Mexico Visa requirement for US citizens

[Allowishish]

We have a boat in Mexico (new to us) and we’re told by our marina that we need to have a Visa.

When I look at the Mexican consulate page regarding visas, it does not appear that is the case.

I know we have to check in an out of each harbor.

What’s the story with the visa? (I realize my best bet may be to email the Mexican consulate)

https://consulmex.sre.gob.mx/washington/index.php/servicios-para-extranjeros-visas?id=182

[sv_pelagia]

WHERE is your boat berthed?



You need a "FMM". (valid for 180 days)



If travelling into Mexico by air, you will get this when you fly. If driving in, you can apply electronically
https://www.inm.gob.mx/fmme/publico/en/solicitud.html


Note that FMM is not required for border areas such as Tijuana or Ensenada. But you will need it when you travel further.


Checking in/out of "harbours" : you only need to do so if there is a harbour captain. Often, your marina will do this for you.

[Smokeys Kitchen]

Yes to a tourist visa. They are typically good for 180 days. You can get them where the border crossings are, although the exact location is not always obvious especially if you are driving over.

We usually just keep ours with our passports and have them when we check in or out of a port if we are doing that in person. If you are in a marina, the marina will typically do that for you, but they still need the visa.

[mvweebles]

Mexico has largely gone away from paper FMMs. A stamp in your passport is all that is needed. Everything else is registered electronically. Also, Mexico has started the 180 day limit - it has been widely ignored without repercussions.

[Capt.Don]

You may have to go back to the nearest port of entry to get an FMM. This is the red/green form that cost about $30 and is valid for 180 days.

[Allowishish]

Thanks for the responses.

We drive in (Nogales to San Carlos), we are normally just waived in once on the Mexico side. Stopped once because we had gear in the back covered with a blanket (yeah, I knew better but forgot to remove it for visual inspection at the border)

There does appear to be a “tourist visa and vehicle import station” just about 20km in from Nogales.
I guess this will be a stopping point from now on, on the way down.

[Capt.Don]

We missed the Nogales mile marker 22 for the check in and went on into Hermasillo. Hermasillo INS would not issue FMM and sent us back to Nogales. Did not drive back. I believe you have 3 days where you don’t need FMM along the coast down to San Carlos.