Tourist Travel: U.S. citizens do not require a visa or a tourist card for tourist stays of 72 hours or less within the 20-30 kilometer “border zone". U.S. citizens traveling as tourists beyond the “border zone”, or entering Mexico by air, must pay a fee to obtain a tourist card, also known as an FMM, available from Mexican consulates, Mexican border crossing points, Mexican tourism offices, airports within the border zone, and most airlines serving Mexico. The fee for the tourist card is generally included in the price of a plane ticket for travelers arriving by air. U.S. citizens fill out the FMM form; Mexican immigration retains the larger portion and the traveler is given the smaller right-hand portion. This FMM is normally white, blue, and green in color. It is extremely important to keep this form in a safe location. Mexican immigration agents and federal police have the authority to ask for proof of legal status in Mexico and, on occasion, U.S. citizens without documents have been detained by police. Travelers should always carry a photocopy of their passport data page and FMM. Upon exiting the country at a Mexican National Institute of Migration (INM) departure check point, U.S. citizens are required to turn in this form. Travelers who lose their FMM can be significantly delayed and possibly fined upon departure. Travelers who enter Mexico by land and fail to obtain to an FMM are usually required to pay a fine upon departure. For more information visit the INM website.
