Forums > General > Traveling Mexico

Camille

Nov 16, 2010, 7:17 AM

Post #1 of 11 (3087 views)

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Advice please

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My fm3 was lost at the border when I crossed into Texas last month. I have a police report documenting that. My question is, do I go into that when I return to Mexico tomorrow, or do I apply for a tourist visa? I am driving a truck tied to my fm3, and just to make it more fun, pulling a trailer I bought in Texas. Any advice, other than to just shoot myself, greatly appreciated.

Reefhound

Nov 16, 2010, 7:46 AM

Post #2 of 11 (3075 views)

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Re: [Camille] Advice please

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Have you contacted the Mexican consulate in your area? I doubt they can reissue a FM3 but they might be able to give you something temporary until you can get to INM in Mexico, or tell you what you need to do.

Doesn't the trailer need a permit and isn't it required to be tied to your vehicle permit? I don't think they can "add" it to an existing permit. You might need to cancel the old car permit and get a new one with both vehicle and trailer.

Camille

Nov 16, 2010, 8:15 AM

Post #3 of 11 (3066 views)

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Re: [Reefhound] Advice please

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The consulate here was of no help. I thought they could just give me a letter stating that I have a valid fm3 but no. I am dreading tomorrow!

Reefhound

Nov 16, 2010, 8:50 AM

Post #4 of 11 (3057 views)

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Re: [Camille] Advice please

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You have no photocopies of the FM3? You should keep copies of ALL your important documents in separate places. I have scanned all mine and put them online so they are accessible from nearly anywhere.

Everyone must fill out a FMM. How it gets filled out (tourist, fm3, etc.) is to be determined. I believe you are not allowed to hold two different kinds of visas at the same time so I would not fill it out as a tourist. It may invalidate your fm3 or put you in violation of the law. And I doubt the border office can issue you a replacement.

esperanza

Nov 16, 2010, 8:56 AM

Post #5 of 11 (3055 views)

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Re: [Camille] Advice please

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If I understand your post correctly, you did not cancel your temporary vehicle permit prior to crossing from Mexico into the USA.

Here's my opinion--and it's ONLY an opinion, others' opinions may vary. At any rate, this is what I would do.

Drive your truck and trailer to the USA town where you plan to cross into Mexico.
Unhitch your trailer and leave it parked somewhere safe, maybe a motel parking lot.
Drive your truck across the border to the location where the Mexican authorities cancel vehicle permits.
Have them cancel your current permit. THEY are required to scrape the sticker off your windshield and issue a comprobante showing that your vehicle has been legally exported.
Drive back into the USA and retrieve your trailer. You might want to stay overnight.
Cross back into Mexico, obtaining a new temporary vehicle permit AND an FMM.
Deal with your FM-3 situation once you are on home territory in Mexico.

http://www.mexicocooks.typepad.com

(This post was edited by esperanza on Nov 16, 2010, 9:27 AM)

esperanza

Nov 16, 2010, 8:57 AM

Post #6 of 11 (3053 views)

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Re: [esperanza] Advice please

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How bizarre! Why did the numbers list show up outside the frame of the reply?

http://www.mexicocooks.typepad.com

Rolly

Nov 16, 2010, 9:11 AM

Post #7 of 11 (3045 views)

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Re: [esperanza] Advice please

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I agree with Esperanza's advice.

Rolly Pirate

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Camille

Nov 16, 2010, 9:24 AM

Post #8 of 11 (3037 views)

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Re: [Rolly] Advice please

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Thanks, guys! This makes perfect sense at last!

Moisheh

Nov 18, 2010, 11:24 AM

Post #9 of 11 (2889 views)

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Re: [Reefhound] Advice please

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Reefhound: Could you please explain your statement re everyone having to fill out an FMM . Even if they have an FM3. That is something I have never done and never heard of such a requirement.

Moisheh

Reefhound

Nov 18, 2010, 12:02 PM

Post #10 of 11 (2884 views)

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Re: [Moisheh] Advice please

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That's my understanding as of May 2010. I don't mean a tourist card, the FMM is a multi-purpose form. But as I don't have a FM2/3, I'll let someone who does step in and explain.

Rolly

Nov 18, 2010, 12:08 PM

Post #11 of 11 (2879 views)

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Re: [Moisheh] Advice please

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It is correct that everyone must fill out an FMM form.
For those who hold an FM3/2 or inmigrado. it is only for statistical purposes.
Here is a picture of the back of the FMM.
Look near the bottom right of the Official Use section where is says "Holder of Immigration Form."
Sorry it's a bit hard to read.

Rolly

E-visit me http://Rollybrook.com
On Facebook as Rolly Brook

(This post was edited by Rolly on Nov 18, 2010, 12:19 PM)