Do I need a tourist card or a visa to enter Mexico?
Tourists/Pleasure
If the reason for your visit is for pleasure or recreation, you may only need a tourist card (known in Mexico as an FM-T). Tourist cards can be obtained quickly, usually within minutes, at the Mexican immigration offices at the border. U.S. and Canadian citizens require a tourist card if:- The visit is 72 hours or more
- OR
- The visit is outside the limits of the border zone or tourist corridors established by the Mexican government. The border zone varies slightly from one Mexican border state to another, but is an area south of the U.S. border down approximately 20 to 30 kilometers (12.4 to 18.6 miles) into Mexico.
- Tijuana – Ensenada
- Sonoyta – Puerto Penasco
- Cuidad Juarez – Paquime
- Piedras Negras – Santarosa
- Reynosa – China – Presa el Cuchillo
Tourist Card - FMT
You should get a tourist card if you will be traveling south of any of the above corridors, or south of Mexicali on Highway 5.
It is important to note that in the case of Baja California even though you can take your vehicle to the end of the peninsula without a vehicle permit (see vehicle importation regulations) you must have a tourist card if you plan to travel south of Maneadero.
What type of documentation do I need to bring with me?
U.S. and Canadian Citizens
- If you are a U.S. or Canadian citizen you will need to have a valid passport to present to the Mexican Government officials in order to get a tourist card (FM-T).
- Keep in mind that for visitors returning to the U.S. by land, U.S. officials will now ask for a valid passport or passport card to grant readmission.
- Information is available from Mexico's National Institute of Immigration:
Countries that need visas
Countries that do not need visas - If you are not a U.S. or Canadian citizen, please contact the Mexican consulate for the most current requirements on visa requirements.
How do I obtain a tourist card (FMT)?
Paying For The Tourist Card
For the most part, tourists who drive across obtain their tourist card from an immigration office at a border crossing point. They are also available from certain Mexican consulates, and Mexican tourism offices, border zone airports, airlines flying to Mexico, and other ports. Keep in mind that even if you obtain your tourist card before crossing the border, many times you will still have to stop at the Mexican immigration office at the border to document your entry date and to have your tourist card stamped by immigration officials.
Tourist cards cost $225.00 pesos (just over US $20) and can be issued for up to 180 days. It is advisable to have your card valid for 180 days even if you don't plan on staying in Mexico that long. It is easier to already have the time granted to you than extend your card later if you stay longer.
Before the tourist card is fully issued, you will be sent to the bank next door to pay for it and come back with the receipt to show the immigration official. The immigration office at San Ysidro and the bank are open 24 hours a day 7 days a week.
Tourist cards are issued per person including minors and infants at this time, although this may change.Tourist Card Tips:
- Make sure that the Mexican officials stamp your card.
- Keep your card in a safe place where you won't tend to lose it. It is better not to keep it on your person.
- Write your tourist card number down and keep it separate from your actual card. If you lose your card, this will help to expedite the situation with immigration.
- If you do lose your card, you will need to go to a local immigration office to obtain a new one.
Traveling with Minors
If a minor (person under 18 years old) is traveling with only one parent or another person it is necessary to bring a notarized letter signed by the absent parent(s) stating that the minor is permitted to travel with whomever they are traveling. If the parents are divorced, proof of sole and physical custody must be presented. If one parent is deceased, a death certificate is required.
