BajaNomad - tourist card...needed?

tourist card...needed?

oldtortisegrl - 4-28-2011 at 02:36 PM

Four years ago on my way south I purchased a tourist card....I was never asked for it during my trip to the tip and back. Three years ago never purchased one and again was never asked. Are they hit or miss if they are needed? Can anyone speak from experience?

irenemm - 4-28-2011 at 02:41 PM

Hit or miss maybe . Just the law that is all.

kaybaj - 4-28-2011 at 02:42 PM

in 25 years of traveling in baja the only place I've been asked to see it has been at the state border in Guerrero Negro

Dave - 4-28-2011 at 02:45 PM

Unless you're traveling into Baja Sur a tourist card is not needed.

In any of the border towns as well as Rosarito, Ensenada, San Quintin or San Felipe you will never be asked for a tourist visa.

mulegejim - 4-28-2011 at 02:47 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by oldtortisegrl
Four years ago on my way south I purchased a tourist card....I was never asked for it during my trip to the tip and back. Three years ago never purchased one and again was never asked. Are they hit or miss if they are needed? Can anyone speak from experience?

Not positive, however, if you are ever in an accident I think you will be glad you have one. Jim

Bajahowodd - 4-28-2011 at 04:21 PM

Actually, the state border by Guerrero Negro closed their immigration office recently.

But, as has been noted, and not just for an accident, but, if you get stopped for any infraction, you WILL be glad you had one.

And, as has been noted, it is the law. In effect, whether or not there appears to be much of an active interest by the authorities in Mexico to check such documents, it IS the law. So, if you are traveling beyond the border zone, or will be in Mexico more than 72 hours, if you do not have the FMM, you are, in effect, an illegal alien.

I alway get one, lest I be accused of ignoring Mexican law, not to mention the hypocrisy, given all the sturm and drang NOB about illegals.

BajaBlanca - 4-28-2011 at 04:21 PM

It is the law. If you are traveling south.

msteve1014 - 4-28-2011 at 04:31 PM

I have been asked 3 or 4 times in 20 years, and I still get them. It's not worth the risk, to save $20 or so.

DENNIS - 4-28-2011 at 04:37 PM

It's just like car insurance. One might go a lifetime without having to show it, but if you ever have to, you had better have it.

C'mon. Play the freakin' game.

mcfez - 4-28-2011 at 04:42 PM

I always say dont bother with getting one if you are not going further than San Felipe / Gonzaga Bay.

Other wise....yes, get one.

kaybaj - 4-28-2011 at 06:09 PM

Actually, the state border by Guerrero Negro closed their immigration office recently. :?:

hmm, I was told told pick up my fm2 there next week?!?!

mojo_norte - 4-28-2011 at 07:25 PM

With the Guerrero Negro check closed you can probably get away with not having one. Thoughts - speculation? on this board are that if you get in an auto accident your insurance company may balk . Try and get one for that reason IMO.

sancho - 4-28-2011 at 09:01 PM

You can be asked for an fmm by a Cop, Military checkpoints have on a rare
occasion asked for one, or as mentioned a Mex Auto Insurance
Adjuster. I have read on at least one Mex Ins Policy that said
'the policy holder has to be on the Country (Mex) legally
for the policy to be valid', would that ever be enforced,
probably not. But without an fmm you will be giving
leverage to one of the above authorities

goldhuntress - 4-28-2011 at 10:14 PM

My boyfriend told me your auto insurance is not valid if you don't have a tourist card. Not sure if that's true but check it out before you go. If it's true and you do get in an accident and don't have it, that would suck big time.

Bob and Susan - 4-29-2011 at 05:19 AM

just another "urban myth"

it was discussed earlier by bajabound insurance

sancho - 4-29-2011 at 08:50 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by Bob and Susan
just another "urban myth"

it was discussed earlier by bajabound insurance

Urban myth, don't think so. I contacted Lewis & Lewis
about their annual coverage being valid if one lives
in Mex, their reply was 'yes as long as you have proper
Mex Immigration status'. I'll go a step further, if one is
involved in an accident, and you are determined to be
in Mex ILLEGALLY, I believe Mex Imm COULD impound
your vehicle, and physically DEPORT YOU, because
Bajabound says one thing, doesn't mean it is so across
the board. Advising someone to travel in Baja without
proper Imm papers is IRRESPONSIBLE

DENNIS - 4-29-2011 at 08:57 AM

On the other hand, many drivers in North Baja arn't required to have Immigration documents, but are insured to drive.
There are variables with this issue.

tripledigitken - 4-29-2011 at 09:09 AM

Another example of there is no one right answer in Mexico. Assume the worst case scenario and prepare for it, in this case getting the tourist card would be the smart thing to do.

