t permit tourist car

The FMM for Mexico Explained: How to Get a Tourist Card

By: Author Zachary Friedman

Posted on Last updated: January 19, 2024

Categories Mexico , Visas and Borders

Home » Mexico » The FMM for Mexico Explained: How to Get a Tourist Card

Mexico offers visa-free entry to those who hold passports from countries on its no visa required list. Instead of a Mexican visa, visitors must obtain an FMM tourist permit (Forma Migratoria Múltiple). This document allows you to stay in Mexico for the purpose of tourism or business for up to 180 days. The FMM currently costs 685 pesos or $38. If you’re staying for less than 7 days, it’s free. To get an FMM, you need a valid passport or passport card. This guide explains everything you need to know about the FMM for Mexico. I’ll explain what the FMM tourist card is, how to apply, the travel documents you’ll need, where it is issued, costs, eligibility, validity, and more.

I’ve also made this YouTube video that outlines the main points of the article.

Quick Info About the FMM Tourist Card

• Cost- $687 pesos (about $38). Free for stays of 7 days or less
• Validity- Up to 180 days. The number of days you’re granted will be written on the form.
• Issued on arrival at the point of entry or online . The Mexico FMM is available at land borders, international airports, and most seaports.
• Eligibility- Citizens of the U.S., Canada, the U.K., Australia, New Zealand, European Schengen Area Countries, Japan, South Korea, and more. If your country is on this list , you’re eligible.
• How to apply- Fill out the form with basic travel info. You will receive the form at the port of entry.
• Required documents- A valid passport or passport card
• Issued by INM (Instituto Nacional de Migración), a Mexican government agency

Important note

The Mexican government is currently phasing out the paper version of the FMM permit. It is being replaced with a passport stamp. Currently, some ports of entry still use the paper form. Some have transitioned to the stamp. The rules are all still the same. The eligibility, validity, and cost haven’t changed. If you’re given a paper form on arrival, fill it out as normal. If you don’t receive a paper form, the Mexican authorities will stamp your passport instead. I’ll update this article as additional information about this change comes out.

Table of Contents

• What is the FMM Visitor’s Permit?
• Eligibility and Who Needs an FMM
• Required Documents
• FMM Validity
• How to Get an FMM

What is an FMM Tourist Permit?

The FMM Tourist Permit (Forma Migratoria Múltiple) is a travel document that allows those who are eligible to enter Mexico without a visa.

The FMM Visitor’s Permit allows you to stay in Mexico for up to 180 days. During that time, you can participate in tourism activities, do business, transit through the country, study, volunteer, or live anywhere in Mexico.

You are not allowed to be employed, work, or earn money in Mexico while visiting on an FMM permit. If you plan to work and earn money in Mexico, you will need to apply for a temporary resident visa and work permit.

The FMM is issued by the INM (Instituto Nacional de Migración), a Mexican government agency. You can obtain an FMM permit on arrival at the port of entry. All you need is a valid passport. Mexico also offers online FMM applications as well. You simply fill out the application form, print it out, and bring it with you to get stamped by immigration authorities when you arrive.

The FMM is also referred to as the Mexico tourist card. It is also sometimes called a Mexico tourist visa, even though it is not technically a visa.

Who is Eligible for an FMM Tourist Permit and Who Needs a Visa?

FMM tourist permits are available for visitors from countries on this list. If the country that issued your passport is on that list, you don’t require a visa to visit Mexico. The list includes the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, Schengen area countries, Australia, New Zealand, Japan, most Latin American and Caribbean countries as well as many others. If your country is on the list, you only need an FMM permit to visit Mexico. You do not need a Mexican tourist visa.

In addition, to be eligible for an FMM you must be visiting Mexico only for purposes of tourism, business, volunteering, or studying. Your trip must last 180 days or less. If you plan to visit for another purpose or for a longer duration, you’ll need to apply for a Mexico visa in advance.

Regardless of your citizenship or residency, you are also eligible for an FMM tourist permit if you hold a valid permanent residency visa or a multi-entry visitor visa for the United States, Canada, United Kingdom, Japan, or a European Schengen Area country.

You are not eligible for an FMM if you are a citizen of one of these countries. If the country that issued your passport is on this list and you do not have a valid visa to one of the above-listed countries, you need to arrange a visa in advance to enter Mexico.

You can apply for a visa at your nearest Mexican consulate or embassy. For more info on the application process, check out this Mexican government website.

If you plan to travel to Mexico for longer than 180 days or if you plan to work, study, invest, or get married in Mexico, you need to arrange a visa in advance, regardless of your citizenship. The most common type of visa for these types of trips is a temporary residency permit. There are several classes of temporary residency permits available for different types of trips. For example, some allow you to work and earn money while others don’t. For more info, check out my guide here.

If you already hold a temporary or permanent residency visa for Mexico, you do not need an FMM permit. You can present your residency visa at the port of entry instead.

Who Needs an FMM Tourist Permit?

Everyone entering Mexico for the purposes of tourism, business, studying, or volunteering needs an FMM tourist permit. Only temporary resident visa holders, permanent residency visa holders, and Mexican citizens can enter Mexico without an FMM permit.

Children under 2 years of age do not need to pay for an FMM. They will need a valid passport.

Before October 2015, there was an unofficial ‘free zone’ near the Mexican border where an FMM was not required if you were staying for 72 hours or less. This was never part of Mexico’s official immigration law but it was widely accepted.

Now, all foreign nationals entering Mexico needs an FMM unless they have a valid Mexican residency visa. Even if you’re only crossing the border to spend the day in Tijuana and staying near the border, you still need to stop and get an FMM.

Ideally, you should carry your passport and FMM permit with you when you’re out and about so you can present them if you’re stopped by the police or at a security checkpoint. Checkpoints are set throughout the country where you must present your FMM and passport to prove that you’re in the country legally.

While walking around cities I don’t like to carry my passport. I always worry about it getting lost or stolen. While in transit, I always keep my passport handy just in case.

What Documents Do I Need to Get an FMM Tourist Permit?

• A valid passport. If you’re crossing the border by land or sea, you can use a passport book or passport card. If you’re flying in, you need a passport book. It must be valid when you enter and must remain valid for as long as you plan to stay in Mexico. Your passport must also have at least one blank page for a stamp. For more info, check out my guide: Do I Need a Passport to go to Mexico?
• A completed FMM form. You get the form at the port of entry. If you’re flying to Mexico, a flight attendant may hand you the form during the flight. If you’re applying for your permit online, you fill the form out online. You’ll receive an acceptance email that you must print and bring with you to get stamped at the Mexican border.
• 594 Pesos (about $30) in cash. You pay this at the border upon entry or exit depending on where you enter. It’s best to bring pesos. Dollars may be accepted.

What Information is Required to fill out the FMM Form?

The FMM form requires basic travel information including:

• Date of birth
• Residency and nationality
• Passport number
• Purpose of your trip- tourism or business
• Entry date and date that you plan to leave Mexico
• How you’re entering- by air, sea, or land
• Your destination in Mexico
• The name and address of the place that you plan to stay in Mexico
• Your signature

If you enter by air, you may get a slightly different form that asks for the flight number and airline that you arrived on.

How Much Does the FMM Tourist Permit Cost

If you’re staying in Mexico for less than 7 days, the FMM tourist permit is free.

If you’re staying in Mexico between 7 and 180 days, there is a 594 peso (about $30) fee for the FMM tourist permit.

You pay this fee in cash at a Banjercito bank window at the border. At some borders, you pay the immigration official who checks your passport directly.

How to Pay for the FMM Tourist Permit

Most borders accept payment in pesos or US dollars. You’ll get a more favorable rate if you pay in pesos. Some borders only accept pesos. It’s best to carry pesos just in case.

If you arrange your FMM permit online, you can pay the fee with a credit card or debit card. They accept Visa and Mastercard.

Some smaller land border crossings don’t have the facilities to accept the FMM fee. In this case, you will pay when you exit Mexico. You can also pay the fee at immigration offices that are located in cities and towns throughout Mexico as well as in all international airports.

After you pay your FMM fee, the banker gives you a receipt. You bring the receipt to the immigration official. They stamp the receipt, tear the FMM form in half, and hand your half back. You must keep the receipt as proof that you paid. If you lose it, you will have to pay the fee again when you exit Mexico because there is no proof that you have paid.

When you arrive by air or cruise ship, the FMM fee is often included in the price of your ticket. Check with your airline or cruise line before you travel so you don’t pay twice. Usually, the FMM will be listed in the ‘fees and taxes’ section of your ticket.

If you find that you’ve already paid for an FMM, carry a copy of your ticket with you for proof. When the Mexican authorities try to charge you again when you exit, you can show them that you have already paid. If you can’t prove that you’ve paid, you’ll be charged again.

How Long Can You Stay with an FMM Visitor’s Permit?

The FMM Visitor’s Permit is valid for up to 180 days (about 6 months) from the date that you entered Mexico. The number of days you get is up to the immigration agent issuing you the permit.

Sometimes the Mexican immigration authorities will ask you how many days you plan to stay in Mexico and then grant you that many days on your FMM. For example, if you indicate that you plan to stay in Mexico for 2 weeks, you may only be granted 2 weeks on your FMM. This means you can only stay in Mexico for 2 weeks. I recommend you always request 180 days. That way, you can stay longer if your plans change.

Your passport cannot expire before you plan to exit Mexico. For example, your passport must have at least 180 days of validity if you want an FMM that is valid for 180 days. Mexico does not require that your passport have 6 months of validity to enter, like most other countries. If your passport has 1 month of validity but you want to travel to Mexico for 1 week, you can.

When you pass through immigration, the official who checks your passport and FMM form will write the number of days you can stay on the visitor’s permit. It’s up to you to calculate the correct exit date so you don’t accidentally overstay. For example, if you enter Mexico on January 1, and are granted 180 days, you must exit Mexico by June 30. It’s important to remember that 180 days isn’t exactly 6 months because some months are longer than others. You must leave before the permit’s expiration date or you will be fined.

There are several cases where Mexican officials may grant you fewer than 180 days. For example, when entering Mexico on a cruise ship you often only get 21 days. When transiting through Mexico, you may only get 30 days. If you indicate on the FMM application that you only plan to stay for 2 weeks, the immigration official might only grant you two weeks. If you want the full 180 days, you can always ask. Usually, you’ll get it.

Caution: Do not tamper with the FMM form. I have read stories of travelers changing the date on their FMM to give themselves more days. Don’t do this. Your FMM form has a serial number that is recorded when you enter Mexico. The number of days you are granted is stored. You could get in trouble if you’re caught tampering with your FMM.

How to Apply for an FMM Tourist Permit?

You get the FMM Visitor’s Permit at the port of entry. This could be a land border, airport, or seaport. The process varies slightly depending on where and how you enter Mexico. In this section, I’ll outline the process of obtaining an FMM at each type of port of entry. I’ll also outline how to get the FMM online.

Entering by Land: Driving or Walking into Mexico

When driving across the border, you will need to park your car and go into the immigration and customs office (INM and Aduana) to get your FMM tourist permit.

While driving across the border, look for a sign pointing you to the ‘something to declare’ area. There will be parking available here. The immigration office is generally nearby. If you don’t see this area, you can ask around for immigration (inmigración in Spanish.) Alternatively, you can just drive across the border into Mexico, find a place to park near the border, and walk to the immigration building.

If you’re walking into Mexico, you can proceed directly to the immigration desk. There is no exit procedure for the U.S. There will be signs pointing you toward immigration and a path to follow. If you’re unsure, just walk toward Mexico and follow the crowd.

Once you find the immigration desk, you will be handed an FMM form to fill out. The forms are available in the immigration building. Be sure to bring a pen with you.

At some borders, an immigration officer may fill the FMM form out for you. In this case, they will ask you a few questions about your trip and copy your personal information from your passport.

After filling out the FMM form, hand it to the immigration official along with your passport. They will look over the form and run your passport through their computer.

The immigration official may ask you a few additional questions about your trip such as, how long are you going to stay in Mexico? Where are you staying? Do you have accommodation booked? What is your final destination in Mexico? What is the purpose of your trip? Where are you going? etc.

At most land borders, you pay your FMM fee when you enter the country if you’re staying longer than 7 days. After an immigration officer inspects your completed FMM form and your passport, you will take the FMM form to a Banjercito bank window near the immigration desk and pay the fee. The cashier will hand you a receipt. Next, you take your receipt back to the immigration official along with your passport. They will stamp your receipt and FMM form and the receipt. After that, you can proceed to customs and into Mexico.

Some small land border crossings do not have payment facilities. If you enter through one of these borders, you will pay your FMM fee when you exit Mexico. You can also pay the fee at an immigration office in Mexico or at all international airports.

Be sure to keep your FMM receipt. When you exit Mexico, you’ll have to prove that you’ve already paid for the FMM permit. If you can’t prove it, you will be charged again.

If you’re driving to Mexico, you’ll need to buy temporary car insurance. I recommend Baja Bound Mexican Insurance . They offer reasonable prices and friendly service. Click the link to get a free quote in just a couple of minutes.

Arriving in Mexico by Air

On most flights, a flight attendant will hand out FMM forms to everyone who needs one. You should fill it out before you land so you’re ready to go through immigration when you arrive. If you don’t get an FMM form on the plane, you can get one at immigration when you land. They will be sitting around on a table or someone will be standing around handing them out.

Once you land, follow the signs to immigration. You’ll present your passport and completed FMM form to an immigration official and they will stamp you into Mexico.

Mexican airports do not collect FMM fees from inbound passengers. This is because pretty much every airline includes the FMM fee in the price of the ticket. If you’re flying into Mexico, chances are you’ve already paid for an FMM.

Make sure you keep a copy of your ticket with proof that you have paid the FMM fee. This will usually be outlined in the ‘taxes and fees’ section of your ticket. If you can’t prove you’ve already paid, you will be charged a second time when you exit Mexico.

