If you’re a US green card holder, you might wonder if you can travel to Mexico with a green card. This article answers this exact question: Can permanent residents of the US go to Mexico with their green card?
Moreover, you will also learn about the entry requirements and the documents to carry when traveling to Mexico as a US green card holder.
Table of Contents
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Can You Travel to Mexico with a US Green Card?
Yes, you can travel to Mexico with a US green card. You do not require an additional visa to travel to Mexico. This is true even if you hold a passport from a country that requires a visa to Mexico.
That said, you will still need to carry certain documents with you, most importantly:
- A passport valid for at least 6 months from the date of entry
- A valid US Green Card
- An FMM card (also called Mexico Tourist Card) (NOT required if entering Mexico by air)
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Mexico Entry Requirements for US Green Card Holders
Mexico has a liberal visa policy offering visa-free entry to 66 countries. In addition to that, permanent residents of several countries like the UK, Canada, Japan, Schengen countries, and of course, the United States can visit Mexico without a visa.
As a US green card holder and permanent resident of the United States, you can travel to Mexico visa-free. Meaning, that a Mexico visa is not required for US green card holders.
Apart from permanent residents, holders of visas from the US, UK, Canada, Schengen or Japan can also visit Mexico without a visa. If you are a US visa holder, you can travel to Mexico with your US visa as well.
The entry requirements when you travel to Mexico are that (a) you hold a green card that is still valid, (b) you have a passport valid for at least 180 days and (c) you hold a completed Mexico Tourist Card (FMM card) if entering via land border and seaport.
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Forma Migratoria Multiple (FMM Card or Mexico Tourist Card)
An FMM or Mexico Tourist Card is a mandatory document that every foreign national must complete if entering Mexico via land border or seaport. Even if you don’t need a visa to enter Mexico, you must still complete the card.
NOTE
FMM/Mexico Tourist Card is NOT required if entering Mexico by air. Mexico has phased out filling paper or online FMM cards for all air passengers.
What is a Forma Migratoria Multiple (FMM or Mexico Tourist Card)?
The Forma Migratoria Multiple (also called FMM or Mexico Tourist Card) is the equivalent of an “Entry Immigration Form” or an “Arrival/Departure Card“ that many countries require you to fill out upon entry.
Regardless of nationality, a completed FMM or Mexico Tourist Card is mandatory for all tourists entering Mexico via land borders or seaports.
What are the requirements for FMM or Mexico Tourist Card?
In order to complete an FMM card at the land border or seaport, you must:
- Be a foreign citizen
- Have a valid passport not expiring in the next 6 months
- Not plan to stay in Mexico for more than 180 days
- Be traveling to Mexico for tourism (working is not allowed)
These are technically also the conditions to enter Mexico as a tourist, so no surprises!
How much does the FMM or Mexico Tourist Card cost?
The FMM or Mexico Tourist card is free of cost. FMM card is similar to an entry immigration form or an arrival card. So there are no costs associated with it.
That said, if entering via land borders or seaports, you must pay Mexico Tourism Tax, which is 687 MXN (about $40 USD).
If arriving by air, the tourism tax is included in the ticket. This means, that if you fly into Mexico, you will NOT need to pay anything extra.
It is the same situation if arriving on a cruise ship – the tourism tax is included in the ticket. However, if arriving by a regular passenger boat, you must pay the tourism tax at the seaport when you enter.
If you arrive overland, by any of Mexico’s borders with the US, Guatemala or Belize, you will have to pay the tourism tax on arrival. However, if you stay in Mexico for less than 7 days, this tax is waived.
To summarize:
| Means of Entry into Mexico | Tourism Tax |
| Arrive by air | Included in airfare |
| Arrive by cruise | Included in ticket |
| Arrive by passenger boat | 687 MXN (about $40 USD) |
| Arrive overland for less than 7 days | Free |
| Arrive overland for more than 7 days | 687 MXN (about $40 USD) |
How to get an FMM card (Mexico Tourist Card) if traveling overland or by sea?
You will get a paper FMM card at the land border or seaport. Simply fill out the card and hand it over to the immigration at the checkpoint. The immigration officer will stamp and hand the bottom portion of the FMM card back to you.
Keep your stamped paper FMM card (Mexico Tourist Card) until you exit the country. This card is checked when leaving Mexico.
How to get an FMM card (Mexico Tourist Card) if traveling by air?
Mexico has phased out filling out paper or online FMM cards for all passengers arriving by air. You do not need to fill out any forms prior to your travel or at the airport. A digital FMM card is generated after you clear the immigration in Mexico, which you must download and save a copy.
WORD OF CAUTION
Some fraudulent agencies continue to fool travelers by claiming that all travelers to Mexico must complete an online Mexico Tourist Card. They charge $50 or more for this service when Mexico has already removed this requirement. You can try to fill out the form on the official Mexico Tourist Card website and you will notice that there is no need to pay or complete any form prior to your arrival.
How to download Forma Migratoria Multiple Digital (FMMD)?
After you clear your immigration procedure at the airport in Mexico, a digital version of your FMM card will be generated. You must download this digital FMM card (called FMMD) as this will be checked when leaving Mexico. You can download your digital FMM card online on the official National Immigration of Mexico portal.
The procedure to download is straightforward and takes no more than 2 minutes. All you need is your name, passport number, date of birth and passport expiry date.
After you download the FMMD card online, print it or save a copy on your phone. Show it to the airline check-in staff or immigration officer when leaving Mexico
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Documents to Carry When Traveling to Mexico as a US Green Card Holder
The documents you must carry for your trip to Mexico are as below.
- Your passport valid for at least 180 days from the day of arrival
- Your US green card valid at the time of entry
- Your FMM/Mexico Tourist Card, which is obtainable at the land border or seaport (NOT required for air passengers)
Apart from the above mandatory documents, you should also carry the below documents as you may be asked to present these by the immigration.
- Proof of return or onward ticket to your next destination
- Hotel reservation for your stay in Mexico
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can US green card holders transit through Mexican airports?
Yes, you can transit through any airport in Mexico if you have a US Green Card. Since no visa is necessary, you can even leave the transit area for a while, given that the time until your next flight allows for it.
How long can US green card holders stay in Mexico?
US Green Card holders can stay in Mexico for up to 180 consecutive days. After that, you will have to exit the country. You may reenter Mexico for another 180 days.
Can I travel to Mexico with just a green card?
No, you cannot travel to Mexico only with your Green Card. You must bring your passport along with you.
Can I travel to Mexico with an expired green card?
No, you cannot travel to Mexico with an expired Green Card. It must be valid for the duration of your stay.
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