BajaNomad

Check point ID requirements?

Cardon Man - 8-17-2010 at 12:27 PM

On recent trip up the peninsula from East Cape I was asked for my passport at the military check point just north of La Paz. On my way South a few days later I was stopped again and asked for my passport at the same checkpoint.
I didn't have my passport but did have a copy of my FM3, which I offered to show they but they never actually looked at. They seemed a bit put out that I did not have my passport and indicated I was obliged to carry it with me.
I've traveled the peninusla for a good number of years now and this is the first time I can ever recall the military guys asking for my ID let alone passport. So, my question to the board... As a year round resident of Mexico am I required to carry my passport to travel by road within the state of BCS?

Bob and Susan - 8-17-2010 at 12:37 PM

when i get stopped and asked for id...several times recently

they like to see the fm2 instead of the passport

the fm2 is in spanish and easier to read:light:

David K - 8-17-2010 at 12:46 PM

Usually at the remote checkpoints, where they are bored... Every time when the Gonzaga Bay checkpoint is open, they ask for ID. I have shown them a driver's license once and a passport once, but they never specified for a passport. Last time through Gonzaga was last month and the driver's license was fine.

DENNIS - 8-17-2010 at 12:49 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by Bob and Susan
they like to see the fm2 instead of the passport



We arn't required to carry both, are we? Or, does that all depend on the time and place.

Cardon Man - 8-17-2010 at 01:23 PM

The first time they asked me for the passport they settled for my driver's license. On the way south they didn't look at any ID and simply scolded me for not having my passport.
the question remains...What are the ID requirements, if any?

DianaT - 8-17-2010 at 01:44 PM

A partial answer to your question from the US Embassy in Mexico

Entry to Mexico: As of March 1, 2010, all U.S. citizens – including children -- must present a valid passport, book or card, for travel beyond the “border zone” into the interior of Mexico. Entry by any means, for example by plane or car, is included in this requirement. The “border zone” is generally defined as an area between 20 to 30 kilometers of the border with the U.S., depending on the location. Stays of less than 12 hours within the border zone do not require a visa or tourist card.

Even before this requirement, we were asked for it at many stops on the mainland so like when in other countries, we always carry our passports along with our FM3s.

Show them your papers

Lee - 8-17-2010 at 01:48 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by Cardon Man
What are the ID requirements, if any?


If I was passing through a checkpoint (routinely) that kept asking for a passport, I'd start carrying one -- if I hadn't been. It doesn't matter whether a person lives in Baja full time or part time. And it doesn't matter what ID requirements are throughout Baja. It's all arbitrary, anyway.

I always have my passport on me when traveling in a vehicle. Just how I see it. Along with vehicle registration, and MX insurance, and driver's license.

David K - 8-17-2010 at 01:51 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by Cardon Man
The first time they asked me for the passport they settled for my driver's license. On the way south they didn't look at any ID and simply scolded me for not having my passport.
the question remains...What are the ID requirements, if any?


Well, if you're "supposed to" have a passport to get back into the U.S., one would think you would have it when you go into Mexico. Sure, you can get back into the U.S. with a bit of delay perhaps using the former required birth cert. and photo ID... just like you have gotten through Mexican checkpoints without a passport.

It is pretty painless, other than the money, to get a passport... and that opens up the world should you ever become able to go beyond Mexico!

mulegemichael - 8-17-2010 at 02:49 PM

maybe this is mexico's way of getting back at the crazy laws that arizona is trying to pass; tit for tat?...just a thought.

monoloco - 8-17-2010 at 02:51 PM

From what I understand the only officials allowed to ask for a passport are agents of IMS.

Being Correct

Bajahowodd - 8-17-2010 at 03:08 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by monoloco
From what I understand the only officials allowed to ask for a passport are agents of IMS.


Doesn't grant much comfort when you're in the middle of nowhere in front of a bunch of soldiers. I do, however, fundamentally agree with Michael and the Fish Guy that Mexicans must undoubtedly be sensitive to and reactive to the Arizona Kerfuffle.

I also note a considerable difference between the tourist who may cross the border often or seldom, v. folks who live there full time.

That said, since the IMM guy at the border requires one to present a passport in exchange for obtaining the FMM, why in the world would not showing the FMM serve as proof that you are there legally?

Cardon Man - 8-17-2010 at 03:12 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by mulegemichael
maybe this is mexico's way of getting back at the crazy laws that arizona is trying to pass; tit for tat?...just a thought.


That thought ran through my mind as well.

gnukid - 8-17-2010 at 04:56 PM

I have asked about the requirement to carry visa and passport within INM and the officers there said that yes you may be requested to demonstrate your visa and passport at stops. You are not however required to give up these documents nor drivers license, ever. That is why I carry many copies to hand over when requested and I keep the original in my hand to display for inspection.

The INM has mentioned that they are aware there are many foreigners who live in the region of San Juanico and yet few applications processed for permanent visas, so they are checking, especially if you look like you live here.

Alan - 8-17-2010 at 05:47 PM

I love this forum. If Az wants to see immigration papers it's racial profiling. Now that Mx decides they want to see your papers it's no problem???????

