BajaNomad - FMTs & Vagabundos

FMTs & Vagabundos

awfulart - 1-4-2007 at 06:12 PM

:?:

Another small blow to tourism has been struck by the Mexican Government. I was told today that The Vagabundos organization can no longer issue Visitors Permits(FMTs) They apparently were notified yesterday. Not a big deal but sure would have been convenient to get one from Vagabundos instead of at the border.

Art & Alice - Valley Center CA

Marie-Rose - 1-4-2007 at 07:33 PM

:?:

I wonder if you can still get them at Discover Baja???

awfulart - 1-4-2007 at 07:51 PM

Marie-Rose, Good question. I will check with them.

bajabound2005 - 1-4-2007 at 08:27 PM

Our understanding from our friends and neighbors that lead the Vagabundos -- at least on the Baja trip - they take them to get them! We got our last FMT through Discover Baja but now have FM3s so hay no problemo.

Hook - 1-4-2007 at 08:44 PM

This is not the first time that the Mexican Government had decided to disallow organizations like the Vags and DB from issuing them. This also occurred around 8-10 years ago, as I recall.

David K - 1-4-2007 at 10:23 PM

It really isn't a big deal because even with those pre paid FM-Ts obtained north of the border, you STILL have to stop at the INM office to get them stamped when you enter Mexico... The same place that issues them (for free for up to 7 days) and use the bank teller almost next door for a 180 day paid one.

awfulart - 1-6-2007 at 12:10 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by David K
It really isn't a big deal because even with those pre paid FM-Ts obtained north of the border, you STILL have to stop at the INM office to get them stamped when you enter Mexico... The same place that issues them (for free for up to 7 days) and use the bank teller almost next door for a 180 day paid one.

David, You are right, no big deal. But, does it reflect an attitude on the part of some Govt officials? I don't know but tourism is a big deal in Mexico and they should do everything possible to encourage same. The perception can become a reality.

Art

jerry - 1-6-2007 at 12:20 PM

i am a vag and its been on and off again several times in the last 12 yrs usally off for a short time and then back on seems some new guy gets in and says no then they talk it over and its ok again i dont think its anything permanant??
they allso sell fishing licences and boat permits and insurance for mexico

Capt. George - 1-6-2007 at 01:39 PM

typical wrong decisions made by politico "burro-holes" wanted to save the site from editing.

ElGato - 1-24-2007 at 08:57 PM

I'm sorry folks but it does matter to me because I avoid T.J. like the plague and if I can't prepay my FMT it regulates the times I can cross at places like Tecate. The best I can do is cross during business hrs and get a 6mo. visa that will hopefully get several uses. :!:

David K - 1-24-2007 at 10:48 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by ElGato

ElGato, pre-paid or not, they still need to get a final stamp to activate them.

It takes a few more minutes to pay the teller after getting one is all you are saving, time-wise.

So, even if you have a paid one from up north, it is worthless untill it is stamped when you enter Mexico. Ensenada used to be a second location, but too many have reported that office is quite unfriendly.

If you wait until Guerrero Negro, then you will have driven almost 400 miles illegally without a stamped FM-T.

Tijuana has always been very easy and then get on the Scenic Route to avoid downtown traffic.

Hook - 1-25-2007 at 09:11 AM

I feel for El Gato on this one. I use SY almost exclusively but I can see how it's a hassle for some.

The smartest thing Mexico could do would be to reopen some time of Migra office just below Maneadero. Anyone coming from Otay or Tecate could use it.

ElGato - 1-25-2007 at 02:07 PM

:cool

avid K, Getting it stamped is not a problem. Paying at the bank can only be done during business hrs. Surely you must realize that!

ElGato - 1-25-2007 at 02:31 PM

Yes, I know I could go thru TJ but since I had a knife stuck in my stomach in my younger,wilder,drinking days I haven't haf cause to return!

David K - 1-25-2007 at 06:01 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by ElGato
:cool

avid K, Getting it stamped is not a problem. Paying at the bank can only be done during business hrs. Surely you must realize that!

The bank teller is open 24/7 at Tijuana border and it is facing the border secondary parking, just a few doors from the INM office... and the border is not on 'Revolucion' or where ever you got stabbed. You are surrounded by federal and local police at the border... Then just drive out and onto the Scenic Road out of town... You really never go 'into' the city of Tijuana...

