Tourists Are No Longer Guaranteed 180 Day Stays in Mexico
Up until now, tourists were automatically given 180 days on their FMM (tourist visa), but that has changed. Many tourists have recently complained about their vacation getting cut short because they were not allotted enough days on their FMM by the Mexico immigration officers.
Mexico News Daily reports, “Though the INM has not released an official public statement on the change of policy, an INM official in Mazatlán, Sinaloa, acknowledged having heard of the issue but said the manner in which the federal criteria for entry is applied is at the full discretion of the agent at the point of entry.” Immigration officers have always had full discretion in allotting the time for the FMM, but up until now, it has not negatively affected tourists. Mexico News Daily was able to speak with an agent from the INM who said, “’We don’t have information about the reasons they are giving less time …We don’t know if they have received some notification or internal memo.’”
What Can You Do?
Although we have no effect on what the immigration officers decide to write on your FMM, we want to make sure you are prepared to have the best experience possible. Be sure to have all the documents you need before crossing the border.
Need Car Insurance in Mexico?
Documentation Needed for Tourist Visa:
In order to avoid having your vacation cut short, bring documentation showing the length of your stay. Mexico News Daily reports an INM Agent that suggested, “You have to show your return flight, that you have economic solvency … if you have tickets for tours, tickets for where you’re going to stay, it is also necessary to mention that.”
Other examples include:
- Return Flight
- Hotel Reservations
- Tour Reservations
- Doctor Appointments
Check Your FMM At The Immigration Counter
When you are given your FMM be sure to check the time you were allotted as soon as you receive it. Many times the number is difficult to read. Ask the officer if you cannot read the number. If you are given less time than you requested you can ask the officer at the time it is issued. After leaving the immigration area, you will have minimal if any recourse to change the days on the FMM.
“Visitor permits (FMM) cannot be extended or renewed; they may be exchanged in-country in a limited number of special circumstances as described above,” says Mexperience. “If you are already in Mexico and have concerns or questions about an existing visitor permit, you should contact your local INM office for advice and guidance” Mexperience advises.
We know this affects many of you, as many people do not necessarily have accommodations booked for their entire stay. This will especially affect RVers and campers who may not be staying at sites where reservations are needed or have not yet decided where to stay.
