Mexico Land Card

The Mexico Land Card, also known as the Forma Migratoria Múltiple (FMM), is a document issued to foreign citizens who enter Mexico by land. The Land Card serves as proof of legal entry and allows the holder to stay in Mexico for up to 180 days for tourism or business purposes.

The Mexico Land Card is a paper document that must be completed upon arrival at the border crossing or immigration checkpoint. The form requires personal information, such as name, date of birth, nationality, and passport number. The Land Card also asks for the purpose of the visit, the expected length of stay, and the address of where the traveler will be staying in Mexico.

It's important to note that the Mexico Land Card is not a visa. A visa is a document issued by the Mexican government that allows foreign citizens to enter Mexico for a specific purpose, such as work or study. The Land Card is only valid for tourism or business purposes and cannot be used for any other purpose.

Foreign citizens who wish to enter Mexico by land and stay for longer than 180 days must obtain a Temporary Resident Visa or a Permanent Resident Visa. These visas must be applied for before entering Mexico, and the requirements and application processes vary depending on the type of visa.

The Mexico Land Card is valid for up to 180 days from the date of entry. It's important to keep the Land Card in a safe place while traveling in Mexico, as it must be presented to immigration officials upon departure from the country. If the Land Card is lost or stolen, the traveler must obtain a new one before leaving Mexico.

The Mexico Land Card has a fee that must be paid upon arrival. The fee is approximately $25 USD, but it can vary depending on the exchange rate and the location of the border crossing or immigration checkpoint.

In summary, the Mexico Land Card is a document that allows foreign citizens to enter Mexico by land for tourism or business purposes for up to 180 days. It is not a visa and cannot be used for other purposes such as work or study. If you plan to stay in Mexico for longer than 180 days or for other purposes, you must apply for a Temporary or Permanent Resident Visa.

What is the Mexico Land Card?

The Mexico Land Card, or Forma Migratoria Múltiple (FMM), is a document issued to foreign visitors who enter Mexico by land. The Land Card is valid for up to 180 days after arrival, allowing visitors to stay in Mexico for tourism or leisure purposes. It's important to note that the Land Card is for single entry only, and travelers must obtain a new Land Card for each entry into Mexico.

The Mexico Land Card is not a visa, and visitors from certain countries may not need a visa to enter Mexico for tourism purposes. However, it's important to check with the Mexican embassy or consulate in your home country to determine if a visa is required for your specific situation.

Upon arrival in Mexico, visitors must fill out the Land Card with personal information such as name, date of birth, nationality, and passport number. The form also asks for the purpose of the visit, the expected length of stay, and the address where the traveler will be staying in Mexico.

Who needs a Mexico Land Card?

Foreign visitors who enter Mexico by land, regardless of their nationality, are required to obtain a Mexico Land Card (Forma Migratoria Múltiple or FMM). This applies to visitors who enter Mexico for tourism, leisure, or other non-work-related purposes, and who plan to stay in the country for up to 180 days.

It's important to note that visitors who enter Mexico by air may not need to obtain a Land Card, as it is typically included in the airline ticket price and distributed by airline staff during the flight. However, visitors should confirm this with their airline before traveling.

Mexican citizens, permanent residents, and those with valid visas are exempt from obtaining a Land Card. Additionally, visitors from certain countries may not need a visa to enter Mexico for tourism purposes, but they will still need to obtain a Land Card upon arrival.

It's important for visitors to ensure they have a valid passport and any necessary visas before traveling to Mexico. Additionally, they should carefully follow the instructions provided by Mexican immigration officials when completing the Land Card and paying any associated fees.

Types of Mexico Land Card

There are three main types of Mexico Land Card (Forma Migratoria Múltiple or FMM):

  • Business Card

    • Conferences

    • Congresses

    • Consultants

    • Conventions

    • Exhibitions

    • Fairs

    • Investors

    • Merchants

    • Personal Transfer

  • Tourist Card

    • Recreational Activities

  • Other Card

    • Residente

    • Artist and Sportsman

    • Health

    • Religious Minister

    • Study

It's important to note that visitors must obtain the appropriate type of Land Card based on the purpose of their visit. For example, a visitor who enters Mexico with a Tourist Land Card cannot engage in any business activities, while a visitor who enters Mexico with a Business Land Card cannot engage in any tourist or leisure activities.

