How to Apply: Tourist Card - Land
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Learn More: Tourist Card - Land
What you need to know
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The Tourist Card (FMM) is a travel document that facilitates entry to Mexico but it does not replace a visa.
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The Tourist Card (FMM) is usually valid for up to 180 days after arrival.
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With the Tourist Card you can extend your stay in Mexico.
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You can apply for a Tourist Card within 30 days of your arrival in Mexico. We recommend you apply before your trip to avoid complications.
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If you are traveling with children they will also have to apply for this travel document.
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We will send you two pages showing your Tourist Card. Make sure you do not cut or alter them in any way as this may invalidate them.
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Make sure that the Mexican officials stamp your card.
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If your nationality requires a paper visa, immigration officers at the airport will ask for the visa as well as the Tourist Card. We suggest you print a physical copy of the document.
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If you are only going to do stopovers or transit through Mexico, you don’t need the Tourist Card.
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There are no COVID-19 testing, requirements, or quarantine requirements for travelers to Mexico.
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iVisa is a legitimate company, accredited and recognized by the International Air Transport Association (IATA). For more information, see the FAQs below.
Apply today for the Mexico Tourist Card for land travel with us!
Last updated: November 2023
Whether you're strolling through the dynamic streets of Mexico City, relaxing on the sandy beaches of Cancun, or exploring the ancient ruins of Chichen Itza, Mexico's charm is in its rich cultural diversity and stunning natural settings. If you're planning to travel to Mexico using a car, bus or train, you'll need to apply for the Mexico Tourist Card for land travel.
We know too well the headache of visiting different websites to get the most accurate and up-to-date information about travel documents. That's why we've compiled this guide to help you understand the Mexico Tourist Card for land travel, its requirements, and how to apply.
Let's get started!
What is a Mexico Tourist Card?
The Mexico Tourist Card, also known as the Forma Migratoria Múltiple (FMM), is a mandatory document for tourists entering Mexico via land, air, or sea. It serves as proof of a visitor's authorized entry into the country and indicates the permitted duration of their stay.
This document is a separate entity from the traveler's passport and, where applicable, their visa. It helps the Mexican government keep track of the number of visitors and their contact details in case of an emergency. The Tourist Card consists of two sections. Upon arrival at the border, one section is handed to the traveler after being processed, while Mexican immigration authorities retain the other.
When exiting Mexico, travelers must present this card and their passport to immigration officials. It's therefore important to keep the Mexico Tourist Card safe for the duration of your stay in Mexico.
What can you do with the Mexico Tourist Card for land travel?
The Mexico Tourist Card for land travel allows you to:
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Visit Mexico for leisure, tourism, or recreational purposes.
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Carry out business-related activities, study short-term courses, and do volunteer work.
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Live anywhere in Mexico according to the number of days you're granted.
What can you not do with the Mexico Tourist Card for land travel?
Once you're issued with a Mexico Tourist Card for land travel, you cannot:
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Seek employment.
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Work to earn money.
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Become a permanent resident of Mexico.
Who can apply for the Mexico Tourist Card for land travel?
To be eligible for the Mexico Tourist Card for land travel, applicants must meet the following criteria:
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You're a foreign national traveling to Mexico.
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You must hold a valid passport.
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You will not stay in Mexico for longer than 180 days.
Who is eligible for the Mexico Tourist Card for land travel?
All international visitors to Mexico are eligible for the Mexico Tourist Card, regardless of their country of citizenship.
Countries that require a visa as well as those that are visa-exempt must also apply for a Mexico Tourist Card. The eligible countries include:
Afghanistan | Congo | Hungary | Nepal | Solomon Islands |
Åland Islands | Cook Islands | Iceland | Netherlands | Somalia |
Albania | Costa Rica | India | New Caledonia | South Africa |
Algeria | Croatia | Indonesia | New Zealand | South Korea |
Andorra | Cuba | Iran | Nicaragua | South Sudan |
Angola | Czech Republic | Iraq | Niger | Spain |
Anguilla | Democratic Republic of the Congo | Ireland | Nigeria | Sri Lanka |
Antigua and Barbuda | Denmark | Israel | Niue | Sudan |
Argentina | Djibouti | Italy | Norfolk Island | Suriname |
Armenia | Dominica | Ivory Coast | North Korea | Svalbard and Jan Mayen |
Aruba | Liberia | Jamaica | Northern Mariana Islands | Swaziland |
Australia | Libya | Japan | Norway | Sweden |
Austria | Dominican Republic | Jordan | Oman | Switzerland |
Azerbaijan | Ecuador | Kazakhstan | Pakistan | Syrian Arab Republic |