Udo - 8-17-2010 at 05:57 PM

Is this another story like Osprey's "Radio Fishing?"

Marc - 8-17-2010 at 07:10 PM

I have my passport on me at all times. A habit as a world traveler. As I think of it another habit; I do not unpack my suitcase when traveling. Makes for a quick getaway. No suitcases in Baja...just throw the stuff in the back seat and go.

BajaBlanca - 8-17-2010 at 07:29 PM

Do you know that Americans go to Brazil to train them in how to torture .... so strange to me as an American when I found out. Just not publicized but it is the reality.

DENNIS - 8-17-2010 at 08:15 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by BajaBlanca
Do you know that Americans go to Brazil to train them in how to torture .... so strange to me as an American when I found out. Just not publicized but it is the reality.


Those are only the ones at the border checking old, scared Americans, Blanca. The nicer ones are out there looking for terrorists.

The Good Old Days

MrBillM - 8-17-2010 at 10:23 PM

When a standard Photo ID was good everywhere in Mexico.

With a picture of Washington, Lincoln, Jefferson, Grant y otras.

BajaDanD - 8-17-2010 at 11:33 PM

The only Baja checkpoint Ive ever been asked for passport or ID or car reg. is the one just north of LaPaz. I was told by other local people that it was because of the ferry from the mainland. Seems to me that you would have had to have all that before you ever got on the ferry.

irenemm - 8-17-2010 at 11:58 PM

AS a guest here even after 30 years. I have no problem showing any papers they want to see. I don't always have the L.A.Times with me but tried to keep at least the El Mexicano in my car. Just in case they mean those.
When someone comes from another country as many of us on this forum, it should not be a problem
Just like if your in My Country the UNITED STATES OF AMERICA you should have no problem to show your papers RIGHT.
It goes both ways.
to bad some people don't see it that way.
I think this law has always been on the books but they are enforcing it now.

Alan - 8-18-2010 at 08:39 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by irenemm
AS a guest here even after 30 years. I have no problem showing any papers they want to see. I don't always have the L.A.Times with me but tried to keep at least the El Mexicano in my car. Just in case they mean those.
When someone comes from another country as many of us on this forum, it should not be a problem
Just like if your in My Country the UNITED STATES OF AMERICA you should have no problem to show your papers RIGHT.
It goes both ways.
to bad some people don't see it that way.
I think this law has always been on the books but they are enforcing it now.
Amen. Just as we should be enforcing the laws on our books.

This new request for ID in Mx could be in partnership with and at the bequest of the US to help us prevent terrorist entering the US through Baja?

Cardon Man - 8-18-2010 at 09:08 AM

Ok...so it seems one should indeed be carrying a passport when on the road in Baja. ( I'm refering to travel within the 2 Baja states, not border crossing ).
Now, what officials are within their rights to demand to see a passport? INM and military checkpoint guys only? What about local cops and Federales? Am I technically required to be packing my passport on a quick trip to the store?

gnukid - 8-18-2010 at 09:48 AM

I asked around and the INM said that yes, a police officer may ask to see your passport and visa, which I thought was odd as it almost never happened.

We should look into the legal aspects further.

I have known people to get into trouble and be unable to prove their status, but the officers said you can go home and come back with the documents later.

I personally think a copy is sufficient in the vehicle and the original nearby but you may at some point find you require a passport/visa in transit.

David K - 8-18-2010 at 11:22 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by gnukid
I asked around and the INM said that yes, a police officer may ask to see your passport and visa, which I thought was odd as it almost never happened.

We should look into the legal aspects further.

I have known people to get into trouble and be unable to prove their status, but the officers said you can go home and come back with the documents later.

I personally think a copy is sufficient in the vehicle and the original nearby but you may at some point find you require a passport/visa in transit.


So, you agree it is okay for Mexico to do this... but not the U.S. (incl. Arizona)? If Mexican police ask to see your I.D. while you are on foot, it would be a pretty clear case of 'racial profiling', too. In the U.S., since all races make up our population, racial profiling could not be used, and our law clearly states that.

Asking for I.D. (papers) has always been okay our entire lives when confronted by law enforcemnt... pulled over for a ticket, buying beer, at a bank... but it is somehow wrong for Arizona to enforce this long standing rule to check IDs or just to inform the border patrol when they find an illegal? Mexico does it... probably the rest of the world, too.

burnrope - 8-18-2010 at 02:28 PM

I've started carrying my Passport when I'm in Arizona.

mulegemichael - 8-18-2010 at 04:17 PM

i seriously doubt, david, that if i was stopped for a traffic infraction in arizona, that any law enforcement person would ask this fat, blond, obviously german man for his papers, other than my drivers license....however, if i was a little, dark skinned man with a spanish accent it sounds like i might have to produce more documentation...that isn't racial profiling???...come on..

monoloco - 8-18-2010 at 04:18 PM

I would never hand over my passport to a local cop, can you imagine the extortion bargaining chip he would be holding in his hand. You might as well just stick a thousand pesos inside it before hand.

David K - 8-18-2010 at 04:26 PM

I said I.D., I didn't say "passport". Whatever I.D. one has for daily living (driver's license usually). If you are outside of your country, a passport or other proof of citizenship is pretty standard.