BajaNomad

First trip to Baja.

Cypress - 2-7-2008 at 02:38 PM

No. You need a gun.:D

DENNIS - 2-7-2008 at 03:29 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by TomJ
I know this probably has been asked before but do you need tourist cards if only going to Ensanada? We are looking forward to some fun and sun, it's cold up here(Colorado). Thank You.


Legally, you can be in Ensenada, or anywhere in the Free-Zone, for one week without and FMT.

Actually, you could probably hang out in Ensenada for the rest of your life without one. I know people who have lived here for thirty years and only got an FMT to go south.

Now, I'm not suggesting that you violate any laws or regulations. I'm just telling you how it is.

oldjack - 2-7-2008 at 03:31 PM

You will not need the"card" if you go no further south... getting the card gives you the option of heading further south to have a very different experience... just be cautious with all things in Ensenada............

Mango - 2-7-2008 at 03:48 PM

You might want to check your Mexican auto insurance. Often they stipulate in the fine print that you must have an FMT (tourist card) for the insurance to be valid.

Barry A. - 2-7-2008 at 04:07 PM

Wow, Mango, that is good to know, and I deffinitely did NOT know that. Some Insurance requires an FMT??? that appears really strange, to me, but thanks for the warning.

barry

DENNIS - 2-7-2008 at 04:09 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by Mango
You might want to check your Mexican auto insurance. Often they stipulate in the fine print that you must have an FMT (tourist card) for the insurance to be valid.


That's good to know, Mango. Never heard it before. It's hard to imagine that an insurance company could require a federal document that the federal government says you don't need. But, I must remember where we are.

Skeet/Loreto - 2-7-2008 at 04:10 PM

TomJ.

Go through at Tecate. But you must go a least another 200 miles to really be in Baja.
Stay away from TJ.!!

Have a Good Trip.

Fred - 2-7-2008 at 05:00 PM

Skeet............I agree 100%. Tecate is a great little town and the drive is just fine to Ensenada

David K - 2-7-2008 at 06:01 PM

Well TECHNICALLY, you need an FM-T if you are anywhere in Mexico over 72 hours OR as soon as you pass Maneadero or San Felipe.

The FM-T is FREE for visits up to 7 DAYS. It is about US$21 for one good up to 6 mos. but can be used for repeat trips within that period.

The FM-T is issued by the federal government, however STATE tourism people often will 'change the rules', like saying ALL of Baja California (Norte) is in the 'Border Zone', or that you can come to Baja for a week without one, etc. THEY want you to come here with you $$$, and the FM-T thing is a hassle, specially if you need one for more than a week and you have to take the form to a bank and go BACK to the INM (migra) office for the final stamp.

shari - 2-7-2008 at 06:04 PM

hmmmm, I was told in Ensenada that you need to get your tourist cards in TJ as soon as you cross the border...new rule...so you are a tourist when you cross the border now....just what I was told by the immigration guy.

DENNIS - 2-7-2008 at 06:23 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by David K
Well TECHNICALLY, you need an FM-T if you are anywhere in Mexico over 72 hours OR as soon as you pass Maneadero or San Felipe.



According to an immigration officer with whom I spoke, it changed to one week. That conversation took place over three years ago.

DENNIS - 2-7-2008 at 06:27 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by shari
hmmmm, I was told in Ensenada that you need to get your tourist cards in TJ as soon as you cross the border...new rule...so you are a tourist when you cross the border now....just what I was told by the immigration guy.


That would mean every day-tripper to TJ without an FMT is in violation of the law. It makes no sense. Mexico would be cutting their own throat.

David K - 2-7-2008 at 06:29 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by DENNIS
Quote:
Originally posted by David K
Well TECHNICALLY, you need an FM-T if you are anywhere in Mexico over 72 hours OR as soon as you pass Maneadero or San Felipe.



According to an immigration officer with whom I spoke, it changed to one week. That conversation took place over three years ago.


Can you provide that in print on a federal document? Verbal rules quoted mean little... It is far better to HAVE IT and NOT NEED IT, THAN to NEED IT and NOT have it!!!:light:

People get complacent since NOBODY checks for it NORTH of GUERRERO NEGRO (Paralelo 28).

(edited so as to not sound offensive)

[Edited on 2-9-2008 by David K]

David K - 2-7-2008 at 06:32 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by shari
hmmmm, I was told in Ensenada that you need to get your tourist cards in TJ as soon as you cross the border...new rule...so you are a tourist when you cross the border now....just what I was told by the immigration guy.


YES... you should get it at the border... IF you go south of Maneadero OR stay in Mexico over 72 hours.

Tourist can visit Tijuana, Tecate, Ensenada, etc. WITHOUT the card as this is the FREE or BORDER ZONE up to 72 hours.

Now what the guy in Ensenada started doing was line his pockets with his imposed 50 peso fee, as the INM is there for people who decide after they are in Ensenada to stay longer or travel further south... It is not just for people who don't bother to do it at the border.

[Edited on 2-8-2008 by David K]

DENNIS - 2-7-2008 at 07:04 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by David K
Can you provide that in print on a federal document? Talk is cheap, as they say... It is far better to HAVE IT and NOT NEED IT, THAN to NEED IT and NOT have it!!!:light:


Can I document my conversation with an immigration officer? No...no I can't. And if you're really interested in accuracy, look it up yourself. And when all that's over and done, take your "cheap talk" crap down the avenue.

[Edited on 2-8-2008 by DENNIS]

Mango - 2-7-2008 at 07:09 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by DENNIS
Quote:
Originally posted by Mango
You might want to check your Mexican auto insurance. Often they stipulate in the fine print that you must have an FMT (tourist card) for the insurance to be valid.


That's good to know, Mango. Never heard it before. It's hard to imagine that an insurance company could require a federal document that the federal government says you don't need. But, I must remember where we are.


I had Lewis & Lewis last year, and it did say in the fine print that you needed to have a current and valid FMT for the tourist auto insurance to be valid.

I'm not sure if it would really be an issue; but, it would provide the insurance company a door to weasel out of paying for a claim if they wanted.

This year I have Baja Bound and don't remember seeing anything about needing an FMT for the insurance to be valid.

bajaguy - 2-7-2008 at 08:28 PM

Hey, TomJ...watcha gonna do in Ensenada????? Plenty of Nomads there.

lizard lips - 2-9-2008 at 12:45 PM

Bajaguy,

He's coming to the golf tournament on April 5th!

Gadget - 2-9-2008 at 01:19 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by DENNIS
Quote:
Originally posted by TomJ
I know this probably has been asked before but do you need tourist cards if only going to Ensanada? We are looking forward to some fun and sun, it's cold up here(Colorado). Thank You.


Poor Tom,

It's really a simple answer. It would be a good idea to get one. Things and plans change.

But he has to weed his way through all the David K and Dennis show instead. You guys are almost as much fun as going to Baja. You all crack me up somtimes. :lol::lol::lol: