BajaNomad - Speed of Passport cards, kids and FMTs

Speed of Passport cards, kids and FMTs

DianaT - 11-18-2009 at 10:55 PM

Two questions, please.

1. How long does it take to get passport cards---not full passports, but the passport cards.

2. Do children who are traveling with their parents need FMTs and is the price the same for children?

thanks

bajaguy - 11-18-2009 at 11:01 PM

My passport card took about 2 weeks

alafrontera - 11-19-2009 at 02:17 AM

I applied for my passport card in May, still don't have it. Passport (renewal) took 4 weeks with "expidited" service. SENTRI took 6 weeks to schedule appointment but only 6 days to receive after interview.

Bajagypsy - 11-19-2009 at 05:24 AM

I know that children need their FMT's and the price is the same as for parents. When we first took the kids down, they told us we could add them to our FMT's, but when we got to GN, they gave us heck and we had to buy them for the kids. Ever since, we just get them these when we get ours.

bajafam - 11-19-2009 at 08:55 AM

We have never been asked for our FMT's, but we always get them for the kids as well. They are the same price, but so worth it if you ever have to show them - no hassles. I would assume that the passport card turn around is going to be different for everyone, but if you plan to travel by air in the future, you might as well go the full passport route. I think that the card is still very new and foreign and might get you some funny looks, hassles along the way. Just MHO. We got ours quickly (within a week) and did not pay for expedited, but really, it's the gov. and you never can tell.

David K - 11-19-2009 at 09:18 AM

Anytime government adds a tax or raises a tax it hurts all the people... When Mexico decided to add a tourist tax in 2000 (charging for FM-Ts) it really affected big families the most. Camping trips to Baja that were super affordable all of a sudden required $100 US for a family of five, just to cross the border.

Tourism dropped after that, 9-11 came later and made it worse... They finally came up with a FREE 7 DAY FM-T, and families could at least have a week trip to Baja without costing $20 per person. Vacations to Baja shouldn't be just for the rich.

Before someone chimes in with the fact that Mexicans need to pay for US visas, I will remind you that the people of Mexico benefit and need the American tourist business a lot more to survive, than the other way around.

DianaT - 11-19-2009 at 09:34 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by David K
Anytime government adds a tax or raises a tax it hurts all the people... When Mexico decided to add a tourist tax in 2000 (charging for FM-Ts) it really affected big families the most. Camping trips to Baja that were super affordable all of a sudden required $100 US for a family of five, just to cross the border.

Tourism dropped after that, 9-11 came later and made it worse... They finally came up with a FREE 7 DAY FM-T, and families could at least have a week trip to Baja without costing $20 per person. Vacations to Baja shouldn't be just for the rich.

Before someone chimes in with the fact that Mexicans need to pay for US visas, I will remind you that the people of Mexico benefit and need the American tourist business a lot more to survive, than the other way around.

There you go again---a couple of simple questions are asked, and you want to start a controversy----I will ignore your ignorant last statement and your once again attempt to throw in politics where they do not belong----you just never quit.

Only curious if the 7 day free FMT is just for Baja or if it includes Baja Sur--- just 7 day free no matter where?

Thanks to others for their responses----I will check on the cost of all the options----

Also, it does sound like it is different in different areas as far as speed. How fast has anyone gotten the passports or passport cards in the San Diego Area.

[Edited on 11-19-2009 by DianaT]

alafrontera - 11-19-2009 at 09:52 AM

I am in San Diego, see response above. However there is a passport office in LA off Wilshire Blvd that supposedly issues passport cards on site. The trick is you have to have verifiable travel plans (ie airline tickets) for travel within 14 days. You can call 1-877-487-2778 to schedule an appointment. I only know this from online info, have no personal experience with it. YMMV

Also there is a CBP office at Otay Mesa that deals with Trusted Traveler/ SENTRI applications. If you decide to try that message me for specific info.

DianaT - 11-19-2009 at 10:01 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by alafrontera
I am in San Diego, see response above. However there is a passport office in LA off Wilshire Blvd that supposedly issues passport cards on site. The trick is you have to have verifiable travel plans (ie airline tickets) for travel within 14 days. You can call 1-877-487-2778 to schedule an appointment. I only know this from online info, have no personal experience with it. YMMV

Also there is a CBP office at Otay Mesa that deals with Trusted Traveler/ SENTRI applications. If you decide to try that message me for specific info.

Did see it and thanks---I was hoping someone near here had faster and better luck.

sancho - 11-19-2009 at 10:30 AM

I hope this is not too controversial,
probably doesn't answer your ? anyway,
but Tijuana Gringo residents, that
are frequent crossers, report that
Original Berth Certs, along with Drivers
Licenses, are still accepted by Border Agents for
reentry into the US

[Edited on 11-19-2009 by sancho]

DianaT - 11-19-2009 at 10:38 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by sancho
I hope this is not too controversial,
probably doesn't answer your ? anyway,
but Tijuana Gringo residents, that
are frequent crossers, report that
Original Berth Certs, along with Drivers
Licenses, are still accepted by Border Agents for
reentry into the US

[Edited on 11-19-2009 by sancho]

I have heard the same thing, but have you heard if they are sent to secondary or not and delayed?

