Forums > General > Traveling Mexico

Chris

Oct 3, 2002, 8:27 PM

Post #1 of 11 (1275 views)

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US citizens, MX tags crossing the border

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We are US citizens in Mexico on FM3. We want to cross the border with our Mexican vehicle into Brownsville Texas. What do we need to do to make this as easy, quick and painless as possible? Also does anyone have directions to get the border crossing/ free trade bridge near Brownsville? Tips for the return trip also would be greatly appreciated.Gracias

Lee

Oct 3, 2002, 10:17 PM

Post #2 of 11 (1262 views)

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US citizens, MX tags crossing the border

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Chris,I am planning on moving to Mexico in January of 2004. I have looked into the FM2/3 paperwork. Any suggestions/comments on pros and cons of each?

Chris

Oct 4, 2002, 5:58 AM

Post #3 of 11 (1260 views)

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US citizens, MX tags crossing the border

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: Chris,: I am planning on moving to Mexico in January of 2004. I have looked into the FM2/3 paperwork. Any suggestions/comments on pros and cons of each?
Well, I can't answer that since we got what the company told us to have and then they went out and did most of the leg work for us. I can tell you we are thrilled to be here and are having a great experience. You might try posting this question as a new topic so it doesn't get lost in the border crossing issue.Chris

Robert

Oct 4, 2002, 6:08 AM

Post #4 of 11 (1262 views)

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US citizens, MX tags crossing the border

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: We are US citizens in Mexico on FM3. We want to cross the border with our Mexican vehicle into Brownsville Texas. What do we need to do to make this as easy, quick and painless as possible? Also does anyone have directions to get the border crossing/ free trade bridge near Brownsville? Tips for the return trip also would be greatly appreciated.You should not have any problem crossing, but you may need to present the FM3 at the border. I have had several friends, and several posters, on this board ask me about bringing the old-style VW Beetle back to the USA, since they still make them here in Mexico. The answer is no. However, they insist they could do it. Customs will stop someone with Mexican plates who cannot provide either a Mexican passport, FM2, FM3 or Diplomat. Otherwise, you could be trying to import the car in their estimation, as is the case with the Beetles. Personally, I think it is a bad idea given the high car prices here, but...

Esteban

Oct 4, 2002, 6:26 AM

Post #5 of 11 (1261 views)

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FM-3/FM-2

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By the time you get here, the laws could very well be different. However, at this time, you'll have to get an FM-3 first then after 5 years, you'll be eligible for your FM-2. There are some variations on what I say here but that's the normal process.

Russell Kveton

Oct 4, 2002, 6:38 AM

Post #6 of 11 (1263 views)

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Not trying to start a big controversy, but...

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it is not necessary to have an FM-3 before applying for an FM-2, its just that few people start out that way. The five year period applies to having an FM-2 for that period before you can apply for inmigrado status. Once you attain inmigrado status, no further annual renewals are required.

Russell Kveton

Oct 4, 2002, 6:55 AM

Post #7 of 11 (1262 views)

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US citizens, MX tags crossing the border

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Several months ago I investigated this for a friend who owns a mexican plated vehicle and was told he should enter at Pharr, Texas, which is east of McAllen, and go to the vehicle import lot, on US side, and speak with the Supervisor. Basically you need to prove your residence in Mexico. So FM-3, house deed, rental agreement, phone bills, light bills, etc. hopefully will accomplish this. Have you Tarjeta de Circulacion as well and driver's license of course. Whether there is a vehicle import lot at the Los Indios free trade bridge I'm not sure. Maybe someone else can comment on this.

Rolly

Oct 4, 2002, 10:04 AM

Post #8 of 11 (1265 views)

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US citizens, MX tags crossing the border

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When I was planning my move to Mexico, I asked the same question at the Mexican consulate in Los Angeles. The very nice and helpful guy told me absolutely that I did not want an FM2. I didn’t argue with him. Later I learned more details and was glad I went with an FM3.The requirements for getting an FM3 are easier/cheaper. With an FM2 there are some restrictions on owning a US registered car and on travel time outside Mexico. I have never heard anyone recommend getting an FM2 unless you are really sure that you want to stay in Mexico permanently and own a Mexican plated car.In very general terms, think of an FM3 for retirement; an FM2 as a stepping stone to Mexican citizenship.

Esteban

Oct 5, 2002, 1:33 PM

Post #9 of 11 (1259 views)

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Not trying to start a big controversy, but...

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I have no problem with what you say Russ, in fact I'd like to learn more about your information. As usual, it's possible that the immigration authorities here in Mazatlan have a different policy than other immigration offices througout the country. Here, they have told me that it's necessary to have the FM-3 for five years before they'll accept an application for an FM-2. Where did you get your info and what are the circumstances. With varying circumstances I can see things could be different. For instance a woman from the US who marries a Mexican man, can bypass the fm-3 or fm-2 after being married for two years and go directly to the immigrado status. Not so for men who marry a Mexican woman. Anyway, I'd be interested in any more info you have and don't consider it an "arguement" in any way. Thanks

Russell Kveton

Oct 6, 2002, 7:53 AM

Post #10 of 11 (1258 views)

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Nothing in the Ley General de Poblacion >>>

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that I can find states you have to be No Inmigrante (FM-3) for five years before requesting Inmigrante status. But I guess they can do what they want in Mazatlan, the law seems to give broad discretion. I'll find out in a couple of months, because I plan to request the change after the first of the year, having held an FM-3 for only a couple of months. I decided to do an FM-3 first to make sure I could get a Menaje de Casa more easily, but now that I have my house deed, I can qualify for an FM-2 with a lower monthly income. If the Jalisco INM delegacion that comes to Lakeside has such a requirement of holding an FM-3 for some period of time, I guess I'll find out.You might also want to talk to an abogado in Mazatlan who deals with matters of migracion.I'm not at Lakeside right now but as soon as I get back in about a month, I'm going to check into this and see what they require there.

Esteban

Oct 7, 2002, 1:58 PM

Post #11 of 11 (1260 views)

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Nothing in the Ley General de Poblacion >>>

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I'm really interested in what you find out. Actually, I'd like to get an imigrado status ASAP so the earlier I can qualify for an FM-2, the better. Thanks and I'll be waiting for your information. If you think about it, email me directly, that is if you don't mind taking the time. Much appreciated Russ.Hasta la Proxima,
Esteban