Entry Exit Document

Entry Exit Document

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Do I need to fill out an Entry/Exit Document when driving out of Mexico? We have FM2 and FM3s.

If so where do we get them when exiting at Laredo?

Thanks?

You can't always get what you want
You can't always get what you want
But if you try sometimes
You might find
You'll get what you need. (Jagger, Richards)

YucaLandia

Apr 18, 2012, 11:11 AM

Post #2 of 21 (3514 views)

Re: [ronincolima] Entry Exit Document

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No INM exit document needed.

If you are concerned about exceeding no-more-than 18 mo. outside of Mexico restriction on FM2s, you might consider checking with INM.

If you are driving a foreign plated vehicle with a Temporary Import you can decide if you want to notify Aduana that the vehicle is leaving Mexico. Formally you can get a multiple exit / multiple rentry permit from Aduana for the vehicle. See: Yucalandia http://yucalandia.wordpress.com/...ing-a-car-in-mexico/ for details.

If your vehicle is stolen or wreaked etc while outside of Mexico, it makes it easier to cancel out the old TIP if you have the reentry/exit permit.
steve
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Read-on MacDuff
E-visit at http://yucalandia.com

(This post was edited by YucaLandia on Apr 18, 2012, 11:16 AM)

bournemouth

Apr 18, 2012, 12:31 PM

Post #3 of 21 (3496 views)

Re: [YucaLandia] Entry Exit Document

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I don't think you are correct - I believe we are required to fill out an FMM when departing the country and being the possessor of an FM2 or 3, leaving immigration with one half of the form, and handing in the second half on our return. It is absolutely necessary to do this when leaving by air and should be done when leaving by road.

(This post was edited by bournemouth on Apr 18, 2012, 12:32 PM)

joaquinx

Apr 18, 2012, 1:26 PM

Post #4 of 21 (3481 views)

Re: [bournemouth] Entry Exit Document

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In Reply To

It is absolutely necessary to do this when leaving by air and should be done when leaving by road.

You can't get on the plane without going through Migration. In Veracruz, they are right at the ticket counter.

I've gone to McAllen and returned without checking with Migration.
_______
My desire to be well-informed is currently at odds with my desire to remain sane.

Apr 18, 2012, 1:35 PM

Post #5 of 21 (3475 views)

Re: [bournemouth] Entry Exit Document

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Except that no one ever asks, or apparently cares about an FMM. What Steve says is correct about your import sticker - and you can be hit by lightening or a meteorite - I don't bother, I drive out and drive in. You're supposed to have your passport stamped also, mine has one stamp in 2006 when I traveled by air. When I hand my passport to American Cusoms at Laredo #2 they do their routine, smile and hand it back.

My point is that it's your prerogative, you can stand in line and do it or not. When they start giving out gold stars or "atta boys" I'll do it, until then - not.
http://www.chapalaweather.net

YucaLandia

Apr 18, 2012, 2:24 PM

Post #6 of 21 (3465 views)

Re: [joaquinx] Entry Exit Document

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1,000's of expats with FM3s (No Inmigrante) and FM2s (Inmigrante) leave Mexico at ground border crossings without stopping at INM. After a decade of following internet reports, I have not ever seen a single expat report of any re-entry problems with INM after leaving Mexico by ground - all return with no questions asked, as long as their FM3 or FM2 are still valid.

Many past first person reports actually say the opposite for people who try to "check out" when leaving Mexico: They have problems finding a Mexican official who will deal with their desire to document their leaving with their car - often being bounced between different offices trying to find someone who will handle the exit permission request.

e.g. Does Altahabana (or other expats who regularly cross the border into the US) always stop at INM to "check out" every single day that they cross into the USA?
-
Read-on MacDuff
E-visit at http://yucalandia.com

(This post was edited by YucaLandia on Apr 18, 2012, 5:25 PM)

Apr 18, 2012, 5:17 PM

Post #7 of 21 (3431 views)

Re: [YucaLandia] Entry Exit Document

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That was what did it for me 4 years ago, I had my spiffy new FM3 and was proud to go down under the bridge and stamp out. When I came back in I dutifully went back in and the agent looked at the FM3 and handed it back, I asked if it should be stamped in, he said "no stamp" - I went down to another window and came back and no stamp - that was the last time I bothered to darken their door.
http://www.chapalaweather.net

RickS

Apr 18, 2012, 6:47 PM

Post #8 of 21 (3411 views)

Re: [stevebrtx] Entry Exit Document

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They don't seem to anxious to take one's FMM upon exit either..... they looked at me like I was daft! I leave it with them anyway but who knows what they do with it after I leave.

