No – no permit required.  When you drive or fly in, as a tourist, you are allowed to stay up to  6 months –you fill out papers on the plane to secure that visa and you will fill out similar papers if you drive in – that is an FMT.  If you decide to stay longer, you have to leave Mexico, and then re-enter Mexico to secure another visa permitting another stay.  It may be wise, in that case, to secure an FM3, (180 days to one year)  and maybe even eventually an FM2.  The FM3 is what we call a perpetual visitor.  That allows you to stay a year - then that can be renewed another year, for a 5-year period.  Then, you can reapply – again.  That’s what retirees usually secure.  The process may take a day – possibly even two, so, be prepared, and be patient – at least when applying the first time.

By the way – do something for yourself right now

Place a bottle of aspirin beside your bed table now.  WHY?  If you have chest pain that is sever enough to waken you, all you need to do is immediately chew two aspirins and then swallow them with a bit of water.  It could save your life.  Then, immediately get medical attention – call 911. And while you are waiting on the emergency people to come, DO NOT LIE DOWN.  Sit on a chair or sofa near the front door and wait for their arrival

“My wife and I enjoy reading your info abour Mexico. We are in the process of house hunting in Ensenada and would like to learn how to take our household goods (furniture, etc.) into Mexico when we move there. If you have any particular info about Ensenada and that area, we would appreciate that too.”

That’s a really good question.

HI, Bob:

This is a pretty long answer – but here ’tis:

IMPORT OF HOUSEHOLD GOODS FOR HOLDERS OF FM3 OR FM2
You must use the importation without tax privilege within the first six months of your move to Mexico…AGAIN:  All foreigners to Mexico who apply for and receive an FM3 permanent residence document are carefully instructed by the Mexican officials that the newly documented resident has the one-time right to import his used household furnishings to Mexico without the necessity of paying import duties.
All household goods must be inventoried.   (An inventory should include:   make, model and serial number for ALL electronic devices and electrical devises. You also want to list the estimated value – individually – for EVERYTHING.  You may import a quantity of used items which would be appropriate for a normal household.  WITHIN THE FIRST SIX MONTHS OF YOUR MOVE TO MEXICO.  New appliances are prohibited.)

The list must be in Spanish, typed in single space on white paper, leaving a space of two inches from the top.

Each item must be numbered progressively and on a separate line, beginning with the electrical appliances, specifying make, model and serial number (including kitchen appliances).
Small articles packed in boxes or crates must be described and numbered in the list as one box (crate) containing clothing, kitchen utensils, etc.

Each page of your original list must be signed in blue ink on the bottom, right-hand corner.

The original list, and five copies, must be presented to the Consulate General to obtain your visa.

Take your original FM3 or FM2, and six copies of the page(s) where your personal date is located.

Make sure you take six copies of your valid passport, the page with your personal data, picture and signature.

You will then, pay the consular fee of $127.00 US dollars, either with cash or money order, payable to the Consulate General of Mexico.  Personal checks and credit cards are not accepted.

Once the Mexican gov’t official receives all the requirements, it can take five business days to process your application.
You may either mail the above documents, or bring them in person. (Any thing you can do in person, we’d suggest you do – papers can get lost in the States, let alone in Mexico!)  Make sure you take proof of U.S. residency, for the past two years when you go to the Consulate.
If you decide to mail your documents and want them mailed back, include a self-addressed prepaid envelope, completed FEDERAL EXPRESS or UPS.  The Consulate does not assume any responsibility concerning mailed documents.
Consulate locations and info are listed on pages 67, 68, and 69 of Retire In Luxury.
 
