DeMinimis - 2-21-2017 at 01:10 PM
Hey all. Haven't crossed here since '09. Back then, if I recall, getting a tourist visa was limited to certain hours and not available on Sundays.
Anyway, does anyone have current info on getting a tourist visa on Sundays at Mexicali East? Thanks!
AKgringo - 2-21-2017 at 03:04 PM
I can not speak about Mexicali East, but I crossed south at Mexicali west on Sunday, Nov 20 this season. It was at mid day, and I expected a delay,
but the whole process took only about 15 minutes!
I used the far left lane, and was able to park right by the door of the INM office.
The agent at the desk filled out the form for me, and I paid right there (in pesos).
[Edited on 2-21-2017 by AKgringo]
DeMinimis - 2-21-2017 at 03:20 PM
I only did Mexicali West, by accident, a couple of years ago (heading north). They did not want RVs going that route (we're a truck and camper, but
we're huuuuge). Not sure if it's the same crossing into Baja. It really sucked heading north (our rig barely squeezed through).
DeMinimis - 2-21-2017 at 04:29 PM
Google shows East is open 7 days a week from 6AM to Midnight. Not sure I trust Google for that info, but that's about all I could find. I dunno,
might try the downtown crossing as I'd like to be well beyond Mexicali by 6AM.
dobromike - 2-22-2017 at 07:54 AM
Mexicali East is open 7 days a week, 6am -10pm. I crossed on Sunday, but my tourist card was pre-paid, so didn't need the bank. Great time to cross. I
was told that the Bank is open whenever the Immigration Office is open, but that info is second hand.
DeMinimis - 2-22-2017 at 08:03 AM
Thank you!! Unless someone here chimes up that going through the old crossing (never tried going south) is not a good idea (stupid huge truck and
stupider large camper), we may try that as I want to get out of Mexicali about the time the sun rises. Hate driving in Mexicali.
Pacifico - 2-22-2017 at 08:20 AM
Parking can be difficult on the Mexicali East crossing for getting your FMM if you are in a large vehicle. There have been threads on this before with
maps, etc. Try doing a search on Nomads. I do remember there is a small turnout big enough for 2-3 vehicles south of the buildings near the X-ray
machine...the main parking lot is difficult to access if in a big vehicle.
Found it...check this thread out:
http://forums.bajanomad.com/viewthread.php?tid=81369#pid1013...
[Edited on 2-22-2017 by Pacifico]
DeMinimis - 2-22-2017 at 09:09 AM
Thanks. I've done East with no problems, although there was some walking involved. They just aren't open early enough for me so considering West
(old/Downtown).
dobromike - 2-22-2017 at 09:57 AM
East is the only crossing I will use, Ever! I also hate driving in Mexicali, but on Sunday morning early, it is a piece of cake. As far as parking,
They always let me park in the Red Zone long enough to run into immigration office. Never have encountered a line at the East Crossing going South.
But. don't hold it over my head if you encounter problems. Haha
dobromike - 2-22-2017 at 10:04 AM
In Addition to my last statement, I also Always cross early Sunday morning
DeMinimis - 2-22-2017 at 10:14 AM
Thanks! Yea, I'm one of those guys that likes to hit the road at 4:30AM when in Baja. My truck turns night into day, and I really like knocking out
a few miles in the pre-drawn. Dare I say it's almost therapeutic? I even think my wife almost enjoys being at the ready to switch off the PIAAs
should we meet a vehicle on the road.