BajaNomad

Visa needed for Puertecitos?

cjr - 2-21-2009 at 10:12 AM

How far south of San Felipe is one allowed without a visa? Sorry if this has been answered before, if so I couldn't find it. I understand no visa is needed for a stay of less than 7 days in San Felipe. We'll have our passports and insurance and spend the majority of our time in San Felipe, but will travel down to Puertecitos for a day or so.
Thanks for the replies!

David K - 2-21-2009 at 10:55 AM

THERE is NO check for FM-Ts ('visas') anywhere on Hwy. 5... or anywhere in the state of Baja California, for that matter.

The federal government is in charge of FM-T enforcement... and they only check for it on Hwy. 1 as you enter Baja Calif. Sur.

The 'official' statement in print has said it is required "South of Mexicali"...!!! But, everyone will tell you it is not needed for San Felipe.

Also, it is 'officially' needed for stays of over 72 hours... not 7 days. 7 days or less you can get a free FM-T. Over 7 days will be a fee of about $20.

Puertecitos is over 50 miles south of San Felipe... over 175 south of Mexicali...

Reality?: Nobody gets one for Puertecitos...

However, if you do want to be in the clear, get an FM-T for the full 180 days, put the southernmost point in Baja as a destination (Cabo San Lucas), and you are covered for all your trips in the next 6 months.

Personally, I wouldn't worry... but if you do cross the border when the bank is open in Mexicali, feel comfortable and get them... or if the bank is closed... get the 7 day free ones. The office is signed INM just across the border.

woody with a view - 2-21-2009 at 10:57 AM

american express?

just kidding. it's free for 7 days or less. get it. you will need it to be legal in case of and accident. your insurance will claim you were in the country illegally and let you rot in jail.

sheesh, even $20, for the driver, for a six month visa is the best peace of mind i can buy!

Bajahowodd - 2-21-2009 at 12:34 PM

Even the checkpoint outside Guerrero Negro is hit and miss. Never understood why they are so lax about it.

DENNIS - 2-21-2009 at 12:46 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by Bajahowodd
Even the checkpoint outside Guerrero Negro is hit and miss. Never understood why they are so lax about it.


I don't think they care. Somebody in DF might but, these guys don't.

Curious question....I've never seen a female working on the front lines for immigration. Only pushing papers. Is this a sexist pig male dominated federally funded cabal? Or, have I just not seen them out in public?
This is important so, everybody dig out your fotos and let's gather some evidence to turn over to N.O.W. so they can have something to boycot and scream about.

Bajahowodd - 2-21-2009 at 02:51 PM

Kinda like all the male restaurant waiters, but the cashier is female?

woody with a view - 2-21-2009 at 03:23 PM

i wonder if being "macho" and being the tortilla winner, along with all women should be "barefoot and pregnant" plays a role....?

[Edited on 2-21-2009 by woody in ob]