If possible, get a minimum of three written relocation proposals from reputable household goods forwarders. Do this at least 30 days in advance of your planned move-out date. International moving estimates are NOT binding.
REMINDER:
Within six months of obtaining your FM Visa, you are able to import used household goods and personal effects in quantities which would be considered normal for the number of family members in your household.
Prohibited. Furniture and especially electronics and appliances MUST have been in use for more than 6 months. Items deemed to be new may be subject to confiscation by Mexican customs officials and the owner may not get his furniture back until a substantial fine is paid. (Import taxes)
 In my book, just to review:  After you have decided to move to Mexico as a perpetual tourist, you will probably want to bring your household goods down…or just get rid of your stuff.
However, if you decide to keep your things:
Hire a shipping/moving company (there are several you can locate via internet who offer moving service to Mexico) or have a truck of your own.
Get your items inventoried.
Procure your FM-3.
Give your shipper the stamped inventories and a notarized (by Mexican Consulate)
copy of your FM-3.
Then when your household goods show up at your new home, have cold drinks and
snacks available to the workers.
It is wise to use someone you have received a personal reference from. Check on
the chat sites where you’ve decided to move. Have every detail in black and white -
with many copies available. Include price, exact performance such as packing, loading,
unloading at your new home, dates, etc.

Dick and I felt it easier to sell the stuff in the U.S., and just replace…we planned to downsize a lot anyway – who wants to clean and dust “stuff” during retirement?!

Best to you,
Barbie

Exceptions: 
1.  Cruise passengers debarking at Ensenada. 
2.  If you are a cruise ship passenger.  
3.  Visitors to border regions planning to remain in Mexico less than 72 hours.
 (not 72 hours and 5 minutes – 72 hours…period.) 

Border area is defined – usually – as 20 kilometers, 12 ½ miles from the border.  Authorities are claiming that the area extends as far as Ensenada – but, my husband, Dick, and I would never attempt to travel that far into Mexico without our U.S. passport… just in case.  

Entering Mexico from the United States

If you are traveling beyond that point (what is considered the border area) or are remaining for more than 72 hours, you are required to present a passport and obtain a tourist card, or FM-T, which are available at the border and at Mexican consulates. 

That sounds like a silly question, doesn’t it?!

Yet, you might be surprised to know just how powerful your passport is. It’s an incredible document that gives you many rights — including the right to travel abroad (assuming you have a visa, of course.)

All persons, including U.S. citizens, traveling between the U.S. and Canada or Mexico, and some other destinations by land or sea (including ferries) may be required to present a valid passport or other documents as determined by the Department of Homeland Security.

Here are some things you may (or may not know) about your passport:

• Your passport is internationally recognized. It  verifies your identity and nationality.
• Your passport is valid for air, land and sea crossing, including ferries.
• Your passport is  required to enter and leave most foreign countries.
• Your passport is procured only through the U.S. Department of State. 
• All persons must have their own passports, including infants.

How To Renew a Passport

You can renew by mail if: 

1. Your most recent passport is available to submit and it is not damaged nor altered.
2. You received the passport within the past 15 years.
3. You were over age 16 when it was issued.
4. You still have the same name or can legally document your name change.

You must apply in person for your passport if :

1. You are applying for a U.S. passport for the first time.
2. If your previous U.S. passport has expired.
3. If your expired U.S. passport is not in your possession.
4. If your passport was issued more than 15 years ago.
5. If you were under the age of 16 when you received your previous passport.
6. If your currently valid U.S. passport has been lost or stolen.

To procure a U.S. passport you will need: Two photographs of yourself, Proof of U.S. citizenship, and a valid photo i.d., such as your driver’s license.

So, go ahead – get your passport taken care of – they are good for ten years. Then, when you travel, you’ll be prepared.

And remember: Be as protective of your passport as your wallet or purse. Your valid passport is worth big bucks to unscrupulous people.

1) Your passport.

2) Your visa or permit.

Mexico’s General Law of Population sets forth the rights and obligations of foreigners, as well as different statuses associated with foreign immigration.

Mexico welcomes most foreign nationals for a specific period of time to take part in non-money-making activities, such as a vacation. Recurring visits or stays over 180 days require special permits from the Mexican Consulate.

There are two kinds of permits, Non-immigrant and Immigrant.

Non-immigrant permits are for people who want to visit Mexico for a specific purpose and length of time and then depart. Immigrant permits are for people who wish to live in Mexico, short or long-term.

You do not have to surrender your natural citizenship to be granted full-resident status in Mexico. Full resident status entitles you to all the rights and benefits of a Mexican National – to live, work, claim state benefits, and pay taxes. But you are not permitted to vote in Mexican elections.

These permits may prohibit work in specific industries such as positions related to bar and waiter/waitress work. Contact a professional for specific advice on immigration. You can also contact the Mexican Consulate of your country.

Non-Immigrant Permits: There are various classifications of Non-Immigrant visitors to Mexico. I’ve listed some Consulates below. They will give you details on how to apply for permits that are required in advance.

Tourist Permits: The Mexican Tourist permit is known at the “FMT”. It is very simple to fill out and available from airlines and ports of entry. This permit allows visitors to remain in Mexico for a maximum period of 180 days. If the officer at the port of entry does not assign 180 days leave of stay at your point of entry, the permit may be extended to the maximum permitted stay by visiting one of the local foreign immigration offices, completing the paperwork and paying the administration fee.

You can use an FMT permit to enter Mexico for leisure and also if you plan to scout for and/or invest in Mexican real estate. When you are closing a real estate deal, you will need to show evidence to the Notary Public that your stay in Mexico is legal and an FMT is a valid document for this purpose.

Visitors Permit: For extended stays in Mexico, you must apply for the Visitors permit (usually an FM3) through your company and state what the purpose of the visit is, and how long it is likely to take. There are also some forms to fill out and a handling fee to pay. You can download the forms, and find out the latest fees and process by going to Consulate listed. Visitor’s Permits are issued for up to one year, and are renewable four times, for a maximum of one year each time – for a total maximum period of five years.

Artists: Can apply for an immigration permit. Each case is considered individually and entry is at the Interior Ministry’s discretion.

Local Visitors: Special permits for foreigners visiting maritime ports and border cities. The permit allows a maximum stay of 3 days, and you must stay within the 35km “border zone”.

Resident Alien (Permanent Visitor): If you wish to remain in Mexico as a “resident alien” after five years, you must apply for full residency status, and there is a specific procedure to follow and have accepted. Once your application has been accepted and your “FM2″ has been issued, you are entitled to full rights and responsibilities as any other Mexican Citizen, with the exception of the right to vote. Upon receiving this status, you will receive a document that looks like a Mexican Passport (called a “FM2″) -newer versions look like a driver’s license – which enables you pass through Mexico’s borders as if you were a Mexican National.

You do not need to surrender your national passport, which you’ll use when you return to your home country – either for visits, or when returning home to dwell. If you stay outside of Mexico for longer than two years, or for five years in any 10-year period, you will lose your resident status in Mexico.

Retirees: If you are over 50 years of age, and want to engage in “non remunerative activities” and you are receiving funds from abroad (from a pension or other investments or fixed income) of a specific set amount, set by the Mexican government, plus a specific required amount for each dependent (e.g. spouse, children) , you can apply for a Retiree Immigration Permit.

Non-Immigrant: When you do NOT want to seek permanent residence in Mexico, for vacations and casual trips toMexico, just fill out and use the tourist permit, available from the airline you travel with or at the port of entry. If you are of retirement age (50+), and have approximately US $1,500 (can vary) or equivalent income per month, then a Retiree permit will be your easiest route. If you are not of a retirement age (below 50) and want to live but not work in Mexico, you will need to contact the Mexican Consulate. Provided that you can prove a permanent steady income in line with the regulations, you may be granted an FM3 permit to live in Mexico, which would be eligible for conversion to an FM2 in 5 years. You will need to state what you intend to do there, e.g. early retirement due to health, etc.

The American Embassy and Consulate in Mexico – Mexico City
Paseo de la Reforma 305
Colonia Cuahtemoc 06500
Mexico DF
Telephone: +52 55 5209 9100

The British Embassy and Consulate in Mexico – Mexico City
Rio Lerma 71
Colonia Cuauhtemoc
Mexico DF
Telephone: +52 55 5242 8500

The Canadian Embassy and Consulate in Mexico -Mexico City

Schiller 529
Colonia Rincon del Bosque
Polanco 11560
Mexico DF
Telephone: +52 52 55 5724 7900

These are only a sampling of the divisions of people immigrating – retirees, visitors, artists, and so many more, but I slant info toward retirees, of course.  Info for other visitors/immigrants can be found though the Consulates.

The Mexican Tourist permit, FMT, allows you to remain in Mexico up to 180 days, and is available from airlines and ports of entry – that’s what you fill out when you’re on the plane – or ship. 

You can use an FMT permit to enter Mexico for leisure or when you think you are ready to look for property you may want to invest in – either for retirement or perhaps recreation while you are still working. 

You will need the FMT if and when you purchase a property, and usually your realtor or developer in Mexico will be able to help you with any questions you may have about your visa. Check with the nearest Mexican Consul (not tourist office) for current requirements, as they do change from time to time, but not a lot.

Requirements for remunerative (you are planning on making money) visits or longer stays (over 180 days) require special permits from the Mexican Consulate. 

It is not necessary to have an attorney for this process. For extended stays in Mexico, you must apply for a Visitor permit (usually an FM3) and state what the purpose of the visit is.  The latest fee information is available at your local Mexican Consulate.

An FM3 entitles you to bring household items with you, if you decide to move to Mexico.

With an FM3, you no longer need to renew your car permit every 6 months.  An FM3 gives you one year permission to be in Mexico, with four extensions of one year, for a total of five years.

Full resident status entitles you to all rights and benefits of a Mexican National (live, work, claim state benefits and to pay taxes) but you cannot vote in Mexican elections. These permits may also prohibit work in specific industries.  You do not have to surrender your natural Citizenship to be granted full resident status in Mexico.

Well, first and foremost you need to get your passport ready!

It’s not that hard to obtain and once you get it out of the way, you can travel virtually anywhere in the word.

In this article I’m going to tell you everything you need to know to get your passport quickly, easily, and with minimal fuss. You might think such a powerful document like a passport would be difficult to obtain. It’s not, as long as you know the facts. So here we go…

Let’s start with the basics. Your passport:

• Is a legal document.
• Is internationally recognized.
• Verifies the identity and nationality of the bearer.
• Is valid for air, land and sea crossing, including ferries.
• Is required to enter and leave most foreign countries.
• Is procured only through the U.S. Department of State.
• All persons must have their own passports, including infants.

There are over nine thousand passport acceptance facilities located in the United States. The facilities may be located in Federal, state and probate courts, post offices, some public libraries and a number of county and municipal offices. You must apply in person for your passport:

• If you are applying for a U.S. passport for the first time.
• If your previous U.S. passport has expired.
• If your expired U.S. passport is not in your possession.
• If your passport was issued more than 15 years ago.
• If you were 16 when you received your previous passport.
• If your currently valid U.S. passport has been lost or stolen.

To procure a U.S. passport you will need:

1. Two photographs of yourself.
2. Proof of U.S. citizenship.
3. A valid photo i.d.,such as your driver’s license.

You can renew by mail if:

1. You have a recent, undamaged/unaltered passport to submit.
2. You received the passport within the past 15 years.
3. You were over age 16 when it was issued.

From January 23, 2007: All persons, including U.S. citizens, traveling by air between the United States and Canada or Mexico and some other destinations, will be required to present a valid passport or Air NEXUS card, U.S. Coast Guard Merchant Mariner Document, or an Alien Registration Card.

As early as January 1, 2008: All persons, including U.S. citizens, traveling between the U.S. and Canada or Mexico, and some other destinations, by land or sea (including ferries), may be required to present a valid passport or other documents as determined by the Department of Homeland Security. Fees for Your Passport: (Form DS-11) Are Non-Refundable.

Age 16 and older: The passport application fee is $67. The execution fee is $30. The total is$97. Under Age 16: The passport application fee is $52. The execution fee is $30. The total is $82 and will be available for use for travel only via land or sea (including ferries) between the U.S. and Canada, Mexico, the Caribbean, and Bermuda.

Department of Safety and Department of Homeland Security anticipate that the following documents will continue to be acceptable for their current travel uses under WHTI: SENTRI, NEXUS, FAST, and the U.S. Coast Guard Merchant Mariner Document.

Conversely, members of the U.S. Armed Forces on active duty traveling on orders will continue to be exempt from the passport requirement.

Be as protective of your passport as your wallet or purse. A valid passport is worth big bucks to certain people. Our Czech daughter-in-law gave us even more insight into how precious a U.S. passport is… When she came into the states the first time and had her Czech passport stamped with the U.S. mark, she exclaimed “You, here in America don’t know just how much this passport is worth to some people now, especially when it has been stamped in America!”