Tip: Once you get your FMM, place it in your passport. If you’re traveling long-term and you’re afraid you’ll lose it, consider stapling it or taping it to a page in your passport. You can do the same with your receipt.

Entering Mexico by Sea

If you’re entering Mexico on a cruise ship or your own boat, you can get an FMM at the first port of call. You’ll simply fill out the FMM form at the port and pay the fee. The process is basically the same as arriving overland.

If you’re arriving on your own boat, you should double-check to make sure the port where you plan to enter Mexico offers FMMs. You won’t have to worry about this if you’re arriving on a cruise ship. Cruise ships only dock at major ports.

If you’re bringing your own boat to Mexico, you also need to get a temporary vehicle importation permit (TIP) for the boat. You need to arrange this before you enter Mexican waters. You can’t get this document in Mexico.

If you’re entering Mexican waters but don’t plan to go to land, you’ll need a nautical Sportfishing FMM visitor’s permit. This document is also required if you plan to go fishing in Mexican waters. The process is a bit different from obtaining a normal FMM. You can get your nautical FMM online. For more info, check out this guide from Discover Baja.

Applying for an FMM Online

Mexico offers the option to apply for an FMM tourist permit online. This involves filling out a simple online application form and paying the fee with your Visa or Mastercard credit or debit card. Upon acceptance, you’ll receive an email with your FMM form. You’ll need to print this out and get it stamped at the border when you pass through immigration. You must enter Mexico within 30 days of getting your permit online.

For most travelers, it’s still better to get the FMM on arrival at the border. The reason is that you still need to stop at the border to get your immigration documents stamped, even if you applied online. You can’t just drive through. There is really no benefit to arranging your FMM permit in advance. You might save a couple of minutes waiting in line at the bank window.

The only time applying for an FMM online makes sense is if you’re also applying for a Temporary Vehicle Importation Permit (TIP) online. In this case, you’ll need to get your FMM online before applying for the TIP. For more info, check out my guide to the Temporary Vehicle Importation Permit.

You can apply for an FMM online here.

When you apply for your FMM online, you receive an email with your approved FMM document within a few minutes. You’ll need to print this document out and bring it with you to immigration to get it stamped and validated.

When applying online, you must use your FMM within 30 days. Otherwise, it expires.

Frequently Asked Questions About the FMM

Can i make multiple entries on an fmm tourist permit.

No. The FMM is a single entry permit. When you fly out of Mexico, you must surrender your FMM at immigration before boarding the plane. At this point, it is invalidated. You’ll have to buy a new one when you return to Mexico. When you re-enter, you’ll fill out a new FMM form and pay for another permit.

When you exit Mexico at the southern border to Guatemala or Belize or any northern border outside of Baja California, you will also have to surrender your FMM when you pass through immigration. At this time, it will be invalidated and you will have to get a new one when you return.

There is one exception where you can use your FMM for multiple entries. You can enter and exit the state of Baja California Norte overland as many times as you like until your FMM permit expires. This is great for people who want to take short trips over the border. The FMM used to be a single-entry permit. In 2015, the INM changed the rules to allow this one exception.

Can I Stay in Mexico for More than 180 Days with an FMM

No. If you plan to stay in Mexico for longer than 180 days, you should apply for a Temporary Resident Visa or Permanent Resident Visa. You must apply for these visas at a Mexican consulate or embassy before your trip. You can’t obtain them in Mexico.

Alternatively, you could leave Mexico before your FMM expires then return and buy a new one for another 180 days. This is often called a border run. To do this, you can travel overland to the US, Guatemala, or Belize and then cross back into Mexico. You could also fly to your home country or a third country, then return to Mexico.

How Long do I Have to Leave Mexico Before Returning for a New FMM?

There is no rule stating how long you must remain outside of Mexico before returning and paying for a new FMM permit. In most cases, you can exit and then re-enter immediately after if you want. It really depends on the immigration official. Most don’t care and allow you to cross right back over.

Some expats have lived in Mexico on an FMM tourist permit for years. They simply make visa runs to the border to get a new permit every 6 months.

With computerized entry and exit and facial recognition technology, it is possible for Mexico to track how much time you spend in the country on an FMM permit. If you exit and re-enter too many times, they could deny you entry at some point if an immigration official decides that you’re spending too much time in Mexico on an FMM.

Recently, Mexico has begun cracking down on people living in the country on FMM permits. They are issuing permits with fewer than 180 days. Some visitors are only getting 10-30 days upon entry. To get 180 days, you may have to provide some supporting documents such as proof that you’ve paid for long-term accommodation.

If you plan to stay in Mexico longer than 180 days or retire or live in Mexico, it’s best to apply for a Temporary Resident Visa. This gives you peace of mind knowing that you are staying in the country legally. You don’t have to worry about being denied entry.

Keep in mind that there is a financial requirement to get a Temporary Resident Visa. You’ll need to prove that you have enough income or assets to support yourself while in Mexico. Currently, you need to show that you have an income of about $2400-$2700 per month or around $45,000 in a savings or investment account.

What Happens if You Overstay an FMM Visitor Permit?

You need to leave Mexico before your FMM visitor’s permit expires (usually 180 days). If you don’t, you will be fined for overstaying. The fine depends on how long you overstayed. Mexico charges on a per-day basis. The maximum fine is around $350 (7000 pesos). As far as I know, the fine is the only punishment. Mexico won’t bar you from re-entering if you overstay.

You can pay the fine at an immigration office or at an international airport. If you’re flying out of Mexico, you should take care of this fine a couple of days before your flight so you don’t risk missing it. Otherwise, you’ll want to show up for your flight a few hours early. The process could take some time.

If you overstayed your FMM by a couple of days, it’s usually not a big deal. You’ll simply pay a small fine and leave. If you overstayed by months, you’ll probably have to answer some questions.

What if you Lose Your FMM Permit?

If you lose your FMM Visitors permit while in Mexico, you need to visit a local immigration office and apply for a replacement before you can leave the country. The process involves filling out some forms and paying a replacement fee.

I don’t know exactly how much the current fee is. I have read reports ranging from $30 and $60 (around 500-1200 pesos). You can find immigration offices in many towns and cities across Mexico as well as in international airports.

If you go to the border without your FMM card, chances are you will be allowed to exit without it but you will have to pay a fee (or bribe.) I have heard that the charge is around $100 (2000 pesos).

If you go to the airport to catch a flight without your FMM, you’ll be sent to the immigration office in the airport to get a replacement. Be sure to leave yourself extra time if you have to do this so you don’t miss your flight.

If you’re planning to exit Mexico overland from the state of Baja California Norte, you’re in luck. You don’t need to bother getting a replacement because Mexico does not check passports when you exit and cross into the United States. You proceed straight to U.S. immigration. When you go to U.S. immigration, they do not look at the FMM.

What if You Kept Your Visitor’s Permit When You Left Mexico?

At some border crossings, there is nowhere to turn in your old FMM permit when you exit. For example, when crossing from Baja California to the U.S., there is no passport control when you exit Mexico. You just drive or walk straight to U.S. immigration. This means you keep your FMM document.

Legally, this is fine. As of 2015, you do not need to turn in your FMM when exiting Baja California overland according to the INM. You can re-use it for multiple entries until it expires then discard it. There is still a note on the back of the FMM that says that you must return the document.

The problem with this situation is that you won’t get an exit stamp to prove that you left Mexico. When you go to re-enter on your next trip, the immigration official checking your passport could question you as to why you don’t have an exit stamp. They could assume you overstayed on your previous visit. I have heard of people being fined in this situation but I have not been able to confirm whether or not this is actually true.

Unfortunately, there really is no solution to this problem. There is no official procedure as to how to go about returning your FMM if you exit Mexico overland at a border where you don’t pass through immigration to exit.

If you’re questioned, you’ll have to explain that you exited at the northern border where FMM forms are not collected and passports are not stamped upon exit. When you enter Baja, nobody will question you. When you fly to Mexico or enter at another part of the country, you could be questioned.

If you kept your FMM when exiting Mexico and have no plans to return before it expires, you can throw it away. If you plan to return to Mexico and enter through one of the Baja California crossings, you can use it again when you re-enter.

For those who are really worried about keeping their FMM and not getting stamped out, you can contact your nearest Mexican consulate, embassy, or INM office to ask them what to do. They may tell you to mail it somewhere. The process is unclear.

What if I Entered Mexico Without Getting an FMM?

It is possible to enter Mexico without going through immigration and getting an FMM. At the U.S. Mexico border, you can drive right across without stopping. Nobody will flag you down unless you look suspicious. You may feel tempted to drive through to avoid paying the FMM fee. There are a number of reasons why you shouldn’t do this.

If you’re caught in Mexico without a valid FMM, most likely you will be temporarily detained and then told to go back to the border to get one. If you made it hundreds of miles from the border, this would be a major hassle. The officer that catches you could also try to solicit a bribe or issue you a fine. If you’re trying to exit Mexico without an FMM, you may have to pay the immigration official a fee/bribe of around $100.

If you are driving your car in Mexico without an FMM, your insurance probably isn’t valid because you technically entered the country illegally. Check your policy. If you’re pulled over, the police could impound your car if they wanted to. It is also important to note that there are regular checkpoints throughout Mexico. At these checkpoints, the officers will ask to see your passport and FMM to make sure you’re in the country legally.

You also will not be able to board a flight in Mexico because an FMM is required. Even for domestic flights. If you were involved in a serious accident or experienced a medical emergency and you need to be evacuated by air to another city, you may experience a delay if you don’t have an FMM.

Of course, it is also the law. You need an FMM to legally be in Mexico as a tourist. It’s always best not to break the law in a foreign country. For these reasons, you should always take the time to get an FMM when visiting Mexico, even if you’re only crossing the border for the day.

Can I renew or extend an FMM?

No. FMM tourist permits can not be extended or renewed in Mexico. You must leave the country before your permit expires or you will be fined based on the number of days that you overstayed.

The only way to extend your stay is to leave the country and then re-enter and get a new FMM. This is officially called ‘leave to remain’. Alternatively, you could leave the country and apply for a temporary residency visa. Either way, you have to leave Mexico before the visitor’s permit expires. It is non-renewable.

Can I Exchange an FMM for a Residency Visa?

No. You must apply for a temporary residency visa or permanent residency visa outside of Mexico at a Mexican embassy or consulate.

There are a couple of exceptions to this. It is possible to exchange your FMM permit for a temporary residency visa in a small number of situations. In order to do this, you must meet a specific set of criteria.

You must be the spouse, child, or parent of a Mexican national or permanent residency visa holder. You must also meet the other requirements for obtaining a temporary residency visa. In addition, you may be able to apply for residency within Mexico if you are seeking political asylum.

Do I Have to Stop at the Border or Can I Get an FMM in Mexico?

Yes, you have to stop at the border to get a Mexican tourist card. You cannot get an FMM anywhere but an official port of entry (land border, seaport, or international airport). If you applied for your FMM online, you still have to stop at the border to get it stamped and validated.

In the past, you could drive across the border and travel into Mexico and get an FMM at an immigration office. This was easier and faster because you didn’t have to deal with stopping at a busy border crossing. Unfortunately, this is no longer possible.

Most border crossings are open 24/7/365 so there is no excuse for not stopping. Check the hours of the border before you plan to arrive just to be sure. At busy border crossings, you can also check the average wait time before you go. You can check border wait times on the U.S. Customs and Border Protection website here.

Final Thoughts

The FMM permit makes it easy for U.S. citizens, Canadian citizens, and citizens of many other countries to visit Mexico without arranging a visa in advance. If you’re eligible, you can get your FMM on arrival at the border or airport in just a few minutes. All you need is a valid passport and enough cash to pay the permit fee. The only complication is that the process varies slightly depending on where and how you enter Mexico. Hopefully, this guide clears things up and makes planning your trip to Mexico a bit easier and smoother.

Have you visited Mexico on an FMM visitor’s permit lately? Share your tips and experience in the comments below!

More from Where The Road Forks

• Is Mexico Safe? Avoiding Crime and Scams
• Renting a Car in Mexico
• Healthcare in Mexico for Americans
• How to Fly out of Tijuana and use the Cross Border Xpress
• Living in Tijuana as an American
• Traveling to Mexico With a Dog
• How to Travel from San Diego to Tijuana by Bicycle

Zachary Friedman is an accomplished travel writer and professional blogger. Since 2011, he has traveled to 66 countries and 6 continents. He founded ‘Where The Road Forks’ in 2017 to provide readers with information and insights based on his travel and outdoor recreation experience and expertise. Zachary is also an avid cyclist and hiker. Living as a digital nomad, Zachary balances his professional life with his passions for hiking, camping, cycling, and worldwide exploration. For a deeper dive into his journey and background, visit the About page. For inquiries and collaborations, please reach out through the Contact page. You can also follow him on Facebook.

Sharing is caring!

Sign me up for the newsletter!

Wednesday 30th of August 2023

My wife has a green card from USA and her passport is from a country not on the list to travel without going to The Mexican Consulate office to get the FMM? It's only a 4day stray traveling by land. Does she have to go to the Consulate?

wheretheroadforks

Wednesday 13th of September 2023

I believe the green card is sufficient but I'm not 100% sure. Sorry I can't be of more help.

Wednesday 2nd of August 2023

Hi.... I just filled out my FFM form to enter MX on 8/6 and it sent me a "registration number" but won't let me print the form and there is no link to pay the fee. Is this a new policy for what do I need to do to get a copy of the form or to pay? Thanks for your help.

Sunday 6th of August 2023

That's strange. I'm not really sure. It could be a new policy.

Monday 5th of June 2023

I flew into CDMX and got a passport stamp instead of paper FMM, but I'm leaving by land border. Do you know if they'll accept the passport stamp in leiu of the form at the land border??