Bahamas | Egypt | Kenya | Palau | Taiwan |
Bahrain | El Salvador | Kiribati | Palestinian Territory | Tajikistan |
Bangladesh | Equatorial Guinea | Kuwait | Panama | Tanzania |
Barbados | Eritrea | Kyrgyzstan | Papua New Guinea | Thailand |
Belarus | Estonia | Laos | Paraguay | Timor-Leste |
Belgium | Ethiopia | Latvia | Peru | Togo |
Belize | Falkland Islands | Lebanon | Philippines | Tokelau |
Benin | Faroe Islands | Lesotho | Pitcairn Islands | Tonga |
Bermuda | Federated States of Micronesia | Luxembourg | Poland | Trinidad and Tobago |
Bhutan | Fiji | Saint Pierre and Miquelon | Portugal | Tunisia |
Bolivia | Finland | Macau | Puerto Rico | Turkey |
Bosnia and Herzegovina | France | Macedonia | Qatar | Turkmenistan |
Botswana | French Guiana | Madagascar | Republic of Cyprus | Turks and Caicos Islands |
Brazil | French Polynesia | Malawi | Reunion | Uganda |
British Indian Ocean Territory | Gabon | Malaysia | Romania | Ukraine |
British Virgin Islands | Gambia | Maldives | Russian Federation | United Arab Emirates |
Brunei Darussalam | Georgia | Mali | Rwanda | United Kingdom |
Bulgaria | Germany | Malta | Saint Barthélemy | United States |
Burkina Faso | Ghana | Marshall Islands | Saint Helena | United States Virgin Islands |
Burundi | Gibraltar | Martinique | Saint Kitts and Nevis | Uruguay |
Cambodia | Greece | Mauritania | Saint Lucia | Uzbekistan |
Cameroon | Greenland | Mauritius | Saint Vincent and the Grenadines | Vanuatu |
Canada | Grenada | Mayotte | Samoa | Vatican City |
Cape Verde | Guadeloupe | Moldova | San Marino | Venezuela |
Cayman Islands | Guam | Monaco | São Tomé and Príncipe | |
Central African Republic | Guatemala | Mongolia | Saudi Arabia | Vietnam |
Chad | Guernsey | Montenegro | Senegal | Wallis and Futuna |
Chile | Guinea | Montserrat | Serbia | Yemen |
China | Guinea-Bissau | Morocco | Seychelles | Zambia |
Christmas Island | Guyana | Mozambique | Sierra Leone | Zimbabwe |
Cocos Islands | Haiti | Myanmar | Singapore | Liechtenstein |
Colombia | Honduras | Namibia | Slovakia | Lithuania |
Comoros | Hong Kong | Nauru | Slovenia | Saint Martin |
Who doesn't need to apply for the Mexico Tourist Card for land travel?
Travelers who hold the following documents aren't required to apply for a Mexico Tourist Card for land travel:
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Holders of Mexico temporary resident visas.
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Holders of Mexico permanent resident visas.
Do minors have to apply for the Mexico Tourist Card for land travel?
The requirement for the Mexico Tourist Card applies to every person traveling to Mexico, including children and diplomatic personnel.
This means minors must also obtain a Mexico Tourist Card to enter the country.
Mexico Tourist Card for land travel validity: How long is the Mexico Tourist Card valid?
The Mexico Tourist Card allows visitors to stay in the country for up to 180 days in total. However, the immigration officers at the point of entry decide the number of days you are given.
The Tourist Card is a Single entry document, and once you leave Mexico, you'll need to apply for a new one.
Can I extend my Mexico Tourist Card for land travel?
No, you cannot renew or extend a Mexico Tourist Card. You must leave the country before your Tourist Card expires, or you'll be fined based on the number of days you overstayed.
Mexico Tourist Card requirements
To apply for the Mexico Tourist Card when arriving by land, applicants need the following:
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Passport: It must be valid for at least 6 months before your intended departure date from Mexico.
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Travel itinerary: You'll need to provide your chosen entry point into Mexico, the purpose of your visit, and your planned duration of stay.
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Proof of accommodation: You may be asked to provide details of where you plan to stay in Mexico, like a hotel reservation and its physical address.
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Invitation letter: You may need to provide a letter from the Mexican organization inviting you to a business-related activity or a letter of acceptance from an educational institution to study for a maximum period of 6 months.
How to apply for the Mexico Tourist Card for land travel
If you want a streamlined application process that is easy to follow and minimizes the occurrence of errors, applying for your Mexico Tourist Card using our platform is your best bet.
We've simplified the application process into three simple steps:
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Step 1: Enter your personal and travel details on our website or via the iVisa app.
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Step 2: Verify that all your information is accurate and choose your preferred processing time. Pay the fees with a credit or debit card, PayPal, or Venmo.
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Step 3: Once it's ready, we'll email you your Mexico Tourist Card. Download and print it.
When you arrive in Mexico, you must present the printed Tourist Card and your passport.
Mexico Tourist Card costs and processing times
- The cost of applying for a Mexico Tourist Card for land travel is approximately USD $42.00. This fee is paid during the online application process.
However, if you're staying in Mexico for less than 7 days, the Mexico Tourist Card is free.
When you choose to use our visa service, there's an additional surcharge depending on the processing time you choose:
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Standard processing, which takes 24 hours.
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Rush processing, which takes 4 hours.
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Super rush processing, which takes 30 minutes.
Do I need the Mexico Tourist Card to transit through the country?
For those transiting through Mexico, there's no need to apply for a Mexico Tourist Card.