Indeed… it’s valuable to YOU and valuable to others — if it should fall into the wrong hands.

So, hang onto to that precious document! As far as Dick and I are concerned, the little bit of time required to attain your passport is far worth the worry and time you might have when standing in line, when you’re ready to come back to the United States.

So, go ahead – get your passport taken care of – they are good for ten years. Then when you travel, you’ll be prepared.

The Consulate of Mexico will issue the Nonimmigrant Visa for multiple entries (FM3) to those who wish to make trips of limited duration.  (And that duration can be a long time.)

If you have now made the big decision to retire in Mexico, and your expenses will be covered by:

• Income brought into Mexico from a foreign country
•  Income resulting from investments, either in Mexico or abroad, you can apply for a Nonimmigrant Visa (FM3) for retirees.

The requirements for a Nonimmigrant Visa (FM3) (we’ve always called this a visa for a “permanent tourist”) for multiple entries are:

• Fill out the Visa Application form, (available at the Consulate website for downloading).
• Appearance in person at the Consulate with a valid passport
• One photocopy of the pages containing personal information
• Photograph of bearer
• two (2) front view passport size photos.
•  proof of economic solvency
• Applicant must prove a monthly income of $1,000.00 USD dollars, or equivalent in Mexican currency.

If the applicant will be accompanied by members of his immediate family, the minimum income required is $500.00 additional per month for each member 15 years of age or older.

The documents accepted as a proof are:

• Bank statement
• Social Security or Pension Receipts.

All documents must documents must be notarized and bear the apostille issued by the Secretary of State where the documents were notarized.

United States passport holders must have a valid passport. A visa is not required for stays of up to 180 days, if holding a Tourist Card/FMT form issued free of charge by an airlines.

Business travelers do not require a visa for up to 30 days if holding a FMN form.

After September 30, 2007:All US citizens traveling to and from Mexico by air will require a passport. By January 1, 2008, the requirement will be extended to include all land and sea border crossings as well.

An FM-3 costs approximately $98.00 US per year, per person, and is renewed annually. It allows you to keep a U.S. plated vehicle in Mexico, to leave and return at will, open and maintain a Mexican bank account, and can exempt you from capital gains tax when selling and allows you to purchase property in Mexico. (Cost is approximate as of this writing. )

With your FM-3 status, you can bring a car and keep it with you as long as that status is maintained.

The cost for an FM3 – for Retirees – no working permit = $98. 

IMMIGRATION FEES

Some of the fees (taxes) are:  (These can vary, so just consider them approximate osts.) The issuing or renewal of an FM-3 document without the right to work) is approximately 1500 pesos – or approximately 150 dollars, U.S., per year. This can be renewed indefinitely.

You can also apply for an FM-3 with the right towork for a bit more – about 1800 pesos ($180.00 U.S.)

The issuing or renewal of am FM-2 document (with the right to work) is  approximately 1,900 pesos. $190.U.S. 

A permit to leave the country while documents are en tramite (pending approval) is approximately 90 pesos. $9.U.S.

VISAS

For those who want to stay longer than six months  at a time in Mexico, without having to make a semi-annual trip to the border, the next step in theimmigration process is the FM-3. You must be 55 to apply, and you will need six things:

• A completed official application form (FDN1/02) and a copy. These are available at any Mexican consulate and at the Regional Immigration Office in Mexico.
• Your original valid tourist visa.
• Your current passport.
• If spouses are applying, a copy of the couple’s marriage certificate.
• Written proof from a U.S. or Mexican bank that the equivalent of $1030 U.S. is being deposited monthly into the bank account of the applicant. For each dependent, The amount required is approximately $515US

If you own property in Mexico, the amount required is reduced by one half. These minimums are set by the Mexican government and can fluctuate.

Yes, of course you can. As long as you follow the rules set by the Mexican Government which I will talk about in a second. Just remember:  Your driver’s license is valid in Mexico. Your American auto insurance, I can almost guarantee, is NOT!

At the border, this is just part of the process of entering Mainland Mexico:

• You’ll need a temporary car-importation permit,

• A valid driver’s license,

• Current, original car registration, registered in your name, and a copy of the original car title,

• A valid international major credit card.

