BajaNomad - TOURIST CARD...where t'get??

TOURIST CARD...where t'get??

micah202 - 1-24-2011 at 12:12 AM

....I tried the search function,,but no specifics about where t'get atourist card.
....online would be wonderful!,,,
.....Ensenada would be 2nd choice,,,,,any specific directions?
......or are they sold right at the Tijuana border?..don't want t'spend a second longer than I have to in Tijuana

....whut's the most convenient choice?.......thanks,folks!

goldhuntress - 1-24-2011 at 12:49 AM

There's lots of ways to get the tourist visa. I have been getting mine through http://www.discoverbaja.com/. It's $39 to join for a year. They send it so all you just have to get it stamped at the border. They are very helpful and will be able to answer any questions you may have.

micah202 - 1-24-2011 at 12:51 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by goldhuntress
There's lots of ways to get the tourist visa. I have been getting mine through http://www.discoverbaja.com/. It's $39 to join for a year. They send it so all you just have to get it stamped at the border. They are very helpful and will be able to answer any questions you may have.

...I'm leaving in 2 days,,,'sending-it' might not be the best idea
Here's good information from discover baja ...
''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.''

....so 'Tijuana immigration' sounds to be right at the border?

[Edited on 1-24-2011 by micah202]

wilderone - 1-24-2011 at 08:53 AM

Yes, the "Migra" office is immediately to your right as you pass through the kiosks and red light/green light at the border. Should only take about 15 minutes - the bank and cambio are in adjacent offices. Getting it in Ensenada is not advisable.

DENNIS - 1-24-2011 at 08:57 AM

Ensenada Immigration would prefer that you get it at the border.
I'm hoping that one day soon, WalMart will sell them. :spingrin:

micah202 - 1-24-2011 at 09:08 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by DENNIS
Ensenada Immigration would prefer that you get it at the border.
I'm hoping that one day soon, WalMart will sell them. :spingrin:

...or they become unnecessary!!....thanks!

.

DENNIS - 1-24-2011 at 09:26 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by micah202
...or they become unnecessary!!....thanks!

.

That wouldn't be an "Open Borders" sentiment, would it?

Jes kiddin. I know what it was. :lol:

David K - 1-24-2011 at 09:33 AM

micah, I have posted photos of the Tijuana border parking INM office/ bank area in my trip report of July 2009 (Baja 709)... and again more than once here. The 'migra' (immigration) office is the far north (right) one in the building that faces the secondary (covered) parking area.

Go there first, get the FMMs, if longer than 7 days or you just want a 180 day one, (fill in 180 days, and put Los Cabos or the southernmost destination in Mexico on it), take it to the bank teller... it is about 7 windows/ doors down from INM... pay, take the forms back to INM for final stamp...

One more time...

David K - 1-24-2011 at 09:47 AM

Get in far right lane, I-805 southbound:

Drive into Something to declare lane (gate opens automatically at entrance).

Park... walk over to row of offices... INM was the far right one.

Bring a pen with you... if there are others there, they may only have one.

When you drive out of the secondary parking, they had a button you walk over to push to see if you get a red or green light... for a car search. If you are on vacation and not transporting guns, ammo, furniture, appliances, or used clothes to give away, you will be fine.

Remember, you are in Latin America now... and random military inspections and searches are normal... they are looking for guns, ammo and drugs. They usually ask where you are coming from first (in Spanish)... then will wave you on or ask you to step out for a search.'

Although I never had any problems... some have reported flashlights, cameras, etc. missing... so just pick up those things and hold them (and your money) on you while they search your car... It is quite fine to watch them while they look.

micah202 - 1-24-2011 at 10:53 AM

...thanks -this sums the question nicely for the next newby...
...as long as they try a 'search' before posting! :smug:

micah202 - 1-24-2011 at 11:07 AM

..and here's some information for crossing at the --Otay-- crossing ,,which some prefer for the ease of crossing, and not having to drive through downtown TJ!....sent U2U

------------------------------------------------

Travel Documents
For visiting, driving or traveling in Baja, you will need three types of documents.
US Drivers License – You should already have this. Ensure that it is not expired.
US Passport – You should also have one of these…..again, check the expiration date.
Mexican Immigration Travel Permit (FMM) – While not necessary in the Ensenada area, and for visits of less than 72 hours, it is highly recommended…….kind of an immigration insurance policy.

