BajaNomad - According to the GN Immigration guy..

According to the GN Immigration guy..

mojo_norte - 2-9-2012 at 03:33 PM

I got my tourist card at Tecate on Tuesday. I wasn't asked for it at the GN checkpoint. After they did the spray I parked and went in and talked to the immigration man. He said that it's problem to get a tourist card there and there is no fine and it's the same price. just FYI.

vandenberg - 2-9-2012 at 03:41 PM

You must mean "no problem"
I wouldn't put it to the test. Just saying... :no:

mojo_norte - 2-9-2012 at 03:44 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by vandenberg
You must mean "no problem"
I wouldn't put it to the test. Just saying... :no:

Thanks - yes typo - I meant 'no problem'

Islandbuilder - 2-9-2012 at 06:47 PM

Good report! Thanks for taking the time to ask the questions!
I think that there is a rule in all of officialdom that requires all rules be interpreted differently by each officer. They also need to change their own opinions of their interpretations on a bi-weekly basis.

Ask official A a question on Monday, then ask official B for confirmation and he will disagree 100% with officer A. Wait 3 weeks and ask officer A the same question again, and he will contradict himself and agree with B's opinion. Except that B now agrees with A's previous position....

And so it goes.

It doesn't matter what country you're in, it's the same everywhere.

I have stopped assuming that I know anything about anything, and just pretend it's my first time everytime.

[Edited on 2-10-2012 by Islandbuilder]

goldhuntress - 2-9-2012 at 07:31 PM

I used to always get my tourist card in GN and never once had a problem. Then there's the famous saying "never say never" :biggrin:

Now we just get it at the border and get it out of the way.

David K - 2-9-2012 at 09:38 PM

Sounds good... specially if the INM office is unmanned at the border! Seriously, (for the newbies) you are in violation if you travel south of the 'Border Zone' without a tourist card (or in any part of Mexico for over 72 hours).

The problem is knowing exactlty what is the 'Border Zone' now...? The last 'published' mention of the border zone was Maneadero (just south of Ensenada) and Mexicali on the east side (however almost everyone claims San Felipe as being in the border zone... and it has NEVER been questioned or checked on the east side of Baja).

It may be true that the 'border zone' is the entire state of Baja California (Norte), being that the first (and only in Baja) INM inspection is at the state border near Guerrero Negro. In the old days the inspection station was just south of Maneadero...

Still waiting for something 'official' and new from the FEDERAL government on this.

mojo_norte - 2-9-2012 at 09:43 PM

I recognized the guy in GN as the same one who used to ask to see the card back 5 years ago or so.
I always liked getting the card in Ensenada but Tecate was very easy as well. Anyway, I was a bit apprehensive about crossing but everything's great - same great people. Roads are fine - the new sections are great w/ shoulders - other sections the same . The construction detour before GN is bad but only 5 miles or so.

BajaBlanca - 2-10-2012 at 07:48 AM

as far as I understand the law CHANGED and the new fine is $100 if you travel south of the border without proper tourist permit- according to Enrique the immig guy in santa rosalia.

and I definitely agree with Bill, it is the same all over the world - the rules change seemingly at someone's will - and it is better to be safe than sorry ....

UnoMas - 2-10-2012 at 08:13 AM

Blanca you are correct from my observation at the La Paz IMN office but that doesn't mean it is that way at all IMN offices. :biggrin:

shari - 2-10-2012 at 09:08 AM

To clarify things, I just called the immigration office in GN. The newest change that began in January this year is the suspension of fines for not getting your FMM when you cross the border.

I was told that you can now get your FMM in GN with no fine..hurray...BUT you must get it within banking hours...before 4:00...so you stop at the Immigration office and they give you a form to take to the bank...you pay 294 pesos for it there and bring back the stamped form to the office and they give you your brand new FMM.

The same goes for all offices south...they did say if it is after banking hours, they will give you a letter to take further south.

I was also told it's a good idea to check the INAMI website for changes as there are many changes as time goes on....but for the moment, no fines.

shitedetector - 2-10-2012 at 09:59 AM

Exactly as Shari has said.

I inquired into this back in November and sure enough it worked out fine.

