Hola, This is pretty much hot off the press and from the horse's mouth. There have been some questions about the new FMM form, now in effect and being used by both Tourists and holders of FM2's and FM3's. I took someone to the airport on Friday and asked the Immigration Agent about the time allowed on this form for Tourists. The answer is that although the Agent has the discretion to give "Up to 180 days", as stated on the back of the new form, THE CURRENT POLICY IS THAT THEY ARE "GRANTING" EVERYONE 180 DAYS. However, Migracion has the power not to allow the maximum number of days. The Agent said he could only speak as to the policy in effect at Cancun International Airport. Do not fill in any portion of the form marked as for "Official Use." I hope this clears up the questions about what tourists are experiencing and what the law and the form says. I put essentially this same info on the Cancun Info board. Now it is time for futbol/soccer, as they say. Go Spain ! ! !
Multiple FMMs Thanks TJ- that is additional confirmation of what several people posting to this forum have said about it recently and should put people's minds to rest about it ____________________ As for the issue of whether you can stay in Mexico on multiple FMMs as was possible on FMTs you can find out what at least one person who tries to stay fully abreast of developments here in Mexico- Rolly Brook- has to say about it in an update he posted to his website this month at How to Move to Mexico As is typical for him he doesn't tell us on what he bases his opinion but many people have found the information he posts proves to be accurate in most cases For those who would like to read others' comments and surmises on this you can look at If you're using tourist permits to live in Mexico... - Falling...in Love with San Miguel Forums As I've said before our first chance to test Rolly's opinion will come on or after December 1 when there will potentially be those who stayed 180 days on an FMM issued on or soon after May 1 then exits and tries to reenter on a new FMM in the same 365 day period ____________________ Does anyone find it remarkable that there are now approximately one million Americans living permanently in Mexico and estimates are that those numbers will increase as the baby boomers reach retirement age? ____________________
So basically NOTHING has changed with respect to the time allowed on a 'tourist' permit whether it was called an FMT or the now FMM: up to a maximum of 180 days but still at the discretion of the Immigration agent when one enters the Country.... Again the only change in the Form itself is now how it looks and the fact that it now covers 3 different entry uses in 1 condensed Form. I know that before we had our FM3's that when we entered on an FMT and were planning on staying for a while that I would tell the Immigration agent how long we were planing to stay and we never had a problem as long as the time was < 180 days.
I wasnt so lucky-the reason I went ahead and got my fm3 was because I entered one time and told the agent I needed 90 days-he asked me why and I said because my husband is living in Playa and he looked me right in the eye and said then you had better get yours and gave me only 30 days and he made sure it was readable. Now the talk is everyone will need to get an fm2 after 5 years on an fm3 and this will NOT work for me.
Difficult to guess what underlying strategic aims Immigration may have in mind but many countries- perhaps most- rule out the possibility of "de facto residency" based on the "back-to-back" use of tourist entry permits If Mexico decides to do this they will just be joining the mainstream of immigration practice around the world: that's why the possible imposition of a rule which limits temporary stays to 180 out of any 365 days wouldn't surprise me should it come to pass but to this point we have no reason I know of to believe it has- it's merely been a topic of discussion and speculation among posters to various forums- and until we learn otherwise I'm in agreement with Rolly Brook and Cancunmole on this issue
Hey Mole, I hope you guys are doing well. Have not seen you out and about. You are right. The form is essentially the same; mainly combining the old FMT for tourists and the FMM for FM2 and 3 holders. I would add that the POLICY is currently different, in that agents, while retaining the ability to use their discretion, routinely, as per the new policy, "grant" the full 180 days. A pretty much no hassle policy.
Quoting me: And TJ in fairness to you I'm in agreement with you on the other issue- that of whether people routinely get 180 days on their FMM at this time: they do according to everything I know and have heard about it! And no need to cite anything on this one as I'm stating my opinion only! :icon_wink:
Ah, T.J.! Thank you for your thoughts. We're back in NH since May 10 and this year I had to have an ICD 'installed'. Last year it was the CA but I'm still here and somewhat like you.... I'm waiting to see what other 'work' or people I'm supposed to meet up with that has kept me here on Earth! I can't travel until I have my 6-week check up on both my person and this new devise! Seems they take part of one organ out and then give a 'bionic' device to keep me going. I'm hoping to be able to get back out playing golf this season.... But, I've just gotten a pup to help keep me active too. He's a Chihuahua, what else to bring back and forth, and he'll fit in the basket of my Cancun Bicycle, LOL. Once we get back there and settled in, we'd like to get together with you and not at the bank!!!!! Take care of yourself.
OMG Mole. God bless you and I hope all goes as planned for you. The new FMM is more than just a new form. It seems you fill out one part to enter the country and another to leave. And change that to leave and enter for FM2 and FM3 folks. If you are on a plane one side of the form wants your arrival flight and the other side requires your departing flight. I just filled out one for tomorrow's flight. If I remember what I did the only other time I used the FMM, I take both parts to the check in counter. I give Jet Blue the small copy and keep the larger piece until I return. Presumably tourists will do the opposite. Turn in the big part when they arrive and the small part when they depart. Life's a hoot.