Yes, they will. At some points of entry, they're changing over to a passport stamp instead of the FMM. Eventually, they're going to get rid of the FMM completely.

Tuesday 4th of April 2023

Great video! If I cross the border from San Diego and fly into Cancun from TJ airport (domestic) for 10 days, do I need the FMM? What about for my return trip from Cancun to TJ?

Thursday 6th of April 2023

Yes, you will need the FMM. Pretty much any time you enter Mexico, you'll need the FMM.

Alejandro Arashi

Friday 24th of March 2023

I can’t find references to the below in any official Mexican government websites …. can you provide a link to the 2015 IMN rule change/exception?

“ There is one exception where you can use your FMM for multiple entries. You can enter and exit the state of Baja California Norte overland as many times as you like until your FMM permit expires. This is great for people who want to take short trips over the border. The FMM used to be a single-entry permit. In 2015, the INM changed the rules to allow this one exception.”

Thursday 30th of March 2023

I couldn't find it. I know that I have used my FMM to travel back and forth multiple times. I'm not sure how the rules will change as the FMM is phased out though.

• Search Please fill out this field.
• Newsletters
• Destinations
• More to Explore

Mexican Tourist Cards and How to Get One

Who Needs a Mexico Tourist Card?

How to get a tourist card in person, how to apply online, length of validity, what to do if you lose your card, how to extend your tourist card, frequently asked questions.

Ben Pipe / Getty Images

Mexico tourist cards ( Forma Migratoria Multiple,  also known as FMT) are a government form declaring that the stated purpose of a visit to Mexico is tourism. Although more than one kind of Mexico visa exists, a Mexico tourist card essentially says the holder has the intention of vacationing in Mexico for no more than 180 days. The form requires minimal information including name, nationality, date of birth, the purpose for visiting, flight details, and the address of the place you'll be staying in Mexico. and address of stay in Mexico.

Travelers can think of it as a visa on arrival, as it functions in the same way, even though it's not technically a visa. Foreign nationals who will be working in Mexico are required to obtain a work visa from the National Immigration Institute (INM).

Be sure to hold on to your tourist card and keep it in a safe place, as you will need to hand it in when you are departing the country.

In the past, travelers who were remaining within the United States border zone for up to 72 hours did not need a tourist card. However, now the tourist card is required for most non-Mexican visitors to the country, including infants, who will remain for fewer than 180 days. 

Exceptions are granted, however, to travelers staying in Mexico for fewer than 24 hours. As of August 2022, Cancun International Airport has done away with tourist cards and customs forms for most foreign visitors, including U.S. passport holders. The 180-day rule still applies, however; travelers will instead receive a stamp upon arrival, ensuring that they stay no longer than what's allowed.

If flying into Mexico, passengers will be given a tourist card and instructions for filling it out onboard their plane—the cost of a tourist card (about $25) is included in the fare, so travelers won't need to pay upon arrival. The card is stamped at customs/immigration in the Mexico airport, showing the visitor is in the country legally. Should your flight attendant not hand you a tourist card, you can pick one up at an immigration desk at a Mexico airport.

If you're  driving ,  taking the bus , or walking into Mexico, the tourist card is given at the border inspection station/immigration office after showing your ID or passport  proving your U.S. citizenship. Visitors need to go to a bank and pay the card fee, and it will be stamped to show the payment was made. The next step is returning to a border immigration office to have the card stamped again—proof the holder is visiting the country legally.

Tourists can also get a tourist card at a  Mexico consular office  or  Mexico government tourism office  in a U.S. city before heading to Mexico.

To ensure a smooth customs process, you may find it easier to complete your immigration online via the Mexico Tourist Card website . You can apply for one within 30 days of your trip; unlike tourist cards that you can get in person, these are free.

Once you've filled out the application, you will receive your card—which consists of an entry form and exit form—via e-mail. You will need to print both; upon arrival in Mexico, you will present them to an immigration official, who will stamp your exit form and write in the number of days that you are allowed to stay in the country. The official will keep the entry form, but you will need to hold onto the exit form for the duration of your trip.

The tourist card is valid for a maximum of 180 days or six months; however, the time actually given is at the discretion of the immigration official. Often, only 30, 60, or 90 days are granted. If you wish to stay in Mexico for longer than the time allotted on your tourist card, you will either need to leave and re-enter the country, extend your card, or apply for a tourist or work visa.

If you lose your Mexico tourist card, or it gets stolen, you will have to pay to replace it, which should be done as soon as possible. Go to the  nearest immigration office  in the country, or try the immigration office at the nearest airport, to pay a fine (reports vary from $40-$80) and receive a new card. It shouldn't take more than a few hours in total. Bring all relevant documentation, including travel tickets, receipts, and your passport should the officials request proof of length of stay.

Technically, it is possible to be deported from a country without a passport stamp or the proper visa and documents, but reports are rare that this step is taken for travelers who have misplaced their tourist cards. The majority typically pay a fine and are reissued a new card without issue.

If wish to travel around Mexico for a bit longer, and the immigration official cleared you for a stay of fewer than 180 days, you can apply for an extension at the National Institute of Immigration Office ; be sure to bring your passport and proof of income to your appointment. For those planning to stay longer than 180 days, you will need to apply for a tourist visa.

If you are a foreign citizen and are traveling to Mexico for pleasure or short-term business, you will need a tourist card. Exceptions are made to those arriving in Mexico by way of Cancun International Airport.

You can get a Mexican tourist card online, at a Mexico airport (or at a Mexico port of call if arriving by sea), or at your home country's Mexico embassy.

It depends on where you get yours. If you're flying, your airline may provide you with a tourist card, which is included in the cost of your ticket. You can also get a card for free online. If you're applying at an immigration office, however, it will cost you about $25.

U.S. Department of State. "Mexico International Travel Information." Accessed January 12, 2023.

iVisa. "How to Obtain a Mexico Tourist Card Online Quick and Easy." November 24, 2022.

Related Articles

More related articles.

Tourist Card MX

Everything you need to know about fmm mexico.

Certain travelers must complete an FMM ( Forma Migratoria Multiple ) to enter Mexico. This travel document is often referred to as the Mexico tourist card.

This page provides you with everything you need to know about the FMM tourist card, including:

• What the tourist card is
• Who needs the FMM
• How to complete the FMM
• FAQs about the tourist card

What Is the Mexico Tourist Card or FMM?

The Forma Migratoria Multiple or Mexico tourist card is an immigration document that applies to certain international visitors entering the country .

How the FMM card works

The FMM is a slip of paper separate from the traveler’s passport . It’s also a separate document to a Mexican visa, if required.

The physical tourist card consists of 2 parts . If validated at the border, one part is given to the visitor. The other remains in the records of Mexican authorities.

When Do I Need a Mexico Tourist Card?

The FMM tourist card is a required for specific travelers . Not all passengers entering Mexico need to meet this requirement.

If you’re traveling to Mexico from overseas and plan to enter the country by land , you must complete the FMM.

The tourist card policy applies to most people regardless of whether they travel to Mexico for tourism, business, or other reasons .

How to Apply for an FMM Tourist Card

You can apply for the Mexico tourist card online or at Mexican land borders , however most travelers choose to apply online in advance due to convenience and to save time.

The FMM online requirements are the same as those for travelers who apply in person.

To complete the tourist card, simply follow these steps:

• Complete the form : Our online form has been designed to be as easy as possible to complete.
• Submit documents : Submit your supporting documents in digital format.
• Pay the FMM fee : Pay the fee by credit or debit card via a secure portal.
• Receive the approved FMM : You’ll receive the approved FMM and all notifications and communications by email.

Information required on the FMM form for Mexico

We ask for the same information as the Mexico Government. This ensures that you provide all official required information when you complete the FMM application.

You just need to provide the following information:

• Personal details : Name, date of birth, citizenship, parents’ details
• Contact details : Telephone number, home address, email address
• Passport information : Country, number, issue and expiry dates
• Travel details : Purpose of the visit, intended port of entry, date of entry and exit, accommodation address

It’s extremely important to fill out all the form with accurate information . Incorrect or missing information may result in delays.

Application service differences

The Mexican Government also offers an online application option for the FMM. Below is an outline of the key differences between our platform and the Government’s.

Mexico FMM Costs

The standard cost of the Mexico tourist card is 38 USD . We then charge a processing fee for our services, which varies depending on any additional services you choose.

FMM fee exemption for short trips

If you’re planning on being in Mexico for 7 days or less , you do not need to pay the cost of the FMM card. Your final fee will just include our service charge.

Traveling to Mexico by air

You do not need to complete the FMM application process if you’re traveling by air. The fee is included in your plane tickets .

Entering Mexico With a Tourist Card

Once your FMM card is approved, you’ll need to print a paper copy to bring with you when you travel to Mexico.

Mexican immigration authorities will validate your documents when you arrive. Upon reaching the border, please present the officer with :

Note : Those who request the card in person must provide Mexican officials with the exact Mexico tourist card fee in cash upon arrival.

FAQs about the Mexico Tourist Card

Can i renew or extend a mexico tourist card.

No, you cannot renew or extend a Mexico tourist card . Once it expires, you need to apply for a new one and pay the relative fee again.

Once outside the country, you can request a new FMM immediately . You do not have to wait for a specific amount of time.

What happens if I overstay an FMM?

Overstaying a permit or visa is never a good idea. Overstayers with the FMM must pay a fine before they can leave Mexico . The fine is calculated according to the number of days that have passed since the Mexico tourist card has expired.

How much is the processing time for FMM tourist card?

If the application has been completed fully and correctly, you’ll have the approved FMM in minutes .

In some cases, the processing time may be longer. However, you can select the express processing option to get an FMM within 1 hour.

What can I do if I do not receive the FMM by email?

If you notice that the tourist card for Mexico takes longer than expected to arrive, please check your email spam/junk folder .

If you still cannot find an email from us, get in touch with our team.

What should I do if my Mexico tourist card is lost or stolen?

If the FMM document is lost or stolen, you must replace it. If this happens before you arrive at the Mexican border, you can use the online application system to obtain a replacement .

If this happens in Mexico itself, you should report the theft or loss to the police . You’ll need a police report as part of the replacement FMM application at Mexico’s National Institute of Immigration (INM).

Is losing a Mexico tourist card the same as losing a Mexico visa?

If you lose your Mexico tourist card, we highly recommended replacing the document as you would a Mexican visa. It’s required by all foreign nationals entering and leaving Mexico by land.

How long can I stay in Mexico for?

The Mexico tourist card is granted for a maximum of 180 days and cannot be extended. It also ceases to be valid once the holder leaves Mexico, as it’s a single-entry permit. If you decide to return to Mexico, you’ll need to obtain a new FMM.

The FMM is not necessary for those who decide to stay in the country long-term (more than 6 months). Therefore, people on permanent or temporary residency do not need a Mexico tourist card.

Related News

Visitax Mexico: Tourism Tax for Quintana Roo

Crossing the U.S. – Mexico Border by Car

Digital Nomad Visa for Mexico: Everything You Need to Know

• Maruti Arena
• Maruti Nexa
• Maruti Commercial
• Buy Used Car
• Sell Used Car
• Book Appointment
• Service Complaint
• Test Drive Booking
• Loan Against Car
• Maruti Subscribe
• User Reviews
• Car Insurance
• Why to choose Maruti Policy?
• Why Autovista Maruti Insurance?

• T-Permit Cars

Maruti Suzuki Celerio Tour H2

Maruti ertiga tour m, maruti dzire tour s, maruti tour eeco v5 and v7, maruti cars with t-permit.

Variants:- Tour H2 Ex-showroom:- 447082* Fuel Type:- Petrol

Variants:- Tour H2 CNG Ex-showroom:- 509602* Fuel Type:- CNG

Celerio H2 CNG is a new variant for the commercial fleet car market, price started from 4.20 lacs. Maruti Suzuki Celerio Tour H2 continues to offer the same K10B 998 cc three-cylinder petrol engine that makes about 68 bhp and develops 90 Nm of peak torque. The hatchback runs on a 1.0 litre 998cc petrol powertrain in conjunction with a CNG Kit. Celerio H2 is linked with a 5 speed manual transmission gearbox that provides a maximum mileage of 26.02 Kmph. Maruti Celerio colour options are – Blazing Red, Sunshine Rey, Pearl Artict White, Cave Black, Cerulean Blue, Glistering Grey, and Silky Silver. Celerio H2 engine comes connected to a 5-speed manual gearbox as standard. Because of new Indian government regulations, the top-speed of the Celerio Tour H2 is limited to 80 kmph.

Variants:- Tour M Petrol Ex-showroom:- 960000* Fuel Type:- Petrol

Variants:- Tour M Diesel Ex-showroom:- 920000* Fuel Type:- Diesel

Variants:- Tour M CNG Ex-showroom:- 1075000* Fuel Type:- CNG

Maruti Suzuki Ertiga Tour M comes with several standard features and is powered by 1.5-litre SHVS petrol engine. Maruti Suzuki Ertiga M is a new variant for the Cab and commercial fleet car market, price started from 7.99lacs.

In terms of features on offer, Maruti Suzuki Ertiga Tour M is based on the regular VXi variant and it comes packed with many safety and premium features. It gets dual front airbags, ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) with EBD (Electronic Brake-force Distribution), reverse parking sensors, high-speed warning system (limits the car to 80kph), seatbelt reminder, stereo with Bluetooth and multi-functional steering mounted with audio and telephony controls among others. Maruti Suzuki Ertiga Tour M exteriors features are a chrome grille, full-wheel caps, projector headlights (halogen), body-coloured door handles, ORVMs and bumpers, along with turn indicators integrated in the ORVMs.

