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Gil

Feb 3, 2003, 12:58 PM

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180 days

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The issue of 180 days allowed in Mexico on an FMT visa has been much discussed but it still is somehow not clear to me.
From Lake Chapala, can you go near the US border(turn in your vehicle permit about 15 miles before the border)every 180 days and immediately go to immigration in Neuvo Laredo, e.g.(possibly not even entering the US)and get a new FMT and car permit? I've been told by an Ajijic lawyer via email very recently that even though vehicles are limited to 180 days a year, this law is not being enforced. It is my intent to apply for an FM-3 within 2 years when I will financially qualify from a pension and social security thus avoiding this problem. Also are 180 days and 6 months treated as one and the same?

jennifer rose

Feb 3, 2003, 1:15 PM

Post #2 of 3 (3218 views)

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Re: [Gil] 180 days

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You must exit the country to obtain a new FMT. Theoretically, you could turn in your paperwork in Nvo. Laredo, walk around the block, and re-enter the building. But since you've driven that far, why not do the right thing, cross the bridge, and make a U-turn? As part of the deal you cut when the Mexican government allowed you to temporarily import you car, you promised to remove that car from the Mexican Republic.

Don't even bank on a law's lack of enforcement. Lack of enforcement doesn't make the law any less "real," and you may find out that the law is being enforced on the day you apply for that consecutive 180-day car permit.

Now, in response to your question, "Also are 180 days and 6 months treated as one and the same?" Some months have 30 days and some have 31. And one has 28 or 29, depending upon the year. 180 days is 180 days; 180 days doesn't spell 6 months.

Rolly

Feb 3, 2003, 4:34 PM

Post #3 of 3 (3173 views)

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Re: [Gil] 180 days

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A couple of people have reported on this forum that the authorities are indeed now enforcing the rule that you can bring in a car only on alternate 180 periods.

Rolly Pirate