Business Card

Mexico Business Land Card is a travel document that grants foreign nationals entry to Mexico for business purposes. It is also known as the FMM (Forma Migratoria Multiple). This card is mandatory for all non-Mexican citizens who wish to visit Mexico for business meetings, conferences, seminars, or negotiations. The Mexico Business Land Card is valid for up to 180 days and is renewable for the same period.

To obtain a Mexico Business Land Card, the applicant must have a valid passport and fill out the application form online. The applicant must provide information such as their personal details, travel plans, and purpose of the visit. After submitting the application, the applicant needs to pay the processing fee, which is around $30 USD, and print the FMM card. Upon arrival in Mexico, the applicant must present the card at the immigration desk along with their passport for verification purposes.

In conclusion, if you are planning to visit Mexico for business purposes, you must obtain a Mexico Business Land Card to gain entry to the country

Tourist Card

Mexico Tourist Land Card is a mandatory travel document required for foreign nationals traveling to Mexico for tourism purposes. It is also known as FMM (Forma Migratoria Multiple) and can be obtained at the port of entry. This card is valid for up to 180 days and is non-renewable.

To obtain a Mexico Tourist Land Card, the applicant must have a valid passport and fill out the application form provided by the airline or at the port of entry & Online. The applicant must provide information such as their personal details, travel plans, and purpose of the visit. After submitting the application, the applicant needs to pay the processing fee, which is around $20 USD, and present the card at the immigration desk upon arrival in Mexico.

In conclusion, if you are traveling to Mexico for tourism purposes, you must obtain a Mexico Tourist Land Card at the port of entry to gain entry to the country.

Other Card

Here are brief descriptions of the other types of Mexico Land Cards:

Residente Temporal / Residente Permanente: These are visas for individuals planning to reside in Mexico for an extended period. Residente Temporal is valid for up to four years, while Residente Permanente is valid for an indefinite period.

Artist and Sportsman Land Card: This is required for foreign nationals who are artists or athletes performing or competing in Mexico. It is valid for up to 180 days and is renewable.

Health Land Card: This is required for foreign nationals traveling to Mexico for medical treatment or procedures. It is valid for up to 180 days and is renewable.

Religious Minister Land Card: This is required for foreign nationals traveling to Mexico for religious activities. It is valid for up to 180 days and is renewable.

Study Land Card: This is required for foreign nationals studying in Mexico for more than 180 days. It is valid for the duration of the study program.

Where can I get the Mexico Card?

To obtain a Mexico Card, also known as a tourist card, there are two options available: obtaining it at any point of entry or applying for it online. Although it is possible to obtain the card upon arrival, it is recommended to get it online as it is a simple and quick process that can be completed in just ten minutes. Alternatively, some airlines offer the facility to include the cost of the tourist card in the ticket price.

To apply for the Mexico Card online, it is advisable to submit the application at least seven days before the expected date of travel. This will allow ample time for processing the application and ensure that the tourist card is available when entering Mexico.

What is the validity of the Mexico Land Card?

The Mexico Card, also known as a tourist card or FMM (Forma Migratoria Múltiple), is valid for a maximum period of 180 days (about 6 months) from the date of entry into Mexico. The exact length of validity depends on the purpose and length of the visitor's stay, as well as the discretion of the immigration authorities at the point of entry.

It is important to note that the Mexico Card is a temporary document that allows foreign nationals to enter and stay in Mexico for a limited period for tourism, business or transit purposes. It must be surrendered upon departure from the country, and visitors must obtain a new one if they wish to return to Mexico after the initial 180-day period has expired.

How to renew or extend the Mexico Land Card?

To renew or extend the Mexico Card, also known as a tourist card or FMM (Forma Migratoria Múltiple), foreign nationals must follow the appropriate procedures based on their specific situation. Here are the general steps:

  • Check the current validity of the Mexico Card to ensure that the renewal or extension is necessary.

  • Visit the nearest National Immigration Institute (INM) office or immigration checkpoint in Mexico and present a valid passport, the original Mexico Card, and any supporting documents.

  • Submit the application for the renewal or extension of the Mexico Card, and pay the applicable fees. It is advisable to complete this process at least a few days before the card's expiration date to avoid any issues.

