BajaNomad - New guy checking (few questions)

New guy checking (few questions)

CabrillaTaco - 7-11-2007 at 02:42 AM

Hey all. I’ve been truly enlightened by the hundreds of threads and posts! A truly great community you all have here. Let me get to my questions with a little background. I lived in San Felipe slinging shrimp into the US (back in the day) for a couple years and “was” very familiar with Baja culture. It’s been 17 years now and well, I have never been able to get Baja out of my dreams. I’ve sense fished around the world, but nothing compared to the fresh grilled Baqueta fillets and steamed clams on the beach in Gonzaga bay at sunset.

Anyway, I convinced the General that Baja has her name all over it and booked a week stay at Villa Bahia in BOLA. We’ll be flying into SD and renting a car for the drive down. I’ll be stopping in TJ for an Afternoon and ending my evening in Ensenada for an early start for BOLA.

My Questions:

Due to the added insurance needed to bring a US rental car into Baja is it cheaper just to rent a car in TJ? Also, if I rent a car in TJ do I still need to get ancillary Mexican insurance then what they already provide?

My wife “only” has her State ID. (I have a passport) Will this be enough to cross the boarder and get a tourist permit?

Also, how are the check points going south these days?

Any advice would be grateful and thanks in advance,

Mark

losfrailes - 7-11-2007 at 07:34 AM

1. No reason to not rent the car in the states, in spite of the insurance cost. You would still need insurance if renting one in TJ.

2. It is NOT A GOOD IDEA to be anywhere outside the USA without a passport. Her State ID might be sufficient, but do you really want to take that chance upon return.

3. Check points going south are insignificant and unless you are taking something up north you shouldn't, there is no problem at the check points. They are just military doing their job, however thankless it might be.

Get all your ducks in a row before you come down. Then you can enjoy the trip as you should. Bien Viaje!

woody with a view - 7-11-2007 at 07:51 AM

Quote:

2. It is NOT A GOOD IDEA to be anywhere outside the USA without a passport. Her State ID might be sufficient, but do you really want to take that chance upon return.

although the first sentence makes sense, the second one is misleading. my son forgot his wallet last time down and the guy at the booth made me "promise" he was mine!!!! :rolleyes:

you will not, however be given a tourist visa without establishing citizenship. no one will check it if only going to BOLA BUT if you are involved in an accident the cops MAY ask and your insurance MAY be VOIDED.

i wouldn't worry TOO much about it....

how hard is it to get a birth cert? mine took 4 days via overnight mail....

[Edited on 7-11-2007 by woody in ob]

David K - 7-11-2007 at 08:11 AM

Correct, the state ID is her photo... BUT, the birth certificate is her citizenship proof. (A passport is both in one document)

Try your county web site for birth certificate by mail... Or go to the county seat dept. of records, etc.

There are no checks for tourist cards in Baja Norte (at least for many years now)... However, you may want to go by the book and do all the things required...

Have a great trip, welcome to Nomad, post a trip report when you get home! :bounce:

bajabound2005 - 7-11-2007 at 08:15 AM

the current US passport rules - this has to do with entering the US, nothing to do with Mexico and obtaining and FMT.

If you fly before Sept 30 you must apply for a passport and present the online receipt (you have to prove you’ve applied) along with a photo ID. After Sept 30 you must have a passport in hand. If driving, passport requirements are waived until at least January.

To obtain an FMT:
Proof of citizenship - this can be either a passport or a certified copy of your birth certificate accompanied by a photo ID. A passport is the document of preference. These requirements apply to US Citizens.

Current info from the consulate's website:

July 2007 to 30/September/2007
As an exceptional temporary measure, the Mexican Immigration authorities will accept as proof of US Citizenship, in lieu of the documents described above, the printed official proof of passport’s application status from the US Department of State (http://travel.state.gov), together with official photo identification.

wilderone - 7-11-2007 at 08:18 AM

There are various levels of insurance that you can pay for -- minimum or full coverage. Up to you. You can check rates online with all the big car rental companies -- they have offices in TJ: Alamo, Dollar, Avis, National. They'll have rates with insurance costs too so you can compare.

Diver - 7-11-2007 at 08:29 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by losfrailes
1. No reason to not rent the car in the states, in spite of the insurance cost. You would still need insurance if renting one in TJ.

2. It is NOT A GOOD IDEA to be anywhere outside the USA without a passport. Her State ID might be sufficient, but do you really want to take that chance upon return.

1. WRONG !! Call the rental agencies and you will find that the price in TJ is up to 25% cheaper than the same car rented in the US to take into Mexico. I checked last week.

2. Might be a good idea but passports are not needed. She will be fine with a photo ID and voters card or copy of birth certificate.

