BajaNomad

Calexico South bound Visa office opening hours

scotinexcile - 4-7-2021 at 02:13 PM

Does anyone know where I can find out what times the Calexico West crossing, South bound, Visa office opens in the morning? :cool:

[Edited on 4-7-2021 by scotinexcile]

azucena - 4-8-2021 at 07:44 AM

That crossing is open 24 hours, although the immigration staff person may not be at their desk all hours. I usually cross at 5, 6 am and have always located someone no problem.

David K - 4-8-2021 at 08:34 AM

Since every non-Mexican must have the FMM, the INM office is open whenever then border is open.
As azucena notes, the staff may not be waiting for you at odd hours, so a little searching may be needed!?

scotinexcile - 4-8-2021 at 09:14 AM

Quote: Originally posted by azucena  
That crossing is open 24 hours, although the immigration staff person may not be at their desk all hours. I usually cross at 5, 6 am and have always located someone no problem.


Thank you for the info. We are trying to decide if we should cross late Wednesday evening or wait until 5am on Thursday morning.

Sounds like we should cross as soon as we get there

scotinexcile - 4-8-2021 at 09:20 AM

Quote: Originally posted by David K  
Since every non-Mexican must have the FMM, the INM office is open whenever then border is open.
As azucena notes, the staff may not be waiting for you at odd hours, so a little searching may be needed!?


Thank you that helps us a lot

We will probably try crossing late Wednesday evening and not wait until early Thursday morning on the 15th :)

David K - 4-8-2021 at 09:34 AM

Be cautious... night driving is never recommended in Baja. From road hazards such as cattle and burros to missing the sites, it is always best to drive in the daylight. Getting through a city may be an exception, but obey all traffic laws!

scotinexcile - 4-8-2021 at 09:38 AM

Quote: Originally posted by David K  
Be cautious... night driving is never recommended in Baja. From road hazards such as cattle and burros to missing the sites, it is always best to drive in the daylight. Getting through a city may be an exception, but obey all traffic laws!


David,

Thank you again

We are going to heed the advice for night driving and are looking for a hotel we can stop at as soon as we cross the border. We will have at least a 10hr drive on the Thursday during the day to Bajia Ascension

scotinexcile - 4-8-2021 at 10:31 AM

Quote: Originally posted by David K  
Be cautious... night driving is never recommended in Baja. From road hazards such as cattle and burros to missing the sites, it is always best to drive in the daylight. Getting through a city may be an exception, but obey all traffic laws!


Would you recommend staying in Calexico instead of crossing late at night?

David K - 4-8-2021 at 10:43 AM

Yes, easier to find a place and less stress for you.
Bahía Asunción is reachable but you shouldn't be in such a rush... Baja has so much to experience!

scotinexcile - 4-8-2021 at 11:36 AM

Quote: Originally posted by David K  
Yes, easier to find a place and less stress for you.
Bahía Asunción is reachable but you shouldn't be in such a rush... Baja has so much to experience!


Would love to not be in a rush but work restrictions only allow us enough time to get to Bahia Ascension, look at some property then head back again. In the future more time will be taken :D

[Edited on 4-8-2021 by scotinexcile]

David K - 4-8-2021 at 12:37 PM

Asunción :light:
Shari Bondy is the person who helps so many there!

PaulW - 4-8-2021 at 12:56 PM

Scot, We arrived late PM and found the surge line was huge. We predicted that with that long line it would be dark for the drive south thru the not so desirable city. We elected for restaurant and hotel in El Centro. Hit the border the next AM and found no line at all.

scotinexcile - 4-8-2021 at 02:59 PM

Quote: Originally posted by David K  
Asunción :light:
Shari Bondy is the person who helps so many there!


We are staying at her place when we are down there :)

scotinexcile - 4-8-2021 at 03:04 PM

Quote: Originally posted by PaulW  
Scot, We arrived late PM and found the surge line was huge. We predicted that with that long line it would be dark for the drive south thru the not so desirable city. We elected for restaurant and hotel in El Centro. Hit the border the next AM and found no line at all.


Interesting, we have been monitoring the https://bwt.cbp.gov/details/09250301/POV and it looks like early morning 5am - 6am would be a good time to cross

scotinexcile - 4-12-2021 at 10:33 AM

Quote: Originally posted by azucena  
That crossing is open 24 hours, although the immigration staff person may not be at their desk all hours. I usually cross at 5, 6 am and have always located someone no problem.


Can anyone give us directions to the Visa office? is it well signed? Any tips and tricks for a smooth crossing are appreciated :light:

David K - 4-12-2021 at 10:58 AM

Quote: Originally posted by scotinexcile  
Quote: Originally posted by azucena  
That crossing is open 24 hours, although the immigration staff person may not be at their desk all hours. I usually cross at 5, 6 am and have always located someone no problem.


Can anyone give us directions to the Visa office? is it well signed? Any tips and tricks for a smooth crossing are appreciated :light:


It is the FIRST building across the border.
Park at the first possible parking area... on the left, before the electric gates.
IF you pass that first parking area, and get through the automatic gates, then park as soon as possible on the other side, walks across to the building and inside is the INM counter (where you get the FMM).

scotinexcile - 4-12-2021 at 12:23 PM

Quote: Originally posted by David K  
Quote: Originally posted by scotinexcile  
Quote: Originally posted by azucena  
That crossing is open 24 hours, although the immigration staff person may not be at their desk all hours. I usually cross at 5, 6 am and have always located someone no problem.


Can anyone give us directions to the Visa office? is it well signed? Any tips and tricks for a smooth crossing are appreciated :light:


It is the FIRST building across the border.
Park at the first possible parking area... on the left, before the electric gates.
IF you pass that first parking area, and get through the automatic gates, then park as soon as possible on the other side, walks across to the building and inside is the INM counter (where you get the FMM).


Thank you :D