I went to Migracion in La Paz and easily obtained the card.

First stop is Migracion
The with the basic form and passport go to Bank and pay $294 pesos
Return to Migracion and they process. It took 1 hour in La Paz.

Note:

The Migracion offices have moved and are no longer on the Malecon. They are now on Ave. de 5 de Febrero on the South side of town.

There was never any mention of a fine.

sancho - 2-10-2012 at 03:42 PM

I like ambiguity as much as the next guy, and we all know
Mex is full of it. To me, talking to a Mex IMM officer
you get his opinion 'at that point in time', nothing
more. The Officer who comes in behind him MAY have
completely different take. I wouldn't subject myself
to the chance after driving 13 hrs. so., that someone
in the GN office may have a different reg. I always take
the extra step to insure myself, I realize you are just
posting what he told you

UnoMas - 2-10-2012 at 04:08 PM

Wow who would have thought, the INM officials did say there were changes still being made to the new FM-3 process but thought it would be in the application process. I bet the guy they fined for not getting his fmm prior to coming to La Paz is really pi**ed now as he put on a nice display in the office over it. :lol:

Wonder if this has anything to do with trying to revive the goose that once laid the golden egg

Nah on second thought, :biggrin:

mtgoat666 - 2-10-2012 at 05:19 PM

cross at san ysidro or otay: getting visas is easy-peasy, wham bam thank you maam. avoid tecate, the border is little used and immigration office is open weird, unreliable hours. avoid ensenada and GN for visas because rules change depending on wind direction or who is on shift or who got nooky the night before -- and they are open weird, unreliable hours.
capiche!?

baja Steve - 2-10-2012 at 05:29 PM

I have got my visa at GN quiet a few times and the only bad thing is waiting in line at the bank.

Lee - 2-10-2012 at 05:33 PM

I vote getting the visa at the border. I wouldn't trust GN. Whether there is a fine for showing up in La Paz without one is up to the LP office.

Coming into LP from Todos on Forjadores, 5th de Febrero is where the road forks: left you see the McDonald. Turn right at the fork and the office is on the right a block up, across from a large tire company.

BajaBlanca - 2-14-2012 at 05:11 PM

well, I think it is wonderful that the law changed and that there is no more fine...wonder what brought that about ......

thanks Shari for that update. good to know and I stand corrected and muy feliz about it.

woody with a view - 2-14-2012 at 09:24 PM

it's still too easy to get it at the border or NOB. push your luck folks, while you know you're violating the law because it isn't convenient for you to stop when you cross. i'm sure there will be 1000's of "views" while you lay out the sob story of how Mexico is crooked and your life will never be the same when the Sheet Hits The Fan.

:lol:

shitedetector - 2-15-2012 at 10:08 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by woody with a view
it's still too easy to get it at the border or NOB. push your luck folks, while you know you're violating the law because it isn't convenient for you to stop when you cross. i'm sure there will be 1000's of "views" while you lay out the sob story of how Mexico is crooked and your life will never be the same when the Sheet Hits The Fan.

:lol:

this is getting hilarious

Bajahowodd - 2-15-2012 at 04:26 PM

Oy Vey. Seems to me that it wasn't too long ago that the official word was that if you don't get it at the border you be in BEEG trouble.

Over the years, especially with the GN office, it has been hit and miss, and all over the place.

I have to chime in with the folks who advocate getting it at the border. Unless you feel like you need some potential "adventure".

Even as Shari noted, if you find an IMM guy at the GN office, and you are there during banking hours, it is a couple of miles drive to get to the bank. Just seems like wasted time if you can get it all done as you cross the border.

sancho - 2-15-2012 at 04:46 PM

Read of a guy on the Baja fishing board 4 weeks
back or so, asked at TJ Immigration for a free
7 day fmm, was told they would issue him 1 as
long as he was going no further so. than
Rpsarito Beach, 12 so. of TJ, if going further than Rosarito
he would
need the $20 fmm, yes things change but to drive
400 mi into Baja wiht no fmm is not what I call prudent.
These IMM offices seem to make their own regs

Udo - 2-15-2012 at 04:54 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Bajahowodd
Oy Vey. Seems to me that it wasn't too long ago that the official word was that if you don't get it at the border you be in BEEG trouble.