If your vehicle is financed you will need to take a letter stating that you have permission from the lending institution to take the car out of the country.

If you have an FM3 (Non-immigrant visa – what we call a perpetual tourist visa), you can have a foreign car as long as your FM3 is valid. (If you have an FM2 (Immigrant visa) you cannot bring in your American car.)

If you do bring your car into Mexico, you cannot let anyone drive it other than family members or it might be confiscated by Hacienda (the Internal Revenue).

Also, you can purchase a Mexican car and get it legally registered no matter what type of visa you have.

First, your car will have to be registered at the border crossing.

If you are in Mexico on a tourist visa, your car must leave the country when you enter back into the States. You must not permit anyone outside of your family to operate your car in Mexico. If you are in Mexico with an FM-3 (good for 5 years – renewal each year), and your car has been registered, it’s ok.

Every foreigner is allowed to enter Mexico with one vehicle, which is not Mexican-plated (e.g. US or Canadian), as long as you have the following:

• Mexican Insurance
• an FMT, FM2, or FM3
• registration/ownership in your name

If you have financing on your auto, you must have a letter stating that you have that lending institution’s permission to take that car out of the country), and a credit card or cash to cover a bond for the vehicle.

Your other alternative is to purchase a vehicle in Mexico…the best buy being a used car. They will be less to purchase originally, with lower insurance fees, and a lower registration fee. You can purchase a Mexican auto and get it legally registered, no matter what type visa you have,

A Mexican license requires that you first find the Secretary of Transportation and Vehicles (Secretaria de Transportes y Vialidad) in your locale.

You need:

• a valid passport,
• an FM2 or FM3,
• proof of address (a utility bill)
• a health declaration (sort of says you’re alive and can drive – and we’ve never quite figured our who will write this – other than if you go to a doctor and request one)
• and a valid foreign driver’s license. You may be required to take a written test.You’ll get the license quite quickly – probably within an hour.

If you’re planning on bringing your car across the border into Mexico, you will leave a deposit at the border crossing when they tell you to (a very minimal amount),(my book, Retire In Luxury, goes into all of this), and you must buy Mexican insurance. You must have an international credit card for the deposit (Master Card or VISA are fine). If you get FM-3 status, you can bring a car and keep it with you as long as that status is maintained.

You used to be able to get back and forth between the States and Mexico with just your driver’s license.

As of January 1, 2008, all US citizens traveling by land, sea, or air, to and from Mexico will require a passport.

So, plan ahead. Get that passport – $97 – and then, guard it as you would any of your personal precious objects! There’s going to be a “frequent crosser” card offered this year, for around $50, apparently for people who cross almost daily.  A visa is not required for stays of up to 180 days, if holding a Tourist Card/FMT form issued free of charge by airlines.

Information for you, regarding a non-immigrant Visa… The FM3… For retirees:If you have decided you want to retire in Mexico, and your expenses will be covered by income brought to Mexico from a foreign country, or income resulting from investments, either in Mexico or abroad, then you can apply for a Nonimmigrant Visa (FM3) for retirees.

The Consulate is only empowered to issue the Nonimmigrant Visa for multiple entries (FM3) to those who wish to make trips of limited duration. (And the duration can be a long time.)

The requirements for a Nonimmigrant Visa (FM3) (we’ve always called this a visa for a “permanent tourist”) for multiple entries are:

• Fill out the Visa Application form, (available at the Consulate website for downloading).
• Appearance in person at the Consulate with a valid passport; and one photocopy of the pages containing personal information;  photograph of bearer and expiration date;
  two (2) front view passport size photos.
• Proof of economic solvency: Applicant must prove a monthly income of $1,000.00 USD dollars, or equivalent in Mexican currency.
• If the applicant will be accompanied by members of his immediate family, the minimum income required will be $500.00 additionally per month for each member 15 years of age or older.

The documents accepted as a proof are: Bank statement, Social Security or Pension Receipts. These documents must be notarized and bear the apostille issued by the Secretary of State of the State where the documents were notarized.

And of course, the all important: Payment of the Consular Fee. Your FM3 will be ready the next business day after applying for it. (FM3 $98.00 US, FM3 (Including work privilege) $159.00 US, FM2 $211.00)