BajaNomad

Tecate immigration office hours

michaelw - 11-8-2010 at 06:57 PM

Does anyone know what the Tecate immigration hours are?

Someone had mentioned that although the crossing is open
24/7 the immigration office itself might have some closed hours when you can't take care of paperwork like FM2's etc.

What's the word?

Thanks

David K - 11-8-2010 at 07:06 PM

The crossing is NOT open 24 hours! 5 am to 11 pm last time I saw the sign.

TecateRay - 11-9-2010 at 07:49 AM

The real concern is what hours are the banks open. Last month I couldn't get the "tourist card" because the line at the bank was so long. The immigration guy wouldn't give it to me unless I paid, so I left without it. Oh yeah, the bank is 3 blocks away from immigration.:mad:

David K - 11-9-2010 at 08:31 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by TecateRay
The real concern is what hours are the banks open. Last month I couldn't get the "tourist card" because the line at the bank was so long. The immigration guy wouldn't give it to me unless I paid, so I left without it. Oh yeah, the bank is 3 blocks away from immigration.:mad:


This is a good case for buying a pre-paid tourist card at Discover Baja, and then the guy at Tecate only needs to stamp it... or crossing south at San Ysidro/Tijuana which is open 24/7.

BajaRat - 11-9-2010 at 09:53 AM

David, can you have the card mailed to you through Discover Baja.
Thanks, Lionel

David K - 11-9-2010 at 10:40 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by BajaRat
David, can you have the card mailed to you through Discover Baja.
Thanks, Lionel


Well... as they will need to see your passport, I am not sure... Just give them a call toll free (the web site still has FM-T info and not the newer FMM): Find their number at http://www.discoverbaja.com

On their site:

Tourist Visa (FMT)
Tourist Visa (FMT)

Save valuable time and frustration by purchasing your Mexican Tourist Visa at the DISCOVER BAJA office, rather than at the border. This is a special benefit that Mexican Immigration allows us to offer, but only to our members.

Be advised that if you are going to be in Baja for seven days or less, you may obtain this document for free at the Immigration office at the border. For visits of eight days or more paid visas (from DISCOVER BAJA or the border) are required.

In order to obtain a Tourist Visa at the border, you need a current passport or passport card. You must get your Visa as soon as you enter the country. There are Mexican Immigration offices at every border crossing. The Tijuana Immigration office and banjercito should be open 365 days/year and 24 hours/day.

Before your Tourist Visa expires, return it in person to any Mexican Immigration Office OR mail to: INSTITUTO NACIONAL DE MIGRACION
PUENTE PUERTA S/N
COLONIA FEDERAL
TIJUANA, B.C. MEXICO C.P. 22310

[Edited on 11-9-2010 by David K]

windgrrl - 11-9-2010 at 10:59 AM

Ordered prepaid Mexican visas via Discover Baja and received them within 6 working days. Website for border crossing hours:
http://apps.cbp.gov/bwt/