And, is the experience reported at San Ysidro and or other crossings like Tecate?

Thanks

Bajahowodd - 11-19-2009 at 10:47 AM

Free FM-T good anywhere in Mexico. As for the current situation at the border, I would imagine that the (unofficial)grace period will gradually become more restrictive, and as time goes on, there will be increased hassle. That said, at the end of the day, a US citizen will not be denied re-entry to the US. Just put through the wringer.

alafrontera - 11-19-2009 at 01:07 PM

I have a friend I take to TJ occasionally, no passport. So far they have not delayed him or told him he needs one. DL and Birth Cert are all he carries. Of course this fellow is as American as apple pie and that comes across.

I do agree that eventually this will become a problem.

Having said that, while awaiting my passport renewal (after surrendering my old one) I crossed several times with DL/ BC. I even took a photo copy of my expired passport and a copy of the renewal application. Not only was there no problem but one agent actually said to me, after a brief conversation, " Nice David but you don't need any of this stuff. My point is that the "better" agents care less about the documents than they do about their own instincts.

k-rico - 11-19-2009 at 03:20 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by DianaT
How fast has anyone gotten the passports or passport cards in the San Diego Area.

I renewed my passport via mail and got a new one and a card in a couple of weeks.

I didn't know my passport expired until I got to the Sentri gate and the border guard said my Sentri Card expired because my passport expired. Darn computers.

After I received the new passport I had to go to the Sentri office and show them so they could manually update the database and "unexpire" my Sentri card. So they know automatically when your supporting docs expire but not when they are renewed. Another software module is needed.

And then there was the small windshield crack that for years never bothered me nor the Sentri guys until it did bother them. Off to secondary where they scraped off the RFID windshield sticker, then a new windshield and back to the Sentri office.

[Edited on 11-19-2009 by k-rico]

I Agree

Bajahowodd - 11-19-2009 at 03:32 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by alafrontera
I have a friend I take to TJ occasionally, no passport. So far they have not delayed him or told him he needs one. DL and Birth Cert are all he carries. Of course this fellow is as American as apple pie and that comes across.

I do agree that eventually this will become a problem.

Having said that, while awaiting my passport renewal (after surrendering my old one) I crossed several times with DL/ BC. I even took a photo copy of my expired passport and a copy of the renewal application. Not only was there no problem but one agent actually said to me, after a brief conversation, " Nice David but you don't need any of this stuff. My point is that the "better" agents care less about the documents than they do about their own instincts.

No question that the better agents will rely on their instincts and be right most of the time. My only concerns are, first, is this to become another law that is weakly enforced? Not that I agree with the requirement at all. Folks have been crossing that border for forever, and now, somehow a passport is going to make it safer? Second, and probably more important for our good friends in Mexico, especially in the hospitality industry, inasmuch as the percentage of US citizens carrying passports is so low, the tourist traffic suffers dramatically. For a long time, it was considered one of the things one did when vacationing or attending conventions in the SD area. Out of towners, in particular, whether they hold a passport or not will likely not bring it for domestic travel. And tour operators will certainly not accept customers without passports. It's one thing for individuals to skirt the law, and another for a a business to do so. The passport requirement probably does more harm to the border zone economy than any help that it provides by other measurements.

alafrontera - 11-19-2009 at 03:56 PM

Oh, c'mon now Bajahowodd, don't you know that the passport requirement will stop trained, professional and well funded terrorists and drug smugglers dead in their tracks? :rolleyes:

( uh... this is a joke if it's unclear :cool:

)

Bajahowodd - 11-20-2009 at 02:08 PM

I often thought that it would ultimately be Bin Laden's mode of entry to be sequestered in someone's trunk. At least all the security we've deployed at the border appears to have as much of a chance of success at catching him than anything else we've done!

Bob and Susan - 11-20-2009 at 03:49 PM

if you ask and the agent is feeling ok

kids can be put on the parents fmt for no cost

if under age

they just need to travel with the parents

David K - 11-20-2009 at 07:07 PM

Being rude wasn't needed... But I will still answer your follow up question: The FM-T (7 day FREE or 180 day PAID) is for ALL of Mexico... FM-T is FEDERAL document and Baja California peninsula isn't a seperate country with different immigration rules.

DianaT - 11-20-2009 at 07:40 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by David K
Being rude wasn't needed... But I will still answer your follow up question: The FM-T (7 day FREE or 180 day PAID) is for ALL of Mexico... FM-T is FEDERAL document and Baja California peninsula isn't a seperate country with different immigration rules.

Not rude, DK, just honest about what you continually do. Besides, being ignorant is OK---we are all ignorant about many, many things, in fact we are all ignorant about most subjects and your statement really was quite ignorant.

Thank for the answer----obviously I was ignorant about this subject--- but

Yes, since we have traveled all over Mexico, we knew the paid FMT was for all of Mexico, just did not know if the 7 day free one was a special deal for Baja and the other border states---just like there are different federal regulations regarding car permits for both Baja states and other border areas.

