Us Passports Stamped In Mexico: Airport Protocol Explained

When travelling to Mexico, it is important to be aware of the country's entry and exit requirements. While some sources suggest that Mexican officials do not always stamp passports upon entry, others indicate that this is mandatory. Visitors to Mexico may be required to fill out a Forma Migratoria Multiple (FMM) form, which is used by the government to record statistics. This form is being phased out and replaced with a stamp in passports. Upon arrival, Mexican immigration authorities will determine the length of stay and either stamp the passport or direct the traveller through an E-Gate. It is important to note that there is no immigration check when leaving Mexico by air, and visitors are only required to present their FMM form to the airline. However, foreign residents of Mexico may receive an exit stamp in their passport.

Stamping passports at the Mexican border

When travelling to Mexico, it is important to know the procedures for entering and exiting the country. Here is some information on passport stamping at the Mexican border.

Firstly, it is essential to have a valid passport book when entering Mexico by air. Those with only a U.S. passport card may be denied admission. Mexican immigration authorities will determine the traveller's authorised length of stay, which can be up to 180 days without a visa, and will either place a date stamp in the passport or direct the traveller through an E-Gate, which generates a printed receipt with a QR code. This receipt can be obtained from automated kiosk lanes in some airports, such as Mexico City and Cancún.

The paper FMM (Forma Migratoria Multiple) forms are being phased out, and the FMM will likely be stamped into your passport instead. The FMM is used by the government to record statistics, and it is important not to lose the form as it is needed to exit the country. If the FMM is lost, there is a fee of around $40 for a replacement. If you are a Mexican citizen, you will need to complete a Formato Estadístico para Mexicanos (FEM) before exiting the country.

When exiting Mexico, there is no immigration check at the airport. However, travellers must present the FMM immigration card to the airline when departing. It is possible to get your passport stamped at the INM counter at the airport, but it is not mandatory. Some sources indicate that exit stamps are only required for foreign residents of Mexico, and they may need to visit an INM office or kiosk to obtain one.

It is worth noting that there are immigration checkpoints within Mexico, including in popular tourist areas, where travellers may be asked to present their passports and entry permits. Driving beyond the immediate border area (approximately 12 miles) requires a temporary vehicle import permit, which can be obtained from Mexican customs, Banjercito, or some Mexican consulates in the U.S.

Temporary residency in Mexico

Financial Requirements:

To be eligible for a temporary resident visa, applicants must demonstrate sufficient financial resources. This can be done by providing evidence of either an overall bank balance of over $27,000 in the past year or a monthly income of over $1,620 in the last six months.

Application Process:

The first step in obtaining temporary residency is to submit an application. This typically involves completing forms, providing supporting documents, and potentially undergoing biometric procedures. It is recommended to consult with qualified lawyers in Mexico to ensure the process is efficient and error-free.

Registration with INM:

Once the visa application is approved, individuals must travel to Mexico and register with the National Migration Institute (INM) within 30 days of their arrival. This process involves exchanging the visa for a residency card, which serves as proof of temporary residency status.

Entry and Exit Procedures:

Upon arrival in Mexico, individuals may receive a date stamp in their passport indicating their authorized length of stay. Alternatively, they may be directed through an electronic gate that generates a printed receipt with a QR code. When exiting, residents must present their passport and residency card to the immigration officer.

It is important to note that temporary residency permits have different categories, such as Scientific Research, Economic Solvency, Real Estate Investment, Education, and Marriage. The permits are typically issued for one year but can be renewed annually for up to three additional years. After four consecutive years of temporary residency, individuals can apply for permanent residency, which does not require renewal.

Entry and exit stamps

When entering Mexico, travellers are required to have a valid passport book. At the airport, Mexican immigration authorities will either place a date stamp on the passport or direct the traveller through a self-service electronic gate that generates a printed receipt with a QR code. The stamp or receipt will indicate the authorised length of stay.

