Speed up your entry to Mexico!

Julie Akin • August 7, 2017

Begin Your FMM Tourist Visa Online

A red car with a mariachi hat on top of it

It is a logo for the instituto nacional de migracion. Electronic FMM (Tourist Visa)

Mexico has introduced the electronic FMM permit (Forma Multiple Migratoria aka tourist visa).  It applies exclusively when you enter Mexico by land, through the States of: Baja California, Sonora, Chihuahua, Coahuila, Nuevo Leon and Tamaulipas, and is valid for travel throughout Mexico.   The INM website offers this service in both English and Spanish.  Select your language to begin the FMM tourist visa process.

With the electronic FMM, the INM modernizes the procedures to facilitate your registration when entering Mexico so you can save time and avoid long lines.

Go to: www.inm.gob.mx/fmme , select the language of your choice, choose the border entry and provide your personal details including passport information, and the reason for your trip. If your stay is for more than 7 days, the cost is $ 500.00 (pesos) per person, you can pay it on-line with credit or debit card. Save and Print your form. Children under two years of age or stays of less than 7 days are not charged any fees. You will have 30 days to use this form at the border.

When you get to the border, go to the INM office and present the officials your printed form, they will verify it in their system and stamp it to make it "official". Please keep the stamped portion of the form in a safe place as you will need to return it when you exit the country!

With the electronic FMM your entry to Mexico by land is EASY, FAST AND SAFE!

Start your FMM/Tourist VISA Online

Be sure to list your name exactly as it appears on your Passport. Choose the border entry and provide your personal details including passport information, and the reason for your trip. If your stay is for more than 7 days, the cost is $ 500.00 (pesos) per person.

Sanborn's Mexico Insurance - Don't cross the border without it!

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Travel Info

Get info on traveling to Mexico, passports, passport cards and other travel info to insure the best trip yet. Sanborn's has you covered!

 

Why Do I Need Mexico Auto Insurance?
Mexico does not recognize foreign insurance, and you will need financial proof in case of an accident. Mexican authorities require liability coverage issued by a Mexican Insurance Company. U.S. and Canadian insurance do not cover your vehicle from physical damage or theft while in Mexico.

 

What coverage is available?

Visit our Coverage Information page for more information on coverages and services that come with your Mexico Insurance purchase.

Do I need to buy Mexico Auto Insurance even if my domestic coverage has a Mexico coverage endorsement?
Many US insurance companies in the Border States with Mexico extend coverage into Mexico for a certain number of miles from the border. Be aware that this coverage is restricted to the number of times you cross into Mexico, and only covers damages to your vehicle not third party liability. So YES, even if you have an endorsement for extended coverage to Mexico, you should buy third party liability, the minimum coverage required by authorities in case of an accident. It is important that you purchase your Mexican insurance prior to entering Mexico.

How Do I Purchase Mexico Auto Insurance?
Purchasing Mexico Auto Insurance is very easy with Sanborn's. You can go directly to our quote page. Simply quote and purchase. You will soon be on your way to driving in Mexico. You can also reach us at 1-800-273-8508 (8:30 a.m. - 5:30 p.m. AZ time), and have one of our friendly customer service representatives give you a quote and connect you with one of our agents to purchase over the telephone or click here to find a location near you.


What Information Do I Need to Get a Quote?
Whether you are requesting a quote online or by phone, 1-800-273-8508 (8:30 a.m. - 5:30 p.m. AZ time), you should have the following items handy to make the quoting process easier, the number of days you plan to stay in Mexico, year, make and model of your vehicle well as its value.

What Other Information Do I Need to Buy a Mexico Auto Insurance Policy?
To purchase your Mexico auto insurance policy online or by phone, 1-800-273-8508 (8:30 a.m. - 5:30 p.m. AZ time), you will need to have the following items available to purchase your policy:

1) Drivers license

2) Registration

3) Current insurance card

Can a Mexican Resident Drive My U.S. Plated Vehicle?
For insurance purposes, your vehicle will be covered as specified on your policy as long as it is driven by someone with a valid driver license. The insurance coverage is valid as specified on your policy regardless of whether that person has a U.S. or Mexico driver license. However, Mexican law prohibits the use of any U.S./Canadian plated vehicle by a Mexican resident. If your vehicle is involved in an accident or pulled over by police while being driven by a Mexican resident, the vehicle can be impounded. Your insurance does not cover any costs involved in recovering your vehicle should this happen.

What documents do I need in order to travel?
Visit our Travel Page for more travel info including information on Sonora Only, Passports, Passport Cards and expedited Passport information.

 

May 9, 2025
To update you on what is happening at the Lukeville/Sonoyta border crossing for our insureds traveling to Rocky Point: Depending on the officer, Mexican authorities (Guardia Nacional) are enforcing the FMM and passport requirements, but not consistently. Some travelers have reported crossing as usual without passports, and officers simply waived them through. Others have reported obtaining FMMs at the border, with all travelers carrying passports. If travelers are transparent and declare any alcohol they’re bringing into Mexico, they are being charged a 114% tax. However, some people reported having alcohol but were waived through by officers and did not pay the tax. It appears enforcement depends on the officer, and tourists are currently taking their chances. It comes down to each traveler’s level of confidence and risk tolerance, as enforcement is not yet consistent. Our company’s recommendation is to follow the law: Process the FMM online Print the form Stop at the INM (Immigration) office at the border to get it stamped Reminder: The FMM tourist permit is only for foreign citizens, not for individuals with dual citizenship. Here is the link to obtain the FMM online (in case travelers ask where to process it before crossing the border): https://www.inm.gob.mx/fmme/publico/en/solicitud.html The INM Immigration Office is located in the Aduana building. For your reference, the Gastrak/Sanborn’s location in Lukeville and the Aduana building (just to the left after crossing the border) are highlighted. Additional reminders for this border crossing: All vehicles must have a current, original, valid registration OR the original title/notarized copy. Digital copies or images are not accepted. If the vehicle is not owned by the driver (e.g., a company vehicle, borrowed from family or friends), a notarized letter of permission from the owner is required to take the vehicle into Mexico. Border Hours: U.S. and Mexican authorities have agreed that the Lukeville–Sonoyta border crossing to Rocky Point (Puerto Peñasco) is open daily from 6 a.m. to 8 p.m., with extended hours on Fridays (6 a.m. to 10 p.m.) from March 7 to October 10, 2025.
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