The Ertiga Tour M is powered by the 1.5-litre, K15B petrol engine that produces 105hp and 138Nm of torque. The engine can only be had with a 5-speed manual gearbox.

Variants:- Tour S Petrol Ex-showroom:- 560480 * Fuel Type:- Petrol

Variants:- Tour S Diesel Ex-showroom:- 660589 * Fuel Type:- Diesel

Variants:- Tour S CNG Ex-showroom:- 620480 * Fuel Type:- CNG

After launch of Maruti Swift Dzire in India, the Maruti launched Swift Dzire Tour for fleet operators and commercial usage. The car comes under three variants that are petrol, diesel and CNG. The starting price of petrol variant is 5.60L, CNG Variants price is 6.20L and that of the diesel variant is starting from 6.60L. Maruti Suzuki has updated the safety quotient of its Tour S compact sedan with the introduction of a driver’s side airbag, ABS with EBD, reverse parking sensors, a speed alert system and a seatbelt reminder system as standard across all variants.

In terms of engines, the Dzire Tour S is continued to be powered by a 75hp, 1.3-litre turbo-diesel and 83hp, 1.2-litre naturally aspirated petrol engine. The petrol engine can also be had in a CNG-powered variant, where it produces 70hp. Both engines come mated to a 5-speed manual gearbox as standard.

Variants:- Tour V 5 STR STD Ex-showroom:- 377367* Fuel Type:- Petrol

Variants:- Tour V 7 STR STD Ex-showroom:- 396322* Fuel Type:- Petrol

Variants:- Tour v 5 STR AC Ex-showroom:- 409244* Fuel Type:- Petrol

Variants:- Tour V5 STR AC CNG Ex-showroom:- 647700* Fuel Type:- CNG

The Eeco is specially made for commercial purpose by Maruti Suzuki. The starting price of Eeco is Rs. 3.50L (Ex-showroom Mumbai). The upgraded version comes with new features including wheel covers and the mud flaps. The internal features of car are also upgraded and they are double DIN music system with USB, Dual tone seat covers and new doormats. These features approximately include Rs. 10,000 extra compared to basic version.

Note: Eeco can be used as a Taxi, but can't be shared in Ola/Uber.

The mileage for the Maruti Eeco Petrol is 15.4 kmpl. In technical specifications, Maruti Eeco 5 Seater is powered by 1196 cc engine.

Our Locations

Khar showroom (pre owned cars).

Sona Villa Building, Plot No-113, Near SBI Bank, S.V. Road, Khar West, Mumbai - 400052

Tel: +91-9209200071

Book Used Car

Kharghar Showroom (Pre Owned Cars)

1-8, Aditya Planet, Sec - 10, Mumbai-Pune Highway , Kopra-Kharghar, Navi Mumbai - 410210

Chowk Showroom, Raigad (Pre Owned Cars)

Survey no 79, Old Mumbai Pune Highway, Before Chowk Node, Chowk, Khalapur, Raigad, Navi Mumbai - 410203

Tel: +91-8004727272

Wadaki Showroom (Pre Owned Cars)

Gate No 1232, 10th Mail Pune Saswad Road, Village - Wadki, Tal Haveli, Dist Pune - 412308

Tel: +91-9146052646

Baner Showroom (Pre Owned Cars)

Survey No. 98, Mumbai Bangalore Highway, Pashan Exit, Mahalunge, Baner, Pune - 411045

Bandra Showroom

257, Swami Vivekananda Rd, Bandra West, Mumbai, Maharashtra 400050

Book A Test Drive

Malad Showroom

Siddhanchal Arcade, Near Inorbit Mall, Link Road, Malad (West),Mumbai – 400064

Kharghar Showroom

Thane nexa showroom.

Mohan Mill Compound, Near R Mall, Manpada, Ghodbunder Road, Thane (West) Thane - 400607

Bhiwandi Showroom

Near Shilpa Hotel, Opp Nana Nani Park, Next to Pankaj Traders, Bhiwandi - 421302

Magarpatta Showroom

Ground Floor,Konark Icon Building, Near Seasons Mall, Magarpatta Kharadi Road, Hadapsar Pune - 411028

Nexa Baner Showroom

Shikrapur showroom.

At. Post Shikrapur, Malthan Phata, opposite to Chaurasiya Chana Center, Near Shivneri Misal, Pune-Nagar Road, Tq. Shirur, Dist. Pune 412208

Uruli Kanchan Showroom

A/P Sortapwadi, Near Bus Stand, on Pune-Solapur Highway, Tal Haveli, Dist Pune-412201

Chembur Showroom

Shop Nos 4-5, Ng, Plot No. 470, Ruparel Orion, New, off Eastern Express Highway, Acharya Nagar, Swastik Park, Chembur, Mumbai, Maharashtra 400071

Please fill the form and confirm your test drive.

Need help. talk to our expert, sales: +91-9209200071, service: +91-9209200073.

Service Appointment

Sell your Car

• Mon-Sat 10:00 - 19:00
• Call : +91 9845998870
• Email : [email protected]
• Help & Support - Corporate

Login / New Account

Password requirements:.

• Password must not have spaces.
• Password must be between 6-20 characters
• Passwords Match

Mexican Tourist Cards (FMM)

Mexican tourist cards (fmm) 2024.

Updated March 29, 2024

Tourist Card (FMM) Facts:

• The FMM is a document issued by Mexico's INM (Instituto Nacional de Migración)
• Casually called a tourist card or tourist "visa" although it is not officially a visa
• Issued to U.S., Canadian and other nationalities for vacation or visitor purposes
• Easily obtained at an INM office at the border or online. (If you get an FMM online, it is still required to stop at an INM office at the border for the official entry stamp. If applicable, you will also need to have a copy of your payment receipt.).
• Requires a valid passport or passport card
• The stamped FMM is valid for land travel throughout Mexico
• Cost: $717.00 Pesos (appx U.S. $43) per person; FREE if the trip is 7 days or less and you cross by land
• May be issued for up to 180 days

Traveling through San Ysidro/El Chaparral? See where to get a tourist card at the El Chaparral border crossing (San Ysidro/Tijuana).

Visit the online FMM application or read more on how to get an FMM online now.

FAQs about Tourist Cards (FMM):

What is the general procedure to get a tourist card (fmm).

• Fill out a tourist card (FMM) form at the immigration office (INM) and walk to the nearby bank and pay for the tourist card
• Or fill out the online tourist card (FMM) application and pay online with a Visa or Mastercard credit or debit card. Your online tourist card (FMM) will be ready to print within minutes. After printing your FMM form, it must be stamped by INM within 30 days to be valid
• Whether buying the tourist card at an INM office or online, visit the INM office to get your tourist card (FMM) stamped/validated

When I drive across the border, will I be stopped to get an FMM?

What is a tourist card (fmm), what type of documentation do i need to obtain a tourist card (fmm), what information is asked on the tourist card (fmm) form.

• Nationality
• Date of birth
• Passport number
• Purpose of trip
• How you are entering Mexico: air, sea, land

When is a tourist card (FMM) free?

How much does a tourist card (fmm) cost, is it possible to enter and exit baja multiple times with the same tourist card (fmm), what if i lose my tourist card (fmm), does the tourist card (fmm) have to be returned to inm, how do i obtain a tourist card (fmm).

Keep in mind that if you obtain your tourist card before crossing the border, you will still have to stop at the Mexican immigration office at the border to document your entry date and to have your tourist card stamped by immigration officials. Tourist cards are no longer available at Mexican Consulates.

Who may obtain a tourist card (FMM)?

For citizens of other countries view the INM's list of Countries and Regions That Require and Do Not Require a Visa To Travel to Mexico - but DO require an FMM.

Visit INM's website in Spanish for the most updated information: Countries That Require a Visa and Countries That Do Not Require a Visa.

When is a tourist card (FMM) required?

Previously it was believed there was a tourist zone/72 hour exemption, but this was never actually part of Mexican immigration law according to federal delegate Rudolfo Figueroa from INM (Mexican Immigration).

It is important to note that in Baja, even though you may take your vehicle to the end of the peninsula without a vehicle permit (see vehicle importation regulations ) you are required to have a tourist card (FMM) in order to travel anywhere in the state.

It was great, thank you

Very clean, well kept/landscaped/maintained property. Excellent food, drink as well as friendly ... taff and customer service.

I've had Baja Bound insurance for more that ten years now with thousands of miles logged in Baja. ... Fortunately, I've only had one fender bender in that time where I had to call them. That one incident was by far the smoothest process I've been through, even more so than dealing with insurance in the States. I would highly recommend Baja Bound to anyone looking to travel in Baja. Geoff and his people are amongst the finest people you'll ever deal with.

• Call 1 (800) 966-6830 for Mexican Auto Insurance

"Lewis and Lewis come well recommended, by people who have had an accident..."

Vehicle Permit to Travel to Mexico — Resources and Information

Information regarding vehicle permits to travel to Mexico.

Traveling Tips & Resource Links

Weather by Satellite

Weather by City

U.S. Customs and Border Protection:  Required Documents

U.S. Passport Application

Canadian Passport Application

Temporary Vehicle Permit

Sentri  & Nexus Passes

U.S consulates in Mexico

Canadian Department of Foreign Affairs

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

Obtaining Mexican Social Security (IMSS) Health Insurance

Currency Converter

Before entering Mexico, remember to bring...

• Mexican Auto Insurance Certificate
• Claim Hotline information
• First-aid kit
• Emergency water supply
• If you stay in Mexico for longer than 72 hours, you must have an FM-T tourist permit. Permits can be obtained at a Mexican Consulate or at the border. Failure to obtain such a Mexico vehicle permit may invalidate your Mexican insurance.

While Driving in Mexico

• Use caution and drive slowly . Road and traffic conditions can be very different in Mexico. Potholes and speed bumps are common. Roads are narrow, usually in poor repair, and often no more than two lanes with little or no shoulder.
• Obey the speed limits and other traffic controls (wait for turn arrows and obey signs). Remember that speed limits are posted in kilometers rather than miles per hour.
• Be aware of Military Stops . You are usually delayed no more than a few minutes. They may or may not search your vehicle. It is strictly forbidden to bring firearms or ammunition into Mexico.
• Don’t drink and drive . If it is determined that the consumption of alcohol or drugs contributed to an accident, your Mexican insurance will not be valid.
• Avoid driving at night . Many motor vehicles and bicycles lack proper illumination. Roads are often poorly lit which makes it difficult to see what may be in the road ahead of you.
• Watch for animals (cows, burros, goats, dogs), pedestrians, debris, and breakdowns.
• Know how and when to pass or be passed . On the highway/open road, a left turn signal is an invitation to the person behind you to pass. Trucks and busses frequently turn their left blinker on to guide you around them. Don't use your left turn signal on a two-lane road when you are about to pass. You might get hit.  Flashing your headlights at a car in front of you indicates that you want to pass them.
• Research your route in advance to get an idea of road quality and services. Many roads in Mexico lack roadside amenities such as gas, food, lodging and repair services. 
• Park your vehicle and towed unit in a safe place , a secure lot or place where you can see your vehicle. Anti-theft devices such as the club are helpful deterrents.
• Remove valuables from your vehicle . Partial theft is not covered on your insurance policy.

Or, simply, Call 1-800-44-MEXICO (639426) .

Or, simply, Call 1-800-44-MEXICO (639426).

Lewis Mexican Insurance

A low limit of Auto Liability puts you and your family at risk

Superb Mexican Tourist Auto Insurance that includes $500,000 CSL USD Liability for Bodily Injury and Property Damage!

It is critical to have enough liability coverage in Mexico now that Mexican laws can result in judgements that are closer in severity to that of the U.S.A. and Canada.

Simply Great

Simply Great Mexican Auto Insurance Coverage, underwritten by Qualitas Compania de Seguros, S.A. de C.V., the company that insures more vehicles in Mexico than any other! Represented by Lewis and Lewis Insurance Agency, the Qualitas Agent and Broker of Mexican Insurance that insures more Tourist Vehicles with Qualitas than any other.

Great Prices

Our Mexican Tourist Auto Liability prices are among the lowest you'll find for such great Coverage!

• 10 day rates start at $73.35   USD
• 30 day rates start at $97.10   USD
• 90 day rates start at $111.05   USD
• 6 month rates start at $129.19   USD
• Annual rates start at $154.69   USD

Get a Mexican Insurance Quote now!

Traveling to Mexico

U.S. Department of State All U.S. citizens traveling outside of the United States by land are required to present a WHTI compliant document to return to the United States. For more official information regarding travel to Mexico, visit the U.S. Department of State's website at Travel.State.Gov

Entry Requirements Mexican Auto Insurance is required in all of Baja California. For the latest entry requirements, visit the Embassy of Mexico's website or contact the Embassy of Mexico at 1911 Pennsylvania Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20006, telephone (202) 736-1600, or any Mexican consulate in the United States.

Helpful Mexican Insurance Links Essential information you should know before traveling to, and from Mexico:

• U.S. Passports
• Smart Traveler Enrollment Program

Additional information about Mexican Insurance and Mexico can be found here...

• Information

Mexican Insurance, Mexican Insurance Online, Mexican Auto Insurance from Lewis and Lewis Insurance Agency, Inc.

Vehicle Loan - Commercial Use ( Auto/Taxi/T-Permit /Heavy Vehicles)

Quick access.

• Loan EMI Calculator
• Holiday List
• Important Links

CASH CREDIT LOAN

Education loan.

• Sales: 8082666333
• Service: 8082696969

What is a T - Permit Car?

What is a t-permit car.

Maruti Suzuki  India Limited has developed specific car models under the Tour segment to meet the needs of the commercial fleet industry. Tour range cars with Taxi registrations are known as T-permit cars. They are used by Tour Operators, Fleet Operators, Transport Managers & Taxi aggregators with Tourist vehicle permit. Moreover,  T-permit cars  or Tour segment of Maruti Suzuki provides solutions to Fleet Managers for all vehicle-related requirements, from school vans, ambulance, Cash Vans, etc. to app-based taxis.