Paper FMM forms are being phased out and replaced with a stamp in passports. If you are given a paper FMM, keep it safe as you will need it to exit the country. If you lose the FMM, you will need to attend a local immigration office and pay a fee of around $40 for a replacement. If you overstay the number of days indicated on the entry permit or stamp, you may face additional procedures.

Upon exiting Mexico, there is no immigration check at the airport. Travellers need to present the FMM immigration card to the airline as they pass through the departure gate. Mexican immigration does not participate in the departure, and passports are not stamped on exit.

However, foreign residents of Mexico with a Residente Temporal or Residente Permanente card must present their passport and resident card to the Immigration Officer at the port of exit. They must use their residency card to exit and re-enter the country. If they have lost or damaged their residency card, they need to apply for a replacement.

Some airports, such as Mexico City, continue to issue exit stamps to residents. It is recommended that residents attend an INM office or kiosk at the exit port and ask for an exit stamp.

Immigration check when leaving Mexico

When leaving Mexico, there are several procedures, documents, and customs regulations to consider. The specific requirements may depend on your citizenship status, method of travel, and port of exit. Here is an overview of the immigration checks when departing from Mexico:

Passport Stamps:

Paper FMM (Forma Migratoria Múltiple), which were previously used by Mexican immigration authorities, are being phased out. Instead, your passport will likely be stamped, indicating your authorized length of stay. This stamp will be placed either upon arrival or departure, depending on the port of entry. If you receive a paper FMM, ensure you don't lose it, as you'll need to return it to immigration when exiting the country.

Residency Cards:

Foreign residents with Residente Temporal or Residente Permanente cards must present their passport and resident card to the Immigration Officer at the port of exit. Some airports, like Puerto Vallarta and Guadalajara, may not issue exit stamps to cardholders, while others, like Mexico City, continue to do so. If you have lost or damaged your residency card, a replacement must be applied for.

Vehicle Import Permit:

If you drove your vehicle into Mexico beyond the immediate border area, you must have a temporary vehicle import permit from Mexican customs. When leaving Mexico, ensure you cancel this permit to receive your monetary deposit refund.

Customs Declarations:

When travelling by land, declare any goods beyond personal effects worth $300 or more to Mexican customs (SAT). When travelling by air, the declaration limit is $500 or more.

No Visa Required:

If your passport is from a country on Mexico's "no visa required" list, you don't need to apply for a visa before travelling. However, you must complete a Visitor's Permit (FMM) at your port of entry, which is valid for up to 180 days.

Immigration Checkpoints:

Immigration checkpoints are common in the interior of Mexico, including popular tourist areas far from the border. Mexican immigration authorities may ask to see your passport and entry permit at any time during your stay.

FMM forms and stamps

The Forma Migratoria Multiple (FMM), also known as the Forma Migratoria Multiple Digital (FMMD) or Multiple Immigration Form, is a visitor's permit for Mexico. It is valid for stays of up to 180 days from the date of arrival. The FMM is typically included in the "fees and taxes" of an airfare for those flying into Mexico. For those driving into Mexico, the fee is waived if the driver departs within 7 days of arrival.

Paper FMM forms are being phased out and replaced with a stamp in the traveller's passport. If you are given a paper FMM form, the immigration official at the port of entry will stamp both halves of the form and hand you the smaller, stamped half. This half is important to keep, as it will need to be surrendered when leaving Mexico. If you lose the FMM form, you will need to visit a local immigration office and apply for a replacement before leaving Mexico. This will involve a fee of around $40-$60.

If you have a stamp placed in your passport, this will serve in lieu of the paper visitor's permit. Airlines will require you to show this stamp before allowing you to board a flight out of Mexico. If you are departing Mexico by land, you should voluntarily surrender your paper form to an immigration official before departure.

Upon arrival at a Mexican airport, immigration authorities will determine the traveller's authorised length of stay and either place a date stamp in the traveller's passport or direct the traveller through a self-service electronic gate (E-Gate) that generates a printed receipt with a QR code. Travellers who wish to download a record of their FMMD can visit the National Migration Institute's (INM) website.

Frequently asked questions