Question guys - headed to Zona Norte for trip #4 in early march. Couple questions - do you need the FMM done in advance (or at all) for a no overnight visit? If so what’s the correct “zone of entry” for the application?
What’s the most recent COVID update?
correction.
do not mark the tourism box.
scratch the word ‘not‘ after the word ‘idea‘.
I usually say 7 days for my FMM form. that’s the maximum time allowed without paying a fee.
Doing it in advance just saves you time. I"ve heard of guys having to go into another room to fill it out and wait for a while. I had mine filled out that last time I crossed, she stamped it and waived me thru. Took 5 seconds.
What’s the best thing to list on FMM - doctors appointment or something like that?
You can make a “no cost” Dentist consult/appointment in the Internet an tell the dental office in Tijuana that you want to talk to the dentist, “interview it” to see you are right for each other.
Print the appointment to show at the border.
Later you can cancel the appointment.
Most times you can just say “I am going to se th Dentist and visit friends and relatives”
I went for Halloween last year. I hadn't been in over a decade so it was basically my first time. Didn't know what to expect as far as health screenings or anything. Worst case, i figured i'd get turned away for not being vaccinated and have to spend an extra day in San Diego which is one of heaven on earth for me. I don't fuck around at borders at all anytime I travel. I tell the truth and if I get fucked by rules, oh well. I legit told them i'm going to a titty bar and I got a look of disappointment and a stamp to go in. I couldn't read what he wrote on my form, but it was "blowjob city". I'm not saying all this advice isn't good. I think covid restrictions for reasons for visiting have changed a bit since then to the less strict side. I read a bunch of guys having to pay for FMM around that time frame, but not for me. I think it's just who you draw when you walk up to the counter, honestly. I
The “rules” vary based on the planetary alignment in some other solar system. It is the real reason for development of Webb telescope, to find the solar system that drives the rules in Mexico.
I cross 10-14 times a year on foot. A few times I have been told that I must buy a visa. Clearly they were looking to extract money. The technique varies, but they rarely turn away anyone.
Tell them you are going to get your prescriptions refilled if you need an excuse. Once in Mexico, I have never in the past six years been asked for the visa. San Ysidro is one of the few crossings that put you through that process. Even in ElPaso, everyone just walks in. And at San Ysidro, occasionally they have simply waived everyone through.
Also, there is no requirement to fill out the form in advance.
in over a hundred of pedestrian crossings only once did i have to buy the 180 day FMM form. and that was shortly after the covid shit started.
Before the pandemic it was easy to go to Mexico, the problem is always been coming back into the USA, if you don’t look American (white) it requires passport, Green card, visa etc, etc, etc.
“It's Easier to Get Into Mexico Than Costco”
~ Jimmy O. Yang
:D
My first 3 or 4 times (all during covid era) i did not have a passport or FMM. My 5th time i had passport and did not need the fmm. the 6th time i went i had my passport , no fmm but the person i was with decided he'd mention the fmm. Sure enough right after they told me i needed one. $30 took seconds. 180 days valid. I wouldnt fill anything out and try your luck. If you get stopped, be ready to pay $30 and they'll fill it out quickly (seconds)
‘El chaparral’ is the San Ysidro crossing.
The FMM is technically required for any crossing.
In my experience i’ve needed one for almost every crossing on foot. I’ve never filled one out for a automobile crossing. with this Covid shit it’s probably not a good idea not to mark the tourism box. some guys wind up having to buy the 180 day FMM.