However, individuals who need a visa to enter Mexico based on their nationality will require a visa, even if they strictly seek to transit through Mexico.
Benefits of getting your Mexico Tourist Card with us
When you choose our platform for your Mexico Tourist Card, you're not just selecting a service; you're choosing a superior experience. Here's why our platform stands out from the rest:
Apply for your Mexico Tourist Card here
Mexico entry requirements or restrictions
Mexico has lifted all COVID-19-related entry restrictions. Travelers entering Mexico aren't required to present a negative COVID-19 test or undergo quarantine upon arrival. However, it's always advisable to check the Mexican government website for the latest travel advisories and requirements before your trip, as policies can change.
Differences between a Mexico Tourist Card for land travel and a Mexico Tourist Visa
While they might sound similar, the Mexico Tourist Card and the Mexico Tourist Visa serve different purposes and are required under different circumstances.
The Mexico Tourist Visa is a formal document issued by the Mexican government that grants entry to foreign nationals who require a visa to enter Mexico.
While the Mexico Tourist Visa is a permit required for certain nationalities to enter Mexico, the Mexico Tourist Card is a mandatory entry requirement for all foreign nationals visiting Mexico, regardless of whether they need a Tourist Visa.
The Mexico Tourist Card is used to keep an official record of all visitors and is necessary for both visa-required and visa-exempt travelers.
Please consider using our visa checker tool to find out if you need to apply for a Mexico Tourist Visa with us!
Where can I learn more about the Mexico Tourist Card for land travel?
For more information about the Mexico Tourist Card, you can get in touch with our customer support team. Please send us a message on our live chat or at help@iVisa.
Questions
Do children need one too?
Leanna C, USA | July 1, 2024
I’m planning a road trip with the kids from San Diego to Tijuana and then further into Mexico to see their grandparents. I know I need to get a Mexico Tourist Card for myself, but I’m not sure about the kids. Do they each need their own Tourist Card for land travel into Mexico, or is there a family option?
Cami, iVisa | July 3, 2024
Yes, each of your children will need their own Mexico Tourist Card to enter Mexico. There isn't a family option; each traveler, regardless of age, must have an individual card.
Is the card needed for air or land travel?
Daniel B, Haiti | July 15, 2024
I'm going to Mexico City from LAX on Aeromexico. I thought I had all my entry requirements checked off since they stopped using the FMM cards for air travel. But then my friend sent me a a website link for applying for a Mexico Tourist Card. Now I'm confused. Do I need to fill this out, or, am I good to go without it?
Martin, iVisa | July 18, 2024
No, you no longer need to fill out a Mexico Tourist Card if you’re flying into the country. The card is strictly for travelers entering Mexico by land. Mexican immigration authorities replaced the previous paper tourist card (Forma Migratoria Multiple or FMM) that was used for air travelers with a Forma Migratoria Multiple Digital (FMMD). This is issued once you arrive at a Mexican airport by an immigration officer, who will either place a date stamp in your passport or direct you through an e-gate that will generate a printed receipt with a QR code.
Is it mandatory to apply for the card?
Dhruv S, India | July 29, 2024
My college buddies and I are planning a hiking trip in October: we’re going to Paso de Cortés, Cerro San Miguel, Cusarare Falls Trail, and maybe Pico del Águila. We’re all flying into Arizona before driving into Mexico. Our group has a mix: Americans, a German, an Indian (me), and a Peruvian. Do we all need to get the tourist card? Or are some of us exempt from filling it out?
Cami, iVisa | July 31, 2024
Yes, you do. Regardless of nationality, all travelers in your group entering Mexico by land will need to obtain a Mexico Tourist Card. There are no exemptions based on nationality for land entry; the Tourist Card is a mandatory requirement for all foreign visitors.
My application couldn’t be completed due to an error. What now?
What can I do if my Mexico Tourist Card application has been canceled or rejected?
Our iVisa experts review all applications and supporting documents to help you avoid rejections. However, if government officials find errors and reject your application, iVisa will refund your iVisa processing fee.
Note: Government fees will not be refunded.
You may reapply if your Mexico Tourist Card was canceled or rejected.
What happens if I lose my Tourist Card while in Mexico?
Two possible things can happen if you lose your Mexico Tourist Card:
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If you obtained your Tourist Card online, you can print a new form. Please be aware that you may need to pay a fine of up to USD 60, depending on the Immigration Authorities.
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If you lost a "handwritten" Tourist Card, you must make an appointment with an Immigration Office to get a new form. Please be aware that you may need to pay a fine of up to USD 60 to replace it.
My passport is NOT from an Eligible Country, but I am a legal resident of an Eligible Country. Can I apply for the Tourist Card online?
My passport is from one of the Eligible Countries but expires in less than 180 days. Can I apply?
Visa Policy of Mexico
How do processing times work?
Where can I read more?
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- Mexico Tourist Visa for Chinese Citizens: Apply for the Mexico Visa Now
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- Mexico Tourist Visa for Indian Citizens: Apply for the Mexican Visa Now
- How to Obtain a Mexico Tourist Card
- THE MEXICO FORMA MIGRATORIA MÚLTIPLE FORM
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