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If you’re planning a trip or move to Mexico, you’ve probably come across the term FMM—sometimes called FMMD or eFMM—and wondered if you really need it. Travelers must comply with Mexican law in accordance with entry requirements, and not having an FMM can affect your legal standing and even the validity of your insurance. The answer depends on whether you’re visiting as a tourist or coming in as a resident. Let me break it all down so you know exactly what’s required for your situation.
It’s important to be aware of the latest FMM procedures and entry requirements, as these can change and impact your travel plans.
I’ll answer that for you! 😀
What Is An FMM (Forma Migratoria Multiple)?
An FMM stands for Forma Migratoria Multiple, which is a Multiple Immigration Form. The FMM is also commonly referred to as the Mexico Tourist Permit.
This Mexico immigration form is a type of tourist permit, for those who come to Mexico. Traditionally, the FMM was a paper form you received at the airport or border. But since 2023, INM has been rolling out a digital version of this form (called FMMD or also known as an eFMM), especially at international airports. I’ll explain how this works below
However, if you’re coming in as a resident with the intent of processing your residency card, then there are additional steps you need to take. I cover that later.
You can get one if you are entering Mexico by land or air.
If you are flying, and your passport is one of the “no visa required” countries, then you get an eFMM or digital FMM in Mexico when you land and go through immigration.
If you are traveling by car or walking across the border by land, you must process your own FMM tourist visa at the border by stopping at INM and presenting your passport. For eligible travelers, a passport card can also be used to obtain the FMM. This is YOUR responsibility.
If you do not stop at INM, you will not get a paper FMM and could be deported from Mexico if you are randomly stopped and cannot prove you have permission to travel through the country.
Example of A Digital FMM or FMMD. Digital Vs Paper
Tourists Vs Residents – Who Needs a Tourist Card (FMM)?
Any tourist (not residents) from a country that does not require a visa needs to process an FMM in Mexico. If your passport is from Canada, the USA, Japan, Schengen zone, Australia or the UK (among others), you are given an FMM upon arrival at an airport or you must apply for one at a land border.
There is a misconception that if you stay within the free zone near the border or only travel into Mexico for less than 7 days, you do not need an FMM. However, this is not correct.
If you are entering Mexico as a visitor, regardless of distance or duration, you need to process an FMM or Mexican immigration form either at a border or at immigration stations at airports. In addition to immigration procedures, travelers may also need to clear customs as part of the entry process. It just so happens that people who live near the border tend to never to apply for an FMM when they come to Mexico.
If you are a resident card holder of Mexico, you do not need to get an FMM at a land border or when you fly to Mexico. You lead with your residency card and your passport, and you should make sure the agent stamps your passport with either RT or RP.
How Much Does It Cost?
As of 2026, the fee for an FMM is $983 MXN (approx. $54 USD) to the INM office processing your visa at the border. The fees tend to increase each year.
The immigration officer will give a break off a part of the FMM when you come into Mexico. You must hold on to this stub from the FMM because you will need to surrender it/turn it in once you leave Mexico. However, if your trip is less than 7 days, you can get an FMM free of charge.
If you are flying, the cost is included in your ticket fare.
If you don’t surrender your tourist visa in Mexico and your FMM expires, then you have overstayed your visa to the Mexican government. Even if you have left the country already, you won’t be allowed to come back to Mexico in the future until your previous tourist visa is settled.
How Long Is It Good For?
If you are from the USA, Canada, Europe, Japan, UK, Australia and other countries, you can be given up to 180 days (about six months) on an FMM tourist visa. So you can fully explore Mexico for six months before you even have to think about the end of your FMM tourist visa.
The exception to the 180 days on an FMM is when you are coming to Mexico to process your residency. Then you are only given up to 30 days on your FMM.
Digital Application Process
The digital application process for the Multiple Immigration Form (FMM) has made entering Mexico smoother and more convenient for foreign nationals. When flying into Mexico, you will be issued a digital FMM upon arrival during immigration processing.
This digital FMM serves as your official tourist permit and is linked to your passport, with an immigration officer assigning your entry date and authorized length of stay, which can be up to 180 days.
When you arrive at your destination airport in Mexico, an immigration officer will review your valid passport, and stamp it.
The officer will assign your official entry date and authorize your length of stay, which can be up to 180 days for most tourists. You’ll receive a passport stamp as proof of entry, and your digital FMM will serve as your official tourist permit for the duration of your visit.
If you enter Mexico by land, or if you require a visa to visit Mexico, you’ll still need to complete a paper FMM form and pay the fee in person at an immigration office or INM office at the border.
To ensure a smooth entry, make sure your passport is valid for at least six months beyond your planned departure date from Mexico. Always double-check the latest requirements on the INM website before your trip, as Mexican immigration regulations can change.
By taking advantage of the digital FMM application, tourists can streamline their arrival process, avoid unnecessary paperwork, and focus on enjoying their time in Mexico. The Mexican government’s move toward digital migratory forms is designed to make travel easier and more efficient for visitors, so be sure to check if you’re eligible and complete your FMM form online before your next adventure!
Coming To Mexico As A Resident
Suppose you just received your residency visa approval from a Mexican consulate in the U.S., Canada, or Europe. In that case, you will need to travel to Mexico to finalize the process and exchange your stamp for an actual resident card in Mexico.
And when you come to Mexico, you will still need to process an FMM. However, you must tell them not to mark you as a tourist when you are with an immigration agent. They should mark your FMM as “Canje.”
If they mark you as a tourist, INM (Mexico’s Immigration Service) will not process your resident stamp for a resident card, and you will have to start all over again.
So don’t forget this process when you come to Mexico for Canje. Remember to ask for “canje” and that you not be marked as a “visitante” or tourist.
As a resident of Mexico, you should also NEVER use the automated kiosks (see example above) at designated airports like Cancun, Mexico City, Puerto Vallarta. These will register your entry as a tourist and you could lose your residency visa. For more tips on customs and Mexican no-nos to avoid, check out this list.
If You’re A Resident Traveling Out Of Mexico
The process is a little backward when you leave Mexico as a residente temporal or residente permanente.
When you leave Mexico, you must register your exit at the INM office or counter at the international airport in Mexico where you plan to depart. Some airports will tell you this isn’t necessary, but we have found that most airports do follow the correct processes.
If you didn’t register your exit, don’t panic. You won’t lose your residency. But please make a habit out of registering your exit with INM before leaving Mexico when flying.
If you are exiting through a land border, this isn’t necessary.
Additional Reading FMMD in Mexico- New Digital FMM
Once you do that, make sure an INM official stamps this piece of paper, which is essentially your notification to INM that you are leaving the country. And before boarding your flight, your aircrew will ask for this piece of paper. Turn it in to them.
That’s it. You’ve done your part.
I hope this helps clear up any questions on whether you need an FMM or not. Check out my other posts to learn more about retiring and living in Mexico!
