Fact Check: Mexico Does Let You Leave—Border Crossing Works Both Ways

The premise is false. Mexico allows free entry and exit for tourists, residents, and citizens at all legal ports of entry.

How It Actually Works

• Tourists (FMM visa): Enter by land/air/sea → keep bottom half of form → surrender on exit. No exit fee (included in airline ticket or paid at land border ~$30 USD if not prepaid).
• Residents (temporal/permanente): Show residency card + passport. Free movement.
• Citizens: Mexican passport + INE (voter ID). No restrictions.
• Dual nationals: Must enter/exit Mexico on Mexican passport.

Where Confusion Comes From

• US side: CBP can delay/deny *entry to US* — not Mexico's doing
• Pedestrian lanes: Long lines at San Ysidro, Nogales, El Paso — infrastructure, not policy
• FMM loss: Lost tourist card = visit INM office, pay ~$600 MXN, get replacement → delay
• Vehicle permits: Temporary import permit (TIP) for cars beyond border zone — must cancel on exit or face fines

Pro Tips

• Keep FMM stub (photo it)
• Cancel TIP at Banjercito kiosk *before* crossing back
• Use SENTRI/Global Entry for dedicated lanes (US side)
• Carry pesos for small fees/tips

Mexico doesn't trap you. The border is busy, bureaucratic, and asymmetric—but exit is always legal and routine.