Over the years, especially with the GN office, it has been hit and miss, and all over the place.

I have to chime in with the folks who advocate getting it at the border. Unless you feel like you need some potential "adventure".

Even as Shari noted, if you find an IMM guy at the GN office, and you are there during banking hours, it is a couple of miles drive to get to the bank. Just seems like wasted time if you can get it all done as you cross the border.

Sprocket - 2-23-2012 at 06:56 PM

Stopped to get fmm for the family didnt know my kids needed passports not passport cards. Went back to the car to tell wife we were just going to wing it at the check point, She makes me go back in the office I get a diffrent guy who says no problem here you go and stamps and signs everything. Done deal. That said Iam 8 for 8 crossing at GN never been stopped in 13 years other than my $20.00 peso for spray.

chuckie - 2-25-2012 at 03:28 AM

Better yet, get a pre-paid FMM. 3 minutes at the Tecate crossing and you are on the road...

BajaDove - 2-25-2012 at 07:46 AM

"No problema"
means maybe there's a problem or why would you think of saying 'No problem'

David K - 2-25-2012 at 12:41 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by chuckie
Better yet, get a pre-paid FMM. 3 minutes at the Tecate crossing and you are on the road...

Besides Discover Baja in San Diego (and maybe Vagabundos near Sacramento), where else can you easily get a pre-paid tourist card?

Who knows the rules anymore?

Mulegena - 2-25-2012 at 01:15 PM

Last week my friend presented to the Migration desk in the Tijuana Bus Terminal for her FMM visa.

The officer on duty asked her destination (Baja Sur) and length of stay (7 days).

He proceeded to stamp her passport and informed her she did not need a visa as her visit was only one week. He would not issue her a visa.

David K - 2-25-2012 at 03:52 PM

It really isn't a 'visa' but actually a "Tourist Card" allowing you to be anywhere in Mexico for a limited period of time for vacation. Just what was stamped in the passport (if not a visa)?

Technically any stay more than 72 hours or any trip south of the 'Border Zone' requires a Tourist Card (FMM, formery FM-T).

Just to clarify, and confuse, the issue

Mulegena - 2-25-2012 at 04:38 PM

Quote:

The stamp of the Mexican migra office, an official emblem, was rubber-stamped permanently into her passport and dated, I believe. He gave her a dated application form for an FMM with the instructions to "get ye to an immigration office, pay and obtain a card" if her visit in-country exceeded her anticipated one week stay. He did not suggest she visit an immigration office to receive an exit stamp in her passport, btw.

Quote:

Technically any stay more than 72 hours or any trip south of the 'Border Zone' requires a Tourist Card (FMM, formery FM-T).

Yes, this is what I've known to be the letter of the law, too, but... that wasn't my friend's experience last Sunday morning when she crossed in.

Bajahowodd - 2-25-2012 at 05:10 PM

And, the prepaid cards, which cost more than you would pay at the actual IMM office, are technically not valid if you don't get them stamped.

Scratching my head here, because, most likely in retaliation for what our guys are doing NB, getting a "visa" at the SY crossing seems to take much more time than it used to, simply because they want to inspect every vehicle that pulls into the parking area. My feeling is that actually getting your "visa" stamped anywher other than at the border is really hit and miss.

So, if you get a prepaid one, and go into the SY office, you may as well have just applied there. And it will cost you less.

David K - 2-25-2012 at 07:36 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Bajahowodd
And, the prepaid cards, which cost more than you would pay at the actual IMM office, are technically not valid if you don't get them stamped.

Scratching my head here, because, most likely in retaliation for what our guys are doing NB, getting a "visa" at the SY crossing seems to take much more time than it used to, simply because they want to inspect every vehicle that pulls into the parking area. My feeling is that actually getting your "visa" stamped anywher other than at the border is really hit and miss.

So, if you get a prepaid one, and go into the SY office, you may as well have just applied there. And it will cost you less.

