New Immigration Laws Take Effect in November: An Update

As the changes are slowly in place at Immigration and as mentioned in an earlier message, I will try to keep you posted as much as possible.

Today I was informed of the following (effective as of November 9):

1. – Foreign nationals who intend to visit Mexico, do not require traveling visa if only for the purpose of visiting (180 days). NOTE: Under the new Law and its Regulations while under a tourist card, tourists are  NOT allowed to change their status; this is, the change from tourist to an income generating activity, retiree or otherwise is no longer allowed as before. Whoever wishes to change his/her tourist status, must leave the country and apply for the respective visa at the Consulate/Embassy of their Country.
2. – Foreign nationals who intend to have income-generating activities must apply for the respective visa at the Mexican Consulate/Embassy of their Country and state before the Consular/Embassy authorities their intentions and provide the requested information. Once in Mexico, the Temporary Residency card must be applied for within 30 days of entry.
3. – Foreign nationals who will not have income generating activities (i.e., Retirees) must apply for the respective visa at the Consulate/Embassy of their Country and state before the authorities thereof about their intentions and provide the information the Consulate/Embassy authorities request. Once in Mexico, the Temporary Residency card must be applied for within 30 days of entry.

(Art. 41 of the Immigration Law).

The above does not apply for foreign nationals who now hold FM3s/FM2s unless their current ‘activity’ changes. If, for instance, you intend to change from a Retiree ‘activity’ to an income-generating activity (employee, business owner), or vice versa, then you must leave the Country and apply for the respective visa at the Consulate/Embassy.

Once again, I would also like to take this opportunity to clarify that the word “visa” is not applicable to the new migratory documents/cards/ statuses.  Immigration defines a VISA as “Authorization granted in a Consular office that proves compliance of the requirements to obtain permanence in the country. The visa authorizes the foreign national to present himself/herself at the international point of entry and request, upon the type of visa, the respective duration and migratory document.”  

Also, there are still many issues yet unclear, but I will keep you posted as we learn more about these changes.  For more information, check please contact Monica Sauza, mosag@prodigy.net.mx

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Monica Sauza

Translator & Author at Cozumel 4 You

Another escapee from Mexico City, Monica hasmade Cozumel her definite home.Since her arrival -in 981- she worked in tourism in all the usual venues:hotels, scuba diving, airport, ferries, until the opportunity to practice in her chosen field grew.Since the latter part of the 70s Monica has been translating and interpreting, fully devoting herself to it since 1998, and has assisted foreigners and Island residents establish residence and businesses- She is a Translator with extensive experience, an avid historian and a great source of local lore and legends.



Otra fugitiva de la Ciudad de México. Mónica ha hecho de Cozumel su hogar definitivo. Desde su llegada en 1981, trabajo en turismo en todos los lugares habituales: hoteles, buceo, aeropuerto, ferries, hasta que se abrió la oportunidad de desempeñarse en su campo. Desde finales de la década de los años 70 Mónica ha estado traduciendo e interpretando, dedicándose plenamente a ello a partir de 1998, y ha asistido a extranjeros y locales de la Isla a establecer su residencia y sus negocios. Es traductora con gran experiencia, ávida historiadora y una gran fuente de tradiciones y leyendas locales.   

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