DISCLAIMER: Although I believe this information was correct when I wrote it, and may still be correct when you cross the border, you have to watch out for what I call the "Red Clown Nose Contingency" (RCNC). If your situation is the least bit out of the ordinary, you run the risk of allowing the border official to deviate from his normal routine. And no matter what the rules say, the official standing in front of you has the final say. So if he says that you have to be wearing a Red Clown Nose to get across then, unless you have immediate access to someone higher in the food chain, you better start looking for a costume shop!
So beware of the RCNC
PERSONAL ID – DRIVERS LICENSE: For driving, a valid US driver’s license is also valid in Mexico (within the time frame on your FMT). For now, it can also be used for ID purposes at the border; however, that may change, see PASSPORTS, below. All adults will need valid photo ID.
PROOF OF CITIZENSHIP: Everyone will need proof of citizenship, even the ones only visiting for less than 72 hours. You will be asked for it when you return to the US. Acceptable proof of citizenship are; Passport or Passport Card; certified copy of birth certificate AND an approved photo ID.; or military ID card (active duty or retired). Naturalization papers and work visa's also work but the photo ID is also needed for these. As of Feb 1 2008, swearing to be a U.S citizen will no longer be accepted. The acceptance of birth certificates will change in the future, see PASSPORTS, below.
PASSPORTS & Passport Cards: For this post, the word "passport" will mean either passport or one of the new "Passport
Cards" unless otherwise specified. Passport cards were made available on Feb 1, 2008. The cost is $45 unless you already have a passport; then they only cost $25. These cards can only be used when returning from Mexico, Canada, Bermuda and most of the Carrabean islands by land or sea. They CANNOT be use when flying! For more info check this State Department link
For people traveling by air or sea, passports are required to get back into the US; birth certificates and drivers licenses are no longer be honored.
CHILDREN: Minors will need a passport or certified copy of their birth certificate. Those not traveling with BOTH parents (as shown on the child’s birth certificate) will also need a notarized statement from the missing parent authorizing the child to travel in Mexico with the other parent (or guardian). If the other parent is deceased, a copy of the death certificate is needed.
If the parent/guardian has been awarded sole custody, a copy of the divorce decree or court order will be required. If the child is adopted, a certified copy of the adoption papers is required.
TOURIST CARDS: A tourist card (sometimes called a Visa or FMT, but is actuall a permit) is needed if you are going to stay in Mexico longer than 72 hours or if you’re going past Maneadero (just south of Ensenada). FMT’s cost about $32 U.S.
Paperwork needed to get a FMT: A valid passport or a certified copy of your birth certificate, and one picture ID (like your drivers license) is required to get the FMT.
A Land/Sea FMT is good for up to 6 months and can be used for multiple crossings. Make sure you allow a week or so of “wiggle room” in case you decide to stay longer or run into a problem. Remember, it costs the same for a week as for 6 months.
An Airline/Cruise Ship FMT is only good for one border crossing each way. If you are in Baja on a ground FMT and need to fly back for a short time and will be returning before your FMT expires, make sure that the airline doesn’t take it from you. Otherwise you’ll have to pay for a new one and will end up with a “one-time crossing” type when you fly back.
ISSUING SITES; FMT’s are available from any Migración office. Border crossings with Migración offices include
• Tijuana – San Ysidro (24 hrs);
• Tijuana – Otay Mesa (6 am to 10 pm);
• Tecate (6 am to midnight);
• Mexicali (in-town) (24 hrs);
• Mexicali (east) (6 am to 10 pm);
• Algodones (Yuma) (6 am to 8 pm);
• San Luis Rio Colorado (south of Yuma) (24 hrs);
• Sonoyta (Lukeville)(24 hrs);
In Baja there are Migración offices in TJ, Ensenada, and at the Baja Sur border. However, the Migración office in Ensenada has been charging an extra "fine" for not getting your FM-T at the border; and the Baja Sur (Guerrero Negro)one is frequently not even manned. So it's recommended you either get yours at the border or thru one of the travel clubs. There was one at Rocky Point but it has closed.
They are also available from various travel clubs, travel agencies, and Mexican Consuls. These are filled out and paid for but not stamped. You still have to get the stamp from Migración, you just don’t have to do it at the border or track down a bank. This is recommended if you want to reduce the lines you have to stand in. You can get the stamp at any of the locations listed in the ISSUING SITES, (including the city offices and Baja Sur border) above.
Procedure at Migración; The FMT is filled out at the Migración office by the official. You will answer questions like “Where are you going?” “Why are you visiting Mexico?”, and “When will you return?”, among other things. You will be asked for ID and proof of citizenship. After the form is filled out, you will be sent to the nearest bank, where you will pay for it. The bank will fill out its section and stamp the form. You will then return to Migración and they will stamp and sign it (and take their copy). You are now set.
TEMPORARY VEHICLE IMPORT PERMITS: Not required in Baja.
PETS: A current shot record will be needed to return to the US with the pet. There are a lot of strays in Mexico so keep your pet on a leash and don’t leave them outside if you’re not there. There are stories of pets being pet-napped and held for ransom in mainland Mexico but I haven’t heard anything like this in Baja.
FISHING/BOATS;
If you’re going to be taking a boat into Mexico for fishing, you must have a boat permit. This applies to anything that floats, including car toppers, inflatables, kayaks, canoes, and fold boats. Basically; if it floats and you fish from it, you need a boat permit.
