BajaNomad

How to NOT explain the new Mexican fishing visa

Mengano - 1-19-2012 at 06:09 PM

Mexico Visa Dialog with Anglers Continues
By: Tom Gatch | 1/19/2012 9:35 AM

There is still a lot of confusion regarding the newly implemented requirement for all passengers aboard foreign vessels entering Mexican waters within 25 miles of shore to carry tourist visas, in addition to the usual fishing licenses that have always been needed by anglers.

Some have even suggested that every foreigner that comes to Baja California to fish will need a visa, as well. In an effort to get some clarification on this matter, I recently paid a visit to the main office of the Baja California Department of Tourism in downtown Ensenada and spoke with representative Marco Antonio Padilla.

He first explained that, in addition to sorting out the visa issue affecting those traveling into Mexican waters on foreign craft, his office is currently working vigorously with local officials of the Mexican navy to get a full explanation as to why a San Diego-based sportfisher, Malahini, had to return to port.

Malahini‘s skipper was reportedly told by the captain of a Mexico navy patrol boat that approached the sportfisher near Los Coronados islands that the vessel had to return to the U.S. because the skipper did not have a boat permit in his possession. This is particularly perplexing, since boat permits have not been required for foreign vessels in Mexican waters since 2008.

But while issues involving maritime entry into Mexico’s coastal zone are still in the process of being ironed out, Padilla assured me that nothing has really changed for anglers who drive into Baja California Norte to fish or enjoy other recreational activities.

He explained, “From a technical standpoint, all foreigners entering the republic of Mexico have always been required to get a visa whenever they cross into the country. But because we have a local visitor-based economy, our coastal regions within about 100 miles of the border have been designated as tourist zones, where one can stay for up to 72 hours, or three days without the need for such documentation.”

He added that beyond this distance, just as at U.S. immigration checkpoints near San Clemente and Temecula, a visa is required to travel to farther points in either country. Of course, anglers and tourists who either drive or fly into Baja California Sur have become well acclimated to the visa process over the years.

Padilla summed things up by saying that, most of all, he wanted to get the word out to stateside anglers that there are many good sportfishing charter and panga operations in the Baja California Norte tourist zone between Playas Tijuana and Bahia San Quintín that are waiting for them with open arms. Anglers who drive here to take advantage of some of the best fishing on the northern coast can stay for up to three days without having to be concerned about getting a visa.

But if anglers travel to Baja California regularly and would like to stay longer or enjoy fishing farther south, they can simply purchase an FMM visa, which is also good for those aboard foreign boats venturing into Mexico’s 25-mile coastal zone.

http://www.fishrapnews.com/news/newsArticles.aspx?x=12884

[OK, does everybody get it? If you hire a fishing boat out of a Mexican port you won't have the problem the Malahini had.]

woody with a view - 1-20-2012 at 07:51 AM

so the tourist zone extends to SQ now?

Hook - 1-20-2012 at 08:26 AM

Well, according to this article, the conventional FMM should work on vessels fishing the Coronados or anywhere along the Baja coast.

It's beginning to look like this company set up to sell exorbitantly priced "water" FMMs to anglers in San Diego has been misleading the public into thinking THEIR permits are required.

BTW, comparing the fishing experience of boats based out of Ensenada to ones based out of San Diego is ridiculous. Irrespective of the differences in the boats, who wants to drive an hour below the border (and deal with a multi-hour border wait coming back) to fish a half day?

Visa info from tourist bureau

akshadow - 1-20-2012 at 08:52 AM

The tourist bureaus are chamber of commerce type organizations. In San Felipe I have received info from the tourist bureau that was in direct conflict with the immigration office position on the subject.
Status is based on the official in front of you at that moment.

Martyman - 1-20-2012 at 09:10 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by Hook
BTW, comparing the fishing experience of boats based out of Ensenada to ones based out of San Diego is ridiculous. Irrespective of the differences in the boats, who wants to drive an hour below the border (and deal with a multi-hour border wait coming back) to fish a half day?



Uhhh....I do?

Hook - 1-20-2012 at 09:53 AM

I guess in the midst of a good tuna bite, the answer might be yes. But it wouldnt be worth it to me for anything else.

sancho - 1-20-2012 at 01:02 PM

From what I'm reading, that boarding a boat in
San Diego/US whether a Sportfishing Boat or
Private, 1 has to get the temp 3 day or so fmm,
$35. That the regular 180 Border fmm will not work.
Those boarding a boat while in Mex and fishing, do not. So fishing
a panga out of Punta Banda while down there on
a 3 day trip would
not require any fmm. What is the point in that article
about Mex Nationals needing a US visa to travel
beyond the San Clemente cjheckpiont? They don't
need a visa to visit San Diego?
Heard there is another meeting with Mex IMM this week,
1/25 on the fishing fmm

[Edited on 1-23-2012 by sancho]