22 replies to this topic

[MountainGal]

Does anyone know what happens when someone drives out of Mexico without checking out for the FM3 and then flies back in? Can you just fill out the tourist visa card (FMM) without mentioning the FM3? OR are they closely tied to your passport and would cause problems when coming in through INM at the Mexican airport?

I know it's against the rules, just want to know the reality!

[Ajijic]

Complete the FMM the airline gives you and say nothing unless they say something. Then say you lost it. Not much can happen.

[Mainecoons]

Why not just check out, you don't need the airline form at all, just hand in your stub on return. This is really easy for FM3 holders.

[Intercasa]

Checking out while driving can be problematic as many immigration people are not used to it, I have done it and fought with the people. FM3 no big deal, it is the FM2 people that may have a rude awakening in the future if there is no record of the round trip.

[Irish Gal]

I have an FM2 and am planning to drive out of Mexico with my Canadian plated vehicle which I plan to sell in Canada. At the border, I will have the sticker taken off the car. I assume I should have the FM2 stamped on exit. I will be flying back to Mexico. Anything else I should know?

[RVGRINGO]

They don't 'stamp' your plastic visa card. You must fill out the FMM and keep the stub for your re-entry into Mexico. That is very, very important for 'Inmigrante' (old FM2) visa holders, as you must comply with the travel restrictions for that visa. If you don't know them, consult Intercasa for the details.

[MountainGal]

OK - I said FM3, but should have said FM2. I drove out of Mexico, we have moved back to the States. Did not check out because it was just too stressful with two dogs and a carload of stuff in 100 degree heat. However, we will probably want to return in the future at least for vacations. I don't mind the FM2 expiring, but wouldn't want to have a problem in the future if we decided we wanted to come back for visits on an FMM. That's why I'm wondering how "tightly coupled" the passport and FM are when just passing through immigration at the airport.

I suppose if all else fails, we aren't that far from the border and could cross back to Mexico to "check-out" properly, but it would be a hassle.

[RVGRINGO]

You may want to consider doing that. Your visa has renewal dates and if you fail to renew and return later, there would be problems and fines. So, if your plans don't include renewing at the proper time, you should go to the border or to a Mexican Consulate and cancel your visa.

[Irish Gal]

They don't 'stamp' your plastic visa card. You must fill out the FMM and keep the stub for your re-entry into Mexico. That is very, very important for 'Inmigrante' (old FM2) visa holders, as you must comply with the travel restrictions for that visa. If you don't know them, consult Intercasa for the details.

Of course, they don't "stamp" the FM2 card. The keyboard itself made an error!! This is the first time we've driven out of Mexico so I just wanted to be sure that I do comply. Thanks for the info.

[TioBob]

Here is hypothetical situation ( I don't recommend this). You drive out of Mexico and don't stop at inmigration. You drive back some days later and again you don't stop at inmgration. How do they know?

[Intercasa]

TioBob they don´t know but the issue is later when they match things up if you drove out and did not check out and flew back in they will ask you for travel documents, sometimes years later! This is for FM2 and inmigrado people.

[elmirage]

I don't know if I'm posting in the correct forum. If so, please excuse me.

Here's my question:

I have to return the car of my deceased partner to the U.S. All the paperwork is in his name. I am only named on the insurance policy. How do I proceed? What do I need to do?

Thanks.

[Mainecoons]

Assuming you have the permit that goes with the sticker, drive it to the border, hand them the permit, they hand you a razor to scrape the sticker off, do so, hand it to them, they will give you a receipt. They do not check to see if the person driving the car is the same person on the sticker. If you get checked on the way to the border, VERY unlikely, just show them your name on the insurance policy and tell them you are driving the car to the border to turn the permit in.

That should take care of it. In numerous trips to the border, we have never had our car permit checked. One time, during the PanAm games when there were all those check points around Guad, we did have a sticker check.

That's how I'd handle it.

[Ajijic]

Elmirage sorry for your loss. Should you exit Mexico and not hand in the sticker won't be a big issue. The concern is for those wanting to bring in a car in the same name as they want their name cleared for the next entry. In summary, if you get to turn it in, great and if not do not worry.

[RVGRINGO]

Since the deceased owner can't give you a letter of authorization to drive his car, I would suggest that you carry a copy of the death certificate, just in case you are stopped and questioned along the way.

[Gramma Donna]

Slightly different situation, but would appreciate your comments. What are our options when we return to Ajijic in a few weeks. Crossed the border in August, 2011. Purchased bond and came in on FMM's. A couple of months later we received our FM3's (I know, not the correct name). Did not notify Aduana of the change. Left Mexico in June, 2012. Stopped at immigration where they did not remove the car sticker, but said we lived most of the time in Mexico. That was true last year. Fast forward to September, 2012. We will be crossing back into Mexico in about 10 days. What are our options? Fm3's are still valid and will be renewed in October. I never expect to receive our bond back, but hope to never have to pay for a new one either. Drive through without stopping? Stop and do what? We will have our dog with us also. Thanks.

[RVGRINGO]

First, INM does not remove your sticker. You were supposed to go to Banjercito for that; you goofed and have lost your deposit. You were also supoosed to have INM give you an FMM and you were to keep half of it for your return, with your visa. If you did that, present them both when you re-enter.
Since you still have your sticker on the car, just drive on in and hope that they miss that detail at the interior checkpoint.
Renew your visa on schedule when you get back.

[bournemouth]

RV - as they did not turn their sticker in, their visas are still good, and they registered the change with Hacienda, why have they lost their deposit?

[RVGRINGO]

Because they failed to notify Aduana of the change from FMM to 'no inmigrante'. As such, they lost their deposit on the 181st day after getting the initial FMM.

Tjat's how I read their posting.

[bournemouth]

Because they failed to notify Aduana of the change from FMM to 'no inmigrante'. As such, they lost their deposit on the 181st day after getting the initial FMM.

Tjat's how I read their posting.

You're right - I missed the word "not" in the post.