A new development is that some areas in Baja are requiring Temporary Import Permits (TIP) on any vessel over about 14 ft. These are available at all Migracion offices. You will need the current registration paperwork from the state the vessel is registrated in.
Also, if you plan on mooring the boat in any port that has a Harbormaster, you will need a Harbor Permit from that harbormaster. These are not transportable; that is, you will need one from EVERY harbor you moor in. Most Harbormasters will ask for your TIP and FMT before issuing a Harbor Permit.
Everyone on board a fishing boat must have a fishing permit, even if they are not fishing. If you are fishing from shore, a pier, or other structure you do not need a fishing permit, however, it’s recommended that you do have one because not all local police understand the rules.
If you are taking any form of boat into Mexico for purposes other than fishing, make sure there isn’t any fishing gear on the boat, not even a hook or sinker, or they will ticket you for not having a boat permit and not having fishing permits for everyone on board. In fact, it’s recommended that you get a boat permit anyway, just to prevent any misunderstandings.
To get the boat permit, you will need a copy of the State registration. If it is of a type or size that doesn’t require registration in your state, a bill of sale or purchase receipt is acceptable. Boat permits are available from the various travel clubs, some fishing/tackle shops in cities along the border, or directly from the Mexican Department of Fisheries in San Diego by calling 619-233-6956. They will fax or mail you an application for boat and fishing permits so that you can do everything by mail. Their address is 2550 5th Ave., Suite 101, San Diego, CA 92102.
If I’ve made any mistakes, please let me know so I can edit this post.
edited on 5/12/06 by Turtle-Toad. Added Disclaimer, boat TIP, Harbor Permits.
edited on 12/17/07 by Turtle-Toad. Added info about the fines charged at Ensenada for FM-T's.
edited on 12/22/07 by Turtle-Toad. Added new info on passports.
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Turtle & Toad, On the Road
37' Georgetown XL w/3 slides, 1 1/2 bath, & 275 watts of solar power
06 Taco TRD (for "Off the Road") www.turtleandtoad.com I am here
Only States/Provinces that I have spent at least a week in are shown
The only thing I'd add is that children may or may not need an FMT depending on the Aduana you run into. In San Felipe, I was told (by migracion) that children under 11yo did not need a FMT. In Tecate, I was told that children older than 6yo needed an FMT. In Guerrero Negro, I was told that children under 4yo did not need an FMT. Go figure. We travelled throughout the mainland and Baja and never got any of the kids (10, 8, 5, 3 but by the time we left they were 11, 9, 6 and 3) FMT's. Going to San Felipe you may or may not need an FMT.
- Kathy
2002 Ford Econoline E350 PSD 7.3L TV.
2005 Ameri-Camp T315QBS.
There are 2 places in San Felipe to get the FMT. The migracion on the glorieta in town, there you have to go to the bank, pay and return. At the airport you can get the whole works done and pay right there.
Lots of the people down here for the whole winter don't get an FMT. I wouldn't want to get into any trouble with the feds without one. The local police don't seem to be concerned about it.
Sonney,old ,retired Roadway driver.
Donna, too young to retire, she quit.
awfulart wrote: We have never been asked for a birth certificate if we had our passport!
Correct! The CURRENT Mexico and U.S. rules state that to show proof of citizenship you need either a passport OR a certified birth certificate and one piece of photo ID (normally a drivers license). There are other acceptable documents for proof of citizenship (which I list) but these are the most frequent ones.
However, some Migracion, Banjercito, and Aduenda offices have been known to insist on a passport. This is another example of the RCNC (Red Clown Nose Contingency).
A passport is always accepted! So, to eliminate any possible problems, I recommend everyone carry a passport.
Re Kids
We have never been asked to produce the notarized letter for kids going into Mexico by RV. However it would be foolish to not have it as you wouldn't want to be turned back. Sometimes by air you get asked for the documents (by airline staff).
T
Just returned from spending 5 days near San Quintin, Baja. I got the FMT at the Tecate crossing. I presented a current PASSPORT, answered the questions on the form, went to the bank across the street, returned to the issuing office. Total time expended, about 20 minutes. The cost was $210NM or, since I paid with U.S. money, $20.00. Valid for 180 days, multiple crossings.
Really painless.
HAPPY TRAILS!
Jim and Barbara
Henderson, Nevada (Las Vegas)
1999 Holiday Rambler Admiral, Ford V10
2002 Liberty 4x4 Toad
Passports for land border crossings aren't scheduled to be required until Jan 1 2008. I suppose they could come sooner, but only that date is mentioned so far.
Moderator's edit: Converted the URL into a 'clickable' link.
* This post was
edited 09/10/06 06:48pm by an administrator/moderator *
Ensenada
I went to the migration office in Ensenada a month ago and was going to see if I would get a vehicle permit at that time. No.
The officer didn't understand English and there was a sign saying that they didn't issue Land FMT's, only water vehicles. I was surprised as the Church Book among others, recommends this as a place to get FMT's.
To make a long story short, the official takes me outside to an interpretors office conveniently located to the left of the stairway. Long and short of it was that the officer wanted to charge me a fine for being in the country without an FMT. It was a per day fine...slthough I forget the amount.
I persisted, showed them my FM# and told them i was interested in a 10 year vehicle permit for my RV not a FMT....
So new regulations.,,new proceedures.
Offline
We travelled throughout the mainland and Baja and never got any of the kids (10, 8, 5, 3 but by the time we left they were 11, 9, 6 and 3) FMT's. Going to San Felipe you may or may not need an FMT.
