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Author: Subject: Is it possible to enter Baja without a passport?
ftrphb
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[*] posted on 1-22-2024 at 05:45 PM


He did say his method of travel. Makes a difference. A big difference. You need a passport traveling north. Best to say how you are traveling.
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John M
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[*] posted on 1-23-2024 at 08:40 AM
From experience...


Going into Baja earlier this year two young guys were with us, entering at Tecate at first on foot to get paperwork squared away a day ahead of time. Neither had a passport.

When they went into the Tecate immigration office, going south, the agent would not give them an FMM without a passport. So, they walked back across the border through the US Customs and Border Protection and they had absolutely no problem with only a driver's license.

Returning again to the U.S. ten days later at Calexico east, same thing, the US CBP officer had no issue with them not having a passport.

Your experience may vary.

John M
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David K
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[*] posted on 1-23-2024 at 09:54 AM


This has always been the case: passing through is at the discretion of the officer. Having a passport just simplifies proving citizenship.
Southbound is different, Mexico must see a passport to issue an FMM.
The question of entering Mexico requiring one is a bit of an oddity because cars can drive right in and even if a red light or officer sends you to secondary, it is not to check passports. Plus, FMMs are not required for short trips in the border region.
So, you can enter Mexico without a passport but not for more than three days or past the border zone, legally.




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[*] posted on 1-23-2024 at 02:50 PM


Crossing south using Mexicali West or Algodones I have been stopped ever time and ask for papers Perm Res or FMM

Different story at Mexicali East unless I am trailering the Jeep or flat towing the Jeep I have never been asked for papers.

When towing it has been slower lately with more proof than previously.
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David K
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[*] posted on 1-23-2024 at 03:44 PM


Asked by who? Don't you ever get a green light and just keep driving (like most)?



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[*] posted on 1-23-2024 at 04:50 PM


When renewing a PP and expedited service desired, be sure to fill in the box regarding your date of upcoming travel. If left blank, the extra fee for expedited service won't get it to you sooner.
When flying internationally for work at a major express carrier, we had 3 day turn around including shipping. I once got a renewal in under 2 hours at a US embassy in china.
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PaulW
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[*] posted on 1-23-2024 at 06:01 PM


Quote: Originally posted by David K  
Asked by who? Don't you ever get a green light and just keep driving (like most)?


== =
When towing (flat tow or trailer)
- Enter in Right NON DECLARE line and get a green light - They always demand you stop for examination of papers. They wave you into the right side cone area and ask for registration and do a cursory inspection. Sometimes migration, but always customs.

Not towing
- Drive in Right or Left NON DECLARE line and get a green light and drive on south. Stop for customs as directed for inspection and maybe direction to go to customs to pay a duty. It happens but not very much if the traffic is heavy.
I see this a lot of folks stopped for customs inspection but mostly Mexican plates not gringos.

FMM Needed?
- Drive in Right NON DECLARE line and get a green light. Stop and block traffic and explain and ask for directions. Usually they will have you pull forward and pull the right and park so you can walk to the FMM place as directed.

Importing appliances, etc. in your truck or on your trailer
- Enter in DECLARE line and get a green light. Stop at the cones and go to the FMM office. Get inspected and pay the duty and head south.
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