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gnukid
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I think the report about a roadblock was on a Hiway with Tolls with some Federal/State association, so perhaps different rules apply, like entering a
port or federal facility.
The inspection leaving La Paz North usually is military and South is police and they are different, in that they are permanent and associated to
"security", not random verification of visa status, if they ask for identification they are trying to validate if you look like someone with
outstanding charges, they don't refuse people to pass who do not have passports, they simply ask your name or if you have ID you can show it. If you
want to show them your passport and FMM, I'm sure they don't refuse. They do inspect cars that are suspicious.
The point is there is no "requirement" to carry passport or FMM with you while you cruise around Baja, though you must have them at your home and have
legal status that can be demonstrated if you are involved in a crime or infraction, ID helps, they can ask you if you are here legally, and it's
possible to use online tools for verification.
In my entire life of passing those two stations North and South, or anywhere in Baja, I've never been refused to pass or had anyone refused to pass
for lack of passport and FMM, though, of course, I am here legally. I suppose if you look suspicious and don't interact well, you will be held up
while they verify you are not a wanted criminal.
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KasloKid
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I'll add another dimension to the discussion.
A few years ago, my wife and I took a back road from Tuscon to Gila Bend, (Hwy 86). We encountered a border patrol checkpoint and asked for
identification (we're Canadian). Showed him my drivers license but he wanted my passport. I told him I have one back at my RV in Yuma, but don't
carry it with me whilst being a tourist. I was promptly told by law, as a non national, I am required to be able to produce it to authorities any
time it was asked for. Jeez, who knew? He let us go and now we carry our passports.....
When in Mexico, I don't have a problem being asked to produce any documentation proving I'm not an illegal and have only been asked once to produce
passport, FMM and proof of vehicle insurance near Empalme, Sonora (just south of Guaymas). It was a highway checkpoint.
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David K
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Mood: Have Baja Fever
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Quote: Originally posted by KasloKid  | I'll add another dimension to the discussion.
A few years ago, my wife and I took a back road from Tuscon to Gila Bend, (Hwy 86). We encountered a border patrol checkpoint and asked for
identification (we're Canadian). Showed him my drivers license but he wanted my passport. I told him I have one back at my RV in Yuma, but don't
carry it with me whilst being a tourist. I was promptly told by law, as a non national, I am required to be able to produce it to authorities any
time it was asked for. Jeez, who knew? He let us go and now we carry our passports.....
When in Mexico, I don't have a problem being asked to produce any documentation proving I'm not an illegal and have only been asked once to produce
passport, FMM and proof of vehicle insurance near Empalme, Sonora (just south of Guaymas). It was a highway checkpoint. |
Exactly true... Of interest, in Europe, the hotel desk holds your passports as a security measure (I guess)... So while on a day tour, you don't have
it on you. This was in 1985. As a foreigner, do try and honor the immigration laws. I have never been stopped by a surprise checkpoint seeking
passports or FMM/ FMT papers, in my 50 years driving in Baja... But, that doesn't mean I shouldn't have them.
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mtgoat666
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| Quote: Originally posted by David K | | Quote: Originally posted by KasloKid | I'll add another dimension to the discussion.
A few years ago, my wife and I took a back road from Tuscon to Gila Bend, (Hwy 86). We encountered a border patrol checkpoint and asked for
identification (we're Canadian). Showed him my drivers license but he wanted my passport. I told him I have one back at my RV in Yuma, but don't
carry it with me whilst being a tourist. I was promptly told by law, as a non national, I am required to be able to produce it to authorities any
time it was asked for. Jeez, who knew? He let us go and now we carry our passports.....
When in Mexico, I don't have a problem being asked to produce any documentation proving I'm not an illegal and have only been asked once to produce
passport, FMM and proof of vehicle insurance near Empalme, Sonora (just south of Guaymas). It was a highway checkpoint. |
Exactly true... Of interest, in Europe, the hotel desk holds your passports as a security measure (I guess)... So while on a day tour, you don't have
it on you. This was in 1985. |
Things have changed in last 35 years,… this practice has pretty much disappeared.
Woke!
“...ask not what your country can do for you – ask what you can do for your country.” “My fellow citizens of the world: ask not what America
will do for you, but what together we can do for the freedom of man.”
Prefered gender pronoun: the royal we
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JZ
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We put our passports in the hotel room safe when traveling outside the US. Just did that last week.
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Bajaboy
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Location: Bahia Asuncion, BCS, Mexico
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| Quote: Originally posted by David K | | Quote: Originally posted by KasloKid | I'll add another dimension to the discussion.
A few years ago, my wife and I took a back road from Tuscon to Gila Bend, (Hwy 86). We encountered a border patrol checkpoint and asked for
identification (we're Canadian). Showed him my drivers license but he wanted my passport. I told him I have one back at my RV in Yuma, but don't
carry it with me whilst being a tourist. I was promptly told by law, as a non national, I am required to be able to produce it to authorities any
time it was asked for. Jeez, who knew? He let us go and now we carry our passports.....