But thank you for informing me that immigration laws are FEDERAL laws and the Baja peninsula is not a separate country---such valuable information and good to see your sarcasm is as alive and well.

BTW---I have the information I need, so I will not be back on this thread, so whine away.

woody with a view - 11-20-2009 at 07:48 PM

:lol:

, i'm sorry! :light:

, no, wait!!!!! :lol:

uh, sorry for that!!!! :light:

David K - 11-20-2009 at 07:54 PM

Yah... so much A.D.D. that being rude is necessary to get even more attention. You're welcome! Jeeze Louise...

cabobaja - 11-20-2009 at 08:06 PM

Diane, personally I am very tired of your negative comments towards DK. Who the hell are you to continually berate a fellow nomand and now call him ignorant? And, on a public forum. Do you not think that it shows your ignorance??

cabobaja - 11-20-2009 at 08:15 PM

Damn, I mis-spelled nomad, I must be ignorant!

woody with a view - 11-20-2009 at 08:16 PM

i must be ignorant...... because i agree with Diane. don't ask me why, you/he wouldn't understand, although it is a free country and all views are valid, no?

Udo - 11-20-2009 at 08:41 PM

Quote:

I may be opening another can of worms, or perhaps a can of fried grasshoppers

:

But isn't an FM-T needed in Baja once one is south of Maneadero (about 12 miles South of Ensenada?) 7 days or not? :?:

Go ahead---hit me!!

Mike99km - 11-20-2009 at 09:02 PM

When I got my passport card 7 months ago it took about 3 weeks. I have a current passport and sentri cards. It is so much better to always have a back up to the passport that is in my wallet. The truck always has copies of the sentri the passport book and the card just as back up.

This is just the internet and we should consider who is giving advice and why. Everything posted can be wiped away like other things in life.

cabobaja - 11-20-2009 at 09:51 PM

Yes Woody.................all views ARE valid!! Why do you think I would not understand? Do you?

Bajaboy - 11-20-2009 at 10:04 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by DianaT
Two questions, please.

1. How long does it take to get passport cards---not full passports, but the passport cards.

2. Do children who are traveling with their parents need FMTs and is the price the same for children?

thanks

2. How old are the kids? We asked the immigration guys about our son (he was a few months at the time) and they looked at each other for advice. They told us he did not need an FMT and they were unable to come up with an answer as to when he would need one.

As for returning to the US, we have used his birth certificate with no problems.

[Edited on 11-21-2009 by Bajaboy]

David K - 11-20-2009 at 10:04 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by udowinkler

Quote:

I may be opening another can of worms, or perhaps a can of fried grasshoppers

:

But isn't an FM-T needed in Baja once one is south of Maneadero (about 12 miles South of Ensenada?) 7 days or not? :?:

Go ahead---hit me!!

Yes UDO... If you are anywhere in Mexico more than 72 hours* OR ANYTIME you go beyond (south of) the 'Border Zone'... Free FM-T for up to 7 days OR paid FM-T for up to 180 days.

*That's what has been in print. It has been reported here that some Mexican customs agents have been heard saying 7 days in the border zone is okay... Baja Ca state tourism people have said 7 days in the entire state of Baja Ca. no FM-T required. Not real assuring if you get into trouble and the Feds show you the printed document that states 72 hours!

Bajaboy - 11-21-2009 at 08:41 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by David K
Yah... so much A.D.D. that being rude is necessary to get even more attention. You're welcome! Jeeze Louise...

Who is Louise?

David K - 11-21-2009 at 09:39 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by Bajaboy

Quote:

Originally posted by David K
Yah... so much A.D.D. that being rude is necessary to get even more attention. You're welcome! Jeeze Louise...

Who is Louise?

That is Jeeze's LAST name! :lol:

Have fun Zac!

mtgoat666 - 11-21-2009 at 09:44 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by woody in ob
i must be ignorant...... because i agree with Diane. don't ask me why, you/he wouldn't understand, although it is a free country and all views are valid, no?

me too.
i appreciate diane calling DK on the carpet when he confuses Baja Nomads forums with his AM radio :lol:

David K - 11-21-2009 at 10:11 AM

I am just tossing a life raft of truth out to you on the sinking ship of lies!

The choice is yours!

The sad part is that you would deny others from getting a life raft... :wow:

Freedom of thoughts and ideas used to be something both parties believed in, now one is doing what it can to silence the other... :mad:

mtgoat666 - 11-21-2009 at 10:38 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by David K
I am just tossing a life raft of truth out to you on the sinking ship of lies!

DK: i will call the US Coast Guard when my ship is sinking, at least they provide a nonpartisan life raft with no strings attached :lol:

right now my ship is floating high and dry, the stock market is recovering, the economy is picking up. the bilge pumps are working well and doing a great job of bailing out the foul water that accumulated in bilges during GWB administration and almost sank this great boat. :bounce:

David K - 11-21-2009 at 10:54 AM

Wow, what's it like to live on FANTASY ISLAND??? :lol: