Forums > General > Traveling Mexico

lancetailor

Aug 9, 2011, 3:56 AM

Post #1 of 5 (2368 views)

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Car requirements to enter Mexico

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Come November, I will be a first-time driver into Mexico. My wife and a friend will be with me along with all needed belongings to stay in Mexico for 17 months. I have some apprehensions since none of us speak Spanish so I need a little coaching along the way. What all is required to bring my van into Mexico for that length of time. I understand that we will need to get a FM1 as well. Can any of this be done online prior to entering Mexico? I was told by a friend that the Columbia crossing in Texas is the easist spot to cross over into Mexico, is that true? Thanks in advance for all your responses!

donemry

Aug 9, 2011, 7:21 AM

Post #2 of 5 (2337 views)

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Re: [lancetailor] Car requirements to enter Mexico

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For a "first timer", yes, it is very easy. You get your FMT and then get your car permit at the cashier where you pay for your visa. They have a copy service for the many copies you will need. If you cross early in the morning, it is not busy.

It is a little out of the way as opposed to crossing at the Laredo bridge, but likely to be faster and certainly less complicated.

chinagringo

Aug 9, 2011, 7:34 AM

Post #3 of 5 (2329 views)

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Re: [lancetailor] Car requirements to enter Mexico

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You may wish to start by reading:

http://rollybrook.com/bringing_car.htm
Regards,
Neil
Albuquerque, NM

joaquinx

Aug 9, 2011, 7:45 AM

Post #4 of 5 (2320 views)

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Re: [lancetailor] Car requirements to enter Mexico

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17 months? With a FMT and not a FM1, you can stay a maximum of 180 days. Have you thought about an FM3/No Inmigrato visa for you, your wife, and a friend?
_______
My desire to be well-informed is currently at odds with my desire to remain sane.

Rolly

Aug 9, 2011, 7:59 AM

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Re: [joaquinx] Car requirements to enter Mexico

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FMT was changed to FMM a year ago. But no matter because by November it is likely that the new law will be activated. What is now called an FMM will be called a Visitante. It will be good for 180 days. At the end of that time the whole party and vehicle will have to go to the nearest border crossing to get a new vehicle permit and new Visitante visas.

If the purpose of the 17 month visit is just an extended tourist visit, getting a Residente Temporal (formally FM3/No Inmigrante) is not likely to be a viable option because of the requirement to have a provable local address when registering with the INM.

Rolly Pirate