BajaNomad

Tourist Permits

White Angel - 4-19-2006 at 05:14 PM

Once again we managed to spend 9 days running around northern Baja without "papers". This was not intentional; but is easily overlooked and the one time I thought seriously about the matter, we were in Ensenada where we all know how pleasant that office is. We were only involved in two "out of the car" roadblock searches and four other checkpoints; but no one ever asks for the paperwork. At what point are the papers required to be shown? How much trouble are you in without them? I guess a car crash might get sticky; but is there a time when anyone in authority routinely requests them? Maybe we were just lucky and stupid?

David K - 4-19-2006 at 05:30 PM

The 'papers' are for Mexican federal immigration, not the military drug/gun checkpoints.

The ONLY place on the peninsula they ask for papers (Tourist Card or other FM-?) is on Hwy. 1 at the state border near Guerrero Negro (Eagle Monument)... at least that is what I have heard or experienced so far.

tim40 - 4-19-2006 at 08:13 PM

That is the only place I have been asked AND attempted to be hit up for a bogus fee for this or that....the answer is no and certainly would be interested in heading into town to meet your Cpt.

White Angel - 4-20-2006 at 08:25 AM

So; if staying north of the Eagle, do most of the Nomads just blow it off and save the $20? In nearly 20 trips, we've only not carried the permits twice; but why bother? You would think the check points would be a perfect place to check for them; at least on vehicles with US plates.

rts551 - 4-20-2006 at 08:31 AM

If you are involved in an accident or other legal problem you will be required to show them.

Bajaboy - 4-20-2006 at 08:31 AM

I can only speak for myself, but the law says that one must have a tourist permit for stays of 7 days or more, and thus I purchase it. Is $20 worth the risk? I mean, if you're feeling lucky, you might as well not purchase insurance, right?!

Just my thoughts,

Zac

osoflojo - 4-20-2006 at 12:44 PM

With all the contention about "immigration" issues north of the border, why would you want to be illegal south of it? If you do get caught "illegal" south of the border you will most likely be in better shape than if you get caught "illegal" north of it. If $20 is the issue cut out a couple of jelly doughnuts. (notice I dod not say a couple of beers)

Bob H - 4-20-2006 at 02:24 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by osoflojo
If $20 is the issue cut out a couple of jelly doughnuts. (notice I did not say a couple of beers)


No! Not the beers! :lol::lol::lol:

shari - 4-20-2006 at 02:37 PM

For all of you who don't want to spend the $20 BEWARE...for ANY problem with the cops, or an accident of course, the first thing they ask for is your tourist permit....if you don't have it, you are in the country illegally and then they can screw with you more and make your life miserable...plus it is an $80 fine...minimum...as well as other things they can cook up to fine you for once they have you in their clutches...I strongly advise all visitors to pay the $20 and avoid any unpleasant and potentially costly situations.

jerry - 4-20-2006 at 03:44 PM

yea dont be a wet back lol

Bob H - 4-20-2006 at 05:27 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by shari
For all of you who don't want to spend the $20 BEWARE...for ANY problem with the cops, or an accident of course, the first thing they ask for is your tourist permit....if you don't have it, you are in the country illegally and then they can screw with you more and make your life miserable...plus it is an $80 fine...minimum...as well as other things they can cook up to fine you for once they have you in their clutches...I strongly advise all visitors to pay the $20 and avoid any unpleasant and potentially costly situations.


Shari is "right ON!" An accident is just that, an accident, and it happens in a matter of a blink of the eye. $20 is cheap insurance considering the problems you could be facing without proper documentation. Don't mess around, get it!
Bob H

The law

Cyndarouh - 4-20-2006 at 06:37 PM

The law states 78 hours no futher than a hundred miles. (Ensenada) White Angle you get in a accident I hope you have a lot of money, Speak the lingo and I Pray no one is Hurt. Your in deep ????? as our local friends say down south. We do our Visa's and take all our friends to Ensenada, Never had any problems. We have been going down since the early 50's. Hubby and I are in that office, since built at least 5 times a year, with friends helping them get their, Visas. The one guy can be a bit of a pain but work with him he comes around. .We as Americans complain about the illegals here. LOL Two weeks ago we were in the Ensenada office with friends,(4) It only cost 19.78 per visa, took us 16 mins. I hope your not a person that is upset over all the people here with out papers.!!!!!

Where is that spellllll ck Roger?

David K - 4-20-2006 at 06:40 PM

Well, $20 for something that before 2000 was free is tough with large families...

The recent change to FREE for 7 days was to help the declining tourist flow south. However, the $20 fee is not the biggest problem... It is the getting into the parking area in front of IMN on Friday afternoon... Impossible from I-5... You need to be on I-805 and stay in the right lane.

Since Ensenada's INM doesn't want to do his job anymore*, maybe they would be smart to open an office south of Maneadero, like in the old days (or along the toll road perhaps) where we can easily obtain the card, if it is so important to them that we are legal.