.

woody with a view - 7-11-2007 at 08:34 AM

off the subject, sorta.

a voters card is good? when applying to vote they NEVER CHECK your citizenship! how is this proof????

David K - 7-11-2007 at 08:41 AM

Good point, however... you must be a U.S. citizen to vote, so that makes a voter's registration proof

(I know, I know :barf:

)

Diver - 7-11-2007 at 08:44 AM

Since the early 60's, the US gov had been telling people they should take their driver's license and voters card or school photo ID. I know this from family trips to TJ at that time and as recent as 8 years ago when I first took my kids south.
I suppose they figured that if you had a voters card, you had a residence in the US.
I don't know if they check for citizenship when issuing a first-time voter's card as I got mine a LONG time ago. Although it wouldn't surprise me a bit if our GOV didn't check citizenship. Makes me wonder if George has his ??? :biggrin:

hahaha

bajaguy - 7-11-2007 at 08:49 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by David K
Good point, however... you must be a U.S. citizen to vote, so that makes a voter's registration proof

(I know, I know :barf:

)

Now that's a hoot.......I wonder how many non-citizens voted in the last election WITH voter ID cards??? :?:

Debra - 7-11-2007 at 08:50 AM

Concider a different hotel, I don't recommend Villa Bahia.

Welcome to the board!

David K - 7-11-2007 at 08:58 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by Debra
Concider a different hotel, I don't recommend Villa Bahia.

Welcome to the board!

I hope you aren't thinking of the Villa Vita? That is one that should be avoided...

Casa del Sol has got the best recommendations as well as Raquel & Larry's... However, the Villa Bahia (right on the beach) was well recommended by many, including Graham Mackintosh.

Diver - 7-11-2007 at 10:01 AM

Someone posted great information about a shuttle from the SD airport to the TJ airport. You can get a rental car there.

DanO - 7-11-2007 at 10:17 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by David K

Quote:

Originally posted by Debra
Concider a different hotel, I don't recommend Villa Bahia.

Welcome to the board!

Yeah, I've heard good things too, and have booked a stay at Villa Bahia for next year. Please post your impressions when you get back. You know, the usual: Water temp, wind speed, sheet thread count, panguero rating, neighbor noise level, bathroom cleanliness, etc. All that stuff we all fuss on about here.

805gregg - 7-11-2007 at 12:19 PM

Why fly into SD? I would skip SD, TJ and Ensenada, maybe fly into Loreto or La Paz.

Debra - 7-11-2007 at 12:20 PM

Yes David, I mixed them up..........I have heard nothing but good things about Villa Bahia, in fact I checked it out in May..........Very nice! Sorry!

bajajudy - 7-11-2007 at 12:50 PM

She cannot fly out of or into the states without a passport. No worrys if they fly into SD and go to TJ to rent a car.

capt. mike - 7-11-2007 at 02:18 PM

passport rules for flying have been relaxed till 2008.
govt got slammed with apps and can't keep up.

typ govt planning and execution.....make a proclamation and then figure out how to do it later.
if the private sector did things that way it would go broke.

losfrailes - 7-11-2007 at 03:58 PM

You know, I have no doubt that its correct that the passport rules have been relaxed, however, as late as 1 month ago in order to fly out of Loreto into Los Angeles, I was required to have a passport.

Have things relaxed since then that the same flight could be accomplished with no passport????

BajaWarrior - 7-11-2007 at 04:07 PM

Apparently you have to show proof of submitting the application. I don't know how that is achieved other than a reciept from the Post Office.

My wife submitted her application, and surrendered her nearly expired passport and it came only days before we flew to Alaska, and yes, not needed for Alaska, but we cruised south to Vancouver Canada and needed it to fly out of there. Two days after we boarded the boat the news reported (early June) the delays and the relax rule. Didn't need it after all, but now she has her new one. It took three months to get.

Doesn't sound like are attempting it at this point. So, driving across makes sense. Not required for land travel.

Hook - 7-11-2007 at 04:07 PM

I thought the rules on passports and flying had been relaxed for persons who can prove their application is being processed. Did that change?

bajajudy - 7-11-2007 at 04:25 PM

Not quite true Capt.

U.S. citizens traveling to Canada, Mexico, Bermuda or countries in the Caribbean region who have applied for, but not yet received passports, can re-enter the United States by air by presentation of a government issued photo identification and Department of State official proof of application for a passport through September 30, 2007. The federal government is making this accommodation for air travel due to longer than expected processing times for passport applications in the face of record-breaking demand.

OOPs.

[Edited on 7-11-2007 by bajajudy]

bajabound2005 - 7-11-2007 at 04:49 PM

Supposedly you can print a receipt off the internet at the State Dept website. Of course, you can only do this AFTER they've received your app and they've entered the info -- at that point you can start tracking your passport in the process and can print a receipt.

