20 Oct New Provision Regarding the Multiple Immigration Form (“FMM”)
The Multiple Immigration Form (FMM, for its acronym in Spanish) is the migratory document issued by the National Migration Institute (INM, for its acronym in Spanish), which allows foreigners to prove their regular migratory status in the country.
Recently, there has been an important change in the way in which the FMM is issued. Before the enactment of this provision, FMM was handed out by airlines, or it was available at the port of entry into the country to foreign passengers and later stamped by the immigration authority.
Nevertheless, now the immigration authority will request that the format is filled out electronically, before entering the country, this new provision is now applicable at the airports of Mexico City, Los Cabos and La Paz in Baja California Sur, Cancun, Quintana Roo, and will be applied progressively throughout the rest of Mexico. There currently just a few airlines that continue to deliver the physical FMM to foreign passengers.
Based on the above, it is now necessary that all foreign individuals who intend to enter the Mexican territory, secure their FMM in advance at the INM website (https://www.inm.gob.mx/fmme/publico/en/solicitud.html). To secure this format the applicant must have in hand a valid passport and arrival ticket, among other documents and information. Once completed, the passenger must print the form out and present it to the migration agents upon arrival into Mexico for approval and stamping.
It is also important to consider that, previously, the FMM was normally granted for a visit of up to 180 days to foreigners who did not have another type of immigration permit. However, now the INM will grant the FMM for the exact period in which the foreigner visitor will be in Mexico, verifying such term with a return ticket or the itinerary of activities, (this measure is implemented to reduce the number of foreign individuals living irregularly in Mexico).
We recommend that, if you or your company is planning to have some of your foreign personnel travelling to Mexico, (or their family members), you must consider the changes that the INM is implementing, so that you or your team members do not have problems when entering into Mexico or fall under an irregular immigration status.
Should you have any additional questions or comments, please do not hesitate to contact us.
Contact
Karla Hernández
khernandez@cuestacampos.com
The above is provided as general information prepared by professionals with regard to the subject matter. This document only refers to the applicable law in Mexico. While every effort has been made to ensure accuracy, no responsibility can be accepted for errors or omissions. The information contained herein should not be relied on as legal, accounting or professional advice being rendered.