Unless people read the Internet or guidebooks, how would the casual tourist even know that south of Maneadero or anywhere over 72 hours one is required??? I mean like where is the big sign to tell anyone what is required of them???

In the 'old days' a small office was located south of Maneadero with a sign telling all tourists to stop... There we would show our Tourist cards or obtain one (a small tip was often requested).

* Just read Cyndarouh's post... so 2 weeks ago he was doing his job again? Great! Nomads reported he refused to issue any more a few weeks ago.


[Edited on 4-21-2006 by David K]

Bruce R Leech - 4-20-2006 at 06:48 PM

If you like to Gamble big stakes don't get it.:lol:

Bajaboy - 4-20-2006 at 07:05 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by David K
Well, $20 for something that before 2000 was free is tough with large families...

The recent change to FREE for 7 days was to help the declining tourist flow south. However, the $20 fee is not the biggest problem... It is the getting into the parking area in front of IMN on Friday afternoon... Impossible from I-5... You need to be on I-805 and stay in the right lane.

Since Ensenada's INM doesn't want to do his job anymore*, maybe they would be smart to open an office south of Maneadero, like in the old days (or along the toll road perhaps) where we can easily obtain the card, if it is so important to them that we are legal.

Unless people read the Internet or guidebooks, how would the casual tourist even know that south of Maneadero or anywhere over 72 hours one is required??? I mean like where is the big sign to tell anyone what is required of them???

In the 'old days' a small office was located south of Maneadero with a sign telling all tourists to stop... There we would show our Tourist cards or obtain one (a small tip was often requested).

* Just read Cyndarouh's post... so 2 weeks ago he was doing his job again? Great! Nomads reported he refused to issue any more a few weeks ago.


[Edited on 4-21-2006 by David K]


DK-

With all due respect, when one travels to another country that person is responsible to know the laws of the land. I am sure there are plenty of people trying to visit the US who have equally challenging times getting their respective visas. Yes, it was easier/ cheaper to obtain in 2000 but things have changed around the world for many reasons.

In the past, when not travelling at night, I have parked on the US side of the border, walked across to get my permits, waited in line to return to the US, and then travelled into Baja the following day. Yes it was a pain, but also necessary. It was also a pain to get my passport to travel to Europe but well worth it in the end.

Just my thoughts-

Zac

rts551 - 4-20-2006 at 07:14 PM

Just get the required permits. Its easy compared to what is required to come into this country. And I am sure none of those that do not get their permits complain about illeagal migration north.

David K - 4-20-2006 at 07:19 PM

Yes Zac, I understand this and have both a passport and a tourist card...

The issue is more what Mexico NEEDS... Like MORE tourists... What I suggest would benefit Mexico... More tourists, more money collected for tourist cards, etc.

The U.S. does not have the same need for tourism, as does Mexico...

Cyndarouh - 4-20-2006 at 07:50 PM

Dk, Last I looked Ensenada was not on I-5 or 805. We as a family and friends have been teated with kindness. The one guy is a bit of a poop, but comes around. By the by, Dk if you know the people its not the same price for a big family. They work with you. I won't go in to it as you Know all. IMHO never had any problems there. Maybe its the Apple pie we bring, Who knows. God Where is JR when I need him?

David K - 4-20-2006 at 08:03 PM

I do not know all Cindi, that is not nice...

Where did I say anything about Ensenada being on those freeways? Please note I was talking about how hard it is to get to INM at the border on Friday afternoons when so many head for Mexico.

It was reported here that the official at Ensenada no longer would issue tourist cards.

Tijuana is where most would have to go with Ensenada's Migra being closed.

"If you know the people"??? Then you are maybe cheating the Mexican government by not paying for every person?

I do think if it was free again, then Mexico would benefit more, as Americans are reluctant to go south as it is... but to tax every tourist who will only be spending money in Mexico is pretty dumb.

Bajaboy - 4-20-2006 at 09:13 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by David K
Yes Zac, I understand this and have both a passport and a tourist card...

The issue is more what Mexico NEEDS... Like MORE tourists... What I suggest would benefit Mexico... More tourists, more money collected for tourist cards, etc.

The U.S. does not have the same need for tourism, as does Mexico...


Dk-
I understand where you're coming from..Mexico does count on tourism but no more than the United States...San Diego is pretty dependent on tourism. If Mexico made it more convenient to get a tourist permit, the theory goes, more people would get one. Then, with more money to promote tourism, more people would travel to Mexico. Fortunately, theory doesn't always work it Mexico.

My main point is we are responsible to abide by the laws and customs of the countries we visit. I'm tired of hearing how Mexico needs to be more like the United States...and I'm not saying that's what you're saying.

Zac

[Edited on 4-21-2006 by Bajaboy]

tippytoestrish - 4-20-2006 at 09:47 PM

it was suggested that our family get the tourist visa's at our local Mexican Consulate--I guess I'm lucky that Fresno has one. is that the whole process, then, or is there anything separate that can only be obtained while at the border?

