🛂 Autonomous Migration Filters at Mexican Airports
The term refers to the technology used to carry out migration control through self-service systems installed in several international airports across Mexico. This technology is currently available at the following locations: Terminals 1 and 2 of Mexico City International Airport; Terminals 3 and 4 of Cancún International Airport, Quintana Roo; Terminal 2 of San José del Cabo International Airport; Terminal A of Guadalajara International Airport; Terminal 1 of Puerto Vallarta International Airport, Jalisco; Terminal 1 of Querétaro Intercontinental Airport; and Terminal 1 of Tijuana International Airport, Baja California. Their locations can be easily identified by signage within the terminals and by their glass-finished exterior design.
Requirements to use the FMA:
- Possess a valid ordinary electronic passport.
- Be over 18 years of age.
- Enter Mexico for TOURISM purposes only.
- Not be traveling with minors.
- Have a passport valid for at least 180 days.
- Hold an ordinary electronic passport from one of the following countries:
What are the Autonomous Migration Filters?
They are automated systems that facilitate airport immigration control through self-service. Their goal is to enable passengers who meet entry requirements to complete their immigration process swiftly, securely, and transparently, in line with the Federal Government’s anti-corruption policy. The FMA allows Mexican nationals and travelers from 29 eligible nationalities to enter Mexico. The system is free of charge, does not require prior registration or membership, complies with security and data protection standards, and significantly reduces waiting times.
How does the FMA process work?
- Locate the corresponding queue and have your passport ready.
- Open your passport on the page showing your photograph and personal data.
- Place your passport on the scanner and wait for the gates to open.
- Enter the enclosure; a photograph will be taken for facial verification.
- The system validates biographical, biometric, and flight information.
- Once complete, a ticket with a QR code and a digital seal will be issued.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know if my passport is electronic?
Electronic passports display a chip symbol at the bottom center of the cover page:
Who can use the FMA?
Passengers who:
- Hold a valid ordinary electronic passport.
- Are 18 or older.
- Are entering Mexico for tourism purposes only (People holding a student visa, employment offer visa, family reunification visa, humanitarian visa, minister of religion visa, temporary or permanent Mexican residence permit, or carrying any non-ordinary passport or travel document diplomatic, official, service, special, or consular, as well as airline crew members or, in general, individuals engaging in activities other than tourism, may not use the FMA).
- Are not traveling with minors.
- Hold a valid ordinary electronic passport with a minimum validity of more than 180 days from the following countries: Contar con pasaporte electrónico ordinario con una vigencia mayor a 180 días y de los siguientes países: Mexico, Germany, Austria, Australia, Belgium, Bulgaria, Canada, Denmark, Slovakia, Spain, the United States, Finland, France, Hungary, Ireland, Iceland, Israel, Italy, Japan, Latvia, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Norway, Poland, the United Kingdom, Romania, the Republic of Korea, the Czech Republic, Sweden, and Switzerland.
I am a Mexican and want an electronic passport, how can I get one?
The chip is integrated into the passport and cannot be obtained separately. Mexican citizens must schedule an appointment through the Secretaría de Relaciones Exteriores (SRE) official website, the sole authority for issuing passports, or at their local passport office.
Official portal: https://citas.sre.gob.mx/
Do international travelers still need to obtain the Multiple Immigration Form (FMM)?
Yes. Foreign visitors must scan the QR code on their ticket, download their Digital FMM, and keep it available for departure from Mexico.
What is the minimum passport validity to use the FMA?
At least 180 days from the date of travel.
Can everyone entering through these airports use the FMA?
No. Only passengers traveling for tourism purposes who meet all the requirements.
Is scanning the QR code on the ticket mandatory?
Yes. This step generates the Digital Multiple Immigration Form (FMM) containing your entry information, which may be requested upon departure.
Why should I keep the ticket?
El ticket contiene información única y personal del ingreso a territorio mexicano por un Filtro Migratorio Autónomo y podría ser requerido a la salida del país. It contains your unique and personal entry data, which may be required when leaving the country.
Why can minors not use these devices?
For safety and protection reasons, and due to the interaction difficulty such devices may present for minors.
Airports where FMA devices are available:
The Autonomous Migration Filters (FMA) are available in the next airports and terminals:
Terminal 1
Terminal 2
Terminal 3
Terminal 4
Terminal 2
Terminal A
Terminal 1
Terminal 1
Terminal 1
For further reference, consult the following links:
May 2025
D.R.@ 2025 Instituto Nacional de Migración, Secretaría de Gobernación
Homero 1832, Colonia Los Morales Polanco, alcaldía Miguel Hidalgo, CP 11510 Ciudad de México.
In internal collaboration with:
General Directorate of Migration Control and Verification
General Directorate of Information and Communications Technologies
Directorate of Social Communication
Total or partial reproduction is permitted for non-commercial purposes, citing as follows:
National Institute of Migration, Secretary of the Interior (2025).
Autonomous Migration Filters.