WHICH ARE THE T-PERMIT CARS OR TOUR SEGMENT CARS FROM MARUTI SUZUKI?

Maruti Suzuki Tour segment available for T-permit registrations, currently include:

• Tour S (Dzire)
• Tour M (Ertiga)
• Tour V (EECO)
• Tour H1 (Alto)
• Tour H2 (Celerio)

WHY BUY MARUTI SUZUKI T-PERMIT CARS?

• First of all, Dedicated Car models for T-permit registration
• Built-in Speed Limiting Function
• Moreover, Factory Fitted S-CNG Technology with continued warranty (Except Alto Tour H1)
• Low-Cost Maintenance
• Vast Car Service Network
• Also, Easy availability of spare parts
• Furthermore, Huge savings with a maximum mileage
• Finally, Dedicated Fleet Sales team at Dealerships for smooth execution of orders

WHAT ARE THE PRICE, VARIANTS, AND FEATURES OF MARUTI SUZUKI T-PERMIT CARRS?

1. maruti suzuki tour s (dzire): .

Variants & Price:

• Dzire Tour S  Petrol  with Ex-showroom price of RS. 5,81,700/-** lakhs
• Dzire Tour S  CNG  with Ex-showroom price of RS. 6,41,700/-** lakhs

Swift  Dzire  Tour is a sedan segment car with a seating capacity for 5 members. Therefore, Maruti Suzuki Dzire Tour S is a popular option among fleet operators in India for commercial usage. It is essentially a T-permit car used as an app-based taxi by  Tour Operators. Dzire Tour S comes in two variants. They include petrol powered with 1.2 lt engine and a CNG variant powered with S-CNG Technology. Hence, Dzire Tour gives a noteworthy mileage of 19.95* km/l in Petrol & 26.55* km/kg in S-CNG.

Also,  Dzire  Tour S comes with a built-in Speed Limiting function. The upgraded standard Safety features of T-permit Dzire include ABS with EBD, Dual Airbags including driver’s side airbag, Reverse Parking Sensors & seatbelt reminder. Furthermore, Additional Safety features include Security Alarm System (Door + Hood Sensing) & Rear Door Child locks & Integrated Remote Locking. It also comes with body-coloured bumpers, Front two Electric Power Windows, and Remote Keyless Entry.

2. MARUTI SUZUKI TOUR M (ERTIGA):

• Ertiga Tour M  Petrol  with Ex-showroom price of RS. 8,17,000/-** lakhs
• Ertiga Tour M  CNG  with Ex-showroom price of RS. 8,97,000/-** lakhs

Maruti Suzuki  Ertiga  Tour M is a Next-Generation 7-seater MUV. Tour M Ertiga comes in three variants. Its variants include a Petrol variant with a 1.5 lt K15B powerful SHVS petrol engine and a CNG variant with factory-fitted S-CNG technology. Thus, since its launch, the All-New Ertiga Tour M has become the favourite SUV for Tour Operators across India. Moreover,  Ertiga  Tour M has become popular for its fuel efficiency. It gives a high mileage of 18.04* km/lt in petrol & 26.08* km/kg combined in the CNG variant. Thus Ertiga Tour M offers a low cost of ownership.

Another advantage is that Ertiga Tour M comes with factory fitted Speed Limiting function. Also, it is a very powerful & spacious car providing unmatched comfort to passengers thus increasing business for Tour & Fleet Operators. Furthermore, with the 2nd Row 60:40 split & the 3rd Row 50:50 split, it gives ample Flexible Luggage Space. It comes with body-coloured Door Handles, ORVMs and Bumpers. Safety features include ABS with EBD, Reverse Parking Sensors, Seatbelt Reminder & Dual Front Airbags. It is the best 7-seater car for commercial fleet purposes.

3. MARUTI SUZUKI TOUR H2 CELERIO:

• Celerio Tour H2  Petrol  with Ex-showroom price of RS. 4,61,800/-** lakhs
• Celerio Tour H2  CNG  with Ex-showroom price of RS. 5,41,800/-** lakhs

Maruti Suzuki Tour H2  Celerio  is launched by Maruti Suzuki as a Taxi car for T-permit registration having a seating capacity for 5 passengers. It is a popular option amongst the fleet operators in India for use as an app-based taxi by Tour & Cab Operators. Celerio Tour H2 with T-permit comes in two variants. A petrol variant with a 1.0 lt K10 3-cylinder petrol engine and a CNG variant with factory-fitted S-CNG technology. Also, Tour H2  Celerio  comes with a built-in Speed Limiting Function.

With a powerful engine, Celerio Tour gives a mileage of 21.63* km/lt in Petrol & 30.47* km/kg in CNG. The upgraded Safety Features of the  Celerio T-permit car include Driver Side Airbag, Seat belt reminder & buzzer, Pedestrian Protectioxn, Headlight Levelling & Childproof rear door locks, and Engine Immobiliser. Moreover, Tour H2 Celerio has spacious interiors for both, the driver & others in the car, thus giving extra driving comfort. Furthermore, the striking exterior features are Body Coloured Bumpers & back Door Garnish, ORVMs & outside Door handles.

Click to Watch Tour H2 Review Video

4. MARUTI SUZUKI TOUR V EECO:

Click to Book Tour V

• EECO Tour V  5 Seater Std.  with Ex-showroom price of RS. 4,00,800/-** lakhs
• EECO Tour V  5 Seater AC  with Ex-showroom price of RS. 4,35,300/-** lakhs
• EECO Tour V  5 Seater CNG, AC  with Ex-showroom price of RS. 5,15,300/-** lakhs
• EECO Tour V  7 Seater Std.  with Ex-showroom price of RS. 4,20,500/-** lakhs

Tour V  EECO , a Multi Utility Van has a powerful Engine of 1196 cc. The T-permit Eeco Tour V is a popular option for commercial purposes amongst the fleet operators in India. It is used as school vans to taxi by Tour Operators. Currently, it cannot be shared in Ola/Uber app-based Taxis. EECO Tour V comes with a factory-fitted S-CNG & built-in Speed Limiting Function.  EECO  Tour gives a mileage of 16.11* km/lt in Petrol & 20.88* km/kg in CNG. Its striking features include clear lens Headlamps & Taillamps. Eeco has spacious interiors for both drivers & passengers. Safety features include Headlamp Levelling, Side Impact Beams, a Child lock for sliding doors & windows, Seat Belts & High mount Stop Lamp. Furthermore, its features include Reclining Front seats & Sliding Driver seat, Integrated Headrests, double DIN music system with USB, Wheel Covers, Mudflaps, Both side Sun visors, and Front & Rear Cabin Lamps.

5. MARUTI SUZUKI TOUR H1 ALTO:

• Alto Tour H1  Petrol  with Ex-showroom price of RS. 3,68,000/-** lakhs

Alto  Tour H1 is a taxi version of the standard Maruti Suzuki Alto 800. It comes with a powerful 796cc petrol engine. It is a popular T-permit car for its low cost of ownership. Tour H1 gives maximum savings with superior mileage of 22.05* km/l. It also comes with an in-built speed limiting function. Moreover, its safety features include Driver & Co-Driver side airbags, ABS (Anti-lock Braking System), Reverse Parking Sensors, Seatbelt reminders, Headlamp Levelling, High mount Stop Lamp and Immobiliser. Furthermore, its features include a Sporty front bumper & Grille, Dual-tone interiors, Power steering & front power windows.

WHAT IS S-CNG TECHNOLOGY?

• Dual ECU & Intelligent Injection system delivers power across all terrains, thus giving improved performance
• Another advantage is Maximum Mileage in every drive
• Also, with Continued Warranty, you can enjoy all benefits of CNG without compromising on your vehicles warranty

WHERE TO BUY T-PERMIT CARS OF MARUTI SUZUKI?

Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Ut elit tellus, luctus nec ullamcorper mattis, pulvinar dapibus leo.

3 responses

Shivam Namaste Ganesh! Thank you for sharing your requirement with us. We’ve forwarded your email id to our concerned department and our team will email you all the details shortly. You can also share your contact details with us so that forward it to our department and they’ll connect with you in sometime.

T.permit car

Commercial Cars

Appointment, book a test drive, service appointment, request a quote.

• Search Forums
• The Automotive Answers
• Loan, Insurance, RTO

RTO Rules For Converting Private Car Into Taxi (T-Permit)

• Thread Starter paragthegreat
• Start date Jul 5, 2013

paragthegreat

Hello guys ,after searching so much I did not find any info abt the t permit and its related issues.if something exists then kindly merge this thread into that thread. I want to ask you abt what all things required for t permit conversion and rto rules and taxes to be paid each year, and documents req. For t permit registration.  

can anybody guide me regarding this?its very urgent. kindly help me vibhor.  

paragthegreat said: can anybody guide me regarding this?its very urgent. kindly help me vibhor. Click to expand... Hi Parag. First off, You must have the following requisites to obtain an all India tourist permit for a cab. > The car should be five seater. > The color of car is only allowed to be white. > You should have an authorized parking space. > You should have a working official telephone number. > You will have to pay the appropriate taxes on state borders. You will be charged for conversion fee and separate taxes if applicable. It’s best to contact a reliable RTO agent for exact procedure and fee since it differs from state to state. Drive Safe, 350Z  

hi everyone, i have booked wagon r bakers chocolate T permit and expecting it on ganesh chaturthi. actually there was no long process for t permit. i told the showroom person to do it. following points may be noted. 1) for t permit, you need to have a valid gumasta certificate.(1st condition) 2) a valid parking letter from society or from the place where you are about to park your vehicle.(as far as thane RTO is concerned) 3) a rubber stamp of your company and if poss. IT returns is required even if you have started your business recently.(show loss or profit less thn the limit) 4) it took me almost 1 month to get my gumasta due to government nakhre and home based gumasta. 5) what i came to know about the reg. is that the t permit reg. is less costly then private number plate. 6) u need to renew insurance as well as reg. every year.(unlike only insurance in case of private number plate.) 7) so approx. 25,000 to 35,000/- is the lump sum expense you can expect at the end of each year which will get reduced as the years pass. 8) initially i was about to transfer my privious private car to t permit and to reg. the new vehicle private. but somebody told me that private can be converted into t permit but it will cost you 35 to 40,000 and my car will get 2nd hand. and again i will not get my life time tax back which i had paid during my reg. of the 1st private vehicle( grey wagon r). so dropped the idea. now expecting my new baby called wagon r t permit in coming week..  

some pics of 1st pdi  

Attachments

some more..  

and some more.  

Hi Mr. Parag, I m planning to buy a car for taxi business. Can you please suggest me following 1. Which cheapest car I can buy? 2. Petrol+CNG or Diesel+CNG??? 3. How can I get T permit? Residence Bhayander, Pin Code - 401105 4. How can I get Gomasta license? 5. I m planning to engage the car with some agencies. Can you suggest any agencies which can give more profit. OLA, UBER, TAB-CAB etc.. Thanks. Makrand Sakpal  

Hi friends, We from Mumbai, have a private owned car Celerio mfg. Dec, 2014 which was purchased in Feb, 2015 by us . My husband owns a license from June,2015. We are planning very eagerly to transfer our car to T-permit. My questions are as follows: 1) Is it necessary to have a T-permit license of the owner? 2) If yes, then is it necessary to have a normal license a year old to convert it into T-permit? 3) If not then what is the other way to convert it as soon as possible? 4) Any other documents required for same? 5) We have driver with T-permit license, do we still need to transfer our license from normal one? Please help me with same as soon as possible. Its very urgent. Hello Mr. Makrand, Uber is comparitively profitable.  

Procedure to convert private vehicle to commericial ? My car is idle most of the time. I wish to add an LPG tank and get a T- permit to comply with ola/uber ,what needs to be done ?  

1) Is it necessary to have a T-permit license of the owner? Not required 3) If not then what is the other way to convert it as soon as possible? Converting an existing Non Taxi to Taxi permit will incur loss on your side as the Life time tax you had paid is still at the RTO. Approch the RTO for the change. 4) Any other documents required for same? Required documents will be asked by the RTO.All your address proof and ID proof is required. It will be a re registration. 5) We have driver with T-permit license, do we still need to transfer our license from normal one? No.  

generalmax said: 1) Is it necessary to have a T-permit license of the owner? Not required 3) If not then what is the other way to convert it as soon as possible? Converting an existing Non Taxi to Taxi permit will incur loss on your side as the Life time tax you had paid is still at the RTO. Approch the RTO for the change. 4) Any other documents required for same? Required documents will be asked by the RTO.All your address proof and ID proof is required. It will be a re registration. 5) We have driver with T-permit license, do we still need to transfer our license from normal one? No. Click to expand... So converting your private vehicle into taxi is not an good idea? But is it possible to do so?  

Want to publish your ad on Waa2?

I want to get mails about Recently added "t permit mumbai" ads.

I agree with the Terms of use and Terms of Privacy .

• Most popular
• Most recent
• Price (cheapest first)
• Price (most expensive first)
• Model (oldest first)
• Model (newest first)

Publication date

• Last 15 Days

Price (min)

• 100.000 INR
• 120.000 INR
• 150.000 INR
• 200.000 INR

Price (max)

Mileage (min)

• 10.000 Mileage
• 20.000 Mileage
• 30.000 Mileage
• 40.000 Mileage
• 50.000 Mileage
• 60.000 Mileage
• 70.000 Mileage
• 80.000 Mileage
• 90.000 Mileage
• 100.000 Mileage
• 110.000 Mileage
• 120.000 Mileage
• 130.000 Mileage
• 140.000 Mileage
• 150.000 Mileage
• 160.000 Mileage
• 170.000 Mileage
• 180.000 Mileage
• 190.000 Mileage
• 200.000 Mileage

Mileage (max)

Type of fuel

Transmission

I want to get mails about Recently added ads.

