If you're an Ethiopian citizen considering a trip to Mexico, one of the questions you might have is about the so-called “Tourist Land Card” (also known as the FMM). Don’t worry — in this guest post I’ll walk you through everything you need to know: whether you need it, what it is, how to apply, what happens if you lose it, how much it costs, and some handy travel tips. I’ve written it like I’m chatting with you over a cup of coffee—so you’ll find it friendly, informative and easy to read.
What is the Mexico Tourist Land Card (FMM)?
Let’s start with the basics.
The “Mexico Tourist Land Card” is more formally known as the Forma Migratoria Múltiple (FMM). It’s a permit issued by Mexico’s immigration authority (the Instituto Nacional de Migración, or INM) for foreign visitors who are coming for tourism or similar short‐term non-paid activities.
Despite its casual name (“tourist card”), the FMM is not a visa. It simply authorises your stay as a tourist or visitor for a defined period.
Here are some of the key features:
It records your entry and stay in Mexico, which helps you exit legally without issues.
It is valid for up to 180 days in many cases (though the exact number of days is at the discretion of the immigration officer).
It can apply whether you enter by air, land or sea (though there are nuances depending on your point of entry).
So in short: if you travel to Mexico for tourism, this is one of the permits you need to know about.
Do Ethiopian citizens need a Tourist Land Card to visit Mexico?
Great question — and the answer has a bit of nuance.
If you’re an Ethiopian citizen, the first major thing to check is whether you need a tourist visa to enter Mexico at all. According to the official website of the Mexican Embassy in Ethiopia:
People holding passports from Ethiopia … need a visa for tourism or family visits (non-remunerated activities) to Mexico.
So yes — Ethiopian citizens must obtain a Mexican visitor visa before travelling for tourism or similar purposes. That means the FMM alone will not suffice. You cannot rely on just the Tourist Land Card if your nationality requires a visa.
That said, once you have the required visa, then you also have to consider the FMM (if applicable) when you travel, depending on your mode of entry (air vs land) and length of stay.
Therefore:
If you are flying in to Mexico from Ethiopia (or elsewhere) and you already have the correct tourist visa, then check if the FMM is required by your entry point.
If you are entering by land, the FMM becomes more relevant.
According to one travel-guidance document:
“All foreign nationals travelling to Mexico for tourism or short-term business visits are required to obtain a tourist card, even if their country does not require a visa.”
However, remember that for Ethiopian citizens, the visa requirement takes priority. So you’ll likely have two things to get: the visa, and any necessary FMM or entry form.
Bottom line: Yes, you will need the relevant permits — a visa first, and then if applicable the Tourist Land Card/FMM — depending on how you’re entering Mexico.
Can I apply for the Mexico Tourist Card online?
Yes — in many cases, you can apply for Mexico Tourist Card online ahead of arrival (especially if you’re entering by land).
Here’s a breakdown:
Mexico’s immigration service offers an online form for the FMM: you fill it in, pay the fee (if required), print it out, bring it with you, then get it stamped by an immigration officer on entry.
For travelers entering by air, the process is often handled at the airport: the form may be included in your ticket or handled digitally, so you might not need to fill it out ahead of time.
A key caveat: if you’re entering by land, some official sites state you must get the printed form and then have it stamped by the relevant border immigration office.
There are many third-party websites that say they will process your FMM online — but travellers need to be cautious and use the official government site(s), as some of those third-party sites may overcharge or be less reliable. (See travel forum commentary below.)
So yes — online application is possible and often advisable, especially for land crossings or if you want to be pre-prepared.
How long does it take to process the visa?
While this question is more about the tourist visa for Ethiopia-to-Mexico travellers, it’s worth covering because many readers conflate the visa and the FMM.
Visa processing (for Ethiopian citizens)
The Mexican Embassy in Ethiopia states that visa applicants must apply in person (there’s no fully online visa for Ethiopians).
The fee is (paid in cash) at the time of application.
The visa processing time can normally take up to 10 working days from the date of your interview.
You should apply well in advance of your travel date to be safe.
FMM processing
For the FMM (Tourist Land Card), if you apply online ahead of time, some sources say you can have it within “a 1 days” or even in minutes (for the online form) as long as all details are correct.
At border entries, the stamping and issuance happens right there (so no wait beyond your immigration queue).
Essentially: if your visa is approved ahead of time, the FMM part is typically swift — the main delay is the visa application itself.
What should I do if I lose my FMM while in Mexico?
Losing your FMM card or permit while in Mexico is something to avoid — but if it happens, you can still handle it. Here’s what you should know:
According to multiple sources, if you lose the FMM, you must go to the nearest INM (Immigration) office in Mexico and apply for a replacement.
You may need to pay a replacement fee (reports suggest something around or over for the duplicate.
It’s important to report the loss immediately (and sometimes file a police report if required) because failing to present the FMM when leaving Mexico can cause problems or fines.
Practical tip: When you receive your FMM (or the entry stamp/migration form), keep it safe inside your passport holder, and maybe a photocopy or scanned version just in case.
Can I extend my stay in Mexico?
This is a question many travellers ask: “If I fall in love with Mexico and want to stay longer — can I do that?” The answer: not easily with the standard FMM for tourism.
