To visit San Felipe for a few days you do not need a visa or a passport. However, you must have documents (preferably a US passport or birth certificate with picture ID such as a driving license) to return to the USA. Foreign residents of the USA will need their Green Cards and passport from their country of origin. Note that passports will be required of all persons entering the US (both citizens and non-citizens) starting in January 2008.

There are 3 classes of visas for visiting or living in Mexico : FMT, FM-2 and FM-3.

FMT: Is a Tourist Visa. If you stay MORE THAN 7 days in San Felipe, or if you go to mainland Mexico, you need a Tourist Visa. The cost is approximately $210.00 pesos. You will need a valid U.S. (or other country) passport and picture I.D. to apply. This visa must be picked up at Immigration office as you enter Mexico. (If you cross the border from Calexico to Mexicali, the Mexican immigration office is immediately on the right as you cross the border. You may no longer purchase a tourist visa in San Felipe.

FM-3: is a Visa for temporary residents up to 5 years (renewable if desired). You must have an FM3 to enter into any binding legal contract in Mexico - for example to sign a contract to buy a house or to lease property. The vast majority of people who come to live in San Felipe get an FM3.

You can apply for an FM3 at the immigration office in San Felipe but you must have a valid FMT before you can get an FM3. You can also apply at your local Mexican consulate in the States. It's quicker and you don't need the appostille, but you must register in Mexico at any Immigration Office within 90 days after the date received. If not, FM3 isn't valid.

FM-2: is a Visa for permanent residents. Requirements for FM2 - you must live in Mexico full time and have had an FM3 for at least 5 years .

Update: The Administrator has requested that we post a clarification, as there is some confusion regarding obtaining FMT's at the airport. If you are flying into San Felipe, you may purchase your Tourist Visa at the airport from the Immigration Officer on duty. You may not, however, go to the airport as we have in the past and buy one if you have arrived here by any other method other than flying. This must be done upon entering the country. If you are flying out of San Felipe, and you need your FM2 stamped, you may also have this done at the airport office of Immigration. All other rules apply as posted below. (28 November 2006).

New Immigration Policy: Effective immediately (October 2006), all Tourists Visas (FMT's) must be obtained at the immigration offices at the respective borders. You may no longer purchase one at our office here in San Felipe nor the airport. The seven day rule still applies (visitors here for 7 days or less do not need one), however, if you are going to purchase property or sign a lease of any kind, you must apply for an FM-3. In order to have your FM-3, you need an FMT (Tourist Visa) to complete the application process. In the past, we were able to go to the office at the Glorieta or airport, but no longer as they do not have the authority to issue visas. In addition, if you need to have your FM-3's or FM-2's stamped, this must also be done at the border, as you enter or leave Mexico. With an FM3, when you leave the country because of illness or an emergency, it is a good idea to have your FM3 stamped by immigration in the event you do not return in time to renew. There is a fine for failing to renew in a timely manner, however, if your FM3 is stamped on exit and entry, you avoid the fine. If you have an FM2, you must have it stamped each time you exit and enter the country. In Mexicali, as you enter, veer to the right (the other side of customs). The building next to customs is the immigration office. At the entry in TJ or the new border, the immigration offices are also at the border, near customs.

FM-3: $1,038.00 pesos for an FM-3/ rentista without working papers; FM-3 with working papers $1,685.00 pesos; If you want one of the local businesses to do the paperwork for you, the going rate has now jumped to $235 dollars.(2/07)

FM-2: $2,245.00 pesos (+ 536 pesos are paid when FM2 is applied for first time)... For a total of $2,781.00 pesos. Call immigration for more detailed explanation 577-l083. Renewals each year will differ as immigration raises the prices approximately 3 times a year. See below for requirements for dollars/pesos in the bank, etc.

Tourist visas are no longer required for car trips of up to seven days to San Felipe. Over 7 days, check at Immigration.

For information or complaints, please contact Lic. Karla Breño Robles

The office is located at the Glorieta (traffic circle) on the right hand side of the street as you are heading out of town. If you have any further questions, please email us through the link at contact us and we will try to answer your questions.

