Visa runs

[synthia]

In some countries you can live there forever just by leaving the country when your entry stamp or tourist visa expires, then making a 'visa run' across the border and either getting a new visa or brand new entry stamp. Can yu do this in Mexico?

I think I got 90 days the last time I entered, but I'm not sure. If I don't qualify for the retirement visa, can I just enter and leave over and over? And do I need a residency permit of some sort to rent an apartment?

[sparks]

Crossing the border is a common way to stay in Mexico without an FM3.

The rental agreement is between you and the landlord ... so the answer is no. Putting utility bills in your name, Telmex phone and internet, etc may require and FM3 as proof that you'll be there awhile

[myhat]

If you do not have valid paperwork, you will have to leave under the radar. That can be hard, but it is possible, since many people do it (such as outlaws).

[synthia]

I am certainly not going to be smuggled across the border, over fences and through gullies, wading rivers, or hiding in the back of trucks. I just want to know if I can come in on a tourist visa, leave, and come right back in.

[bournemouth]

President Calderon has decreed that 180 day visas will be the norm at this point. Technically speaking, I don't believe you are supposed to have more than one of these in a 12 month period - but in practice that is rarely enforced.

[Travel Dude]

Originally Posted by bournemouth

President Calderon has decreed that 180 day visas will be the norm at this point. Technically speaking, I don't believe you are supposed to have more than one of these in a 12 month period - but in practice that is rarely enforced.

Yes I heard of this.....I know in Ecuador they use to or still enforce the 180 days per year requirement.I had a friend who lived with his native girlfriend in Ecuador in which he got his tourist visa/card extended to the max (in total time with the same card,he entered in Januray and left in June).When he arrived back in August to see his girlfriend,he was not allowed to enter the country.I guess he was in the computer.

To me,whats the problem.If you are spending money you are helping their economy grow.

In Peru,you get a 90 day tourist card,if you want to extend to the 180 day limit and dont want to leave the country after the 90 days,you can pay $30 per month,each month.Kind of a rip off.

[synthia]

Not really a rip off. The US requires visas in advance for almost everyone and charges $100 for them.

[davidf]

You don't need anything but pesos to rent an apartment. You can get 180 days on your FM-T if you request it.

[MarkN]

In case someone is worried about this 180 day rule, I asked a person (who happens to be a friend of a friend) who holds a higher-level post at the migration office recently & he said he hasn't even heard of it & said why would the government want to damage the economy by restricting tourists re-entering. Makes sense & I've never had a problem re-entering a few days after leaving which I've dones so many times, I can't even remember exactly how many.

[synthia]

Thank you for the informartion, MarkN, and welcome to the forum.