Border Runs, Visa Runs, and Repeated FMM Entries into Mexico Could Cost You Including Permanent Denial of Entry
For many years, Mexico has been a favored destination for tourists, digital nomads, retirees, and part-time residents. With a low cost of living, beautiful landscapes, welcoming communities, and proximity to countries like the U.S. and Canada, it’s easy to see why. However, a growing number of visitors are unknowingly (or sometimes knowingly) walking a dangerous line when it comes to immigration compliance—particularly when entering Mexico repeatedly on a tourist permit, known as the FMM (Forma Migratoria Múltiple).
What may seem like a harmless "border run" or "visa run" could end up having severe, irreversible consequences, including being flagged, denied residency, or even permanently denied entry into Mexico. This blog post aims to offer clarity on this issue, based on recent trends and real-world examples.
Understanding the FMM Tourist Permit
Before diving into the risks, it's important to understand what the FMM is and what it is not.
The FMM (Forma Migratoria Múltiple) is not a visa—it is a tourist entry permit granted by Mexican immigration officials, usually for up to 180 days. However, issuance is completely discretionary, and there is no guarantee you will receive the full 180 days.
In recent years, Mexican immigration authorities have tightened enforcement of this rule. Visitors have started receiving significantly shorter durations—30 days, 15 days, or even just 6 days, as in a recent case involving a client who owns a home in Mexico but entered the country as a tourist.
This shift is intentional. Immigration is signaling that the FMM is for short-term tourism only—not for residence, part-time living, or remote work.
Homeownership in Mexico Does Not Entitle You to Stay as a Tourist
Many people mistakenly believe that owning property in Mexico gives them more leniency or rights under immigration law. This is false.
In fact, declaring homeownership at the border can raise red flags. Immigration officials may see this as clear evidence that you're not a tourist, but someone living in Mexico without legal residency status.
It may seem counterintuitive, but telling immigration officials you own a home in Mexico may be the very reason you're given a shorter FMM or denied entry altogether.
The Problem with Repeated FMM Entries: Visa Runs and Border Runs
A visa run or border run refers to the act of exiting Mexico temporarily—often to the U.S., Canada, Guatemala, or Belize—just to re-enter and reset the FMM tourist clock. This may have worked for some in the past, but the strategy is now heavily scrutinized and discouraged.
Here’s why repeated entries are problematic:
Immigration officers are trained to spot patterns. If your passport shows multiple recent FMM entries without significant time spent outside of Mexico, it’s a red flag.
They may conclude that you are living in Mexico full-time while misusing the tourist permit.
This is considered an abuse of the immigration system and can trigger automatic denial of entry or future residency applications.
Real-World Consequences of Abusing the FMM
Let’s revisit the example from earlier: A client owns a home in Mexico and has been entering the country frequently using the FMM. On her most recent entry, she was given just 6 days. She was warned that on her next visit, she could receive 0 days—in other words, denied entry entirely.
And this is not an isolated incident. There are dozens of documented cases where people:
Did multiple border runs,
Stayed in Mexico 6–9 months a year using tourist permits,
Then attempted to apply for temporary or permanent residency.
What happened next? Their residency applications were denied. The pattern of abuse was already documented in their passports. The Mexican immigration system is centralized, and once you’ve been flagged for overuse of FMMs, it becomes difficult—if not impossible—to undo that damage.
In more extreme cases, people have been issued bans, especially when immigration believes the individual has intentionally misrepresented their stay or purpose of entry.
Pro Tip:
Upon entering Mexico, if the number of days granted on your passport stamp or FMM (Forma Migratoria Múltiple) is unclear—or if you simply wish to confirm your authorized stay—you can verify the exact number of days online using the official QR code system provided below. Be sure to register first, then enter your personal details. If your name is hyphenated, omit the hyphen and use a space when entering it.
Please note: Every traveler is issued an FMM, even if it is not physically handed to you.
If you are finalizing a visa that was approved at a Mexican consulate, you must print and present your FMM at the immigration office in Mexico as part of your residency processing.
What Immigration Officers Are Looking For
Immigration officers have wide discretion when determining how many days to grant and whether to permit entry at all. Here's what they may be assessing:
Frequency of visits and short gaps between them
Statements you make at the port of entry (e.g., admitting to owning property or working remotely)
Evidence of income or bank statements indicating you are self-sufficient but not on a tourist budget
Previous applications or failed residency attempts
The moment your profile begins to look like that of someone residing or working in Mexico, the burden shifts: You are expected to apply for proper residency.
The Cost of Getting Flagged
Getting flagged for FMM abuse comes with serious consequences:
Shortened FMM validity periods – Some visitors are now getting only 7, 15, or 30 days.
Denial of entry – You may not be allowed to enter Mexico at all, especially if the officer suspects you’re abusing the system.
Residency denial – If your immigration history shows repeated tourist entries, your residency application will likely be rejected.
Bans – In some cases, you may be banned from re-entering Mexico for a period of time, or even indefinitely.
Most importantly, these issues may arise without warning, and you may find yourself stranded at the border with no recourse.
What Should You Do Instead?
If you spend significant time in Mexico, own property, run a business, or work remotely while in the country, it is your responsibility to obtain legal residency. There are two common options:
1. Temporary Residency (Residente Temporal)
Ideal for those who:
Want to live in Mexico for more than 180 days but less than 4 years
Own property
Work remotely or are financially self-sufficient
This visa requires you to begin the process at a Mexican consulate abroad (not inside Mexico). You’ll need:
Bank statements showing sufficient monthly income or savings
A passport and application form
Consulate interview and approval
2. Permanent Residency (Residente Permanente)
A better fit if:
You plan to stay in Mexico long-term
You meet higher financial criteria (retirement, pension, etc.)
You’ve already held temporary residency for 4 years
Additional Tips for Those Considering Residency
Do not overstay your FMM. Even one overstay can complicate your record.
Stop doing visa runs. They’re no longer safe and now come with high immigration risk.
Be honest with immigration officers, but also strategic in your responses. Avoid unnecessary details that signal residency intentions unless you're applying formally.
Keep track of your entries and exits. A digital or physical record helps when planning your transition to legal residency.
Consult a professional immigration advisor or attorney to ensure your pathway is compliant and realistic.
Final Thoughts
The era of freely entering and exiting Mexico on an FMM as a lifestyle workaround is rapidly closing. While Mexico remains a warm and welcoming place for foreigners, immigration enforcement is tightening, and the consequences for non-compliance are steep.
Whether you're a snowbird, retiree, or digital nomad, it’s time to face the facts: If you live in Mexico, you need to do it legally. Getting proper residency is not just a formality—it’s a safeguard that protects your future access to the country you love.
Need help navigating residency options or want to work with us with a vetted trusted immigration lawyer/specialist? Feel free to contact us directly. Our team can help guide you through the proper steps and make your transition smooth and secure.
📢 **Copyright & Intellectual Property Notice**
All content, including text, images, and original ideas published on this blog, is the intellectual property of Expats Living Abroad™️ and is protected by international copyright laws.
Unauthorized reproduction, in whole or in part, is strictly prohibited. If you wish to share our content, please link directly to the original article and credit Expats Living Abroad™️ as the source.
We actively monitor and take action against copyright infringement, including issuing formal DMCA takedown requests and pursuing legal remedies where appropriate.
📧 To request permission to republish our content, please contact us at: properties@expatslivingabroad.com.
© 2025 Expats Living Abroad™️ & Orové Properties™️. All Rights Reserved.