Unfortunately, Tecate doesn't have a 24 hr. bank teller. That is probably the one legitimate reason for going to the trouble of buying a pre-paid card. Perhaps try Discover Baja Travel Club? Only they aren't open 24/7 either... If your trip is not over 7 days, then you don't need to pay... A 7 day FM-T is FREE.

FMT

awfulart - 1-25-2007 at 06:14 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by David K

Quote:

Originally posted by ElGato
:cool

avid K, Getting it stamped is not a problem. Paying at the bank can only be done during business hrs. Surely you must realize that!

I tried Discover Baja and they no longer can issue FMT s.

In addition, I thought if you went south of Ensenada and FMT would be required no matter how long you are down there, one day or 6 months. :?:

David K - 1-25-2007 at 06:22 PM

That's correct Art!

South of Maneadero/ Punta Banda OR San Felipe, you need one no matter for how much time you are south of those points.

In the border zone, you need one for more than 72 hours in Mexico.

They are FREE now if your stay is no more than 7 days... so no bank hassles.

The only place (so far) where they actually check it is at the Baja Sur border on Hwy. 1, near Guerrero Negro.

Alan - 2-26-2007 at 04:52 PM

Quote:

If you wait until Guerrero Negro, then you will have driven almost 400 miles illegally without a stamped FM-T.

Is this really considered illegal? Personally, I really don't know, hence my question and a similar post. I don't care much for stopping in TJ either so I have always just picked one up at the Insurance office before the border. If they're not allowing Vagbundos or Discover to issue them they probably won't be available at my insurance office anymore either.

Everything I have read just says it needs to be stamped in Mexico and it is supposed to be turned in before you leave. (I still have no idea where you are supposed to turn it in at).

I have never been asked for it except at GN and by the time I really started venturing south of San Felipe (on the pavement) the check point at Maneadero had closed so I'm afraid I may have been a little casual about Tourist cards over the years when just going to BoLA and before they put the checkpoint in GN. Things have changed for me and I anticipate more driving trips to Sur so I'm trying to learn the process. Is there a hassle at GN if you haven't had it stamped yet?

I know it is Baja so sometimes one can never get a definitive answer but through this board hopefully we can get the most "current" practices

[Edited on 2-27-2007 by Alan]

FMT

awfulart - 2-26-2007 at 05:19 PM

Since we were unable to get our FMT from Vagabundos we stopped at immigration at the border, got our FMT and paid for it next to immigration. It took about 20 minutes, very easy. Of course we were there during the week and the crossing into TJ was not too busy.

woody with a view - 2-26-2007 at 05:22 PM

is it possible to go to the mexican consulate on india street in downtown san diego and get the fmt and pay for it there. i can't find their phone # to call them and ask.... :?:

Hook - 2-26-2007 at 05:46 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by woody in ob
is it possible to go to the mexican consulate on india street in downtown san diego and get the fmt and pay for it there. i can't find their phone # to call them and ask.... :?:

Well, I would think you would still have to get it stamped by someone to verify that you have entered the country.

awfulart - 2-26-2007 at 05:48 PM

Quote:

I think you will still be required to pay in Mexico. As I said, it is very easy. You just stop under the bay to the right as you cross the border. If it is a busy time it might take a while.

woody with a view - 2-26-2007 at 05:55 PM

i'd like to bypass tj and go thru otay and down blvd 2000 and on down the road a "bit". my insurance states that not having fmt "MAY" make insurance invalid.....maybe just take the trolley and walk across this weekend so it's all taken care of b4 hand.....

Bob and Susan - 2-26-2007 at 06:00 PM

wooddy...

how could your insurance be invalid if you don't need a visa until past Ensenada?

also...why would you want to by-pass tj???
it's alot closer to you..and...
there's more motorcycle cops driving that road... and...
they "look" for surfers like you :lol:

[Edited on 2-27-2007 by Bob and Susan]

Crusoe - 2-26-2007 at 06:04 PM

Easiest Way there Is.........Cross at Tecate and head straight to Ensenada and go to office there. Fast polite service. Bank nearby..Never any crowds and no waiting. :spingrin:

woody with a view - 2-26-2007 at 06:08 PM

it says "visits over 72 hours require fmt available at mexican consulate or the border. failure to obtain one "MAY" invalidate insurance coverage"

i'd like to miss the backup at playas since we're gonna be crossing around 2pm and heading for the bajacactus before dark. it will be cool going a new route, too!

