Borderhopper - 10-19-2003 at 10:11 AM
My wife is a national of Thailand and is traveling on a Thai passport with an American tourist visa. We were told by the US embassy in Bangkok that we
could travel to Baja with no problems as far as her re-entering the US. Would it be wise to get her a Mexican visa if we plan on driving all the way
to La Paz? I know visas aren't required for many nationals who want to cross the border in Baja for a brief trip. We are looking at spending 4 days
there. Thanks for any info!
David K - 10-19-2003 at 11:29 AM
You both need 'visas' (called Tourist Cards or FM-Ts) to travel beyond the border area. In Baja, that means south of Maneadero (80 miles south of the
border, on Hwy. 1). You obtain them just inside the Mexican border by parking in the secondary inspection area and walking to the INM office. A birth
certificate or passport works for North Americans. I strongly suggest you get official word from U.S. Customs about your wife exiting to Mexico and
then trying to re-enter the U.S. for proper procedures.
The visa/FM-T is about US $20/pp and can be requested valid for 6 mos. for return visits. If your trip is under 7 days, it may be free... there has
been rumors to this.
You pay the fee at a teller next door to the INM office, then return to INM for a final stamp.
The visa/FM-T is inspected at the border between Baja and Baja Sur, 450 miles south.
thanks for the info
Borderhopper - 10-19-2003 at 02:05 PM
Thank you very much for the detailed information. I will double check about the re-entry procedures as far as the US govt. is concerned. You've been a
great help!