I didn't see Bajabounds response to this issue. What did they say on the issue?

mcfez - 4-29-2011 at 09:15 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by Bob and Susan
just another "urban myth"

it was discussed earlier by bajabound insurance

This is true. Fact is....the subject was dissected very intensely!

I suggest that one should look this topic up in the "search function" of this forum

tripledigitken - 4-29-2011 at 10:13 AM

I see, because some thread posted on the internet says that its not required to have an FMM to be covered by your Mexican Insurance Policy then that's the final word.

Having an FMM is optional to I'm guessing according to some.

If no one ever asks to see it, why the hell go to the trouble of getting one?

Great advice for noobies looking for direction at Baja Nomads.

sancho - 4-29-2011 at 12:09 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by DENNIS
On the other hand, many drivers in North Baja arn't required to have Immigration documents, but are insured to drive.

If you are ANYWHERE Mex for 72 hrs. or more, my logic says if you
have a Mex Ins Policy for more than 3 days, and don't
have an fmm, you are in the Country of Mexico illegally.
Even if you are not so. of say Ensenada. I agree, giving
ill advice to newbies is negligent. When a Cop or Ins Adjuster
asks for your tourist card, what are you going to say?
The guys on bajanomad or bajabound said I don't need
one, that's NOT GOING TO FLY

DENNIS - 4-29-2011 at 12:22 PM

Yeah....Ya know...there are so many freakin' "ifs", I don't know why anyone would try to read between the lines.

mcfez - 4-29-2011 at 01:02 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by tripledigitken
I see, because some thread posted on the internet says that its not required to have an FMM to be covered by your Mexican Insurance Policy then that's the final word.

Having an FMM is optional to I'm guessing according to some.

If no one ever asks to see it, why the hell go to the trouble of getting one?

Great advice for noobies looking for direction at Baja Nomads.

So I take it that your word here is the best and true advice? :lol:

tripledigitken - 4-29-2011 at 02:17 PM

The best advice to a noobie asking about travel into Baja, obey Mexican laws.

To you seasoned old farts, do what you please.
:lol:

sancho - 4-29-2011 at 03:49 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by tripledigitken

To you seasoned old farts, do what you please.
:lol:

Wait a minute, I resemble that remark, I'm an
Old Blowhard Too, I suppose any of us that
has more than 1 star under their name is also.
Glad we got this item figured out
That is until next time

[Edited on 4-29-2011 by sancho]

Bajahowodd - 4-29-2011 at 03:57 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by tripledigitken
The best advice to a noobie asking about travel into Baja, obey Mexican laws.

To you seasoned old farts, do what you please.
:lol:

Maybe it's just me, but the very fact that so many folks seem to feel that it's ok to ignore the law of a sovereign nation, no matter how intermittent their enforcement may be, smacks of a kind of an attitude of Mexico being an inferior neighbor.

And yet, we complain all the time about not only Mexicans, but even their govenenment encouraging their citizens to flout US law and take advantage of us.

The proper quid pro quo is obey the laws both ways.

mcfez - 4-29-2011 at 04:43 PM

Oh come on you do good'ers .

Who here has obey 100% of the American laws?

Posted speed limit says 25. You dont do 26mph ....ever?

I wasnt saying to overthrow the Mexican Govt, shop lift the merchants to death..... or to go on a murderous rampage. We're talking about a little used form. Not many have bought a tourist card...least in the N Baja areas. Fact is...I dont know anyone that has a tourist card visiting San Felipe.

Please...anyone here...please say you obey all laws 100%

mojo_norte - 4-29-2011 at 05:09 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Bajahowodd

Maybe it's just me, but the very fact that so many folks seem to feel that it's ok to ignore the law of a sovereign nation, no matter how intermittent their enforcement may be, smacks of a kind of an attitude of Mexico being an inferior neighbor.

And yet, we complain all the time about not only Mexicans, but even their govenenment encouraging their citizens to flout US law and take advantage of us.

The proper quid pro quo is obey the laws both ways.

With all respects you're way off base. The reason most people fail to get an FMM is not for reasons of willful arrogance towards Mexican laws.

sancho - 4-29-2011 at 08:07 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by mojo_norte
[

With all respects you're way off base. The reason most people fail to get an FMM is not for reasons of willful arrogance towards Mexican laws.

I'm guessing the hassle of getting an fmm, plus
the $23? What's that line people in the US like to
use referring toward illegal Mex Nationals in
the US? "What Part of Illegal Don't You Understand'?