  • Wait for the application to be processed and the new Mexico Card to be issued. The processing time can vary, but it typically takes a few days to a week.

It is important to note that not all foreign nationals are eligible to renew or extend their Mexico Card. This depends on the purpose of their stay, their nationality, and the current immigration regulations in Mexico. Therefore, it is recommended to check with the nearest INM office or immigration checkpoint to determine the specific requirements and procedures for renewal or extension.

What are the fees for the Mexico Land Card?

if you are referring to the Tourist Card or FMM (Forma Migratoria Múltiple), the cost of the card may vary depending on the purpose and duration of your stay in Mexico. The cost of a Tourist Card for a stay of up to 180 days in Mexico was around 558 Mexican pesos, which is approximately $28 USD. However, it's important to note that fees and regulations may change over time, so it's always best to check with official sources for the latest information on fees and requirements.

What are the consequences of not having a Mexico Land Card?

If you are referring to the Tourist Card or FMM (Forma Migratoria Múltiple), not having a valid card while visiting Mexico as a tourist can result in serious consequences. The Tourist Card is a mandatory document that allows tourists to enter and stay in Mexico for a specific period, typically up to 180 days, and failing to obtain or carry a valid card may result in the following consequences:

  • Denial of entry: If you arrive at the Mexican border without a valid Tourist Card, you may be denied entry into the country and sent back to your country of origin.

  • Fines: If you are caught without a valid Tourist Card while in Mexico, you may be subject to fines and penalties by the Mexican immigration authorities.

  • Deportation: If you are caught without a valid Tourist Card and are found to be in violation of Mexican immigration laws, you may be subject to deportation from Mexico, which could impact your ability to enter the country in the future.

Therefore, it is highly recommended to obtain a valid Tourist Card before your travel to Mexico and carry it with you at all times during your stay.

What are the differences between a Mexico Visa and a Mexico Land Card?

There is no specific document called a "Mexico Land Card". However, there are some differences between a Mexico Visa and the tourist card or FMM (Forma Migratoria Múltiple) that is required for short-term visits to Mexico.

Purpose: A Mexico Visa is a document that allows a foreign national to enter Mexico for a specific purpose, such as work, study, or permanent residency. On the other hand, the tourist card or FMM is a document that allows a foreign national to enter Mexico for tourism, leisure, or other short-term non-work-related activities.

Duration: The duration of a Mexico Visa can vary depending on the purpose of the visit, and it can be for a few months up to several years. In contrast, the tourist card or FMM is typically valid for up to 180 days for tourism purposes.

Application process: The application process for a Mexico Visa is generally more complex and time-consuming than obtaining a tourist card or FMM. The applicant may need to provide additional documents, such as a letter of invitation, proof of financial means, and medical examinations, depending on the type of visa being applied for.

Cost: The cost of a Mexico Visa is typically higher than that of a tourist card or FMM. The fee for a Mexico Visa can vary depending on the type and duration of the visa being applied for.

It's important to note that the specific requirements and procedures for obtaining a Mexico Visa or tourist card or FMM may vary depending on the nationality of the visitor and the purpose and duration of the visit. It's recommended to consult with official sources, such as the Mexican embassy or consulate in your country, for the latest information and requirements.

Frequently Asked Questions about Mexico Visa

It depends on your nationality and the purpose of your visit. Some countries are exempt from visa requirements for short-term visits, while others may require a visa. Check with the Mexican embassy or consulate in your country to determine if you need a visa.

The processing time for a Mexico visa application varies depending on the type of visa and the embassy or consulate processing the application. It can take anywhere from a few days to several weeks.

The requirements vary depending on the type of visa you are applying for, but generally include a valid passport, completed visa application form, passport-sized photo, proof of financial means, and proof of travel itinerary or accommodation.

It depends on the type of visa you have. Short-term visas cannot be extended, but long-term visas can be renewed up to three times.

No, you cannot work in Mexico with a tourist visa. If you plan to work in Mexico, you must apply for a work visa.

Yes, you can apply for some types of Mexico visas online through the Mexican government's official website. These include the eVisa for tourism and business purposes.

It depends on the type of visa and the embassy or consulate processing the application. Some visa applications may require biometric data such as fingerprints and a photo.