Quick answer

The FMM (Forma Migratoria Múltiple) is Mexico's tourist permit. Flying in? You usually don't fill in anything: your entry is recorded at the airport, and the fee is already included in your airfare. Driving or walking across the border? You need an FMM for travel anywhere in Mexico, including border towns. It's free for stays of 7 days or less; longer stays pay a fee (983 pesos in 2026, about $55). You can apply online on the official INM site, inm.gob.mx, but you must still get it stamped at the border's immigration office.

Apply only on the official INM site, or at the border. Other websites charge extra.

What Americans need to visit Mexico

  • Flying: a valid U.S. passport book.
  • Driving or walking across: a passport book or passport card, plus your stamped FMM.
  • No visa for tourist visits of up to 180 days. The immigration officer decides how many days you get.

Check your passport's expiration date before you go: Passport validity checker →

Flying to Mexico

At most airports, there's no separate form to fill in. Your passport is checked at immigration (often at an e-gate), and the number of days you're allowed to stay is recorded. The FMM fee is already included in your airline ticket. Keep any receipt or record you're given until you leave, and follow any instructions the officer gives you.

Driving or walking across the border

This is where travelers most often go wrong:

  • You need an FMM, even for a short trip to a border town. There's no "free zone" where you can skip it.
  • It's free for stays of 7 days or less. Longer stays (up to 180 days) pay the fee: 983 pesos in 2026, set each January.
  • Every traveler needs one, children included.
  • Two ways to get it:
    1. Online, before you go, on the official INM site, inm.gob.mx: complete the form, pay if your stay is over 7 days, and print it. Then stop at the INM office at the border to have it stamped. The online form isn't valid until it's stamped.
    2. At the border: go to the INM office at your crossing, complete the form, pay if needed, and get it stamped.

Cruises

Cruise passengers usually don't need to arrange an FMM themselves. Follow your cruise line's instructions, and bring your passport. See Do you need a passport? for cruise documents.

Common mistakes to avoid

  • Believing in the "free zone". An FMM is required anywhere in Mexico, if you enter by land.
  • Skipping the border stop. An online FMM must be stamped at the INM office at the border.
  • Paying a website for an air trip. If you're flying, the fee is already in your airfare.
  • Flying with a passport card. It works for land crossings, not international flights: see Passport book vs. card.
  • An expiring passport. If it needs renewing, we can expedite it as quickly as 4 business days from when your documents reach us.

Questions

Usually you don't fill in a form. Your entry is recorded at the airport, and the fee is included in your airline ticket.