T permit in mumbai used cars.

t permit mumbai

T PERMIT CELERIO LXI CNG T PERMIT

Looking for a feature rich and safe taxi cab in the market? Book your Brand new car in only 10000/- and start your own commercial business with us 80-90% finance...

Wegonor t permit

Minimum Dowm payment Get attachment More benefits

Aura In T Permit

Dzire T permit

Get 90 % loan Get attachments Minimum down payment

Hyundai Aura T - permit available in T - permit within 10 days

Car Booking Now In Just Rs 10000/ Get Business From Us Get Attachment Instant Delivery Lowest Rate Of Interest 90%* Loan Funding Available Ciblil cases will be...

Dzire vxi T - permit

Get attachment Get business from us Instant loan available Instant delivery

Aura Cng T - permit

Minimum down payment Mumbai best trusted delivery partner Get more details please contact us

Ertiga vxi T PERMIT

Minimum down payment Get accesories free Door to door service Trusted new cars partner Get instant delivery

Aura T - permit Cng

Get attachment Get door to door service Instant delivery Minimum down payment

Aura cng T - permit

New t permit cars

Minimum Down payment Get attachment

Hyundai Aura T permit

Minimum Down payment Get attachment Get more benefits

Aura T Permit CNG

We are selling brand Aura T Permit CNG Private and T permit Without any waiting for any...

Wagnor CNG T Permit

We are selling brand Wagnor CNG T Permit Private and T permit Without any waiting for...

Wagnor H3 T permit

Maruti Suzuki Wagnor Tour H3 available in T - permit 15 days delivery

Aura now in t permit

Avaliable aura now in t permit delivery in 20 days low down payment and also benefits to attached in ola Uber

New Aura in T Permit

Now New Hyundai Aura In T Permit Without Any Waiting With All Power Windows Adjustable Stering Central Lock Company Fitted Mackwheel...

New Wagonar T Permit

Wagonar Available Without Any Waiting With Low Down Payment And Minimum Documents And Also Get Touch With Ola And Uber

Lxi cng T Permit

We are selling brand new lxi cng tpermit for any cibil score With minimum down'payment facility Finance available T &C apply address - shop...

DZIRE CNG T PERMIT

You are looking brand new car Car Booking Now In Just Rs 10000/- Get Business From Us Instant Loan Available Government & Private Finance Services 85%* Loan Funding...

Related Searches "t permit mumbai" :

The information we receive from advertisement sites may vary. Therefore, when you go to the listing site, you may not always find the same offer that you see on waa2.

• Add Your Listing   
• Terms of Privacy   
• Terms of use   
• About   

Popular brands

Popular models.

• Hyundai i10
• Maruti swift
• Maruti alto
• Hyundai creta
• Maruti wagon r
• Maruti dzire
• Maruti baleno

Change Country

• Deutschland
• Philippines
• United Kingdom
• South Africa
• Switzerland

Feedback! ▼

Waa2 login to your account, register for free, forgot password.

● State: mumbai

Would you also like to receive alerts for these other related searches?

maruti suzuki ertiga cng t permit mumbai

maruti suzuki ertiga vxi t permit only mumbai

ertiga vxi cng t permit only mumbai

ertiga t permit cng only for mumbai

maruti suzuki ertiga t permit cng only for mumbai

Waa2 uses our own and third-party cookies to improve your user experience, enhance our services, and to analyze your browsing data in order to show you relevant advertisements. By continuing browsing please note you are accepting this policy. You are free to change the settings or get more information here >>> OK

Security Alert May 17, 2024

Worldwide caution.

• Travel Advisories |
• Contact Us |
• MyTravelGov |

Find U.S. Embassies & Consulates

Travel.state.gov, congressional liaison, special issuance agency, u.s. passports, international travel, intercountry adoption, international parental child abduction, records and authentications, popular links, travel advisories, mytravelgov, stay connected, legal resources, legal information, info for u.s. law enforcement, replace or certify documents, tourism & visit.

Study & Exchange

Other Visa Categories

U.S. Visa: Reciprocity and Civil Documents by Country

Share this page:

Visitor Visa

Visa Waiver Program

Travel Without a Visa

Citizens of Canada and Bermuda

Generally, a citizen of a foreign country who wishes to travel to the United States must first obtain a visa, either a nonimmigrant visa for a temporary stay, or an immigrant visa for permanent residence. Visitor visas are nonimmigrant visas for persons who want to enter the United States temporarily for business (B-1 visa), for tourism (B-2 visa), or for a combination of both purposes (B-1/B-2 visa).

Here are some examples of activities permitted with a visitor visa:

Business (B-1)

• Consult with business associates
• Attend a scientific, educational, professional, or business convention or conference
• Settle an estate
• Negotiate a contract

Tourism (B-2)

• Vacation (holiday)
• Visit with friends or relatives
• Medical treatment
• Participation in social events hosted by fraternal, social, or service organizations
• Participation by amateurs in musical, sports, or similar events or contests, if not being paid for participating
• Enrollment in a short recreational course of study, not for credit toward a degree (for example, a two-day cooking class while on vacation)

Travel Purposes Not Permitted On Visitor Visas

These are some examples of activities that require different categories of visas and cannot be done while on a visitor visa:

• Paid performances, or any professional performance before a paying audience
• Arrival as a crewmember on a ship or aircraft
• Work as foreign press, in radio, film, print journalism, or other information media
• Permanent residence in the United States

Birth tourism (travel for the primary purpose of giving birth in the United States to obtain U.S. citizenship for their child) is not permissible on a visitor visa.

How to Apply

There are several steps to apply for a visa. The order of these steps and how you complete them may vary by U.S. Embassy or Consulate. Please consult the instructions on the  U.S. Embassy or Consulate website .

Complete the Online Visa Application

• Online Nonimmigrant Visa Application, Form DS-160 – Learn more about completing the DS-160 . You must: 1) complete the online visa application and 2) print the application form confirmation page to bring to your interview.
• Photo – You will upload your photo while completing the online Form DS-160. Your photo must meet the Photograph Requirements .

Schedule an Interview

Interviews are generally required for visa applicants with certain limited exceptions below. Consular officers may require an interview of any visa applicant.

You should generally schedule an appointment for your visa interview at the  U.S. Embassy or Consulate  in the country where you live. You may schedule your interview at another U.S. Embassy or Consulate where you will be present but aware that in some cases it may be more difficult to demostrate your qualifications for a visa outside of the country where you live.

Wait times for interview appointments vary by location, season, and visa category, so you should apply for your visa early. Review the interview wait time for the location where you will apply: 

Appointment Wait Time

Check the estimated wait time for a nonimmigrant visa interview appointment at a U.S. Embassy or Consulate.

Note:  Please check the individual Embassy or Consulate website to determine if your case is eligible for a waiver of the in-person interview.

Applicants scheduling visa appointments in a location different from their place of residence should check post websites for nonresident wait times.

Select a U.S. Embassy or Consulate:

Prepare for your interview.

• Fees - Pay the non-refundable visa application fee , if you are required to pay it before your interview. If your visa is approved, you may also need to pay a visa issuance fee, if applicable to your nationality. Fee information is provided below:

Select your nationality to see Issuance Fee

• Review the instructions available on the website of the  U.S. Embassy or Consulate  where you will apply to learn more about fee payment.

Gather Required Documentation

Gather and prepare the following required documents before your visa interview:

• Passport valid for travel to the United States – Your passport must be valid for at least six months beyond your period of stay in the United States (unless exempt by country-specific agreements ). Each individual who needs a visa must submit a separate application, including any family members listed in your passport.
• Nonimmigrant Visa Application, Form DS-160 confirmation page.
• Application fee payment receipt, if you are required to pay before your interview.
• Photo – You will upload your photo while completing the online Form DS-160. If the photo upload fails, you must bring one printed photo in the format explained in the Photograph Requirements .

Additional Documentation May Be Required

Review the instructions for how to apply for a visa on the website of the U.S. Embassy or Consulate where you will apply. Additional documents may be requested to establish if you are qualified. For example, additional requested documents may include evidence of:

• The purpose of your trip,
• Your intent to depart the United States after your trip, and/or
• Your ability to pay all costs of the trip.   

Evidence of your employment and/or your family ties may be sufficient to show the purpose of your trip and your intent to return to your home country. If you cannot cover all the costs for your trip, you may show evidence that another person will cover some or all costs for your trip.

Note:  Visa applicants must qualify based on their ties abroad/to their home country, rather than assurances from U.S. family and friends. A letter of invitation or Affidavit of Support is not needed to apply for a visitor visa. If you choose to bring a letter of invitation or Affidavit of Support to your interview, please remember it is not one of the factors used in determining whether to issue or deny the visa.

Attend Your Visa Interview

A consular officer will interview you to determine whether you are qualified to receive a visitor visa. You must establish that you meet the requirements under U.S. law to receive a visa.  Ink-free, digital fingerprint scans are taken as part of the application process. They are usually taken during your interview, but this varies based on location.

After your visa interview, the consular officer may determine that your application requires further  administrative processing .  The consular officer will inform you if this required.

After the visa is approved, you may need to pay a visa issuance fee (if applicable to your nationality), and make arrangements for the return of the passport and visa to you.  Review the  visa processing times  to learn more.

Entering the United States

A visa allows a foreign citizen to travel to a U.S. port-of-entry (generally an airport) and request permission to enter the United States. A visa does not guarantee entry into the United States. The Department of Homeland Security (DHS), U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officials at the port-of-entry have authority to permit or deny admission to the United States. If you are allowed to enter the United States, the CBP official will provide an admission stamp or a paper Form I-94, Arrival/Departure Record. Learn more about admissions and entry requirements, restrictions about bringing food, agricultural products, and other restricted/prohibited goods, and more by reviewing the CBP website .

Extending Your Stay

See  Extend Your Stay  on the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) website to learn about requesting to extend your stay beyond the date indicated on your admission stamp or paper Form I-94. 

Failure to depart the United States on time will result in being  out of status . Under U.S. law, visas of individuals who are out of status are automatically voided ( Section 222(g) of the Immigration and Nationality Act ).  Any multiple entry visa that was voided due to being out of status will not be valid for future entries into the United States. 

Failure to depart the United States on time may also result in you being ineligible for visas in the future. Review  Visa Denials  and  Ineligibilities and Waivers: Laws  to learn more.

Change of Status

If your plans change while in the United States (for example, you marry a U.S. citizen or receive an offer of employment), you may be able to request a change in your nonimmigrant status to another category through U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). See  Change My Nonimmigrant Status  on the USCIS website to learn more.

While you are in the United States, receiving a change of status from USCIS does not require you to apply for a new visa.  However, once you depart the United States you must apply for a new visa at a U.S. Embassy or Consulate in the appropriate category for your travel.

Additional Information

• An individual on a visitor visa (B1/B2) is not permitted to accept employment or work in the United States.
• There is no guarantee you will be issued a visa. Do not make final travel plans or buy tickets until you have a visa.
• A valid U.S. visa in an expired passport is still valid. Unless canceled or revoked, a visa is valid until its expiration date. If you have a valid visa in your expired passport, do not remove it from your expired passport. You may use your valid visa in your expired passport along with a new valid passport for travel and admission to the United States. 

Travel for Medical Treatment

If you are seeking medical treatment in the United States, the consular officer may ask for further documents at your visa interview, which may include:

• Medical diagnosis from a local physician, explaining the nature of the ailment and the reason you need treatment in the United States.
• Letter from a physician or medical facility in the United States, stating they are willing to treat your specific ailment and detailing the projected length and cost of treatment (including doctors’ fees, hospitalization fees, and all medical-related expenses).
• Proof that your transportation, medical, and living expenses in the United States will be paid. This may be in the form of bank or other statements of income/savings or certified copies of income tax returns (either yours or the person or organization paying for your treatment).

Visitor Visas for Personal or Domestic Employees (B-1)

You may apply for a B-1 visitor visa to work in the United States as a personal or domestic employee for your employer in limited situations. You may for a visitor visa as a domestic employee if, among other requirements, your employer is:

• A U.S. citizen who has a permanent home or is stationed in a foreign country, but is visiting or is assigned to the United States temporarily; or
• A foreign citizen who is in the United States on one of the following nonimmigrant visa categories:  B, E, F, H, I, J, L, M, O, P, Q or TN.

Learn more about your rights in the United States and protection available to you by reading the Legal Rights and Protections pamphlet.

Visa Renewal

Whether you are applying for the first time or renewing your visa, you will use the same application process (please review How to Apply , above). Some applicants seeking to renew their visas in certain visa classes may be eligible for the Interview Waiver (IW) which allows qualified individuals to apply for visa renewals without being interviewed in person by a U.S. consular officer. Review the instructions on the website of the U.S. Embassy or Consulate where you will apply to determine if IW is available and if you qualify.

Do I need a visa if I have an ABTC?

Yes, you will still need a visa to travel to the United States, unless you qualify for the  Visa Waiver Program . Having an Asian-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Business Travelers Card (ABTC) does not change visa requirements, your visa status, or the visa process for travel to the United States.

How can I use my ABTC when I apply for my visa?

If you have an Asian-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Business Travelers Card (ABTC), you might be able to schedule an expedited visa interview appointment. Review the instructions for scheduling expedited appointments on the website of the  embassy or consulate  where you will apply. 

Visa Annotations for Certain Maritime Industry Workers

Certain foreign maritime workers are eligible to apply for a Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC) once in the U.S. If you, as a maritime industry worker, will perform services in secure port areas, your visa must be annotated “TWIC Letter Received.” Workers whose visas are not annotated will not be permitted by the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) to apply for a TWIC.

