higher for longer stays.

Mexican consulate: The fee for a Mexico Tourist Card obtained at a Mexican consulate or embassy can vary depending on the country and currency of the applicant. It's best to check with the consulate or embassy directly for the most up-to-date information.

It's important to note that Tourist Card fees are subject to change without notice, so it's a good idea to check the official website for the most up-to-date information on fees. Additionally, some airlines may include the Tourist Card fee in the cost of their tickets, so it's worth checking with your airline before applying for a Tourist Card separately.

Mexico Tourist Card Duration

The duration of a Mexico Tourist Card depends on the purpose of your visit and your method of entry. Here are some general guidelines for Tourist Card duration:

Land travel: Visitors entering Mexico by land or sea may be granted a Tourist Card that allows them to stay in Mexico for up to 180 days, but the duration may be shorter depending on the immigration officer's discretion.

Business visitors: Visitors who are traveling to Mexico for business purposes may be granted a Tourist Card that allows them to stay in Mexico for up to 180 days, but the duration may be shorter depending on the nature of their business.

It's important to note that the duration of a Mexico Tourist Card does not guarantee automatic entry into Mexico. Visitors must still meet the eligibility requirements and present valid travel documents, including a valid passport and a return ticket or proof of onward travel. Additionally, visitors who wish to extend their stay in Mexico beyond the duration of their Tourist Card must apply for an extension with the Mexican immigration authorities.

What Information is Required for a Mexico Tourist Card Application?

To apply for a Mexico Tourist Card, visitors are typically required to provide the following information:

• Personal information: This includes the visitor's full name, date of birth, nationality, and passport number.
• Travel information: This includes the visitor's travel dates, port of entry, and intended destination in Mexico.
• Contact information: This includes the visitor's email address and phone number.
• Accommodation information: This includes the name and address of the hotel or other accommodation where the visitor will be staying in Mexico.
• Emergency contact information: This includes the name, phone number, and relationship of a person to be contacted in case of an emergency.
• Payment information: This includes the credit or debit card information to pay the Tourist Card fee if applying online.

It's important to ensure that all the information provided is accurate and matches the information on the visitor's passport. Inaccurate or incomplete information can result in delays or denial of entry into Mexico. Additionally, visitors should keep a copy of their Tourist Card with them at all times while in Mexico, as they may be required to present it to immigration authorities when leaving the country.

What to Do if You Lose Your Mexico Tourist Card

If you lose your Mexico Tourist Card while you are in Mexico, it is important to take the necessary steps to replace it. Here's what you should do:

• Report the loss: The first step is to report the loss of your Tourist Card to the Mexican immigration authorities. You can do this by visiting the nearest immigration office or police station and filing a report.
• Obtain a replacement: Once you have filed a report, you can obtain a replacement Tourist Card by visiting a Mexican immigration office. You will need to fill out a new application form and pay the fee again.
• Keep the replacement card with you: Once you have obtained a replacement Tourist Card, be sure to keep it with you at all times while you are in Mexico.

It's important to note that losing your Tourist Card can result in delays and inconvenience, as well as potential fines or legal issues if you are unable to present a valid Tourist Card when leaving Mexico. Therefore, it's a good idea to keep your Tourist Card in a safe place and make copies of it in case of loss or theft. Additionally, if you are planning to travel to Mexico, it's a good idea to familiarize yourself with the Mexican immigration requirements and regulations before your trip.

Mexico Tourist Card vs. Mexican Visa: What's the Difference?

A Mexico Tourist Card and a Mexican Visa are two different documents that serve different purposes for visitors to Mexico.

Mexico Tourist Card: A Mexico Tourist Card is a document that allows visitors from certain countries to enter Mexico for tourism, leisure, or business purposes for up to 180 days. It is typically obtained either online or at the port of entry and is valid for a single entry. The Tourist Card fee is lower than the Mexican Visa fee.

Mexican Visa: A Mexican Visa is a document that allows visitors to enter Mexico for a variety of purposes, including work, study, and permanent residence. A Mexican Visa is obtained through the Mexican embassy or consulate in the visitor's home country. The Visa fee is generally higher than the Tourist Card fee.

In general, visitors who plan to stay in Mexico for less than 180 days for tourism or business purposes can obtain a Mexico Tourist Card, while those who plan to stay for longer periods or for other purposes may need to obtain a Mexican Visa. It's important to note that the requirements and application processes for both the Tourist Card and Mexican Visa can vary depending on the visitor's country of origin and other factors.

Frequently Asked Questions about Mexico Visa