DENNIS - 4-29-2011 at 08:13 PM

Seems to me, those who choose to not get the FMM are just plain lazy. I'll bet most everybody would get one if you could do the whole thing online or buy one at Vons.
Yep....just plain freakin' lazy.

wilderone - 4-30-2011 at 07:32 AM

RE: "... illegal Mex Nationals in the US? "What Part of Illegal Don't You Understand'?"

If they will, I will.
I split the difference. When the Mex. Embassy in San Diego issued visas, I'd get one stamped (they needed birth certif), but not pay for the bottom part. I always had the newly issued visa in my possession, along with birth certif as well. It is my understanding that the fee goes toward a fund for tourism, road repair, and probably a lot of graft. Sometimes I'd pay, and if it wasn't too expired, use it after it expired. Sometimes I'd change the "60" days to "180" days with the stroke of a pen. The form changed so I had to pay for one the last time. "Legal", "illegal" - all a matter for a court to decide, prosecuted by whom? A tourist with an expired visa? Aren't there millions all over the world? I don't believe an insurance company has the capability of determining immigration status. It's not arrogance, it's not laziness that I don't like to pay. It's Mexico's use of the money, my attitude toward illegal immigration into the US, the fact the visa is only good for 6 months, the fact that a current, paid-for visa is never required on a trip that turns me off on the idea. Yes, there are risks - weigh the risk as you see fit.

DENNIS - 4-30-2011 at 07:49 AM

When were the INM regs of Mexico offered up for personal interpretation? That's a rather self-righteous attitude toward the issue, don't you think?

.

[Edited on 4-30-2011 by DENNIS]

sancho - 4-30-2011 at 10:48 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by DENNIS
When were the INM regs of Mexico offered up for personal interpretation?

Exactly, contrary to what some here think, there is no personal
interpretation. Just about as blk/white as can be.
I'm only going to San Felipe for 10 days, LA Bay,
there is no check at G Negro, on and on

Dave - 4-30-2011 at 02:27 PM

I'll know Mexico is serious about tourist regulations when, just like the U.S. they examine every legal entrant for the proper documentation. :rolleyes:

oldtortisegrl - 5-13-2011 at 08:57 AM

Thanks everyone......I'll be sure we all have our tourist cards upon leaving Ensenada. Really appreciate the discussion.
Dez

WARNING!!!

Dave - 5-13-2011 at 09:03 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by oldtortisegrl
Thanks everyone......I'll be sure we all have our tourist cards upon leaving Ensenada. Really appreciate the discussion.
Dez

DO NOT attempt to obtain a tourist visa in Ensenada. Get it at the border.

bajafam - 5-13-2011 at 09:08 AM

Just an FYI ~ if you plan on having a child in Baja ~ have your docs (and even ones you don't think you'll need) in check, current and up to date. If you don't plan on having a child, I still recommend the same practice. You know how to do it. It doesn't take that much time. We get ours EVERY time, and have only been asked for it when we were doing the paperwork for our son's birth, but it IS the law, and it's the right thing to do.

Alm - 5-13-2011 at 09:22 AM

Funny topic. Are people trying to save $23 a year, taking chances with immigration control? Is it worth it, really?

Like somebody said, there is usually no single right answer to anything in Mexico. Technically, you must have a tourist card. Roughly once a year I take a trip there by bus. At those road posts (I think there was at least 2 between Loreto and Tijuana) they mostly check people and cargo going North - because this is the direction of drugs traffic. About 50% of time (when going North) I had to show my tourist card at such moments. Buses going South they usually just wave through, 'cause there aren't many Gringos on the bus (but they stop cars going South). Once at the bus station in Tijuana when I was waiting for Greyhound bus to Sand Diego, immigration officer approached me and asked to show the documents.

The bottom line is: You never know when they will ask you to show it, and you will be glad that you have it.

Time limit?

Bajayan - 5-13-2011 at 09:37 AM

We're heading down soon and will be getting a card, but just wondering how long does it allow you to stay in Baja? We plan to drive all the way down to Cabo and it will likely take more than a month, maybe two. Is that okay? I just read in the 2011 Frommers that new rules limit your stay to 30 days. Is that true? It would be a major inconvenience to have to drive back up and re-enter! :no:

[Edited on 5-13-2011 by Bajayan]

DENNIS - 5-13-2011 at 09:45 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by Bajayan
I just read in the 2011 Frommers that new rules limit your stay to 30 days. Is that true?

Can you get your money back on that Book? :lol:

You get six months with the FMM.

