BajaNomad

Tijuana to BoLA driving time?

motoged - 10-11-2010 at 01:01 PM

Nomads,
What is an approximate driving time for an RV (converted school bus--pusher) to go from San Diego to Bahia de los Angeles? Can one do it before dark, or are we likely overnight in El Rosario?

I know the route, etc, but have always done it in a pick-up or on a motorcycle....so time to negotiate traffic and topes in a bus is different.

As well, where does one get the tourist visa at the crossings west of Tecate crossing (I know where/how to do Tecate paperwork)?

Thanks for your help and thread hijacking :lol:

boe4fun - 10-11-2010 at 01:07 PM

Takes about 10 -11 hours pulling a 25' 5th wheel.

David K - 10-11-2010 at 01:33 PM

Yup... 8-9 hours in an auto/ pickup, and add 2+ more hours for motorhome or trailering.

Tourist cards at all borders, or if you want to validate a pre paid one.

To pay for a tourist card for a stay of over 7 days (to 180 days max), then you will need an open bank teller at the border. Tijuana and Otay both have them... Tijuana's payment window is 'supposed' to be 24/7 along with the INM office.

Alan - 10-11-2010 at 02:07 PM

Just stay in the far right lane approaching the San Ysidro crossing and pull into secondary inspection area. The bank and INM office are on your right. INM may be behind the building by te pedestrian gate depending on the time of crossing.

It's about 10 hrs south but if you stop for too many tacos along the way you mighty want to stop at Baja Cactus or the tourist hotel in El Rosario before pushing into BoLA

Nappo - 10-11-2010 at 08:09 PM

San Ysidro - Yep stay in the right lane, but know after getting your papers you still have to push the red/green light button. I jumped out barefoot, pushed the button and got shocked so much it almost knocked me down so wear shoes!

Brian L - 10-14-2010 at 09:37 AM

You say tourist card between 7-180 days. Do you need one for a stay of less than 7 days if going to Bahia LA?

EDIT: So i just did a search and I think I found it is free for less than 7 days, but you must still have one. Does that mean you skip the bank part? You go in, fill it out, the guy stamps it, and you are good to go?

Thx
Quote:
Originally posted by David K
Yup... 8-9 hours in an auto/ pickup, and add 2+ more hours for motorhome or trailering.

Tourist cards at all borders, or if you want to validate a pre paid one.

To pay for a tourist card for a stay of over 7 days (to 180 days max), then you will need an open bank teller at the border. Tijuana and Otay both have them... Tijuana's payment window is 'supposed' to be 24/7 along with the INM office.


[Edited on 10-14-2010 by blane]

David K - 10-14-2010 at 10:38 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by blane
You say tourist card between 7-180 days. Do you need one for a stay of less than 7 days if going to Bahia LA?

EDIT: So i just did a search and I think I found it is free for less than 7 days, but you must still have one. Does that mean you skip the bank part? You go in, fill it out, the guy stamps it, and you are good to go?

Thx

Quote:
Originally posted by David K
Yup... 8-9 hours in an auto/ pickup, and add 2+ more hours for motorhome or trailering.

Tourist cards at all borders, or if you want to validate a pre paid one.

To pay for a tourist card for a stay of over 7 days (to 180 days max), then you will need an open bank teller at the border. Tijuana and Otay both have them... Tijuana's payment window is 'supposed' to be 24/7 along with the INM office.


[Edited on 10-14-2010 by blane]


Yes, you tell the INM officer the number of days you want one for. They may hesitate to grant you a free one (this is a money maker afterall), we have heard... But, if you insist on a free one (gratis), they give in.

If you are going back within 6 mos. get the paid one and fill out the form for 180 days... since you are there, and the bank teller is 6 windows away.

I have only gotten the paid one, personally... since we go to Baja 6 or more times a year.

Your earlier question is yes, technically south of San Felipe or Maneadero (below Ensenada) it is required for any duration 1-180 days... However, often we hear that officers consider the entire state of Baja California (norte) in the border zone... meaning no fmm and also none for up to 7 days in Norte.

There is no inspection for tourist cards until the Baja Sur border and only there on Hwy. 1.

krafty - 10-14-2010 at 05:37 PM

What does this tourist card cost???

jack - 10-14-2010 at 05:40 PM

Ged, when are you guys heading down?

David K - 10-14-2010 at 05:55 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by krafty
What does this tourist card cost???


wow... it is free if 7 days or less... otherwise, about $23 US for up to 180 days.

motoged - 10-14-2010 at 10:27 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by jack
Ged, when are you guys heading down?



Jack,
Mid February for just over two weeks....thinking of parking the bus in San Ignacio for a more southern ride this time....parking destination may change to BoLA...

You down this year?

I am taking the 690 this time and doing most of my riding between San Ignacio-Mulege-San Javier-La Purisima-Agua Verde-San Sebastion