Forums > General > Traveling Mexico

Demonio

Jul 2, 2010, 10:33 AM

Post #1 of 9 (4339 views)

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Leaving Mexico

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Is it necessary to "check-out" with INM when a holder of a new (card) FM# leaves MX by land? I mean, there's nothing to stamp, nor is there a need to "check-in" at INM on the way back. Especially if you don't cancel your vehicle importation permit, since they MAY be able to track your going and coming if you cancel, then purchase a new permit. Or not, since Aduana/Banjercito issue permits and are separate and apart from INM.

"What we've got here is a failure to communicate."

Ustlach

Jul 2, 2010, 11:06 AM

Post #2 of 9 (4320 views)

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Re: [Demonio] Leaving Mexico

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When I renewed my FM2 in May and received the new "credit card" style visa I had the same concern and I asked them there at the INM office if I needed to check out and back in at Km21 when I go NoB.

The answer was affirmative. They told me to just do as I always do. But no one explained how they would use/record the fact of my exiting and later re-entering Mexico. I have read elsewhere about the use of a separate paper form, either similar to or the exact same thing as what the INM officer uses at the airport when I fly out.

I have not left Mexico since I got my FM2 renewal so I have not yet had the experience and can't know exactly how it will play out.

Goyo

Jul 2, 2010, 11:12 AM

Post #3 of 9 (4316 views)

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Re: [Demonio] Leaving Mexico

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I have the old style booklet. My renewal and change to a card will come in August so I haven't actually seen one. But... I leave and return frequently by Crucero bus passing through on foot going to USA and on bus returning to Mex. I have never shown or had my FM2 book stamped either way, nor shown my US passport card (which does not have the FM visa documentation). I used to get my FM3 book stamped and on one occassion forgot on return to Mex. When I realized I went to the migra in Tepic. It was a big hassle going through all the bureaucratic process to declare my mistake and get it stamped. I even had help from a well positioned Mexican friend in Nayarit state government which only eased the process a little. From that point on I never got either book stamped again. It seems the Mexican migra never knows whether you are crossing to the border zone only or going further. And once in Mexico they have no way of knowing if you ever left Mexico. This has made things easier and does not account for any days out of the country on my FM2. This way they do not deduct or otherwise count the days out against my 5 year limit. If the card has a chip or magnetic strip that may be how it is "stamped"... by swiping through a reader. If that happens when I get my card I will take the same approach I always have. FYI the US passport card has a chip and the FM# card may be similar. Sorry for the long answer but I thought the details might be helpful. In techno gobbledygook I think this is called a "work around".

chinagringo

Jul 2, 2010, 12:43 PM

Post #4 of 9 (4293 views)

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Re: [Goyo] Leaving Mexico

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By providing historical data of what has always worked for ONE person regarding leaving and re-entering Mexico, the poster may be doing a disservice to others. It seems obvious that Mexico is working to clean up the system by putting new procedures in place. A real rude awakening may be in order for those that follow the "old way" and fail to comply with the "new way"!
Regards,
Neil
Albuquerque, NM

Peter

Jul 2, 2010, 2:39 PM

Post #5 of 9 (4271 views)

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Re: [Demonio] Leaving Mexico

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Are you crossing at Tijuana? That is where I used to cross, fly Morelia-Tijuana-Morelia, and cross by bus or on foot - depending on the hour it can take a long time on foot. Problem was I could never find out where to do the stamp thing. When I brought in my car I ended up with an entry and no exit to account for it; that was extra red tape at this last renewal - almost three years after the event.

I haven't crossed in three years now but I still think what is important still is not to have an extra entrada or salida without having the corresponding other.

When and if you figure it out then please let us know. I'm especially interested in what is at Tijuana, I never did figure it out.

Demonio

Jul 3, 2010, 7:57 AM

Post #6 of 9 (4194 views)

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Re: [chinagringo] Leaving Mexico

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In Reply To

Neil, the point of the OP was if there is a "new way", than what is it? If you know, by all means let us know. I'll keep researching and will post if and when I figure it out,

G

"What we've got here is a failure to communicate."

chinagringo

Jul 3, 2010, 8:36 AM

Post #7 of 9 (4183 views)

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Re: [Demonio] Leaving Mexico

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Demonio:

My apologies but I was reacting to Goyo's post and not your original post. It is MY understanding that with the new card, one fills out a 2 part card. One is retained by INM and an "exit stamp" in your Passport and then you carry the other until your return and are expected to stop upon re-entry to turn in the other and have your Passport "entry" stamped. From personal experience and experiences stated, the Passport stamping procedure is a major part of their tracking process.

With respect to the vehicle permit, it optional to have it voided but one takes a chance with future problems should the vehicle be stolen or totaled while out of Mexico. In my book, the nominal cost associated with obtaining a new permit is minor compared with one's exposure.

All this said: the only thing consistent with INM border procedures is the inconsistency between enforcement or interpretation at various crossings!
Regards,
Neil
Albuquerque, NM

Goyo

Jul 3, 2010, 9:52 AM

Post #8 of 9 (4172 views)

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Re: [chinagringo] Leaving Mexico

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In my experience, with probably 50 or more land crossings on bus or foot, I have never had my passport stamped. I have had my FM3 booklet stamped and am careful to do it both ways except the one mistake/oversight I made. Maybe others have had their passports stamped but not I. If one crosses using a US passport card - PassCard - there is no place to stamp and I don't believe there is any way the Mexican migra can read the electronics of the card. The possession of an FM# is defacto proof of passport possession. Also, within the border zone I don't believe Mexico yet requires a passport for entry, but it may be coming. The border zone is different and more open/liberal than going into the interior hence the import stickers for automobiles as well. By the way, I am referring solely to US citizens/passports, not other countries. And I am also referring to the Mexican rules not USA requirements.

Goyo

Jul 3, 2010, 10:01 AM

Post #9 of 9 (4162 views)

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Re: [Peter] Leaving Mexico

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Peter, yes I am referring mostly to Tijuana except for just a few times at Nogales. And from my experience Nogales has two pedestrian entries to Mexico, one on either side of the automobile lanes in/out.

At Tijuana the migra office - a caseta - is located to the right just inside the turnstiles coming in on foot. It can also be accessed by walking through the aduana complex at the vehicle entry point by walking through a small breezeway between the buildings. The same for exiting before crossing over the foot bridge = in the turnstile area.

There is also a migra office - caseta - in the Central Camionera. At times when the officer is on break the door will be closed but it is otherwise available 24/7. When I have had my FM3 stamped there the officer seems to like the opportunity to stamp the booklet since it seems like it might have been his only real work for the day. It gives him a break from TV or reading the paper, or napping as I have encountered a few times.