Apr 18, 2012, 7:00 PM

Post #9 of 21 (3406 views)

Re: [RickS] Entry Exit Document

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Last year when they started the FMM thing I laughed. If you leave through Laredo, turn in your ticket, come back in through El Paso for instance, then you have to imagine either diligent agents entering your FMM number into a PC which is networked to central INM, or a huge room somewhere deep in MX full of people matching tickets and stubs like a giant bingo game - somehow having lived in MX for nearly 5 years now I can't imagine either. I had thought the original idea of the card was so they could swipe them at entry/exit points and match up everything. Now, to imagine functional swipe stations in all those places is also good for a brain cramp, but the paper ticket matching thing, that's a real hoot, but Mexicans do love paper work and stamps, gives everyone a job.
http://www.chapalaweather.net

santiagostan

Apr 19, 2012, 6:50 AM

Post #10 of 21 (3352 views)

Re: [ronincolima] Entry Exit Document

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Just because it isn't convenient to do, doesn't mean one doesn't have to do it. I believe it is a requirement, just like turning in an FMM when you depart which most don't do.

A few years ago I left the country by car with my FM2, then flew back in. I checked out with immigration in Tijuana, but they failed to give me the form you fill out, so when I returned via air INM wanted to see the form and gave me a hard time. I explained that the office in Tijuana didn't give me one and the reacted like ok, it was Tijuana they don't know what they are doing and let me pass without any other problems.

Your mileage may vary, but if it were me I would stop.

Apr 19, 2012, 6:59 AM

Post #11 of 21 (3348 views)

Re: [stevebrtx] Entry Exit Document

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I have read this latest on crossing the Mexican Norder and I just want to pose one important question that I'd like answeresd by some one who knows.
My question,putting airline travel aside,when crossing into or out of Mexico by car what does the goverment of Mexico require in paper work if you have a valid FM3 as far as additional paper work and if more paper work is required is there places in the U.S like the local Mexican Consulat or on line web sites to pick up the paper work?

We have held FM3 for many many years and have traveled over the Mexican border at least 30 times by car and have instances like discribe in the thread , so just what does the reg require?

Apr 19, 2012, 7:10 AM

Post #12 of 21 (3336 views)

Re: [santiagostan] Entry Exit Document

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It's not a matter of convenience, they don't seem interested in following their own regs. When you cross #2 they don't ask for anything because if you're new you don't have anything, visa or sticker, if you drive by the white bldg they don't run out and stop you and when you hit the 20 mile check point the the last 3 times I've crossed they didn't ask for anything, in fact last month they didn't even have the red/green lights operational at the kiosk and the last time they asked I showed them the card and they waved me on, so you have to work at finding someone interested in giving or receiving FMM's and/or stickers. I carry the paper package Intercasa prepared with all my paperwork and have showed it twice, they glance at it and when they get to about page 2 they've already lost interest because it's obvious you have all your papers and are approved by Aduana.

That being said, I do take their laws regarding guns, ammo etc. very serious and all my papers, car tags, TX inspection etc. are always up to date.
http://www.chapalaweather.net

RickS

Apr 19, 2012, 7:43 AM

Post #13 of 21 (3322 views)

Re: [stevebrtx] Entry Exit Document

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In my years of border crossing (back into the US) I have never had an official who seemed interested, much less asking, for my FM-T or FMM. As I mentioned, the last three crossing (2 at Nuevo Laredo and one at Piedras) I have actually had to 'make' them take my FMM.... they just look at it, then me, then basically ask 'why are you giving me this?'.

The bad thing is that one has no proof that they actually turned anything in if, later, it becomes an issue. But I'll continue to do so.

chinagringo

Apr 19, 2012, 8:26 AM

Post #14 of 21 (3311 views)

Re: [RickS] Entry Exit Document

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We all should recognize that each crossing may utilize their own interpretation of the regs. Speaking only for the Santa Teresa/San Jeronimo crossing, they do stamp your Passport when turning in a FMT. They also fine you when they catch you attempting to reenter on a new one when you have not turned in your old one. Been there/done that for a fairly expensive lesson!
Regards,
Neil
Albuquerque, NM

Altahabana

Apr 19, 2012, 10:25 AM

Post #15 of 21 (3287 views)

Re: [YucaLandia] Entry Exit Document

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Does Altahabana (or other expats who regularly cross the border into the US) always stop at INM to "check out" every single day that they cross into the USA?

I do not have an FM2 or FM3, just an FMM. There are probably a couple thousand US citizens who live in Nuevo Laredo and communte regularly, if not daily, between the two Laredos. I suspect very few of them even have an FMM and I don't know of any who stop at IMN to check out when they do cross. I certainly don't.

Aduana is very relaxed at the border in Nuevo Laredo and in six years I have never been asked for any documentation even when going through secondary inspection after drawing a red light. My guess is they leave the real migratory checks on norteamericanos to their counterpoints at the interior checkpoints.

Apr 19, 2012, 8:05 PM

Post #16 of 21 (3238 views)

Re: [ronincolima] Entry Exit Document

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In regards to this thread and the subject and the answers to my question .
I first thank all of you for your answers.
What I find alarming is that all your answers to my poised questions pointed to the lax of detail that should occurr on any border crossing regardless of the country and I along with you have experianced these situations ,but that does not mean I have to like it, I want to know what the true requirement is,because I want to abide by that,I don't want to have the hassle our additional exspence to do otherwise , so I still pose the question what is the reg?
On the flip side.
What I really find humorous is some of comments of some of the ex pat's that chat of this forum in the last ten days that were harping about the recent security that were being imposed on American air space and what an injustice .
I say to those dream on security works both ways , from a family that for a very very long time has called Mexico home as well as the United States.

