Job Discussion Forums

Allie · Joined: 15 Sep 2005 Posts: 32 Location: UK

I have ben looking on the forum as I will be leaving Mexico in a few weeks with an expired FMT. I've overstayed nearly three months. Is it best to say I lost the card or just hand in the expired card? Has anyone recently found themselves in this situation. The posts on the forum date back to last year and I was wondering if things have changed since then.

Samantha · Joined: 25 Oct 2003 Posts: 2038 Location: Mexican Riviera

Allie, how long have you been in Mexico? If your FMT was issued for less than 180 days originally, it could have been extended at the Immigration office nearest you up to 180 days. I lost an FMT in the past, and at the airport they asked me to go to the resident Immigration officer and receive a new one. It was about $25.00USD at the time. The airline requires it be turned in to them on your departure. The airline staff quite likely won't look at the date on the card, in my opinion, saving you doing any of the above.

Allie · Joined: 15 Sep 2005 Posts: 32 Location: UK

Sorry, I should have mentioned it - I already got my FMT extended to the full 180 days.

Sgt Killjoy · Joined: 26 Jun 2004 Posts: 438

I would say I lost it. I checked in at the airport last year. The girl checking me asked for the exit tax and like 210 pesos extra. I asked why? She told me it was because I didn't have a tourist card. I said what? it was sitting in the ticket envelope and she didn't bother to look for it. She apologized and that was that.

If you can understand what I am saying, losing your tourist card doesn't SEEM to be a big deal in Mexico, especially if you are in the airport ready to go on a flight back home. Just play like a dumb tourist and everything should be fine.