You can obtain the FMM at any land border crossing. All you need is your US Passport, possibly a US driver’s license or other government issued photo identification and about $22 (US).

When obtaining the FMM, tell them you want it for the full 180 days and that you are traveling to Cabo…..just makes things easier, trust me.

OBTAINING THE FMM

There are two ways to get the FMM at the Otay crossing……your choice

OTAY Crossing – As you approach the Mexican border and customs checkpoint, get into the far right lane under the “Declare” sign. As you pass through the checkpoint, if you are asked, tell the Customs or military people that you need to see INM (Mexican Immigration) for the FMM Visa.

As you pass through the checkpoint, you will pass a building on your right….that’s where INM is located……once you drive past this building, there will be a small single story brick building on your left……this is where the bank is.

As you pass the bank, you will come to a big parking lot where the customs inspections take place. Park in an open spot in this lot and tell the Customs inspectors that you need an FMM……..

Go to the first building you passed upon entering the checkpoint….now on your left, find the INM office and fill out the forms……you will need your passport and possibly your driver’s license.

Now take the FMM form and walk back to the bank where you will pay the $22 fee. There may be a INM counter there that will stamp the FMM (ask the bank teller)…..if not, go back to the INM office, get your FMM stamped….walk back to your car and pull out of the lot………

Not done yet…….there is a little booth with a gate and a red/green light……..tell them (and show them your FMM) that you just pulled in to obtain your FMM…..they may have you push the button….a green light and you go………….a red light and you may get a customs inspection…..

Park and Walk……. As you are southbound on the 905 approaching the border, exit the 905 at the Siempre Viva Road exit. At the top of the ramp, turn left onto Siempre Viva, cross over the 905 and make a right turn on Roll Drive.

Proceed on Roll Drive to the stop sign. Proceed straight on Roll Drive……you will be headed toward the US Customs building. There may be a small barricade in the road…….drive around it and turn right into the US Customs public parking lot.

Park, lock your car and take the pedestrian overpass across the 905/border entrance. Be sure to have your US Passport and US drivers license…..and about $25 in US dollars.

Once you walk across the overpass, turn left and walk through the turnstiles into Mexico…..if anyone (Mexican Customs or Mexican military) asks you questions, tell them you are obtaining an FMM.

There will be several offices on your right. Look for the one with the INM (Instituto Nacional de Migración - Mexico National Immigration) office.

Enter the office and request an FMM (see above for details and procedure).
After you have paid the FMM fee at the bank and had the FMM stamped/validated by INM, the fun part of the process begins………..

Walk south on the sidewalk along the roadway…..past the insurance and money vendors…..look for a break in the traffic divider between the southbound and northbound traffic…….watch the locals….cross the traffic lanes and make it across to the other side of the northbound lanes………

You are now in the pedestrian walkway to enter the US……when you get to the US entry point, have your US Passport and drivers license ready……when asked, tell the nice US Customs people you are returning from Mexico where you obtained your FMM and you have nothing to declare.

Walk through the building and back to your car…….this whole process shouldn’t take more than 20 minutes.

Exit the US Customs parking lot and at the stop sign, turn right onto Via de La Amistad then an immediate left onto Paseo De Las Americas. At the stoplight (Siempre Viva Road) turn left…..cross over the 905 and take the on ramp to your left to the border crossing.

OK, this sounds complicated, but it is not. We did it and it is relatively easy.

DIRECTIONS TO -OTAY.......

DRIVING TO San Diego

Follow the I-5 down to the 905

Follow the 905 east to Otay

[Edited on 1-25-2011 by micah202]

David K - 1-24-2011 at 11:46 PM

The best way southbound from Otay is to follow the signs for Tecate.. about a mile south of the border you turn left on 'Industrial'... go 5 miles to the split (left is Tecate toll road toll booths, and right is Corredor 2000 for Popotla/Ensenada)... Great highway and free, all the way to Mex. 1 on the coast.

