Important Information for Tourists and Expats Departing Mexico
Last update: December 6, 2024
Planning to leave Mexico soon? Whether you’re wrapping up a memorable vacation, concluding your stay as an expat, or traveling back to your country during your residency process, it’s crucial to be well prepared to avoid last minute surprises. Departing from Mexico involves more than just packing your bags, there are important procedures, documents, and customs regulations to consider.
By following these essential guidelines, you can ensure your departure goes smoothly, allowing you to focus on cherishing your final moments in this beautiful country without unnecessary stress. Let’s take a look into what you need to know before you head to the airport or cross the border.
1. Tourist Visa Holders
No Visa Required Countries
Passport holders from countries listed in the “No Visa Required” link do not need to apply for a visa before traveling to Mexico. Travelers from countries not on the “No Visa Required” list must contact their nearest Mexican Consulate to apply for a visa before traveling.
Tourist Visa/FMM
Upon arrival to Mexico, you will receive your tourist visa (Forma Migratoria Múltiple, FMM). Keep in mind that in some airports the paper versions of the FMM are gradually being discontinued and replaced with a passport stamp, which at the same time generates a digital FMM in the system which can be downloaded within 60 calendar days from your arrival from the official website. Nevertheless, if you are granted paper FMM make sure that you don’t lose the half of the form given to you, as it will need to be given back to immigration at the moment of exiting the country.
The FMM is typically valid for 180 days, however, subject to the decision of the immigration officer at the point of entry, you may be granted less days; ensure you leave Mexico before it expires, otherwise you could be subject to a fine. Keep the FMM accessible on your phone, cloud storage, or drive, as you must present it at the airport when leaving Mexico. The tourist visa fee is typically included in your airfare’s “fees and taxes” if you are to flying into Mexico or payable at the border if driving into Mexico.
Contact our experts for assistance if required; delays in this process could affect your travel plans.
2. Residency Applicants in Process
Foreign applicants that are under a residency process must not leave Mexico before being granted their temporary or resident card. The “Canje” and the “family reunification” process usually takes 1-3 business days. However, if you still need to exit Mexico while your residency application is in process, you must request an exit permit issued by INM, which usually takes approximately three business days to be approved. The permission letter allows you to leave for up to 60 calendar days and is valid for one trip. Doing so may result in the cancellation of your application. Upon returning to Mexico with an exit permit, you must report to INM within five days of your return. The permission letter must be stamped by customs at your exit and at your return to Mexico.
3. Temporary and Permanent Card Holders
Departure Process
As a resident card holder (including the old FM3 or FM2 residency permits), you must register with the Immigration desk at the airport or port of exit, with passport and resident card to complete your FMM travel document before proceeding to the airline check-in desk. Some airports in Mexico, no longer issue exit FMMs or exit stamps, however, it´s best recommended that you continue stopping by the immigration desk at the airport, regardless being stamped or not, to avoid any unexpected situation.
Re-entry to Mexico
Upon returning, ensure immigration officers do not mark you as a tourist. Always present your residency card at customs for re-entry. Entering as a tourist may jeopardize your residency status.
For further information or assistance with residency in Mexico, contact us at customerservices@mexlaw.com.