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mary_buff

Jun 22, 2009, 5:03 PM

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Returning the FMT

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We returned from Mexico in Nov, turned in car permit & thought, will return the FMT later (we have done this before). Tried @ the border crossing in Nuevo Progresso and they would not take the FMT said I had to have the paperwork showing I returned with my car. That paperwork was not with me @ the time. The FMT is over 30 days expired. I need assistance as to how to return the FMT. I understand that I may have to pay a fine but I can’t get an answer as to how much. My car paperwork was turned in I just want to turn this in and be legal so when we do go on Vacation this year we won’t be turned away or worse be detained until we pay a hefty fine for the expired Visa. I have tried the website listed in the article “Mexico's immigration visas and IMSS: current and historical rates - costs” but have not received a response. Any suggestions short of ignoring the matter are appreciated

ken_in_dfw

Jun 22, 2009, 8:38 PM

Post #2 of 9 (2778 views)

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Re: [mary_buff] Returning the FMT

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Your FMT goes "poof" in a little cloud of smoke when you cross that border. You'll be fine for a return visit. It's only good for the duration of your visit in Mexico.

Returning the car sticker was the biggie. You're good to go.

jerezano

Jun 23, 2009, 8:13 AM

Post #3 of 9 (2725 views)

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Re: [kenhjr] Returning the FMT

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Hello mary_buff

POOF!! True, the expired FMT in the past has always just disappeared into.... Nevertheless, in this day of computerization, who knows for the future.

So if you are worried about the FMT, you might look at the reverse side. In the past there was always an address in the Federal City printed there where you could send your FMT if you had forgotten to turn it in at the frontier. I haven't looked at an FMT for so many years I don't know if they still put an address on the back or not. But look for it, and if it is there just mail the FMT off and then forget it. With the Mexican mails it may or not get to its address, but at least you could then tell the Migra that you mailed it in to the main office as required. Of course you could say that anyway using your regional office as the destination.

To my knowledge there is no fine for not returning an FMT.

With Mexico hurting for tourists I can't see them refusing you entry for any reason. But then Migras have bad hair days too.

jerezano.

(This post was edited by jerezano on Jun 23, 2009, 8:17 AM)

Anonimo

Jun 23, 2009, 11:04 AM

Post #4 of 9 (2680 views)

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Re: [jerezano] Returning the FMT

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It's interesting that on Lonelyplanet.com/thorntree Mexico Branch, there's a (rather contentious) discussion presently going on, in which it's claimed that the FMT is good for up to 180 days, and need not be turned in when you leave. (Unless leaving by air, my interjection here.)

Saludos,
Anonimo

esperanza

Jun 23, 2009, 11:25 AM

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Re: [Anonimo] Returning the FMT

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The FMT has always been good for a maximum of 180 days.

Unfortunately, there are many times when Immigration gives fewer days than that: sometimes 30, sometimes 60, sometimes 90. If the traveler plans to stay in Mexico longer than the amount of time allowed, he or she simply goes to the nearest Immigration office and requests a longer stay.

No one is allowed to extend an FMT to more than 180 days. That's its limit.

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mary_buff

Jun 23, 2009, 11:56 AM

Post #6 of 9 (2671 views)

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Re: [jerezano] Returning the FMT

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Thanks for the info. I looked on the back and there is no address. I guess we will see.

Thanks
Mary B

sparks

Jun 23, 2009, 2:52 PM

Post #7 of 9 (2637 views)

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Re: [mary_buff] Returning the FMT

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While turning in my auto permit about 3 years ago in Nogales I walked across the street to turn in my FMT. The guys in the office wondered what I was doing and I'm convinced the visa went straight to the circular file

Sparks Mexico - Sparks Costalegre

BajaGringo

Jun 23, 2009, 4:25 PM

Post #8 of 9 (2618 views)

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Re: [sparks] Returning the FMT

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A customs agent told me recently that you should just dispose of it. You don't want to be caught with an expired one inside of your passport when applying for a new one. Some agents will suddenly "remember" that you were supposed to turn it in although as Sparks said, most don't seem to know what to do with it...

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richmx2

Jun 24, 2009, 5:39 AM

Post #9 of 9 (2553 views)

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Re: [Anonimo] Returning the FMT

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This appears to be one of those hardly unique to Mexico situations where the training and implementation hasn't caught up with the policy.

Basically, your FM-T should be for 180 days, unless there are other circumstances (not well defined) that justify permitting fewer numbers. An FM-T SHOULD only be for the term of your stay within the country, but there isn't any uniform mechanism for checking that... the assumption being that when you leave, you've left and that's the end of it. Until the next time.

Automobiles (and their certification) are fairly easy to track now... and now are being tracked entering and leaving. That form obviously needs to be turned in. The FM-T for people, not a worry. It's theoretically canceled when you leave, there's just no good way to track the several million issued every year. Until the bureaucracy comes up with something "better" (or more complicated and techo-dependent like the U.S. system) or unless you are some kind of masochist that LIKES bureaucratic hassles, just assume the FM-T is invalidated when you leave and you need a new one the next time you enter.

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