In order for your visa to be annotated, you must obtain a letter from your employer explaining the need for a TWIC and that you are a potential TWIC applicant. See a template example of this letter. You must present this letter when you apply for the B-1 visa. You must meet all other eligibility requirements for a B-1 visa. 

Complete information about the TWIC program is available on TSA’s website at  https://www.tsa.gov/for-industry/twic .

Visa Denial and Ineligibility

Review  Visa Denials  for detailed information about visa ineligibilities, denials and waivers.

I was refused a visa, under Section 214(b). May I reapply?

Yes, if you feel circumstances have changed regarding your application. Review  Visa Denials  to learn more.

Misrepresentation or Fraud

Attempting to obtain a visa by the willful misrepresentation of a material fact, or fraud, may result in the permanent refusal of a visa or denial of entry into the United States.

Review  Ineligibilities and Waivers: Laws .

Citizens of Canada and Bermuda generally do not require visas to enter the United States, for visit, tourism and temporary business travel purposes. For more information see  U.S. Embassy Ottawa website ,  U.S. Consulate Hamilton website  and  CBP website .

Additional resources for Canadian visitors to the United States can be found on the U.S. Embassy and Consulate websites in Canada.

Citizens of China

In accordance with the agreement signed between the United States and China to extend visa validity, beginning on November 29, 2016, Chinese citizens with 10-year B1, B2 or B1/B2 visas in Peoples’ Republic of China passports will be required to update their biographical and other information from their visa application via a website every two years, or upon getting a new passport or B1, B2, or B1/B2 visa, whichever occurs first.  This mechanism is called EVUS - Electronic Visa Update System.

The EVUS website is now open to the public for enrollments at www.EVUS.gov .  CBP will not collect a fee for EVUS enrollment at this time. CBP anticipates the eventual implementation of an EVUS enrollment fee, but does not have a time frame. Until the implementation of a fee, travelers can enroll in EVUS without charge.  The Department of Homeland Security, Customs and Border Protection (CBP) will keep visa holders informed of new information throughout the year. For further information, please visit  www.cbp.gov/EVUS .‎

Citizens of Mexico

Citizens and permanent residents of Mexico generally must have a nonimmigrant visa or Border Crossing Card (also known as a "Laser Visa"). For ease of travel, the B-1/B-2 and the Border Crossing Card have been combined into one document (DSP-150). Select  Border Crossing Card  to learn more about this card.

Please visit  U.S. Embassy or Consulate  websites for more information regarding applying for a visa at the U.S. Embassy or Consulates in Mexico.

Further Questions

• Case-Specific Questions - Contact the U.S. Embassy or Consulate handling your visa application for status information. Select  U.S. Embassy or Consulate  for contact information.
• General Questions - review  Contact Us .

Visa Waiver Program  (VWP)

Tourist or business travelers who are citizens of participating countries may be eligible to visit the United States without a visa. Visits must be 90 days or less, and travelers must meet all requirements.

Citizens of Canada and Bermuda generally do not need visas for tourism and visits.

More Information

A-Z Index Legal Rights & Protections Lost/Stolen Travel Documents Denials Fraud Warning Visa Expiration Date Automatic Revalidation Nonimmigrants in the United States–Applying for Visas in Canada or Mexico Visa Applicants - State Sponsors of Terrorism Border Security/Safety Find a U.S. Embassy or Consulate Customer Service Statement

External Link

You are about to leave travel.state.gov for an external website that is not maintained by the U.S. Department of State.

Links to external websites are provided as a convenience and should not be construed as an endorsement by the U.S. Department of State of the views or products contained therein. If you wish to remain on travel.state.gov, click the "cancel" message.

You are about to visit:

Language selection

• Français fr

Canada ends temporary public policy allowing visitors to apply for work permits from within the country

Ottawa, August 28, 2024— Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has ended a temporary public policy that allowed visitors to apply for a work permit from within Canada, effective immediately.

IRCC introduced the policy in August 2020 to help visitors who were unable to leave the country due to COVID-19 pandemic–related travel restrictions. Under the policy, visitors in Canada could apply for a work permit without having to leave the country. In addition, foreign nationals who had held a work permit in the previous 12 months but who changed their status in Canada to “visitor” could apply to work legally in Canada while waiting for a decision on their new work permit application.

While the temporary policy was set to expire on February 28, 2025, IRCC is ending the policy as part of our overall efforts to recalibrate the number of temporary residents in Canada and preserve the integrity of the immigration system. IRCC is also aware that some bad actors were using the policy to mislead foreign nationals into working in Canada without authorization.

IRCC will continue to process applications submitted before August 28, 2024 under the policy.

Please visit our website for information on how to apply for a work permit .

Page details

• Bahasa Indonesia
• Slovenščina
• Science & Tech
• Russian Kitchen

‘This way up’: What goes on in the city of Izhevsk, famous for Kalashnikovs

Symbol of Izhevsk - The Peoples' Friendship monument

“Here everyone knows each other. This is Izhevsk! They make Kalashnikov machine guns here. The whole world uses them. What else do we have? The Buranovskiye Babushki [a pop group with eight grannies] also produce here.”

The mustachioed taxi driver bursts into laughter after mentioning the grandmothers. His fingers tap the steering wheel to the rhythm of Udmurtian rap. The Buranovskiye Babushki are the republic’s brand. In 2012 they participated in Eurovision with their song “Party for Everybody” and came second. Buranovo village is located 36 km from Izhevsk. The grandmothers are indeed “self-produced”: They have three groups. But the Kalashnikov still reigns supreme in these parts in terms of status. Little here alludes to the presence of the Udmurt people though - just the bilingual road signs.

“Do you know that Steve Jobs is an honorary Udmurt,” the taxi driver asks me.

Yes I know. Other honorary Udmurts are Kazimir Malevich, Emir Kusturica, Albert Einstein, and John Lennon. People say that somewhere in the city you can find extensions of their graves (with the exception of Kusturica) in the form of iron leaves on the ground. The honor was awarded for having a “special influence on Udmurtia,” but it’s actually just a result of Izhevsk artists fooling around. It was the same when the city’s residents erected a small copy of St. Petersburg’s Alexander Column, cast a small Tsar Cannon, and placed a portrait of the Romanovs by a cemetery entrance - although not a single Romanov is buried there.

The car stops and the taxi driver winks conspiratorially.

“Don’t pay any attention to it, everything here is…a bit surreal,” says Nikita. He’s lived in Izhevsk all his life and is shooting a documentary film about the republic.

"Everything here is…a bit surreal”

The local Indians

The Russian Drama Theater stands in Izhevsk’s historical center. It’s a three-story building with columns like those outside the entrance to Moscow’s central metro stations. The adjacent building houses another drama theater, showing only Udmurt productions. It’s smaller and without columns.

“We don’t understand the difference between ourselves and the Udmurts. It’s obvious but it’s not clear where the border lies,” explains Nikita.

In the past the Udmurts were called Botyaks because 40 km from Izhevsk lies the city of Votkinsk and the Votka River. Here the people are considered something like local Indians. American artist Nanibah Chacon from New Mexico came to Izhevsk and spent two weeks painting a mural. It was a profile of a woman wearing a traditional Udmurt shawl (indistinguishable from a Russian one). The artist was amazed by the relation between the distant cultures: Elderly women from the Navajo tribe wear the same shawls.

Mural by Nanibah Chacon in Izhevsk

Obviously there is no Udmurt Reservation here. But there are elements that allude to it.

During the Soviet Union Russians worked at factories as the qualified labor force, while Udmurts did the “dirty work” or were employed in villages. The local people were considered savages. During Joseph Stalin’s reign the word “ votyak ” became a pejorative term. Many were ashamed of their origins. But today, Nikita says, attitudes are changing. People are treated as equals.

From the window of his 13th floor studio apartment the “progressive” district of Izhevsk looks like it can fit in your palm: Pipes, concrete, Factory smoke, a colorless sky.

“Progressive” district of Izhevsk looks like it can fit in your palm: Pipes, concrete, Factory smoke, a colorless sky.

Explosive subject

A blinding light reflects from a large water stain. This is the Izhevsk Pond. It was excavated by hand where the Yagul Udmurt village once stood during the Russian Empire in 1760, in order to build the city’s first enterprise – an iron factory. The old building with the shabby stucco still stands on the shore as a silent reproach to the authorities, who have no money for its reconstruction.

Old iron factory's building

In the winter practically no one walks around the pond. There are no mothers with carriages, no tourists. It is two o’clock in the afternoon and only two men and I are here. They are both pensioners who moved to Izhevsk more than 20 years ago. They were struggling to feed themselves and it was “just fantastic here.” The hungry times were the 90s: After the collapse of the USSR many factories closed down. The men find it difficult talking about it - they still resent the Soviet government...and the current administration.

The hungry times were the 90s. The men find it difficult talking about it.

Izhevsk wasn’t even hit that hard. It was saved by a large concentration of factories, some of which are still going. Those that were shut down have been turned into commercial centers - the same gray hangers simply house something else.

Until the middle of the 80s there was no direct road connecting the city to neighboring regions. Because of the state defense industries, one could only enter with the special pass. The place was not secret enough to bear a code number instead of a name but tourists were still not allowed, unlike today. Travelers are attracted to the city’s ethnic character and its industries (tours of the plants are available). However, the locals are indifferent to the fact the city produces the most popular weapon in the world.

“No one here really knows what this city actually produces. I’ve never really given it much thought… But actually, yes, this place has a lot,” says Kolya, a 27-year-old shop assistant. 

Izhevsk city

A drowned Udmurt

Starting in the 2000s Izhevsk residents were told that soon the city would have a million residents. But this has not happened. Currently, there are just over 646,000 people here. The shop assistant does not hide his disappointment. “It’s stale and dull,” this is what he thinks of Izhevsk. Next year he’s moving to St. Petersburg. You can hear the same type of talk among the students standing by the entrance of the women’s dormitory.

In part this mood can be explained by the typical imbalance between the provinces and the capital in Russia. It is thought that all the best things are in Moscow and St. Petersburg. Many people feel Izhevsk fails to deliver as a city in terms of things to do, but Nikita thinks the place has an interesting internal cultural life.

Currently, there are just over 646,000 people in Izhevsk.

Between the middle of the 80s and the beginning of the 2000s there was a myth surrounding the city: “Izhevsk is the Russian capital of electronic music.” It had a few record labels, such as Kama Records (no longer around), about 50 groups, performances by DJs from England, the U.S., Germany, and Iceland. Despite the disappearance of the label, there are still many creative people here.

“Everyone sits in their bedroom. Actually, this is very Russian: A musician who composes in the bedroom. Then he uploads it all into the Internet”.

You can understand the people who want to leave the city. But some say they are happy here.

On Nikita’s wall hangs a poster of his documentary film, The Drowned Man . It shows upside down silhouettes of the factories and the pipes “drowned” in Izhevsk Pond. Catching my worried look, he notes: “In the minds of Udmurts a drowned person is not a dead person. It is a person who went to live in a parallel world and does not interact with the world of the people who remained on the ground. This is a metaphor for Izhevsk life. We even had a collection of music called ‘News of the Underwater Izhevsk.’ This is the underground we have. There isn’t one nice club around. Yet we have really exciting cultural life.”

You can understand the people who want to leave the city. But some say they are happy here. It’s just that Izhevsk can come across as a bland city. For example, you can be walking down a street and see nothing but high-rise apartment boxes, one after the other.

People say the city resembles a microchip

Suddenly I see a sign on one of the buildings written in large letters: “This side up.” What does it mean?

“This is what they wrote on TV boxes or on various cargos. The installation appeared on the building in the beginning of the century.”

It means that people are very fragile, that they are not merchandise, says Nikita. I can imagine thousands of fragile people assembling machine guns and the country’s nuclear shield. And then they return to their concrete boxes and muse over who had a bigger influence on them: Native Udmurt and avant-garde artist Kazimir Malevich or distant Udmurt John Lennon.

Nightlife in Izhevsk

If using any of Russia Beyond's content, partly or in full, always provide an active hyperlink to the original material.

to our newsletter!

Get the week's best stories straight to your inbox

• St. Petersburg roof tours: A spectacular way to see the city is from above
• Russia’s Amazon warriors: Why are women joining the country’s military?
• Women’s rights, or a lack of: What’s with Russian feminism?
• 10 stunning Moscow churches that will leave you awe-inspired

This website uses cookies. Click here to find out more.