MitchMan - 5-13-2011 at 09:49 AM

If you are driving in baja, be insured. If the fmm is required for your insurance to be valid, get the fmm. Case closed.

If you are not driving in Baja and there are no legal ramifications to not having an fmm since no one ever asks you to show your fmm under any and all probable circumstances (which appears to be the case as testified to in this forum and in my own experience), why get one?

Aside from Alm above, anyone else ever get asked to show the fmm? I will admit that my wife gets asked for her fmm when we fly into TJ from La Paz on Volaris airlines at the TJ airport when you walk through to the baggage pick up area on the way out of the airport after getting off the plane, so we get one for her.

[Edited on 5-13-2011 by MitchMan]

bajafam - 5-13-2011 at 09:49 AM

they are good for 180 days ~ but make sure you get that endorsement as they have stamps for shorter periods of time as well.

Alm - 5-17-2011 at 04:11 PM

I haven't heard of 30 days limit.

As to whether FMM/TouristCard is needed - technically yes, it is.

If you are not driving in Baja, then you're flying or taking a bus.

When you fly out of Baja, FMM is needed always, no matter what airport.

When you're taking a bus via Ensenada and Tijuana - depending on their mood it might or or might not be needed in Maneadero (roadpost near Ensenada), and there is very little chance that they will ask about it in Tijuana. I don't think they check people often at the TJ bus station. May be it's just me a magnet for authorities - they checked my passport when I was flying out of Hawaii while I was peacefully sitting in the airport, waiting for my plane. Take your chance and save $23 if you feel lucky, OK.

Bajahowodd - 5-17-2011 at 04:28 PM

Maneadero? I haven't been South of Ensenada in about four months, and did hear that they did relocate the army checkpoint a bit farther North than it had been. But not in or very near Maneadero. Not to mention that army checkpoints might ask to see your immigration documents about .001% of the time. Or maybe less. They are not charged with immigation enforcement.

Only thing I can conclude is that Alm has been reading some very old guide books where there once was an immigration office in Maneadero. Not there for many years.

The current law is get your docs at the border.

All said, as citizens of the US, given the outrage being voiced over border policy and illegal immigration, lest anyone would not want to appear a hypocrite, get your doggone visas at the border. Anyone who sincerely feels that the cost is something they cannot afford is likely not a visior that will benefit Mexico in the first place.

J.P. - 5-17-2011 at 05:19 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by oldtortisegrl
Thanks everyone......I'll be sure we all have our tourist cards upon leaving Ensenada. Really appreciate the discussion.
Dez

If you wait to buy your tourist card in Ensenada you will be fined. You are now required to buy your Tourist FM at the port of entry Ensenada is not a port of entry.
The subject of Auto Insurance Is More misunderstood than the tourist card subject MEXICO DOES NOT HAVE A MANDETORY INSURANCE LAW 95%of the locals dont have any. BUT YOU ARE A DAMMED FOOL IF YOU DONT HAVE INS.IF YOU HAVE A ACCIDENT THEY WILL TAKE YOUR CAR AND QUITE POSSIBLY YOU WILL GO TO JAIL UNTIL FINANCIAL RESPONSIBILITY IS DETERMINED.
ALL THIS INFORMATION IS ON LINE. ARM YOUSELY WITH THE CORRECT INFORMATION AND THEN ENJOY YOUR JOURNEY TO THE MAX. :yes:

J.P. - 5-17-2011 at 05:28 PM

When you purchase your tourist care they will ask you how long you are going to be in MX.If you tell them 10 days your card will reflect 10 days if you say 180days the max your card will reflect 180days the cost is the same. :yes:

funkynassau - 5-17-2011 at 07:24 PM

What does FMM actually stand for?

J.P. - 5-17-2011 at 07:36 PM

FORMA MIGRATORIA MULTIPLE

FMM

Alm - 5-17-2011 at 07:47 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Bajahowodd

... get your doggone visas at the border.

That's been my opinion too. And, - I'm not reading guide books, old or new; ain't literate, ya know... Just taking a bus overnight. Soldiers come in, usually I'm the only gringo there, they look at my documents and then open bags in cargo hold. 2 or 3 years ago they frisked everybody on the bus - probably were looking for weapons. Not a Maneadero - ok, heck with it. Last year it wasn't even in Baja North - the roadpost was between Loreto and St Rosa, I didn't go farther North.

Alm - 5-17-2011 at 07:50 PM

My typo - I said ain't literate

- roadpost was between Loreto and BOLA. Somewhere in lower part of Baja North.