What if I lose my tourist card?

Go to the nearest INM (immigration) office with your passport, photos, and 533 pesos fee. You'll need to file a report and get a replacement before you can leave Mexico.

Can I extend my tourist card?

Yes, visit an INM office before your authorized stay expires. You can typically extend once for up to 180 total days. Bring your passport, FMM, and proof of financial means.

Do I need my FMM for domestic flights in Mexico?

Yes, Mexican domestic flights require your FMM along with passport or government ID. Airport security will check both documents before allowing you to board.

What happens if I overstay my tourist card?

You'll pay a fine at the airport when leaving (around $30-40 USD) and may face entry restrictions on future visits. Always check your stamped authorized days, not the 180 printed on the card.

Can I re-enter Mexico immediately after my tourist card expires?

Technically yes, but immigration officers may question frequent entries and exits. If you're living in Mexico de facto, they may deny entry and require you to apply for proper residency.

How to Handle Your Mexican Tourist Card (FMM)

Keep your Mexican tourist card (FMM) with your passport at all times during your stay. You'll receive it when entering Mexico and must return the bottom portion when leaving. Losing it means paying a replacement fee and dealing with paperwork at immigration.

Get your FMM at entry. Fill out the tourist card form completely when entering Mexico by air, land, or sea. Immigration will stamp it and give you the white copy to keep. The yellow copy stays with them.
Store it safely with your passport. Keep your FMM attached to your passport or in the same secure location. Many travelers tape it to a passport page or keep it in their passport holder. Never pack it in checked luggage.
Check your authorized stay period. Immigration stamps the number of days you're allowed to stay (usually 30-180 days). This number overrides the pre-printed 180 days on the form. Count from your entry date to avoid overstaying.
Carry it everywhere you travel in Mexico. Keep your FMM with you when traveling between Mexican states, especially if flying domestically. Airport security and police may ask to see it along with your passport.
Return it when leaving Mexico. Give your FMM to the immigration officer when departing Mexico. They'll take the bottom portion and return your passport. If departing by air, sometimes airline staff collect it before boarding.

What if I lose my tourist card?: Go to the nearest INM (immigration) office with your passport, photos, and 533 pesos fee. You'll need to file a report and get a replacement before you can leave Mexico.
Can I extend my tourist card?: Yes, visit an INM office before your authorized stay expires. You can typically extend once for up to 180 total days. Bring your passport, FMM, and proof of financial means.
Do I need my FMM for domestic flights in Mexico?: Yes, Mexican domestic flights require your FMM along with passport or government ID. Airport security will check both documents before allowing you to board.
What happens if I overstay my tourist card?: You'll pay a fine at the airport when leaving (around $30-40 USD) and may face entry restrictions on future visits. Always check your stamped authorized days, not the 180 printed on the card.
Can I re-enter Mexico immediately after my tourist card expires?: Technically yes, but immigration officers may question frequent entries and exits. If you're living in Mexico de facto, they may deny entry and require you to apply for proper residency.