Mexican Immigration’s New Procedure for North Americans
This is the first article of a series on the procedure to follow when one wants to visit or live in Mexico. The new procedures are to facilitate the application for either a visiting permit (Visa) or for applying for an FM-3 or FM-2 if one wishes to live in Mexico.
In this first article we will look at the first step one must take to enter Mexico be it as a Mexican or as a foreigner.
For Mexicans who are entering Mexico, one must present proof of citizenship, be a passport, IFE ID Card, certified copy of Birth Certificate, Naturalization Card, Certificate of consular matriculation, any other suitable document; in the case the person does not have proof of citizenship he will make a declaration, under protest of saying truth, that he is Mexican and fill out and present to the immigration authority the FME form for Mexica (Article 7 Frac, II, 13, 15 and 16 of the Ley General de Poblacion and articles 95 and 103 of its by-law), in some cases the Secretaria de Salud ( Secretary of health ) could require that a medical examination be performed.
For foreigners with temper or permanent residence in Mexico, the rule is that at point of entry (land, sea or airport) one must present, FM-3 or FM-2 or an exit and entry permit; for person aboard a sea vessel a valid Passbook of sea document.
For foreigners who do not qualify in the above paragraph can be in Mexico for up to 180 days which can not be extended in most cases, under a visa called FMM. The activities that can be done and the maximum time of 180 days without extension are: Tourist, Minister of Cult or Religious Associates and Correspondent, Student, Visitor with lucrative activities as a Professional, Councilor, Artist, sportsperson, Management, Scientist, Technician or scientist, Member of a cooperative, Visitor with non lucrative activities as a business person or others. Human Rights observer, 10 days maximum; one who is in transit or as a Provisional visitor: 30 days, Local visitor: 3 days; Visitor to know about electoral process, for the duration of the election process as the document emitted by the electoral organization, A Distinguish visitor can have the period of 180 days extended by decision of the immigration authority. Economic dependant with a FMM depending of a person who has an FM-3 (No Inmigrado) will not be able to stay for more than 180 days.
The new VISA as price, said price is included in the airline ticket or paid at the entry time or at the Mexican consulate or at the bank depending of the activity. The foreigner must fill out the VISA. At entry of the country must present the information that the immigration authority is asking. The documents that must be presented are: Passport or a ID and ticket which are in force and valid for Mexico, and the Visa (FMM) or permit issued by immigration; in the case of a business person who has an APEC Business Travel Card valid for Mexico there is no need to request the FMM (Visa); In some cases the immigration authority at the point of entry can request from the foreigner the motive of his travel.
In the next article we will explain what the obligations are and Rights one has once in the country.
More info can be obtained by contacting me at can-am-mex-law-firm@hotmail.com
Contact Information
Lic. J.E. Beaulne, LL.B.
Abogado / Avocat / Attorney at Law,
International real estate investor
Member of Lawyer's college in B.C.S.
Firm´s Senior Partner,
Notaria 8, Planta Alta, suite 4 & 6,
Esq., Allende y Serdan,
La Paz, B.C.S., Mexico. CP 23000.
24/7
From outside Mexico: 011 52 1 (612) 348-9793
In Mexico:045-(612) 348-9793 cell
Additional Information
Moving to Mexico