Let us preface this entry with the fact that JVS Pictures works legally when photographing (wedding, portrait or commercial shoots) in Mexico.
All of the below information is based on the fact that our studio is traveling from Dallas, Texas to Mexico. The requirements for your state may differ and we suggest contacting (visiting in person is best) your nearest Mexican Consulate.
STEP ONE: You will need to locate and contact your nearest Mexican Consulate and apply for a Technical FM3. The exact requirements (for North Texas and Arkansas) can be found on the Dallas Mexican Consulate web site.
STEP TWO: Look for "Click here to fill and print the visa application form." Download then print the PDF.
STEP THREE: Print the "Requirements for obtaining a Business or Technical FM3" and carefully read all seven steps.
Below are the seven steps:
1. Company must be located solely in North Texas or Arkansas.
2. Fill out application form, apply in person.
3. Valid passport (minimum one year of validity) and one copy of front page.
4. 2 (two) passport size pictures (front view, white background) and NO eyeglasses
5. An original letter from the sending company explaining exact purpose and length of the trip, mentioning the name and address of the company in México to be contacted, and confirming that the visitor’s salary and expenses will be paid from abroad. (If not, the application on your behalf must be made in advance by the employer in México, before the migratory authorities)
For FM3 Technical: under production, consulting, training, staff supporting, technical or legal advise, installation of equipment, auditing, quality control accounting, engineering or photographers, an original letter in Spanish from the company in México confirming the information provided by the sending company:
1. City you intend to visit
2. Exact purpose and length of the trip
3. Who will be paying for your salary
All letters must be with Letterheads and with no more than 30 days of issuance.
6.-For those who travel only for business meetings with the purpose of acquiring new contacts or sales promotions: the fee is $98.00 USD
7.-For technical: the fee is $159.00 USD
Payment must be cash or money order payable to Consulado General de México. No personal checks or credit cards accepted.
FM3 documents are not extended or renewed. If expired, applicant should submit again all previous requirements.
These requirements apply only for Citizens of the U.S.A. and Canada, applicants from other countries should contact the visa department to verify if any other consular fee would apply. Please, send an e-mail to the following address: bverdugo@consulmexdallas.com
Business hours: Monday through Friday from 8:00 A.M to 1:00 pm.
-
Back to our travel steps. This includes some very important information that you’ll only find out once you’re at your local Mexican Consulate.
Important to know, the FM3 is valid for 180 days from the first date of entry which means you’ll need to reapply every six months. We bill our clients actual cost plus the time it took to complete the entire process.
STEP FOUR: Make a master list of all the gear (every single piece) that you intend to take to Mexico along with their corresponding serial numbers (if applicable).
Make 4 copies of your master gear list for each traveler. The Mexican Consulate requires (for registration) one copy, US Customs will need a copy, you’ll need to travel with a copy on your person at all times and store the final copy in the safe at your hotel.
STEP FIVE: When you write the "original letter" (above, number 5.), write it in English and Spanish.
Below is a link to a free translation online:
http://www.freetranslation.com
Below is our English template for our "original letter."
YOUR BUSINESS NAME
STREET ADDRESS
CITY, STATE ZIP
PHONE NUMBER
DATE
Consulado General de Mexico
8855 N. Stemmons Fwy
Dallas, Texas 75247
214-252-9250 x103
Consulado General de Mexico,
YOUR BUSINESS NAME is requesting a FM3 Visa for YOUR NAME HERE.
YOUR BUSINESS NAME has employed YOUR NAME HERE to photograph events
in relation to a celebration at NAME OF RESORT HERE in NAME OF CITY, Mexico.
All events start DATE HERE and end DATE HERE in NAME OF CITY, Mexico.
The events will take place at the following locations:
• RESORT NAME, NAME OF CITY, Mexico
• NAME OF BEACHES YOU MAY VISIT (EXCURSIONS), NAME OF CITY, Mexico
• OTHER LOCATIONS YOU MAY SHOOT IN, NAME OF CITY, Mexico
YOUR BUSINESS NAME, a YOUR TOWN AND STATE, USA based business will pay YOUR NAME HERE for
all work incurred during these events.
Thank you,
YOUR BUSINESS NAME
-
STEP SIX: Notes on going to the Mexican Consulate.
You’ll need to take all of the documents (make triplicates in case you need them) to the Mexican Consulate.
Be an appreciative American that can’t speak Spanish (if you speak fluent Spanish go for it) and you’ll get the help you need.
When you’re at the Mexican Consulate:
-nothing happens fast
-no one will help you unless you ask and you may need to ask several times to get the right answer or all of the answer
-be patient.
The Mexican Visa will take 3-5 business days so go at least 7-10 business days in advance of your trip (in case they ask you to jump through extra hoops).
As far as using the Visa in Mexico;
-you must fill out an F.M.E Para Extranjeros form BEFORE going to baggage claim.
-you will be stopped at Immigration when entering
-have all of your paperwork in hand
-it normally takes about 30 minutes for Immigration to pull you up on their computer and verify your paperwork.
After clearing customs there should be no problems. Keep your Visa and Passport on you at all times. If the local police stops you (they’ve stopped us) you can prove that you’re legal to work in Mexico.
Make copies of your Mexican Visa and US Passport and leave them in the safe in your room.
STEP SEVEN: Returning to the United States
US CUSTOMS:
What you may not think about is coming back into the United States with your gear. Upon re-entering, US Customs will want proof that the gear you travel with is the same gear that you’re bringing back. If you did buy gear in another country it may be subject to a duty.
To avoid any questions at US Customs download and fill out Customs form 4457 and take a copy of your master gear list (complete with serial numbers) with you to the airport. US Customs will go over the list and make you legal on the US side.
Please call US Customs at the airport you will be traveling out of to verify location and the process.
You can download form 4457 here.
We visit the US Customs office at the International terminal a few hours prior to departure with our completed 4457’s in hand.
-
The above is exactly how JVS Pictures works in Mexico legally. We are open and honest when traveling to Mexico. In our many visits over the past 13 years, we have never misled a customs agent.
We hope this helps!
JVS & Anne