From the current issue of the Baja Times:
TRAVEL INSIDER:
FAQs About Passport Rules
By Jane Engle
(c) 2007, Los Angeles Times

Confused about passports?
Here's what you need to know about these vital travel documents. The newest policies were just announced, and some details weren't clear. The most complete information is at the U.S. State Department's Web site, www.travel.state.gov. Click on ``Passports for U.S. Citizens.''

Question: Does the United States require a passport to visit Mexico, Canada, the Caribbean or Bermuda?
Answer: If you plan to fly to these destinations, you must apply for a passport before you leave and you must be able to present an online receipt from the State Department proving that you applied, plus a government-issued photo ID, such as a driver's license. These documents are required for re-entry into the United States through Sept. 30.
If you're flying to Mexico, Canada, the Caribbean or Bermuda after Sept. 30, you must have a passport in hand. If you're driving or taking a cruise there, you won't need a passport until at least January. The exact date hasn't been determined.
A big caveat: Although the United States is waiving some passport requirements, the countries involved make their own entry rules. Many still require proof of citizenship, such as a birth certificate, to enter. So you will need to present that document, too.
Q: Do I still need a passport to visit foreign destinations other than Canada, Mexico, the Caribbean and Bermuda?
A: Yes. These rules haven't changed. A tip: Be sure your passport expiration date is at least six months after you plan to travel.
Q: How do I apply for a passport, and how much does it cost?
A: In general, if it's your first passport or your old one has expired and was issued more than 15 years ago, you'll need to apply in person at a post office, public library or other government office authorized to receive applications.
There are thousands of these places, searchable by ZIP code on www.travel.state.gov. Don't go to a regional passport agency; these deal with last-minute requests and other emergencies and can be visited by appointment only.
Besides filling out an application form, which you can download from the Web site, you must bring a government-issued photo ID; a birth certificate or other proof of U.S. citizenship; two current photos; and the required fee.
If you need only to renew your passport, you don't have to appear in person; you can complete this process by mail.
Fees are $97 for your first passport and $67 for renewals. Passports are good for 10 years.
Different rules and fees apply to children. See the Web site for details.
Q: How long does it take to obtain a passport?
A: In its latest posting, the State Department says that because of a surge in applications, it can take up to 12 weeks. Some postal employees and travel agents suggest allowing 16 weeks or more.
Q: Can I do anything to speed things up?
A: Maybe. For $60 more, you can request ``expedited service,'' which the State Department says will get the passport to you in two or three weeks. However, with the current backup, readers have reported longer waits.
Another option is to use a private expediting service. This isn't cheap -- it can cost $100 and up, plus the government's expediting fee -- and it's no guarantee. But these companies have standing appointments at passport agencies, which gives them a better shot.
One way to find an expediter is to visit www.napvs.org, the Web site of the National Association of Passport & Visa Services. The Web site links to its members.
Q: How do I check the status of my application?
A: You can do this online at the State Department's Web site. But it may take up to four weeks for the information to become trackable, the department says. Some readers have complained that it is inaccurate or doesn't show up at all.
You can also send an e-mail, but responses may take several days. Don't bother to phone; the lines are too backed up.
Q: What should I do if I'm due to leave for my trip within two weeks and I don't have my passport?
A: You have a problem, and it's not easy to solve, unless you can take advantage of the temporary passport waiver for Mexico, Canada, the Caribbean or Bermuda (see above).
Otherwise, the State Department advises that you call for an appointment at a regional passport agency. There are 13 in the United States. The toll-free phone is (877) 487-2778..

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rhintransit - 7-11-2007 at 06:25 PM

for Baja based Nomads, do you all know that you can apply for a passport or renew your old one through the US Consul in Cabo? the agent also comes to La Paz once a month, pick up (applications/photos/fee) and delivery. it's currently taking four to six weeks but the good news is that they don't take your old passport away...

Bob H - 7-11-2007 at 06:59 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by CabrillaTaco
I lived in San Felipe slinging shrimp into the US (back in the day) for a couple years and “was” very familiar with Baja culture. It’s been 17 years now and well, I have never been able to get Baja out of my dreams. Mark

SEVENTEEN YEARS! Mark, you will be shocked at the changes since 1990. Please post a trip report upon your return.
Bob H

CabrillaTaco - 7-12-2007 at 01:52 AM

Thanks Nomads for the warm welcome and the very useful information.

Tickets are booked SD Airport and there is a shuttle we can catch to the border. I booked through Avis in TJ and the office/lot is a 5 minute taxi from the border. I called US customs and a State ID is fine! So it looks like I will be in the BOLA in 5 days! I will post a detailed trip report with pictures. Hmmm I can almost taste the fish tacos and ice cold Pacifico.

Again, thanks ALL

Mark