[Edited on 1-25-2011 by David K]

micah202 - 1-25-2011 at 08:28 AM

...nice details,,,thanks soo much--I'll probably be able t'follow them after 30 hours of driving!!,,,and reduce worries some!
....that first hotsprings feels just that much closer now!!!
.....one sleep and I'll be on my way!! :biggrin:

so the new US passport cards are sufficient?

BajaVida - 1-27-2011 at 08:28 PM

can I leave my passport at home?

David K - 1-27-2011 at 11:24 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by BajaVida
can I leave my passport at home?

For coming home, not sure if the Mexican officials like the card for getting your FMM... Why not keep the card in your wallet and the standard passport in your car somewhere, just in case... Tijuana is a long way from Modesto to go back and get it!

David K - 1-27-2011 at 11:29 PM

Oh, and it is good to see you posting again, Vida!
How is Dick doing?

how about this

BajaVida - 1-28-2011 at 09:02 PM

several years ago, a friend brought his wife's passport my mistake (which he discovered as we were waiting in line in Tijuana)
I told him to stick with me and I would take care of him
I schmoozed the immigration agent and told him my friend was a Marine who fought in Viet Nam
the agent asked me if he was a US Citizen and I told him yes
he got his tourist card and we did not have to pay extra

the down side for Vince was that we called him Carol for the rest of the trip

the moral of the story? you don't need no stinkin' passport

Dick aka thebajarunner is just fine, but he is skipping Baja this year but hosting our "planning meeting" next weekend

hope all is well with you David

captkw - 1-28-2011 at 09:30 PM

david,s pic's say it all!! real easy....did it nov.3rd and was the best yet.. something's are getting a lot better down here!!also the roed is sweeT!!!!

[Edited on 1-29-2011 by captkw]

ddawson - 1-28-2011 at 10:48 PM

Follow David's instructions above. I used the declaration parking routine over my last two trips (Dec 2010, and Jan 2011) in order to get my gf and brother their FMM. We had no issues with the FMM process.

ddawson - 1-28-2011 at 11:00 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by ddawson
Follow David's instructions above. I used the declaration parking routine over my last two trips (Dec 2010, and Jan 2011) in order to get my gf and brother their FMM. We had no issues with the FMM process.

To further my post above, and as an FYI, I did have issues with the Aduana when leaving the lot. I had to wait to get an all clear from the Aduana guys. I was going on a surfing and fishing vacation and had all of my camping gear, fishing stuff, boards, and food. They took one look at my truck and told me I had to get an official to search my vehicle to see if I had anything to pay duties on before I could leave. I told them I was on vacation and that I was there to get a FMM and they said it didn't matter. I've never had this happen before.

I stood in the long line (it was right before Christmas, and a lot of people were crossing with gifts). I lucked out and got the pretty girl to search my car. I smiled and lightly flirted with her (we seemed to be the same age, and I'm a handsome young guy) the whole time and she basically waved me through. The whole process took an hour.

Last week I was headed down for more surfing and fishing, and again I was hassled by an Aduana official. I told him I'm on vacation and that I was surfing and camping. He kept quizzing me about food, and I told him that I was going to purchase food in Ensenada and showed him my empty cooler (I had another box of food packed deep in my truck) and he let me go.

I've been going to Baja for 15 years and have never had issues with this. I am not going to be using the declaration lot anymore. Has anyone else had issues with this?

David K - 1-29-2011 at 09:13 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by ddawson

Quote:

It happens... and did you still have to push the button for the red/ green light when you drove out?

Avoid busy times, because even though you are in 'secondary'... you are there for the FMM and not to declare something. An option is to find a parking place beyond the border, and walk back to the INM/border. Not an easy choice if you are in a pickup with all your gear just waiting to be grabbed.