David K - 4-20-2006 at 09:54 PM

Well Trish... Yes, you can get a pre-paid tourist card at the consulate, Discover Baja travel club office, Instant Mexico Auto Insurance, and a couple other places north of the border... BUT, they must get STAMPED when you enter Mexico or at an IMN office (Ensenada, San Felipe) before you travel south of Maneadero or stay longer than 72 hours.

Again, problematic finding one open when you will be passing by one or getting into the parking area at the border INM.

White Angel - 4-21-2006 at 07:13 AM

I asked the original question about what kind of trouble can arise largely because of the issues David mentions. I'm an annual visitor so I'm at least aware I should get the permit. I don't believe there is any signage to inform a first time tourist that they are required and there certainly is not an "express lane" to ease the process. We crossed the border at sunset and were at Melings the next day. It's not about the $20 or disrespect for Mexican law (although I suppose using inconvience as an excuse is VERY much the ugly American); but that the whole thing is so easily overlooked and then forgotten. I wasn't advocating avoidence; just questioning the consequences.

turtleandtoad - 4-21-2006 at 08:11 AM

I use the Tecate crossing when heading into Baja. I get my FM-T through the mail from the Vags. It's all paid for so all I need is the stamp. To get that, I park on the US side, walk across and get the FM-T stamped at the Migaracion office that is in the first building on the right, about 10 ft inside the fence, and walk back across (if I don't have lunch in Tecate and spend some time windowshopping and people-watching).

The only time I've ever been asked for it was, like others have said, at the Guerrero Negro crossing. Of course, if they are open (they aren't always open) and asking for FM-T's they are also open to buy your FM-T.

David K - 4-21-2006 at 04:56 PM

Good idea Mike... What days and hours is the Tecate INM office open, if you recall?

turtleandtoad - 4-21-2006 at 06:15 PM

Last time I checked, they were open from 6 am to 12 midnight. While there, you can also tour the Tecate brewery. Everything in Tecate is within walking distance of the border.

This year I crossed at Sonoyta (same hours and they have paved, free parking on the U.S. side) and went to Bahia Kino.

bajaguy - 4-25-2006 at 07:53 PM

Was at the Ensenada office of Migration on Monday, 4-23-06. Sign on their window states that FMT's (tourist permits) are issued at Tijuana....If you get it at Ensenada, the fine (fee) is 47 pesos a day.... I assume the fee is per day from when you cross the border

White Angel - 4-26-2006 at 08:07 AM

So, if you are in Ensenada and it's afternoon; you crossed over just that morning, right? That's the thought I had even though we'd been "in country" four days and that also meant we'd be leaving in another 5 days; so don't we qualify for the 'free' permit?

bajabound2005 - 4-26-2006 at 08:49 AM

If you have the permit and have paid the fee will they stamp it in Ensenada?

bajaguy - 4-26-2006 at 08:30 PM

I guess thay will stamp if if anyone is around at the Ensenada office....I plan on buying my FMT at the Instant insurance place before you cross the border. It's pre-paid...all you have to do is get it stamped at the TJ border crossing

thefishaholic - 4-29-2006 at 02:45 PM

I it possible to get our truck,boat, trailer, fishing licenses and tourist permits in Denver before we head out in December? Then get it stamped at TJ, Ensenada or Guerero Negro based on who is open?

BTW is the check point at Meadenero (SP) still open? Do they require all permits to go on to Mulege?

Thanks for the help.

shari - 4-29-2006 at 03:06 PM

It's super easy to get your tourist visa at the checkpoint at Guerrero Negro immigration office, it's very fast, convenient and you don't have to pay right then, you can pay at any bank anywhere as long as you pay before you leave. The folks are also real nice there (most are my ex students at the University I taught at...so tell em your friends of mine and they'll treat you extra nice!)

turtleandtoad - 4-29-2006 at 05:21 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by thefishaholic
I it possible to get our truck,boat, trailer, fishing licenses and tourist permits in Denver before we head out in December? Then get it stamped at TJ, Ensenada or Guerero Negro based on who is open?

BTW is the check point at Meadenero (SP) still open? Do they require all permits to go on to Mulege?

Thanks for the help.


If you're going into Baja, you are supposed to have a Temporary Import Permit for your boat if it is over 12 ft (?, it might be 14'), TIP's are not needed for the truck or trailer in Baja. TIP's are only available at the border or any Customs stops with a bank. Although this law has been on the books for a long time, the fish cops and port authorities have just recently started asking for them at various ports and other random sites in Baja.

For fishing, you will need a fishing license, a boat license, and if you're planning on using a developed harbor with a Harbormaster, a Harbor permit. Harbor permits are only good for the harbor they were issued at.

For the people, you will need FMT's (tourist permits) for everyone. The fishing license, boat license, and your FMT's are all available ahead of time from various travel clubs, Mexican Insurance sales office, etc. You can get everything in advance, through the mail, except that the FMT, although pre-paid, needs to be stamped at the border or at a Migracion office.

Check out my website for more info. Click on the "Border FAQ" button at the top of any page.