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julianm

Jun 20, 2008, 8:49 PM

Post #1 of 6 (1465 views)

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Over-staying a 180 day Tourist Visa

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Has anyone recently over-stayed on their tourist visa? I'm coming close to my 180 days, and was wondering what the consequences would be if I arrived at the airport a eight days over-due....would it be down to the discretion of the check-in desk whether or not to fine me? Would there be any trouble re-entering Mexico?? Or are certain airports less strict about doing this (I'll be flying out of GDL)???

Any guidance would be appreciated!

Thanks,
Julian

jerezano

Jun 21, 2008, 6:56 AM

Post #2 of 6 (1440 views)

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Re: [julianm] Over-staying a 180 day Tourist Visa

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Hello julianm,

First of all it is not the airport but the airline you are flying which must conform to the Immigration rules. So, legally, each airline will do the same thing. They are not supposed to let you board the aircraft if your papers are not in order. On all other rules of Immigration of which I am aware, all airlines have been very strict. No experience with your problem.

A solution if the fine to be levied by immigration seems excessive is to board a bus to the closest frontier crossing, hire a taxi and cross. Turning in your tourist permit while required, cannot be enforced up to the present time. They do not check at the border, nor do they as yet computerize the records. If you are a stickler for legal acts, you may then mail your tourist permit to a central Mexico office which used to be shown on the back of the visa. Everybody I know, including me, used to just toss the permit into the nearest waste basket.

Or if you are going to California, fly to Tijuana, and take a bus to San Diego.

Perhaps someone who has experienced this problem will answer. I hope so.

jerezano.

sioux4noff

Jun 21, 2008, 7:06 AM

Post #3 of 6 (1437 views)

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Re: [julianm] Over-staying a 180 day Tourist Visa

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I'll respond with some maybe helpful, maybe not, "gringo lore".
From what people have said in other discussions of this same thing, it seems that at least in Puerto Vallarta, the airline clerks make sure you have the tourist card to turn in, but don't appear to check the dates.
So others have advised - just take it to the airport and act as if nothing is wrong. Sort of like hoping for the green light on entering.
Perhaps it could relate to the number of people they are trying to process for a flight, maybe the more people inline the less closely they examine the papers. Or could be the airports that do a large number of international flights just glance at the papers and go on.
Good luck.

(This post was edited by sioux4noff on Jun 21, 2008, 7:07 AM)

jerezano

Jun 21, 2008, 11:56 AM

Post #4 of 6 (1407 views)

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Re: [sioux4noff] Over-staying a 180 day Tourist Visa

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Haello julianm,

Sioux4noff has probably given you helpful advice. But a lot depends on how you purchased your ticket. If a non-refundable elecronic ticket, you just might not be able to reschedule. That could be very expensive.

jerezano.

robrt8

Jun 21, 2008, 12:18 PM

Post #5 of 6 (1404 views)

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Re: [jerezano] Over-staying a 180 day Tourist Visa

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I wouldn't sweat an 8 day late fmt. I haven't flown out of GDL, but the people at the airline counter at MEX and BJX never check the date, from what I've seen. I make a point of seeing what they do.
Play dumb. Worst case, you'll be sent to another counter to pay 47 bucks and perhaps receive a lecture. Arrive earlier, in case you do get sent to the immigration counter.

julianm

Jun 21, 2008, 2:25 PM

Post #6 of 6 (1394 views)

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Re: [robrt8] Over-staying a 180 day Tourist Visa

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Ok, thanks for the advice everyone. I won't be sweating over this as much as before - in fact, I've just booked the ticket so will report back if there are any problems!

Thanks again,
Julian