WHAT'S REQUIRED FOR AN FM-3

For those of you who either lease lots, rent houses, or have purchased property through a Fideicomiso Irrevocable, you must have an FM-3 to be legal in Mexico. Once you have signed any sort of contract, you are no longer a tourist. If you do not have an FM-3 and you find yourself in a property dispute or other entanglement which puts you in the arms of juris prudence, you literally have no rights as an "illegal alien." This means your property, bank accounts, vehicles and personal belongings, are in jeopardy. The very minimum you need for owning or leasing property is the FM-3 which is renewable every year for 5 years . The following is a list of items you will need to obtain your FM-3:

1. $1,000.00 dollars per person, or $l,500 dollars per couple deposited into either a Mexican or American bank account. If not deposited into a Mexican bank, you must obtain a letter from your bank, translated into Spanish stating you have funds available in that bank. This letter must have an apostille from the Secretary of State's office in your State and is not the same thing as a notary seal. See sample below. The letter should be signed and sealed from a valid notary of your state.
   
   
2. A letter from you requesting the change of characteristic (from tourist to resident).
   
   
3. An FMT typewritten, which you must obtain from the border Immigration Office.
   
   
4. Photos - three front and two of the side, in black and white. You can get these photos taken at Copycentro in San Felipe which is the two story pink building across the street (katty corner) from the Red Lobster, and the cost is nominal.
   
   
5. The necessary "Form #5" (which can be purchased in any stationery store or also at Copycentro). You need three (3) originals.
   
   
6. A current passport.
   
   
7. FM1 - a form which goes with your application for FM3 or FM2 , which you can pick up at the Immigration office
   
   

Take all these to the Immigration office. The administrator speaks excellent English and can help you with your papers. Upon completion of your file, you will be asked to take the "Form #5" to the bank where fees and IRS are paid and receipted. They will keep a copy, and you will return the rest to the Immigration office. Now you're finished. It will take about a month for your file to go to Mexicali and be returned with your new FM-3.

You can do all the paperwork and running around yourself; or you can contact Yolanda at Yet Mail 577-1253, or Lupita Foudy-Mora (see accountants in Business listings) for assistance in filling out required paperwork.

Example Application letter:

San Felipe B.C. 19 de Abril, 2007

Lic. Karla Breño Robles
Subdelegada Local
Instituto Nacional de migración
San Felipe, Baja California.

Presente:

Por medio de la presente, solicito muy atentamente prorroga por un ano mas para radicar en el puerto de San Felipe, B.C., y depender economicamente de mis rentas que recibo de los Estados Unidos de Norteamerica, Pais de el que procedo.

Esperando verme favoredico con me peticion, me despido no sin antes envirarle un cordial saludo.

FM3 1st time: CAMBIO DE CARACTERISTICA
FM3 RENEWAL: Use the example application letter above
New Book FM3: NUEVA PERMANENCIA POR CONCLUSION DE PRORROGA
FM2 1st time: CAMBIO DE CALIDAD
FM2 RENEWAL: REFRENDO

Atentamente,

Applicant's Name

REQUIREMENTS TO IMPORT HOUSEHOLD GOODS INTO MEXICO (HOUSEHOLD-VISA) SUBJECT TO CHANGE!!!

1. Valid passport and 4 photocopies (page containing the holder's name).
   
   
2. Valid FM2 OR FM3 and 4 photocopies (page containing the holder's name).
   
   
3. Original and 3 photocopies of the household goods inventory in Spanish and typewritten. Electronic items must include model, serial number and brand.
   
   
4. Proof of residency in Mexico (any utility bill such as water service, electricity, gas or telephone) and 4 photocopies.
   
   
5. Proof of residency abroad (any utility bill such as water service, electricity, gas or telephone) and 4 photocopies.
   
   
6. Fill out the application form and attach the documents listed (1 to 5).
   
   
7. Consular fee (US$ 122 dollars) can be paid in cash, money order or cashier's check payable to Consulate of Mexico.

NOTICE:
Documents are subject to revision, must be in good condition without deletions, additions, crossing outs, or any other correction of peculiarities. Additional information could be required in some cases. The importation of household goods is made just once; later imports must obtain an authorization of the Mexican Customs office. In both cases applicant must contact a customs broker. You can contact the Customs Brokers Association in Mexicali at (686) 565-2700 or email at aamxlac@telnor.net.

The furnishings import does not include weapons or explosives, alcohol, beverages, medicines, food, spices, motorcycles, trucks and cars. For motorcycles and vehicles, applicant must contact a customs broker. Business hours: from 8:00 - 13:00, Monday to Friday 408 Heber Avenue, Calexico, California 92231-2811.

Revised August 2007

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San Felipe, Baja California, Mexico
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