This is so true (at Tijuana)... but not as easy at Tecate or other borders without a 24/7 bank window to pay.

gnukid - 2-25-2012 at 07:40 PM

At TJ, you can park on the US side, walk across and get your visa and walk back then drive through to avoid parking in the inspection parking lot.

bajalou - 2-25-2012 at 07:58 PM

From Wikipedia

"A visa (from the Latin charta visa, lit. "paper that has been seen")[1] is a document showing that a person is authorized to enter the territory for which it was issued, subject to permission of an immigration official at the time of actual entry. The authorization may be a document, but more commonly it is a stamp endorsed in the applicant's passport. Some countries do not require a visa in some situations, such as a result of reciprocal treaty arrangements. The country issuing the visa typically attaches various conditions of stay, such as the territory covered by the visa, dates of validity, period of stay, whether the visa is valid for more than one visit, etc."

gnukid - 2-25-2012 at 08:22 PM

It is legal to arrive at any port of entry within a limited time frame of entering the country and request a visa. Meaning people do arrive to GN, La Paz, Cabo, etc... and get Visas while having driven down, and without paying a fine. One must demonstrate that you made your best effort to comply (e.g. original port of entry INM was closed) and you made your way directly to your destination and the nearest port of entry.

People who do not make their way immediately to the port of entry are fined. It's a fine line and is determined by your statements related to your actions.

Sweetwater - 2-26-2012 at 11:37 AM

November 2010...we were stopped in GN, no FMM's between the three of us....Baja Mill chasers.....fine was $50 US + $25 for the FMT....

Next, February 2011, armed with FMT we were waived through GN on motos with no undercarriage spray applied....20 days between BC and BCSur without any request to see documents.

February 2012, picked up current FMM's when crossing at Algodones, probably 30-40 minutes spent....no guards at GN.......asked for "papers" twice on the trip north......at military check points.....the one near the construction in Baja Sur, north of Rosarito on H1....and again at the military checkpoint north of San Felipe on H5....both military checkpoints were more rigorous than previous trips and only heading north.........

FWIW, I recommend getting your papers at crossing if possible...fee was $26 in Algodones.........

sancho - 2-26-2012 at 02:36 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by bajalou
"A visa 1] is a document showing that a person is authorized to enter the territory for which it was

With you on that, this arguing the definition of a Visa is
pointless, the Mex Govt uses the the term Visa to describe an fmm,
for ALL intent, an fmm is a visa, permission to be in the country. I remember a post here, a guy boarded a Volaris
out of TJ, was told he did not need an fmm for his short
stay in Cabo, go figure. Why 1 would pay approx $59 for a
prepaid fmm. $25 to join, approx $34 for the fmm as
opposed to $20 at the border to save 3 min in the bank
line escapes me

LaPazGringo - 2-28-2012 at 01:01 PM

Just FYI, Last summer I finally talked my parents into coming out and riding down Baja with us to La Paz. Things turned out that we didn't get visas in TJ or Ensenada so we were going to wing it and just get them at GN if required. Well, we got the very "official" immigration woman who sternly told us that we were being held until we paid the 1200 pesos fine per person and got the visas. It was literally 15 min before the bank closed in GN and we were racing thru town to get there, 110F outside, got there and they had just locked up. Begged our way inside and proceeded to have to use the ATMs while we all got enough out to pay the fines. Needless to say, the bank manager who was anxious to leave was very frustrated with the process of having to do each passport/fine one at a time. When we got back to Immigration we told the lady that we thought it was terribly heavy-handed that this fine was also charged on the three smaill children. Doing 7 of those fines/tourist cards took 2-1/2 hrs while my parents whose vacation had just started sat in the hot car. The total cost was $900.

Now, I'll be the first to say that ignorance is no excuse and the law's the law and don't complain when you get caught. But the whole experience seemed heavy-handed, especially considering that Mexico is in terrible need of dollars.

The suspension of that fine can only be a good thing for BCS.

