The Gull - 7-18-2004 at 01:36 PM
The new visa allows for 7 days, right?
Does it allow all of Baja and Mainland?
David K - 7-18-2004 at 01:57 PM
Yes, the same FM-T but free (like before 2000), for up to 7 days. Common sense finally that will bring more money to the people of Mexico.
BajaGrrls - 7-19-2004 at 10:00 AM
I was wondering about this. A lot of people were saying to get the 180 day permit. That seems like an overkill and if I can get the 7 day permit for
free, that's more money I can spend on souvenirs!
Bajaboy - 7-19-2004 at 07:49 PM
So how does this affect those flying into Mexico? Will you still be charged for a Tourist Permit? What if you've already purchased a flight?
Or, what does one do if they decide to extend their trip a bit longer?
Zac
4baja - 7-20-2004 at 06:58 AM
bajagrrrls, for people that cross over constanly it is easyer and cheaper to get a 6 month visa and avoid the hassle at the border. i ask for 6 months
and give my destination as cabo and never had a problem. personaly i believe that you dont need a tourist card in baja norte tho it is required as
they are never ask for. 
4baja
The Gull - 7-20-2004 at 07:03 AM
totally agree. I was thinking about the value of the 7 day pass and had a hard time coming up with a real condition for its value unless you were
going to San Quentin or further for really short stays.
Is there a checkpoint to San Felipe? I don't recall one.
So the question would be in my mind. Outside of just being totally compliant with Mexican law (uninforced) above the checkpoints when staying more
than 72 hours, why the 7 day pass?
Do I have this right or are there other views?
David K?
David K - 7-20-2004 at 07:18 AM
Well, I think it is great way to bring back the Americans (with big families) who wanted to vacation for up to a week, but couldn't afford $20+ per
person.
Reality check: The tourist card is not inspected anywhere in Baja (Norte) California, and only at one point (Eagle Monument near Guerrero Negro) in
Baja Sur. Do you want to be an 'illegal alien'?
San Felipe has been saying for a long time that you could stay a week there without a tourist card. The stupid tax/fee has obviously cost them a lot
of business since it was instituted in 2000.
surfer jim - 7-20-2004 at 07:36 AM
They just got about $19.00 from me ....
David K - 7-20-2004 at 05:12 PM
I hope you requested the full 180 days Jim.
When my former ladyfriend and I got cards one trip the officer put 90 days on them after we paid at the bank teller... I insisted he change it to 180
days. He did edit the number but said it may be voided by the change. I took my chances. $21 for 180 days is one thing, $42 is quite another. I prefer
spending that on the local people of the peninsula, who never see a cent of the tourist fee money!
Can anyone provide details on where the collected fee goes, other than to the general fund? How about improved tourist services? Something to justify
this tax on tourists...
Markitos - 7-20-2004 at 05:47 PM
That would be interesting to know Mr K. Just where does that money go?
I have no problem paying up. I mean it is they'r country and that is the law.
I wish I could type better. I have a funny story of my brother getting a visa and NOT going to the bank and NOT getting it stamped. Sheeesssss makes
driving around Guerrero Negro just a littel nerve racking.
Bet he doesnt do that again!
4baja - 7-20-2004 at 08:01 PM
gull, i have been told constantly by officals that you do not need them north off gurreo but there are people that say get them anyway because it is
the law, well i dont agree. i mainly go to BOLA and all points in between and have never been ask for papers. when i go south of there i allways get
them because they do check and was told by mexican officals that they are required south of the check point. its up to you as what to do but thats
were i stand and most people that i know do.
bajalou - 7-20-2004 at 08:41 PM
In the time I've been here in San Felipe, 9 years, Imigration has made 2 or 3 sweeps thru the campos and areas where mostly gringos stay checking the
everyone's papers. Those without them had to get them. As someone mentioned on another thread, they give you some legal rights in case of problems.
(accidents thefts, etc)..
I think $20 is pretty cheap to be legally here. It costs a Mexical well over $100 to have the same visa to visit the US.
Mexitron - 7-20-2004 at 09:42 PM
I was under the impression that San Felipe was an enterprise zone so the $20 visa was never required to go there anyway....same for Ensenada........?
Mexitron
David K - 7-20-2004 at 10:17 PM
Only for up to 72 hours (3 days)... After that then ANYWHERE in Mexico requires a FM-T or better.
Bajalou, the sweeps were obviously aimed at people living there for part of the year or more, and not obvious 7 day campers, right?
[Edited on 7-21-2004 by David K]