There are two types of non-immigrant permits or visas that you may need depending on the nature and duration of your project; the visitor permit (FMT) and the work permit (FM3).

Visitor Permit/Visa (FMT)

This permit or visa is issued to all tourist and business travelers whose stay in Mexico does not exceed 30 days for business and 180 days for tourists. This is the document you’ll need when coming to Mexico for meetings, location scouting, castings and even short-term, small shootings, for example: interviews, corporate videos, simple photo shoots, etc.

The visitor permit (FMTTV) is issued to individuals from certain nationalities and can be obtained when entering the country by filling up a form. Check below for a list of nationalities that can obtain this permit.

The visitor visa (FMTT) is issued in advance at a Mexican embassy or consulate and is required for individuals that cannot obtain a visitor permit (FMTTV).

Work Permit (FM3): 

In order to work in Mexico as a foreign national, you must have an FM3 permit. This permit is also needed for business visitors that plan to stay more than 30 days in Mexico. All the foreign cast and crew for a feature film, long documentary or any other large project will need a FM3 permit.

This permit is valid for one year and can be renewed for up to 4 years on a yearly basis. It’s obtained at a Mexican embassy or consulate. You will need to meet some requirements, like having a Mexican sponsor. You can upgrade your Visitors Visa or Permit to an FM3 permit while in Mexico. The process may take up to 35 days.

In the States: the state highways, roads and streets are under the jurisdiction of the state and municipal governments. In this case, the permissions for location filming must be requested by your production manager through the municipal authorities, with the assistance of COMEFILM and the states film commission office. In Mexico City (Federal District): the Federal District is divided into political delegations. To film in public spaces in the capital city you need to request a permit through the Mexico City Film Commission. All location shooting permits in Mexico City must be submitted by means of a written request. To obtain on-site support of police officers and patrol cars during the filming it must be requested at least with a week in advance.

You can bring some equipment with you, as long as it’s not a lot of equipment and can be carried by you. Usually you won’t have any problem at customs if you bring basic equipment for an interview or small projects, like a camera, basic audio equipment, tape stock, laptop, tripod and even a small lighting kit. For larger projects, you should rent the equipment in Mexico or make a temporary import through a customs agent.

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