Hook - 2-27-2007 at 12:17 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by Crusoe
Easiest Way there Is.........Cross at Tecate and head straight to Ensenada and go to office there. Fast polite service. Bank nearby..Never any crowds and no waiting. :spingrin:

You clearly havent been reading about the Ensenada office gringotornillo.

[Edited on 2-27-2007 by Hook]

Bob and Susan - 2-27-2007 at 05:54 AM

that's right those army guys are slowing tings down on the border road before the toll road....

they stand down after dusk...

i'm leaving wed afternoon...i might cross at otay too...now

thanks woody
ps
i got grand ma fmt at otay last month
drive into secondary...park
walk back to the inm for visa
(near entry to secondary right at border)
pay at bank in secondary
walk back to inm and get it stamped

shari - 2-27-2007 at 07:07 AM

The immigration in Ensenada does have surly folks there who begin by telling you you are in the country illegaly and you have to pay a fine...they smirk as you squirm...but the fine is 50 pesos and then you get your FMT and can go on your merry way. Don't sweat the small stuff...its just good to be prepared for this and deal with it without panicking. the bank teller is right there at the office too. I was told there that the new law was everyone passing the border no matter how long they are staying needs a tourist visa. New law maybe??

cpg - 3-1-2007 at 09:59 PM

Has anyone been checked for this going to Bay of La and back?

David K - 3-1-2007 at 10:18 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by cpg
Has anyone been checked for this going to Bay of La and back?

NO... listen up, the ONLY place that you MIGHT be checked (and usually are checked) is at the state border on Mexico #1... This is the Eagle Monument, 28th Parallel, near Guerrero Negro.... 80 miles south of the L.A. Bay turnoff.

However, technically you are an illegal alien IF you are without an FM-T ANY TIME YOU ARE SOUTH OF MANEADERO OR SAN FELIPE... even if for 5 minutes... OR ANYWHERE north of those points for over 72 HOURS.

Bob and Susan - 3-2-2007 at 06:06 AM

and....

if Guerrero Negro is open you can get the FMT there without penalty.

and...

these guys follow the rules!!!

trouble is the bank is in town then you have to drive back to get it stamped

unless...

you want pay in Santa Rosalia and have it stamped there :light:

awfulart - 3-2-2007 at 06:44 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by shari
The immigration in Ensenada does have surly folks there who begin by telling you you are in the country illegaly and you have to pay a fine...they smirk as you squirm...but the fine is 50 pesos and then you get your FMT and can go on your merry way. Don't sweat the small stuff...its just good to be prepared for this and deal with it without panicking. the bank teller is right there at the office too. I was told there that the new law was everyone passing the border no matter how long they are staying needs a tourist visa. New law maybe??

Why not send copies of these posts to the Dept. of Tourism?
Does anyone have a contact with the Tourism officials whom :light:

is dependable and cares?

awfulart - 3-2-2007 at 07:10 AM

From the Dept of Tourism web site:

http://www.discoverbajacalifornia.com/home.htm

THE TOURIST CARD

THE MEXICAN GOVERNMENT PROVIDES TOURIST AND TRANSIT VISAS AND ESTABLISHES THE IMPLEMENTATION OF A FEE FOR FOREIGNERS (NON-IMMIGRANTS) SUCH AS TOURISTS VISITING MEXICO (CALLED D.N.I IN MEXICO).

PROCEDURE:

THOSE PEOPLE INTERESTED WILL HAVE TO GO TO THE NEAREST IMMIGRATION OFFICE.