[Edited on 2-28-2012 by LaPazGringo]

David K - 2-28-2012 at 04:32 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by LaPazGringo
Just FYI, Last summer I finally talked my parents into coming out and riding down Baja with us to La Paz. Things turned out that we didn't get visas in TJ or Ensenada so we were going to wing it and just get them at GN if required. Well, we got the very "official" immigration woman who sternly told us that we were being held until we paid the 1200 pesos fine per person and got the visas. It was literally 15 min before the bank closed in GN and we were racing thru town to get there, 110F outside, got there and they had just locked up. Begged our way inside and proceeded to have to use the ATMs while we all got enough out to pay the fines. Needless to say, the bank manager who was anxious to leave was very frustrated with the process of having to do each passport/fine one at a time. When we got back to Immigration we told the lady that we thought it was terribly heavy-handed that this fine was also charged on the three smaill children. Doing 7 of those fines/tourist cards took 2-1/2 hrs while my parents whose vacation had just started sat in the hot car. The total cost was $900.

Now, I'll be the first to say that ignorance is no excuse and the law's the law and don't complain when you get caught. But the whole experience seemed heavy-handed, especially considering that Mexico is in terrible need of dollars.

The suspension of that fine can only be a good thing for BCS.

[Edited on 2-28-2012 by LaPazGringo]

So so true... taxation of tourists (like anything) reduces income to the people.

They only hit up travelers on Hwy. 1 crossing into Baja Sur... There are other roads that cross the border with no such government theft or even personal. Mordita to the 'rich gringos' who innocently didn't know the procedure for getting tourist cards at the Mexican border (there are no signs informing tourists what is required if they drive south of Maneadero or San Felipe).

Bajahowodd - 2-28-2012 at 05:31 PM

There is another thread here started by DENNIS that asked about what could be done to increase tourism to Baja and Mexico.

IMHO, the visa thing is among the least annoying aspects considering what many other countries do, including the US. If a Mexican wishes to get a visa to enter the US legally, they have to fill out tons of paperwork, and pay literally hundreds of dollars that is non-refundable if the visa is denied.

Given the relatively easy process to obtain legal documents to enter the foreign nation of Mexico, it just seems to me that anyone who figures they can play games with their system deserves penalties.

LaPazGringo - 2-28-2012 at 05:38 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Bajahowodd
Given the relatively easy process to obtain legal documents to enter the foreign nation of Mexico, it just seems to me that anyone who figures they can play games with their system deserves penalties.

I totally agree but what do you think we deserved as a penalty? $9? $90? $900? $9000? It seemed very heavy-handed to pay $900 to obviously confused tourists, especially when a big part of that was for three children who did nothing to evade the visa law. It was the first day of our vacation, I had spent years trying to convince my parents to come to Baja and then that. Yeah, ultimately it was my fault. But I think the fines were counter-productive to the Mexican economy and in the first place, I was perfectly willing to pay for the tourist visa when required at GN.

What's fair is the suspension of the hefty fines and I'm glad to see they wised up.

David K - 2-28-2012 at 05:43 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Bajahowodd
There is another thread here started by DENNIS that asked about what could be done to increase tourism to Baja and Mexico.

IMHO, the visa thing is among the least annoying aspects considering what many other countries do, including the US. If a Mexican wishes to get a visa to enter the US legally, they have to fill out tons of paperwork, and pay literally hundreds of dollars that is non-refundable if the visa is denied.

Given the relatively easy process to obtain legal documents to enter the foreign nation of Mexico, it just seems to me that anyone who figures they can play games with their system deserves penalties.

Apples and Oranges...

There are many more people of Mexico who depend on U.S. and Canadian tourist to have living than the other way around.

Getting norte americanos to go to Mexico is harder than ever becuase of the failed U.S. economy and the bad news on violence there... The one thing Mexico can do to help (if not martial law until the drug cartels are gone) is to simplify the tourist card procedure. Make them free (as they were before 2000) or allow INM officials to accept the money. The going to a bank to pay part is insane... when there is no bank at the border open.

you say "visa" i say tomatoe

mtgoat666 - 2-28-2012 at 05:58 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by David K
It really isn't a 'visa' but actually a "Tourist Card" allowing you to be anywhere in Mexico for a limited period of time for vacation. Just what was stamped in the passport (if not a visa)?