Udmurtia history & culture, Kalashnikov & Chaikovsky 2-day tour to Udmurtia covering its capital Izhevsk and second city Votkinsk Udmurtia The history of Udmurtia starts in ancient times, when the Udmurt people lived in the current Kirov and Tatarstan areas. Ethnic conflicts with other local people (among which the Tatars) as well ,as violent christianisation drove the Udmurts to the north-east, further away of the banks of the Volga river. They settled down in an uninhabited area around the Izh River, which later became the Republic of Udmurtia. The first Russians came to Udmurtia in the 12th century, but it was not until 1552 - when the Russians overthrew the Tatar leadership of neighbouring Tatarstan - that Russian presence in Udmurtia became obvious with foundation of towns. Izhevsk Izhevsk, the city that became capital of Udmurtia in 1921, was founded in 1760 on the banks of the Izh river/pond ,as a settlement for the workmen of a local iron plant producing ship anchors. In the early 1800's, arms and tool factories were built. It was mainly the arms (and arms mechanics) industry that hugely developed over a relatively short period of time.Until now it supplied 12,5 million (!) arms to the army. It is the very same industry that Izhevsk became famous for - especially when Kalashnikov, a local mechanics engineer, had his huge successes in gun engineering. Kalashnikov became a Soviet hero when his AK-47 won many (international) prizes and eventually became the world's most popular automatic machine gun. Modern Izhevsk has 800.000 inhabitants, of which one third are Udmurts. In spite of its importance, Izhevsk has poor transport connections,it is not located at the Trans Siberian Railroad - but it can be easily accessed by road from Perm... Program Day 1 Transfer (5 hours) from Perm to Izhevsk in the morning. Small tour through the centre, seeing the Udmurt presidential residence, the Great Patriotic War memorial with its eternal flame and the central orthodox church. Visit to the Kalashnikov Museum, a large and very modern museum, which boasts a complete range of Kalashnikov models. The world famous AK-47 is, of course, among the collection. Lunch on arrival. Visit to the"National centre of decorative and applied art of Udmurtia". The centre functions as a museum, but additionally offers several workshops where one can see how art is applied, including patterned weaving, patterned needlework, decorative wood working, decorative painting, etc. The centre has a large souvenir shop - the only of its kind where traditional Udmurt applied art (its own work) can be purchased. The building in which the museum is located was built in 1810 and now is an architectural monument. Transfer to architectural and ethnographic museum “Ludervai” ( 20 km). Excursion in the museum with demonstration of udmurt folklore ceremonies and traditions. Transfer back to Izhevsk. Dinner in museum-inn "Podkova". Podkova is a strikingly original combination of a restaurant and ethnographic museum, of which the excellent menu offers some traditional Udmurt dishes. Transfer to hotel, overnight stay in hotel in centre of Izhevsk. Day 2 Breakfast. The Udmurt language (Finno-Ugric) originally had no written form. Instead, decorative art (always rich in colour and variety of typical patterns) was commonly practised to replace the need of cultural expression. It is this very skill that the Udmurts remain famous for in present times. Transfer to Votkinsk, the town where famous composer Chaikovsky was born and spend 8,5 years of his life. Just before arrival in Votkinsk, a short visit to the museum of Galina Kulakova - Udmurtia's most famous sport legend (cross country skiing) - is planned. She won silver and bronze on the winter olympics in Grenoble in 1968, three times gold in Sapporo (1972), gold and bronze in Innsbruck (1976) and silver in Lake Placid (1980). Lunch on arrival in Votkinsk. Visit to the impressive former house of Chaikovsky: the Chaikovsky Museum. Excursion 2 hours. Transfer to Chaikovsky (town on the way to Perm, south of Perm region). Visit to ethnographic museum “Saigatka”. Transfer to Perm, arrival in the evening. Optional program. Dinner. Overnight stay at the museum-house of artists Svedomsky. Day 3 Breakfast. Transfer to Perm. On the way stop in the town of Osa, visit to museum of local lore with unique diorama of historic events, that took place in the 17 th century. Lunch. Arrival to Perm in the evening.   Persons 2 3 4 5 6 7 8-12 12-16 16+ 2-day tour to Udmurtia 942 786 577 504 455 421 394 375 req. Optional 3-day tour 1188 898 752 665 608 567 535 521 req. Prices p.p. in euro (€), subject to change Back to Cultural tours page

Toronto EV driver can't use closest overnight charging station because of permit restrictions

City needs to rapidly increase pace, scale of ev infrastructure to meet targets, experts say.

Social Sharing

A Toronto-based Uber driver spends nearly half an hour most days walking back and forth between an on-street electric vehicle (EV) charging station and his home.

John Chen says he could cut that walk down to eight minutes each way if the city allowed him to use a closer charging station in his neighbouring permit parking zone.

He can't charge his EV at home because he doesn't have a designated parking spot and relies on street parking.

Despite living on the edge of his own parking zone near Coxwell Avenue and Dundas Street, Chen says the city told him he can't get a permit for the other zone to use the closer charger overnight.

"I just think it's dumb considering the city really wants people to get electric vehicles," said Chen, who rents an EV. "This is certainly not helping with their targets."

The city's net zero emissions strategy includes a 2030 goal of 30 per cent of registered vehicles in Toronto being electric. But EV experts told CBC the city needs to rapidly increase the pace and scale of EV infrastructure if it hopes to meet its targets.

A recent report from the Toronto Parking Authority (TPA) found that Toronto's charging capacity is well below industry standards. At the current pace, the report said there will only be one public charger for every 70 electric vehicles by 2040, despite the International Energy Association's recommended ratio of one charger for every 10 EVs.

This Toronto EV driver can't use closest chargers due to parking zone boundaries

The Atmospheric Fund (TAF), a Greater Toronto and Hamilton Area climate agency, says every solution needs to be on the table.

"We need to invest more in expanding the network as quickly as possible, so that folks outside of a permitting zone can have new chargers within their permitting zone," said Ian Klesmer, director of strategy and grants for TAF. 

"We need to be thinking about how to streamline permitting processes to make it as easy as possible for people to access existing infrastructure."

Chen told CBC Toronto he only puts up with the inconvenience of charging because as a ride-sharing driver, his savings from not buying gas make it worthwhile.

He drives a Polestar 2. He says he averages about 300 kilometres a day driving for Uber, and that the car's battery range is between 300 and 400 km, depending on how much highway driving he does.

No parking permit exemptions for EVs

To incentivize EVs in the short term, Chen argues the city should make EV charging stations exempt from on-street permit parking restrictions, or allow EV drivers to obtain permit parking for whatever zone has the closest charger to their home. 

CBC Toronto asked the city why there aren't permit parking exemptions or special permits for EV drivers. In a statement, a city spokesperson said parking permits are issued regardless of vehicle type, so there's "an equitable distribution" to all residents who rely on them.

Only about 60,000 vehicles — five per cent of all registered vehicles in Toronto — have a residential on-street parking permit, according to the city. It's unclear how many of those vehicles are electric, because the city doesn't ask residents applying for a permit to specify if their vehicle is electric. 

Next month, a Public Electric Vehicle Strategic Plan will go before the city's infrastructure and environment committee. 

The city says the staff report is expected to provide a better understanding of where EV drivers are in Toronto and where they'll likely be in years to come. That information will then be used to help determine where to add additional charging.

5-minute walk max for charging

Klesmer says access to nearby charging is essential for drivers to make the switch to electric.

"Who would be willing to walk half an hour every day round trip just to get their car charged?" he said. "When we looked at this, people were willing to walk about five minutes and that's kind of the maximum."

A lack of publicly accessible charging infrastructure is one of the major issues holding back mass adoption of EVs, according to Olivier Trescases, director of the University of Toronto's Electric Vehicle Research Centre.

"It's the perennial chicken-and-egg problem," Trescases said. "We still have a long way to go." 

There are currently 97 public EV charging ports at just over 50 on-street charging station locations in Toronto. The city also operates another 310 charging ports across 30 Green P parking lots through the TPA.

Klesmer says there's a scarcity of on-street charging in Toronto compared to cities like Montreal, which has more than 800 on-street chargers.

All of the current on-street charging stations in Toronto are Level 2 chargers, according to city data, which can take six to seven hours to fully charge a regular EV. 

Prioritize fast-charging

Trescases believes the city should prioritize Level 3 fast-charging stations in neighbourhoods, which can juice up a vehicle to 80 per cent from empty in 30 to 45 minutes. 

"If you don't have access to overnight charging, it makes a lot more sense to pay a bit more and just get more range so that you can charge maybe once a week at a fast charger," he said.

Another alternative is to install chargers closer to people's homes in other publicly accessible locations, like parking lots for grocery stores, malls, schools, libraries and arenas, according to Klesmer.

"If we can really ramp up charging in those areas, then we can ensure that every Torontonian is within a five-minute walk of an EV charger," he said.

Other options rejected by the city last year included allowing private installation of on-street charging stations in front of residents' homes and allowing EV charging by running an electrical cord covered with an accessible ramp over the sidewalk to an on-street parking spot. The electric vehicle cord is a licensed option in Vancouver.

• Deal averts cuts to Toronto's Bike Share and EV charging plans
• Canada needs hundreds of thousands of public EV charging ports. Who is going to build them?

New vehicle registrations for battery electric cars in Ontario have risen from 0.4 per cent of all new registrations in 2017 to 5.7 per cent last year, according data from Statistics Canada. 

Those numbers are expected to continue to grow, given the federal government has set a mandatory target for all new light-duty cars and passenger trucks sales to be zero-emissions by 2035 . 

"We have this tsunami of EVs coming our way," said Klesmer. "We need more charging everywhere."

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Reporter, CBC Toronto

Nicole Brockbank is a reporter for CBC Toronto's Enterprise Unit. Fuelled by coffee, she digs up, researches and writes original investigative and feature stories. [email protected]

With files from Sarah MacMillan

Related Stories

• When it comes to EV charging infrastructure, how does your province rank?
• Electric vehicle numbers have 'exploded' but too few charging stations in Ontario, experts say
• Toronto discourages electric car use by denying on-street chargers, driver says

Add some “good” to your morning and evening.

The environment is changing. This newsletter is your weekly guide to what we’re doing about it.

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Google Terms of Service apply.

My family's been to 44 states by car. It was nice, but now we pick train travel because it's superior in many ways.

• After taking road trips throughout the US, I tried traveling by Amtrak train instead. 
• My experiences on the rails have been comfortable and hassle-free, albeit not the most efficient.
• Trains aren't the answer for every trip, but I've begun to incorporate them into more of my travels.

Ahead of my family vacation to California, I dreamed of cruising down the Pacific Coast Highway . There was just one problem: My son suffered from terrible car sickness. 

To avoid scrubbing vomit out of a rental car's upholstery, I booked tickets on the Amtrak Coast Starlight from Oakland to Santa Barbara.

The smooth, nine-hour journey offered all of the magnificent ocean views I would've wanted to see on the road trip, with none of the upset stomachs.

Since that trip, my son has found ways to manage his car sickness, and we've successfully traveled to 44 states by car. But there's a host of reasons my family is still choosing to return to rail travel .

Many Amtrak trains offer scenic views of some of the country's most beautiful locales.

When it comes to spectacular views , there's a lot to see from train windows. 

Though not all of Amtrak's routes pass idyllic settings, some journey through the US' most beautiful landscapes. I've enjoyed gazing at vineyards, mountains, harbor seals, and more on my rail travels. 

Many Amtrak trains, including the Coast Starlight, have observation cars with giant picture windows designed with sightseeing in mind.

As someone who's generally the designated driver on road trips , I savor the ability to sit back and take in the stunning scenery without the fear of taking my eyes off the road for too long.

Some trains also stop in underrated destinations I wouldn't have otherwise visited.

Amtrak offers picturesque long-haul journeys through the Rockies , the American Southwest, and beyond.

The prospect of gazing at snowcapped mountains and soaring red-rock formations is exciting, but these journeys also offer a compelling opportunity to stop and explore less-touted areas along the way — ones that I probably wouldn't go out of my way to visit otherwise.

Though some of the highlights from my road trips have been stumbling upon hidden gems in locales often labeled as flyover states (like spots in the US' heartland), driving through the Midwest's flatlands can feel like a bit of a slog.

However, I find stretches of farmland infinitely more charming when I view them out of a train window instead of a car dashboard.

Depending on the itinerary and season, traveling by train can be more affordable than driving.

Between gas prices and rental-car charges, road trips can be expensive ventures.

When it comes to Amtrak trains, you can expect to pay a premium for a private room in a sleeping car or a coveted last-minute ticket. However, you can usually find reasonably priced tickets with some advance planning.

On a trip my family took from New York to Pennsylvania, all three of our tickets for the Amtrak Keystone Service cost me a total of $47.50 — an absolute steal considering our trip fell during a peak travel period.

In many major cities, I probably would've paid the same amount for a few hours of parking. 

I feel safer traveling by train than by car, especially in poor weather conditions.

It gives me peace of mind to know that taking a train is statistically safer than driving a car . Plus, Amtrak has a lot of safety standards in place .

Though I feel confident in my driving abilities, I prefer not to be behind the wheel in certain situations, like when I have to navigate Manhattan streets or battle icy road conditions.

Trains are usually less impacted by weather, making them a solid transportation option in less-than-ideal conditions.

Amtrak's seats feel wider and more comfortable than the ones in most cars.

It's no surprise that traveling can make you feel a bit cramped, especially if you're constricted to a car seat for a long drive.

Regardless of how I travel, I'm always very eager to reach my destination and stretch my legs. In my experience, I've found that even the most bare-bones Amtrak trains offer wider seats than I've seen in most cars and a reasonable amount of legroom.

The trains' observation and dining cars are a real treat for my family since they allow us to enjoy peaceful moments, play a rousing game, or simply take advance of the freedom that comes with not being strapped in one place.

Rail journeys give me time and space to work, spend time with family, and rest.

Train travel isn't always the fastest way to reach my destination, but I've found that it's the mode of transportation that gives me the most time to be productive .

As someone who works remotely, trains are the perfect place to multitask and catch up on my to-do list, something I can't accomplish as easily in cars.

I can't use my computer while driving, and attempting to do so in the passenger seat makes me queasy. However, traveling by train gives me an easy way to finish work, help my son with his homework, read a book, or take a nap.

Trains aren't the right option for every trip, but I look forward to incorporating more of them in my future travels.

Amtrak trains have provided a lot of benefits for my family, but like any mode of transportation, they come with their own set of downsides. Trains, especially long-haul ones, are known to be plagued with delays. So you do have to pack some patience and be flexible. 

The routes Amtrak offers can also be limiting and inconvenient, with the journey between some destinations requiring multiple train changes that take you hundreds of miles and many hours out of the way.

I've decided that they're a great way for my family to travel in addition to road trips, but not in place of them.

I adore the spontaneity and impulsiveness that come with traveling by car  and wouldn't trade the experience of pulling off the road to explore a quirky roadside attraction or stop for fresh baked goods at a local vendor's stand. 

I'm already plotting future trips and can't wait to see what's ahead on the rails and the road.

This story was originally published on May 11, 2023, and most recently updated on August 30, 2024.

• Main content