That July when I took the photos, you can see how many cars were parked... There was a line of cars to get out... The new young inspector not only searched my truck (after I stood in the human line for my turn), but told me to push the button as I drove out. Like if I got red, would they need to search the truck again? It was green. That day, it took an hour instead of the normal 10 minutes or less.

It was late Saturday morning... so if you can avoid that time/ day for getting FMMs.

ddawson - 1-29-2011 at 11:37 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by David K

Quote:

Originally posted by ddawson

Quote:

It happens... and did you still have to push the button for the red/ green light when you drove out?

... An option is to find a parking place beyond the border, and walk back to the INM/border. Not an easy choice if you are in a pickup with all your gear just waiting to be grabbed..

\

No, they did not make me push a button. They waved me through. I guess it's just part of the trip.

I have parked after the military/aduana checkpoint at the border in the past and I think I'm going to stick with that route for now.

fatoldcapt - 1-30-2011 at 08:01 PM

Can you get a Tourist Permit at the Tecate Boarder Crossing?

David K - 1-30-2011 at 08:14 PM

Yes, every open border has an INM office (immigration)... The problem at Tecate is if you want a 180 day one (or anything over the free 7 day one), you need to go to a bank and pay the fee, then return to INM for the final authorizing stamp.

Tijuana has a 24/7 bank teller just for theses payments... Tecate does not. You will need to walk a couple blocks down the hill to a bank (and hope they are open) if you cross during banking hours. Then take it back to the border for the stamp.

OPTION: Members of Discover Baja Travel Club ($39/ yr.) can purchase pre-paid tourist cards that only need the final authorization stamp where you enter Mexico.

[Edited on 1-31-2011 by David K]

bajafam - 1-31-2011 at 10:19 AM

David, do you know if it would be possible to get the FMM at Tecate, pay along the way (can't you pay at any bank??) and then get it stamped in Ensenada? I only ask because we are going to be crossing rather late through Tecate and probably will miss the bank being open. I know that Ensenada is a hit or miss, but we also are going to get Mister's CURP, so I'm hoping we can do a two in one stop at INM in Ensenada. Do you think that's a possiblity?

David K - 1-31-2011 at 10:31 AM

With so many terrible reports about Ensenada, I would avoid that guy like the plague.

I am sure others will come forward with their thoughts.

In the past, it has been okay to get the card and if no bank was open to pay there, just pay when you do find an open bank during your trip. Telling the INM guy this when you enter Mexico... maybe he will stamp it... and just the bank stamp/ receipt will be missing...?

I don't know the big plus of going INTO Mexico at Tecate... It is a long ways in the mountains to get there from San Diego, and then you have the Hwy. 3 construction mess... Comong home for the shorter wait, sure... but going south Tijuana (or Otay) is the only way for us... Either way, there is not a lot of city traffic once you are a few blocks from the border... and signs to Rosarito/ Ensenada/ etc. are at every option.

The only other option is to get the prepaid FMM at Discover Baja Travel Club...

bajafam - 1-31-2011 at 04:11 PM

Well, Tecate is an advantage for us because we are coming from Arizona, and going that way gets us into Baja a lot quicker

this is especially important when one is craving Lechon!! I would love to say that Discover Baja would be a great option for us in the future, but as we are leaving soon, I don't want to chance it not arriving in time, KWIM? We also do not travel along 3, but take 2 into Poplota to stay at La Fonda our first night. Hmmm...what to do, what to do?

David K - 1-31-2011 at 04:51 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by bajafam
Well, Tecate is an advantage for us because we are coming from Arizona, and going that way gets us into Baja a lot quicker

Okay, right you are... Well, cross even sooner at Mexicali if you are there during 'bank hours' because while I think there is a bank by that border, it may not be 24/7 like Tijuana's border bank.

Otherwise, get the FMMs at Tecate or Mexicali... and just pay when you find an open bank... I mean what else can you do...? It is Mexico's crazy rule to charge for them (since 2000) but not collect the money where you get them!!??

Have a fun trip... and the Corredor 2000 to Popotla is the bomb! :bounce: