Are you flying abroad? The immigration form is now digital

Are you Mexican and planning to travel abroad by plane? 

The Statistical Form for Mexicans (FEM), a mandatory requirement for leaving the country by air, will now be digital.

According to the National Institute of Immigration (INM) and the Agency for Digital Transformation and Telecommunications (ATDT), this form can be filled out digitally starting November 26, although the physical form will still be available.

It can be completed from any electronic device on the website or using the QR codes located at airports, and must be shown at the time of boarding.

“Digitizing the FEM is a smart, efficient change. It can be done in advance, one or two days before the trip, and takes approximately two minutes,” said Roxana de Alba Molina, International Program Coordinator at PrepaTec Valle Alto.

What information does the digital FEM request?

The form requests basic identification and travel information, similar to what was already requested on the physical form, including:

• Name(s)
• Last names (as they appear on your identification document)
• Date of birth (day, month, and year)
• Sex
• Type and number of identification document
• Departure route (air, sea, or land)
• Airline or ship (does not apply to ground transportation)
• Flight number or registration number (does not apply to ground transportation)
• Country of final destination
• Place of permanent residence
• Reason for travel (tourism, business, official, diplomatic, crew member)
• Statement by the Mexican citizen
• Signature of the declarant (or guardian in the case of minors)
• Place and date

Upon completing the required information, you must check the box, click “Continue,” and your trip will be registered.

The platform will then display the information, and the system will allow you to download a certificate, which you must present before boarding the plane.

However, if you made a mistake, you can re-register and repeat the previous steps.

Llave MX speeds up the data entry process

According to the Mexican government, individuals who have Llave MX, which is the federal government’s digital identity system, will be able to log in and view their preloaded personal data.

This is expected to reduce processing times and simplify the process, as travelers will only have to fill in their travel details, such as the airline, flight number, destination, and reason for travel.

“It’s a way to arrive at the airport prepared. It makes us more responsible and aware from the start of the trip, as we identify our flight, which airline we are traveling with, and where we are going,” said Karla Guadalupe González, specialist in Educational Experiences Abroad at PrepaTec Santa Catarina.

If you do not have a Llave MX profile, you can access the form by selecting the option “Start form without Llave MX” and filling it out manually.

Why is the Statistical Form for Mexicans mandatory?

The FEM is a document issued by the National Institute of Immigration that records the number of Mexicans entering and leaving the country.

Although it does not replace your passport or other requirements, it must be completed because it serves as an immigration control measure, facilitating the preparation of official reports and allowing authorities to confirm your identity and reasons for travel before boarding.

“You must also have your passport and, if necessary, a visa or electronic permit for the country you are traveling to, as well as medical insurance. 

“If the person is a minor, they must also complete the SAM (Minors Departure) form,” added De Alba Molina.

The SAM form will incur a cost starting from 2026, subject to certain conditions.

For those who prefer to fill out the document in the traditional way, the physical form will continue to be used during a transition period. However, the goal is for it to be phased out.

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