Apr 19, 2012, 8:26 PM

Post #17 of 21 (3232 views)

Re: [Poncho32] Entry Exit Document

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In re-reading my post I left out one important detail and it will be marked and the word is (never).
Thank you.

In regards to this thread and the subject and the answers to my question .
I first thank all of you for your answers.
What I find alarming is that all your answers to my poised questions pointed to the lax of detail that should (never) occur on any border crossing regardless of the country and I along with you have experianced these situations ,but that does not mean I have to like it, I want to know what the true requirement is,because I want to abide by that,I don't want to have the hassle our additional exspence to do otherwise , so I still pose the question what is the reg?

On the flip side.

What I really find humorous is some of comments of some of the ex pat's that chat of this forum in the last ten days that were harping about the recent security that were being imposed on American air space and what an injustice .
I say to those dream on security works both ways , from a family that for a very very long time has called Mexico home as well as the United States.

Apr 20, 2012, 5:08 AM

Post #18 of 21 (3209 views)

Re: [Poncho32] Entry Exit Document

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Rolly probably has it specifically covered on his web pages, but since 2006 you need to turn in your car sticker and when you return (since last June 11th) you will pay a deposit in American dollars, either cash or CC. When you renew your visa you must notify Aduana within (I believe) 15 days or forfeit the deposit. You must fill out the FMM and keep the stub and return it when you come back in. You should also have your American passport stamped.

I was giving some additional thought to your comment about American air space. I don't know if you've flown lately, I did last month and the treatment and intimidation tactics of the jack-booted Nazi TSA thugs is deplorable and I see no indications that it has prevented a single incident, while there are numerous documented instances of deliberate or accidental "weapons" carried on board and not detected. I read an article by the former head of TSA and basically he thinks they're over the top and in their attempt to imagine and prevent every possible scenario they're doing a disservice.

Now, the US border agents are efficient, business like and yet pleasant. I do chuckle however, I have a MX flag front plate and apparently enough of a tan to be greeted with "buenos dias" etc. But, for the most part, I've been here long enough to roll with the flow, if they want papers, I got 'em, if they're not interested, so much the better.

Oh, one more thing on the deposit for new stickers, I'll be the first to admit I was wrong and getting the money back, apparently that is working. The next test will be to see when people renew their visa, and notify Aduana, if they are able to get it back.
http://www.chapalaweather.net

(This post was edited by stevebrtx on Apr 20, 2012, 6:48 AM)

YucaLandia

Apr 20, 2012, 6:53 AM

Post #19 of 21 (3186 views)

Re: [chinagringo] Entry Exit Document

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Going back to the OP and the original topic, the question was about "checking out" (formally register the exit) at INM when you drive out of Mexico on an FM3 or FM2: ~ Because FM2 (Inmigrante) and FM3 (No Inmigrante) are both annual and renewable, as "resident" permits, they are treated differently than visitor permits. ~ The Mexican government treats residents differently than visitors in a number of legal policies. It is expected that FMMs for visitor/tourists are treated differently, to show that they left Mexico when they were supposed to.

Since there is no set requirement when FM3 holders must leave the country, it makes sense that many border INM agents and offices do not check to prove that the FM3 holder left Mexico. FM2 holders also are not required to leave Mexico.

When driving out of Mexico to go into Belize, the INM agents said I did not have to "check out" with my FM2. Were they correct?

FM2 holders still do have the added stipulation of not being outside Mexico more than 18 months out of 5 years, so it might be in the FM2 holder's interest to officially "check out" as they leave to document their actual time out of Mexico to prevent some future eager-beaver INM agent who notices only re-entry dates (with no exit dates), and then claims that the expat might have been out of Mexico more than 18 months. If challenged, I would not enjoy trying to find documents to prove that I was in Mexico for at least 42 months out of 60.
steve
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Read-on MacDuff
E-visit at http://yucalandia.com

(This post was edited by YucaLandia on Apr 20, 2012, 7:00 AM)

Apr 20, 2012, 7:25 AM

Post #20 of 21 (3167 views)

Re: [stevebrtx] Entry Exit Document

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Thanks since over the years in crossing that border and all kinds of different treatments by the people at immigration of what or what you don't need in paper work it gets real confussing and when I seen this last discussion on the matter I really got confused
Over the years I have always felt that the requie ment both by air travel or car travel on the paper work was the same.
But when you see chat such as occurred in this latest thread ,one needs to get the facts.
On your last two comments,.
On Sicurity any all nations need to do what ever they can to protect their country based on the scare levels at any given time and they could be faulted in going to far.
As a retired vet I would rather it be the latter than not enough.
On your last We apply for our car permit on line and have done so the last two trips and have received our deposit back with in 7 days.
Again that you for your info.

Apr 20, 2012, 11:16 AM

Post #21 of 21 (3123 views)