Technically any stay more than 72 hours or any trip south of the 'Border Zone' requires a Tourist Card (FMM, formery FM-T).

fmm = forma migratoria múltiple

"visa" comes from latin "charta visa" ("paper that is seen")

i think most people would say that FMM is just a mexican term for "visa"

and some of us think "tourist card" is just another term for "tourist visa"

some say "when in rome do as the romans do" and i think romans say "visto"

LaPazGringo - 2-28-2012 at 10:25 PM

Quote:

By every definition it's a visa and unless the requirements for a visa have changed in Baja, you're incorrect. Don't mean to be terse, but "facts is facts."

David K - 2-28-2012 at 10:51 PM

So, if not a visa... then what was stamped in the friend's passport??

The 'tourist card' is a seperate paper and not stamped in your passport. Yes, it does what a visa does... but Mexico has never called it a visa (before), as it is not a passport stamp.

Just wondering what is going on there...

chuckie - 2-29-2012 at 04:38 AM

Visas? seems much ado about nothing..Pretty simple actually, whats the problem with taking a walk to the bank and doing a little planning ahead? OR You CAN get a prepaid Visa, from Vagabundos, thats what I did in December, it took maybe 3 minutes at the Border...FM3 ing it now..

wilderone - 3-5-2012 at 06:31 PM

Mi dos centavos - I just came back - went past GN. Cross in Tecate before the banks were open. I was issued the "visa" which was stapled to a blank form. Tecate migra guy told me to go to a bank in GN to pay. When I got to GN border, migra inspection, I was asked for my immigration papers (first time ever). I showed him what I had, he asked where I got it, and he told me to go to a bank in GN or any bank to pay. I skipped GN because it was out of my way. Never did go to one. When I passed northbound, was not asked to see visa.
That's my story and I'm stickin to it.

David K - 3-5-2012 at 06:52 PM

Wow Cindi, you are opening up to all sorts of negative replies about you being an illegal alien and abusing the system, etc! LOL

How long were you in Mexico... over the 7 free day period?

Dave - 3-5-2012 at 07:18 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Bajahowodd
If a Mexican wishes to get a visa to enter the US legally, they have to fill out tons of paperwork, and pay literally hundreds of dollars that is non-refundable if the visa is denied.

And yet there are millions of illegal Mexicans in the USA.

Go figure. :rolleyes:

Ateo - 3-5-2012 at 07:19 PM

I rarely get a tourist card. The whole process ticks me off, seems inefficient, and for a family of 4 adds some dinero to the budget trip. Having said that I do get one if traveling south of G. Negro.

Marc - 3-6-2012 at 12:04 AM

You were not asked for it because you had it!

watizname - 3-6-2012 at 09:28 AM

Crossed 3 weeks ago at TJ. Had pre-paid cards for my wife and I from Vagabundos for I think $32 bucks a piece. They were mailed to us. Maybe 3 minutes in the Migra office and we were gone. Easy as pie.
Never got asked for them, cuz I had em. They're good for 6 months so next time down I won't even stop. :yes:

David K - 3-6-2012 at 02:32 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Roberto
This old saw about the Visa fee reducing the "flow" of tourists. I'm not sure the definition of tourist applies to people who can't afford the fee. I mean, if they can't afford that, how much money are they likely to spend during their visit?

Not the fee as much as the procedure to get it... and finding a bank open to pay for it. Here are three things that would make it better and allow more tourists to comply with the 'law'.

1) Have parking for INM (tourist card) at the border that isn't part of Secondary Inspection, or permit parking as it is now, but without a maditory vehicle search (if you get the green light). A sign should be posted alerting tourists that an FMM is rquired for travel beyond the border zone and for being in any part of Mexico over 72 hours (or whatever the new rules are).

2) Allow Mexican INM officers to take the fee there... or a dedicated cashier in that office. Finding an open bank is not always possible when the border is open and getting back to the border so it can be validated is near impossible at some.

3) Clarify if the 180 Day card is good for multiple trips within that period.

Elizzabizzy - 3-8-2012 at 09:40 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by David K
Sounds good... specially if the INM office is unmanned at the border! Seriously, (for the newbies) you are in violation if you travel south of the 'Border Zone' without a tourist card (or in any part of Mexico for over 72 hours).

The problem is knowing exactlty what is the 'Border Zone' now...? The last 'published' mention of the border zone was Maneadero (just south of Ensenada) and Mexicali on the east side (however almost everyone claims San Felipe as being in the border zone... and it has NEVER been questioned or checked on the east side of Baja).