When in Mexico, I don't have a problem being asked to produce any documentation proving I'm not an illegal and have only been asked once to produce
passport, FMM and proof of vehicle insurance near Empalme, Sonora (just south of Guaymas). It was a highway checkpoint. |
Exactly true... Of interest, in Europe, the hotel desk holds your passports as a security measure (I guess)... So while on a day tour, you don't have
it on you. This was in 1985. As a foreigner, do try and honor the immigration laws. I have never been stopped by a surprise checkpoint seeking
passports or FMM/ FMT papers, in my 50 years driving in Baja... But, that doesn't mean I shouldn't have them. |
No different than buying auto insurance. Hope I never need it but I'll always have it.
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Villas
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Immigration stop
My neighbors were stopped, they had a pic on their phones of their pre COVID arrival card, had trouble finding their second card from La Paz, were
told to report La Paz the next day, 4000 pesos later for each, they are again legal.
They had not been able to travel back north yet.
Guess this a good reminder that we have to have copies of all documents with us all the time. ( I keep copies, black and white, so as not to be
confused as an original,) the immigration officer at the airport, said never have a color copy of your immigration card, only a black and white copy
unless you carry the original. They can consider a laminated color copy a forgery
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Villas
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Forgot to mention, the officers checked their status with only their us drivers license and knew exactly when they entered the country, “ big
brother is computerized south of the border also”
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RFClark
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JC43,
You must be Canadian cause the US has no VAT! Some states have sales taxes, but there’s no national VAT like Canada and Mexico.
Mexicans don’t consider themselves “Americans” any more than Canadians do even though both countries are located in North America! The Mexican
National Anthem begins with the word “Mexicans” not Americans!
It’s difficult to sell property under the table if there is a fido on it! It’s easer for Mexicans because they don't require one! Cheating on the
VAT is a national pastime among everyone in Mexico.
Yes, there were Spaniards in Baja before the US was a country! They exported cow hides and tallow not Cars, Trucks and TVs! Tourists and Manufacturing
for export have made Baja one of the richest parts of Mexico.
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gnukid
Ultra Nomad
Posts: 4410
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| Quote: Originally posted by Villas | | Forgot to mention, the officers checked their status with only their us drivers license and knew exactly when they entered the country, “ big
brother is computerized south of the border also” |
It's like saying you only need to carry proof if you are illegal, since, if you are legal, it shows up in the system based on name?
Basically, if you are legal, there is no need to carry passport or FMM/Visa on a daily basis cruising around, except when crossing the border.
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4x4abc
Ultra Nomad
Posts: 4165
Registered: 4-24-2009
Location: La Paz, BCS
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reading about immigration checks pretty much every day now.
All over Baja
done by National Guard
Harald Pietschmann
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del mar
Banned
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and some are reporting copies not accepted
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JZ
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Hmm. Wonder why they are now cracking down on this? What problem are they trying to solve?
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AKgringo
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It seems to me that the place assure that foreigners traveling in Baja had the right documents, would be at the border!
Even if the traveler knows that the FMM is required, you have to know where and how to get one, and that varies from one crossing to another. I have
never seen any helpful signs to guide or inform people of what is next before they have passed through the port of entry!
If you are not living on the edge, you are taking up too much space!
"Could do better if he tried!" Report card comments from most of my grade school teachers. Sadly, still true!
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SFandH
Elite Nomad
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| Quote: Originally posted by JZ |
Hmm. Wonder why they are now cracking down on this? What problem are they trying to solve?
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I saw a news report that Mexico is taking a tougher stance against immigrants coming from Central America who cross into Mexico illegally at the
southern border. It could be that they are also looking for, maybe mainly looking for, those folks as they migrate north. Just a thought.
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David K
Honored Nomad
Posts: 64490
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Location: San Diego County
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Mood: Have Baja Fever
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| Quote: Originally posted by AKgringo | It seems to me that the place assure that foreigners traveling in Baja had the right documents, would be at the border!
Even if the traveler knows that the FMM is required, you have to know where and how to get one, and that varies from one crossing to another. I have
never seen any helpful signs to guide or inform people of what is next before they have passed through the port of entry! |
This has been my point of contention, as well. How difficult would it be to inform southbound traffic that non-Mexicans must have a valid visa or FMM
and they are obtained HERE (at the first building inside Mexico).
Naturally, the road jam caused by everyone without one stopping is going to be terrific... so, they don't advertise the law... knowing only some will
get it. They pretty much know most cars are staying in the border region so the rule is only enforced farther south, but rarely.
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mtgoat666
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...and speaking of immigrants in the USA...
https://youtu.be/6_35a7sn6ds
Woke!
“...ask not what your country can do for you – ask what you can do for your country.” “My fellow citizens of the world: ask not what America
will do for you, but what together we can do for the freedom of man.”
Prefered gender pronoun: the royal we
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Villas
Newbie
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Registered: 5-24-2021
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Forgot to mention, the officers checked their status with only their us drivers license and knew exactly when they entered the country, “ big
brother is computerized south of the border also”
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maspacificoII
Newbie
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Checkpoint just North of La Paz yesterday. Wanted passport and immigration papers. Southbound. Never been checked before. Guy we were following still
there when we left.
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RFClark
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Went north today. The floating checkpoint was at KM185 north of La Paz we were looked at but not stoped they were busy searching locals cars.
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