Tourists to Baja California as far south as Ensenada do not need any permit or pay any fees if your stay is not more than 72 hours. Otherwise stop at the immigration office upon crossing the border to get an FM-T tourist visa.

A new law is now in effect if you are traveling south of Ensenada. You must have a permit to do so and the fee is $225 pesos or approximately $20.00 per person. You should obtain this permit at the "Mexican Secondary"pavilion at the San Ysidro Border Crossing. Get in the far right lane where the sign says "Something to Declare". The Mexican officials will direct you to the correct office.

FM-3 Info and Requirements for Full or Part-Time Residency

FMT : Is a Tourist Visa . If you stay MORE THAN 7 days you need a Tourist Visa. The cost is $225.00 pesos. Passport & I.D. required. This can be picked up at Immigration office or at the airport.

FM-3 : is a Visa for temporary residents up to 5 years or longer if desired. FM3 people can get theirs from their local mexican consultant in the states. It's quicker and you don't need the appostille, but must register in Mexico at any Immigration Office 90 days after the date received. If not, FM3 isn't valid.

FM-2 : is a Visa for permanent residents. Requirements for FM2 - must live in Mexico FULL TIME

Important Note: Before you do anything, it's essential to obtain an FM-T. This is a temporary Tourist Visa which allows you to stay in Mexico up to 6 months. This will protect you while you do the paperwork necessary to acquire an FM-3. You can get an FM-T in the Immigration Office in Rosarito or at a Mexican Consulate near your U.S. home and there is a cost of $225 pesos. Now, follow the listed instructions and you should have no problems obtaining your FM-3.

1. Bring your passport. Original and copy.

2. You must get a certified copy of the document showing ownership or lease/rental agreement of your residence. Your Bank Trust on your property or lease agreement.

3. You must have an account at a local (Mexican) bank, with an average balance of $1000.00 U.S. for one person and $1500 for a couple. Bring a copy of the most recent bank statement for your Immigration file.

4. A letter to INAMI (Instituto Nacional de Migracion) requesting your FM-3 status. Acquire form #SHCP-5 at a local escritorio publico service and they will fill this out for you. There are several near the immigration office in Rosarito. Alicia Romero, located on the street directly behind the Roma Drug Store (where Bancomer is located) has all the forms necessary and her fee is well worth her preparation, because she works with Immigration Authorities on a daily basis and is current on any new requirements. Telephone/Fax 612-0166.

5. You will need Six (6) Black and White passport photos, three full front and three right profile (not left). No glasses or jewelry. Alicia Romero can also take these photographs at her office.

6. Present all the above completed information, documents and photos, to the local Immigration Officer for approval. You then go to your local Mexican bank, with the original completed SHCP-5 form, and pay the FM-3 fee (approximately $40). The bank will stamp your SHCP-5 form(s). Return to the Immigration office these stamped receipts, from the bank, and your FM-3 will be issued. Normally, you will receive the FM-3 in 30 days.

The location of the Immigration Office in Rosarito is at the new municipal building on the third floor. There is no elevator, so be prepared to deal with the stairs.