It may be true that the 'border zone' is the entire state of Baja California (Norte), being that the first (and only in Baja) INM inspection is at the state border near Guerrero Negro. In the old days the inspection station was just south of Maneadero...

Still waiting for something 'official' and new from the FEDERAL government on this.

Elizzabizzy - 3-8-2012 at 09:51 AM

Greetings again David-
We intend to cross at Mexicali probably Monday morning, we will be in Baja for approx 3 wks. Is it best to leave our rigs on the Calexico side and walk across to get our tourist visas and then drive across? Major stops on our route include San Felipe, Puertecitos, Guerrero Negro, San Ignacio, Bahia Ascencion, Bahia Tortugas, Loreto, San Javier, "The Far Side" of Bahia Concepcion, (taking as many dirt roads as possible), Ensenada, exiting at Tecate. Any other particular advice? Unfortunately we do not have GPS (stolen by TSA on another trip, I know, stupid to put in checked bags). Where do you get all of your maps, they are the best I've seen!

Muchas Gracias,
Elizabeth

David K - 3-8-2012 at 10:53 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by Elizzabizzy
Greetings again David-
We intend to cross at Mexicali probably Monday morning, we will be in Baja for approx 3 wks. Is it best to leave our rigs on the Calexico side and walk across to get our tourist visas and then drive across? Major stops on our route include San Felipe, Puertecitos, Guerrero Negro, San Ignacio, Bahia Ascencion, Bahia Tortugas, Loreto, San Javier, "The Far Side" of Bahia Concepcion, (taking as many dirt roads as possible), Ensenada, exiting at Tecate. Any other particular advice? Unfortunately we do not have GPS (stolen by TSA on another trip, I know, stupid to put in checked bags). Where do you get all of your maps, they are the best I've seen!

Muchas Gracias,
Elizabeth

Dirt roads are good! Sounds wonderful... Walking across at Mexicali is what Ken Cooke did, and has the photos of it all to help. That said, others have reported that parking inside the border to go to INM was not any problem (like at Tijuana if busy).

The maps I show here come from my collection of books and maps, or the Internet. I highly recommend you get the Baja Almanac map book (nearly all roads in Baja shown), and the Auto Club (AAA) Baja California map (mileages on all roads on the map). Get both either at Discover Baja Travel Club dot com or Baja Books and Maps dot com

If you need to see a map of an area from the past, let me know... and I will try and provide it here for you!

sancho - 3-8-2012 at 11:26 AM

Parking in Mex at the Old Downtown Mexicali crossing CAN
be hard. Yes you could park on the Calexico side
walk thru the underground walkway into Mex,
you come out right at the Mex Immigration office
which is on street level. I've been to that office
a few times, but have never done it that way,
I drive into Mex and park, parking just before the Mex Customs gate,
but if you miss that parking, you end up in Mexicali,
which at times I've had to park 8 blks into Mexicali
and walk back to Mex Immigration. Might be a good
to park on the Us side. USUALLY the pedestrian line
back to the US is not much

805gregg - 3-10-2012 at 07:36 PM

Just turn right at the airport road on the way south and skip the whole BS.

David K - 3-11-2012 at 01:06 PM

Many report being advised to pay later... which means the use of the FMM is 'free' until and if you ever do pay. Nomads have reported coming home without bothering to stop and pay before they left Mexico.

In the case of many of us going to L.A. Bay or Gonzaga Bay or the Seven Sisters for a week or whatever... there is no bank in those places... and if you are driving south on the weekend or after banking hours, paying at 'another bank' isn't an option... and a loss of income to the federal government.

sunnydaze - 3-11-2012 at 04:40 PM

FYI.......your VISA or TOURIST CARD or whatever you want to call it is NOT valid for multiple entries...in theory it must be surrendered to ??????? when you cross back into the USA.......also....there absolutely is a fine if you try to get your visa at GN....you wont know it till you get to the bank......I am speaking from experience...about two months ago.....my tourist card ended up costing me $100 US at the bank in GN.

Ateo - 3-11-2012 at 04:57 PM

once again, this issue is clear as mud.