Trips to Mexico from the United States are quite frequent both through the border and Tijuana’s International Airport. Thousands of Americans come to Mexico throughout the year, especially in vacation season. However, as with any other point of entry, one must have the necessary permits.

Currently, authorities of the National Immigration Institute (INM) have been checking thoroughly that American travelers traveling through Tijuana’s International Airport have both their passport as well as their Multiple Immigration Form (FMM), and other requirements needed to justify their trip. These are the following:

• 1. Submit a valid passport. There doesn’t need to be a set validity period in the passport, but it must be valid for the entire stay and the day of departure from Mexico.
• 2. Submit a Multiple Immigration Form (FMM) which can be obtained while boarding the plane, at the port of entry, or online here: https://www.inm.gob.mx/fmme/publico/solicitud.html
• 3. Submit your departure from Mexico airplane ticket.
• 4. Prove your reasons for traveling with the following documents:
• Hotel reservation, return tickets (itinerary), tour tickets (itinerary).
• Letter in Spanish from a foreign company, subsidiary, or affiliate that indicates that the foreign traveler is working there and that expenses in Mexico will be paid for by this entity.
• Contracts regarding technology, patents, and brands, trading machinery and equipment, personnel training, or anything related to the manufacturing process in a company established in Mexico that link the foreign party with the Mexican party, or a letter of appointment by the shareholders meeting of legally established companies in Mexico (copy).
• Organization or public or private institution letter inviting the foreign traveler to participate in a non-profit activity in Mexico that states the visit’s objective and the estimated length of stay. In case the organization or institution covers the traveling and stay costs in Mexico, a letter regarding this must be added.
• Invitation or acceptance letter of any institution belonging to the National Education System in order to take courses, studies, or research or educational projects with a maximum length of stay of 180 days (original).
• 5. Depending on the case, you will also need to provide immigration authorities with any other required information.

In comments on the post by Facebook group “On the Road in Mexico” regarding this news, there are several opposing opinions regarding these actions by Mexican immigration authorities. There are people who think these inspections are necessary while others have stated they have traveled to the country several times and they have never been asked for these documents. Some travelers have said that when they are caught with any expired documents or without them, they are sent to an area where they are told they can’t enter Mexico and are made to pay $60 dollars.

Has something similar happen to you? Let us know in the comments.

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