BajaNomad

Permits to travel in Baja Sur

Stinson4118C - 12-22-2006 at 11:20 PM

Hate to be the newbie asking questions, but I have searched and must be using the wrong terms. I was in Bahia de Los Angeles a couple of years ago with dive friends, and we just drove down in a rental and had no problems and as I remember it bought no permits or "visas" or whatever. This year I'm taking my wife and daughter to Bahia but then on to whale watch at Scammons Lagoon, which is slightly into Baja Sur. So what do I need to do differently and when do I do it?? In San Diego, or at the border or later?? Thanks!!!!

woody with a view - 12-23-2006 at 07:40 AM

you need to stop at the t.j. border (right lane) and park. tell the inspectors you need a tourist card and they'll leave you alone:lol:. leave your wife in the car and take both of your passports/birth certs and go behind the row of offices fronting the inspection area and turn right. depending on the time of day you will be going against foot traffic. walk +/- 100 yards until you see on the left a new stucco building with DARK tinted window. you're there.

get tourist cards, proceed back towards your car and look for open bank in those offices fronting your car. pay $20 each and go back to the first office to get stamped. go back to your car, get in and have a great trip.

p.s. post a trip report when you return!!!

Phil C - 12-23-2006 at 08:12 AM

The visa office has moved into the newly finished offices next to the parking area, at the north end, the bank is also there, a few spaces to the south. Not so long a walk anymore.

Summanus - 12-23-2006 at 08:15 AM

Anyone get theirs in Tecate? Seems it would be so much easier there.

TMW - 12-23-2006 at 08:48 AM

I always get mine at Tecate. I avoid TJ as much as possible.

oxxo - 12-23-2006 at 08:53 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by Summanus
Anyone get theirs in Tecate?


Yes, got mine there last Tuesday on my way down to Los Cabos. Immigration office is immediately to the right as you cross over the border. Bank is right across the street. No line at all. Parking is a bit of a problem, had to park two blocks away and walk back to immigration.

Immigration officer was very helpful and cordial - full of holiday spirit. Gave us free helpful maps to the Baja penninsula.

By the way, there are some places where the police or ambulance service, in uniform, flag you down in some of the towns along Hwy 1 asking for donations. Give them a buck or two. It can't hurt and they are very grateful. Also, no problem with gasoline anywhere.

[Edited on 12-23-2006 by oxxo]

David K - 12-23-2006 at 10:58 AM

Tijuana immigration (INM) and the bank window for paying the fee is OPEN 24/7... Tecate is not.

Stinson4118C - 12-23-2006 at 01:51 PM

Hey thanks very much for the info. Sounds easy enough to do. I hate to stop anywhere in TJ but this sounds easy enough. Do children under 10 have to pay the fee too?? Or just us adults? Thanks again for :)the info. Really a neat and usefull forum.

Diver - 12-23-2006 at 01:54 PM

Yes, they get you for the kids FMT's also.

Summanus - 12-23-2006 at 02:13 PM

well, in that case, then might FMT = For My Tot..?