How it works
Most people entering by land need an FMM. You can fill it out online on the INM (Mexico's immigration institute) site before you go, print it, and bring it to the border, or get it from an officer at the port of entry. It's good for one entry. If you fly in, there's no paper form anymore: the officer records your stay and you can download a digital copy.
The 180 days is a ceiling, not a promise. Your clock starts on the day your entry is stamped, and the officer can give you fewer days. You can't do paid work on it.
The 2026 fee for a tourist visitor is MXN $983. If you fly in, it's baked into your airline ticket. If you enter by land and stay 7 days or less, you don't pay it, but if you stay longer you pay it.
If you go past the border towns, including down the Baja peninsula, get an FMM, even for a short trip. It's free if you came in by land and leave within 7 days.
If you drive your own US-registered vehicle past the border area, you also need a Temporary Vehicle Import Permit (TIP) from Banjercito. It's tied to your immigration stay, so your TIP lasts as long as your FMM does. See the Mexico TIP page.
An example
Jake and Ana drive into Mexico at Nogales on 10 January 2026. The officer gives them 90 days, not 180, so their FMMs run through 9 April 2026, and their TIP for the truck runs for the same stay. They pay the tourist fee since they're staying longer than 7 days. On 5 April they drive back out at Nogales, park at the crossing, hand in their FMMs at the INM (immigration) office, then stop at the Banjercito desk to close the TIP, and get their deposit back.
Mistakes people make
- Assuming everyone gets 180 days. Plenty of travelers get 30, 60 or 90. Check the number before you leave the counter, because that's the number that counts.
- Overstaying the FMM while the vehicle is still in Mexico. Your TIP is tied to your immigration stay, so an expired FMM can put the vehicle out of status too.
- Going past the border zone without an FMM. Checkpoints inland will ask, and fines are real.
- Paying a website that isn't the INM. Third-party sites charge extra for the same form. And driving out without turning in the FMM: nobody flags you down, so park and walk into the INM office, or Mexico's records can show you never left.
Quick answers
How long can I stay in Mexico on an FMM?
Up to 180 days, but the officer decides how many you actually get. Check the number before you leave the counter.
Do I need an FMM for Baja?
Yes, if you go past the border towns, including down the Baja peninsula. It's free if you came in by land and leave within 7 days.
How much is the FMM?
For 2026 it's MXN $983. It's included in your airline ticket if you fly in, and free by land if you stay 7 days or less.
Do I have to turn in my FMM when I drive out?
Yes. Nobody flags you down, so park and walk into the INM office, or Mexico's records can show you never left.
Where this comes from
Government sources only. Read the rule yourself.
- Forma Migratoria Múltiple, online application (INM)inm.gob.mx ↗
- Driving to Mexico (US Embassy and Consulates in Mexico)mx.usembassy.gov ↗
What changed
3 Oct 2026. Checked against INM and the 2026 Ley Federal de Derechos. No change.
A plain-language summary of the official rules. It isn't legal advice. If your situation is unusual, confirm with the relevant authority or a qualified adviser.