The FMM tourist permit is typically for up to 180 days maximum in a single stay as a tourist.
Multiple sources say you cannot extend the tourist permit beyond what was initially granted without changing your immigration status (e.g., apply for a residency or a different visa type).
Overstaying your authorised period can result in fines, problems departing Mexico, and potential future entry restrictions.
So yes — you can stay for the time granted (often up to 180 days) but you should not assume you can extend it like a tourist permit indefinitely. If you plan to stay longer, get advice from a Mexican immigration lawyer or the INM directly.
Is the FMM required for all travelers?
Short answer: No, not for all travellers in all situations — the requirement depends on your nationality, mode of entry (air vs land/sea), and whether your visa already covers you.
Here are the details:
Some sources say that for travellers arriving by air in certain airports, the FMM (paper card) has been phased out and the immigration record is handled digitally/stamped in the passport.
According to one official document:
“If entering Mexico by land, … it is necessary to fill out the form called the Multiple Migration Form (FMM) which is received at the border crossing.”Another guide says:
“All foreign nationals travelling to Mexico for tourism or short-term business visits are required to obtain a tourist card, even if their country does not require a visa.”So the short version: If you cross a land border, yes, the FMM is typically required. If you fly in, it may or may not be required in the paper form—but you will still need immigration documentation (visa + entry stamp).
Also: If your country of citizenship is exempt from a visa and uses another scheme, the FMM requirement may be more straightforward. But since Ethiopia requires a visa, you’ll likely deal with both the visa and possibly the FMM depending on your route.
What is the full form of FMM?
The full form is “Forma Migratoria Múltiple” — Spanish for “Multiple Migration Form”. It is often translated simply as “Multiple Entry Migration Form” or “Multiple Migration Permit”.
In conversation you might see FMM referred to as the “tourist card” for Mexico, but it’s useful to know the formal name, especially when dealing with immigration or official websites.
How much does a Mexico tourist card cost?
Cost is an important practical detail. Here are Mexico tourist card current sources report:
If entering by air, many travellers find the FMM fee is already included in your airline ticket. For example one traveller said: “Good news: if you’re flying, the FMM is free — it’s included in your plane ticket.”
If entering by land, one source says the fee is about for stays over 7 days.
Another site lists the cost as for entry by land.
Some official documents say: If entering by land > 7 days you pay fee; by air it may be included.
Important note: The cost may change with exchange rate fluctuations or policy updates. Also, if you apply via a third‐party service online (not official government site) there may be additional service fees. Always check the official INM or Mexican consulate site for current rates.
Travel Tips
Here are some friendly travel tips to keep your Mexico trip smooth and enjoyable:
Apply early for your visa (if you’re Ethiopian) — don’t leave it until the last minute.
Ensure your passport validity: Your passport should be valid for at least six months before your planned departure (some airlines or immigration desks insist on this).
Print and carry your FMM (and stub) if you applied online — and keep it safe inside your passport. Losing it could cost you time/money.
Keep a copy or photo of your FMM — this is your safeguard in case you misplace the original.
Check your stay days limit: When you get your FMM (or immigration stamp), check how many days you’re permitted and plan accordingly.
Be honest at immigration: When you arrive, immigration officers may ask for accommodation proof, return ticket or itinerary. Being prepared helps.
Avoid overstaying: If you stay beyond the permitted days, you may be fined or barred from returning later.
Use official websites and beware of scams: Some third-party sites exist that charge hefty fees for FMM “processing”. One traveller noted:
Bring proof of funds and accommodation: Even though you may have the visa + FMM, immigration may ask to see you can support yourself.
Have some cash or reliable payment method for fees: At some land borders the FMM fee must be paid in cash pesos.
Plan your arrival method: If you cross by land, the process can be different (and often more paperwork) than flying in.
Enjoy your stay: Mexico is a vibrant country with amazing culture, food and landscapes — once your entry formalities are done, you can focus on exploring.
Mexico Tourist Card (FMM) FAQs
Let’s wrap up with some frequently asked questions (and concise answers) to cover remaining doubts.
Q: Do I need a tourist land card if I fly into Mexico?
A: Often the cost is included in your ticket and the immigration stamp in your passport takes care of the requirement — but always check your specific airport and airline.
Q: Can I use the FMM for business or work in Mexico?
A: No. The FMM is for tourism/visitor activities. If you intend to work, you need a different visa/status.
Q: Is the FMM valid for multiple entries?
A: Typically it’s a single‐entry permit for the stay. If you leave and re-enter you may need a new one.
Q: What happens if I lose my FMM?
A: You must go to a local INM office in Mexico, report the loss (sometimes via police), pay a replacement fee, and obtain a new document/stamp.
Q: Can I extend the FMM once in Mexico?
A: Generally no. You must leave before expiry or apply for a different visa/status if you plan to stay longer.
Q: What is the cost of the FMM?
A: For land entry: roughly depending on stay. For air entry: frequently included in your ticket. Always check current official fees.
Q: What should I do to stay within rules?
A: Keep your passport + FMM safe, obey the stay limit, have documentation for your trip, report loss of FMM if it happens, and avoid engaging in paid work with a tourist permit.
