Mexico travel advice

Security

There have been disturbances in the state of Jalisco, including the municipalities of Guadalajara, Puerto Vallarta and Zapopan. If you’re in this area, stay in the tourist areas if possible and follow local advice.

Protests have affected Mexico City and other parts of the country. You should avoid demonstrations and follow the advice of the local authorities if you’re in an area where a protest is taking place. Illegal roadblocks have been reported more frequently, particularly in the state of Guerrero. If you’re driving in Guerrero, travel during daylight hours and use toll roads, although you may still encounter disruptions. If possible, travel by air if you’re visiting a major tourist destination in Guerrero.

The security situation can pose a risk for foreigners. Be alert to the existence of street crime as well as more serious violent crime like robbery, assault and vehicle hijacking. In certain parts of Mexico you should take particular care to avoid being caught up in drug related violence between criminal groups. See Crime and Violence

Hurricane season

Hurricane Patricia is forecast to bring hazardous sea and weather conditions to parts of the west coast from around 23 October 2015.

The hurricane season normally runs from June to November and affects both the Pacific and Atlantic coasts. You should monitor the progress of approaching storms on the website of the US National Hurricane Centre and follow the advice of the local authorities, including any evacuation orders.

Remember to take out comprehensive travel and medical insurance before you travel.

Electronic entry program for frequent travellers across the US/Mexico border

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.