New Electronic Entry Program for Frequent Travelers Across the U.S./Mexico Border
September 11, 2015
Mexico
Mexico introduced a new electronic Multiple Use Immigration Form (FMM, or Forma Migratoria Múltiple) on August 31 for eligible commuters making frequent trips across the U.S./Mexico border. Electronic FMM holders benefit from dedicated entry lines at land border ports of entry and faster registration processes during admission. The electronic FMM is valid for cross-border entry for up to 180 days.
Eligibility
The electronic FMM can be used for entry by land for business or tourism visits only, and it is only available to foreign nationals who are visa exempt for such visits. Electronic FMM holders must hold a passport with at least six months’ remaining validity when entering Mexico.
As with all business visitors and tourists, holders of electronic FMMS are not permitted to receive remuneration from a Mexican source when in the country.
How to Apply
Eligible travelers apply and pay the fee for the electronic FMM online at https://www.inm.gob.mx/fmme/. The fee is MXN 332 (approximately US$ 20) and is paid by credit or debit card (Visa and MasterCard only).
After completing the online process, the applicant must print a payment confirmation sheet and a FMM form. The applicant must seek entry within 30 days of printing these documents. Upon that first entry, border officials will place a seal on the FMM form. Travelers must retain and travel with this FMM at all times.
As with standard FMMs, travelers must present their electronic FMM when exiting Mexico.
What this Means for Employers and Foreign Nationals
The electronic FMM offers frequent commuters across the U.S./Mexico border considerable convenience over the standard FMM by greatly decreasing the time necessary to enter Mexico through land border ports of entry
This alert is for informational purposes only. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact the global immigration professional with whom you work at Fragomen or send an email to [email protected].
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