Expert: Linda Leonard - 9/3/2009

Question
My husband and I have our sailboat in San Carlos, Sonora. We plan to go to Mexico for a season of cruising in November and would like to stay until June (a total of seven months). To do that we will need a FM3 visa. I know we will also need a permit for our car, but from what I read on the internet it looks like the permits are only good for 180 days. Will having an FM3 visa extend the car permit to the expiration of the FM3?

Thanks!!!

Answer
Hi Jane,  You get your car import permit when you cross into Mexico.  You are right, it is good for 180 days.  However, when you get your FM3 it allows your vehicle to remain in Mexico as long as your FM3 is valid.  Do not let it expire before renewing it if you stay in Mexico that long.  That gets really complicated.  It doens't sound like that is your plan.  Once you have your FM3 you must visit the local aduana (customs office) to get a letter that shows your FM3 & your vehicle.  We keep ours in the car in case we are ever stopped.  Sometimes local police in small towns don't realize what the FM3 allows.  This form will clarify everything in case of any questions.  Hope this was helpful.  Good luck with your plans.