DOCUMENTS:

PHOTO I.D.
BIRTH CERTIFICATE OR VALID PASSPORT.
FILL OUT THE VISITOR FORM
PAY IN THE NEAREST BANK AND GO BACK TO THE NATIONAL IMMIGRATION INSTITUTE TO GET THE SEAL.
SERVICE HOURS:

24 HOURS ALL THE WEEK

FEE PRICE:

$ 205.00 PESOS OR IT' S EQUIVALENT IN U.S. DOLLARS

WHERE TO PAY:

ANY BANK IN THE CITY

TIJUANA: BBV
MEXICALI: BANORTE, BITAL
TECATE: BANORTE, BITAL
THE VISITOR CARD IS VALID FOR A PERIOD OF SIX MONTHS.

THE VISITOR OF ANY NATIONALITY, EXCEPT MEXICAN, WILL HAVE TO PAY THIS FEE, WHEN ENTERING MEXICO.

IF YOU ENTER MEXICO:

BY AIR: YOU WILL MAKE THIS PAYMENT WHEN YOU BUY THE PLANE TICKET.
BY SEA: THE TOURIST THAT ARRIVED BY SEA AND THEIR VISIT IS NOT EXCEEDING MORE THAN 72 HOURS WILL BE CONSIDERED LOCAL VISITORS AND THEREFORE WILL NOT BE SUBJECT TO PAY THIS FEE (D.N.I.) BUT ALL PEOPLE THAT TRAVEL BEYOND THE ROAD-CHECK POINT OR STAYING MORE THAN 7 DAYS WILL HAVE TO PAY THIS FEE
BY LAND: THOSE WHO WANT TO STAY MORE THAN 7 DAYS IN AREAS NEAR TO THE BORDER CROSSING WILL HAVE TO PAY THIS FEE AT ANY MEXICAN BANK. THE SECRETARIAT OF TOURISM IN BAJA CALIFORNIA ESTABLISHES TOURIST CORRIDORS WHERE THE FEE DOESN'T HAVE TO BE PAID (D.N.I) AND THOSE PLACES ARE:

TIJUANA - ENSENADA.
SONOITA - PUERTO PEÑASCO.
CIUDAD JUAREZ - PAQUIME.
PIEDRAS NEGRAS - SANTAROSA.
REYNOSA - CHINA - PRESA (DAM) EL CUCHILLO.

TO EASE THE ENTRANCE BY LAND , THE PAYMENT CAN BE DONE EVERY 6 MONTHS, BEING ABLE TO ENTER AND EXIT MEXICO SEVERAL TIMES DURING THIS PERIOD.

Hook - 3-2-2007 at 10:35 AM

Awfulart, this must be rather old info. Bitals have been gone for awhile.

Not saying it isnt valid, just that it must be old.

awfulart - 3-3-2007 at 09:35 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by Hook
Awfulart, this must be rather old info. Bitals have been gone for awhile.

Not saying it isnt valid, just that it must be old.

Hook,

You are probably right but this was a "copy and paste" off their web site and there is no date on the site indicating how current the info is. I am going to the expo today and will mention it to the Dept of Tourism, for what thats worth.

Art :rolleyes:

Art

bajalera - 3-14-2007 at 09:17 PM

I've made quite a few 400-mile trips to G. Negro as an undocumented alien.

The friendly people at the little Migra building beside the highway could not have cared less. They just issue me a 180-day permit [no fee] that can be validated by paying for it at a La Paz bank.

jerry - 3-14-2007 at 10:05 PM

time they are a changing
last time i stopped at the gn shack they had a young couple in there saying that there is a posable $100,000.00 fine for being that far south with out a visa saw them a day later and they were broke payed them $400.00 us wont catch me in that mess

awfulart - 3-15-2007 at 06:03 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by jerry
time they are a changing
last time i stopped at the gn shack they had a young couple in there saying that there is a posable $100,000.00 fine for being that far south with out a visa saw them a day later and they were broke payed them $400.00 us wont catch me in that mess

It doesn't sound like some Mexican officials are trying to encourage Tourism. When traveling in a foreign country one should attempt to be aware of the rules and regulations. However, does not having a tourist permit justify a 100,000. fine ( dollars or pesos) In addition, the rules seem to change from place to place and official to official.

jimgrms - 3-15-2007 at 07:41 AM

It seems like tourisim is being discouraged in Mexico, The powers that be allow every area to make up thier own rules and fine s are whatever the traffic will bear, it's gonna end up where noone will go there ,