BajaNomad

Passport????

pascuale - 5-16-2012 at 10:02 AM

Hi,
If i walk into Mexico and I am flying out of TJ international airport to PV, do i need a passport? If i am flying within mexico do I need a passport? Thanks

David K - 5-16-2012 at 10:05 AM

To get an FMM from Mexican INM desk, they only accept a passport now (so we have heard many times). You need an FMM or higher visa to travel south of the border zone.

DavidE - 5-16-2012 at 10:18 AM

I have heard a few times that customers were asked for their tourist card by an INM officer spot checking folks holding boarding passes. Certain parts of west coast Mexico at roadside checks are really clamping down tight about tourist cards FMM's and car permits.

This gets ugly. On the mainland if caught without FMM you are subject to a fine of one hundred dollars, and paying full price on the spot for a non-renewable, non-changeable 15-day FMM transmigratoria FMM. Your name will be entered into a database. If found again without a valid FMM, you can be jailed, bussed to the nearest USA POE, and expelled from Mexico forever with a 10-year prison sentence hanging over your head. Folks caught on the mainland without FMM or passport are merely arrested and deported. It's those whom violate that 15-day transmigrante signed and sealed INM order to leave that receive a suspended prison sentence.

Some people go and get away with it. Others do not. Choose wisely.

durrelllrobert - 5-16-2012 at 10:27 AM

1. A passport or other WHTI-compliant travel document is necessary for U.S. and Canadian citizens traveling to Mexico. You may not be asked to present your passport if entering Mexico by land, but you will surely need to present one upon your return to the United States.
2. Traveling in Mexico requires proof of citizenship, which is easiest to provide by carrying a valid passport. If you do not have a passport, never fear. It is also possible to get a tourist visa (tarjeta de turista) with certified copy of your birth certificate (embossed seal do impress) and a photo ID at border crossings. The cost of a tourist visa is about $20 USD, and is included in the cost of your international plane or cruise ship ticket . Visas are typically valid for 180 days
Most people officially need a passport to pick up their tourist card, but for US and Canadian citizens all that's required is proof of citizenship (an original birth certificate or notarized copy, for instance, or naturalization papers), along with some form of photo ID (such as a driver's license).
Don't lose the blue copy of your tourist card, which is given back to you after immigration inspection. You are legally required to carry it at all times, and if you have to show your papers, it's more important than your passport. Get extra visas if you'll be leaving and returning to Mexico during your trip.

rts551 - 5-16-2012 at 10:36 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by durrelllrobert
1. A passport or other WHTI-compliant travel document is necessary for U.S. and Canadian citizens traveling to Mexico. You may not be asked to present your passport if entering Mexico by land, but you will surely need to present one upon your return to the United States.
2. Traveling in Mexico requires proof of citizenship, which is easiest to provide by carrying a valid passport. If you do not have a passport, never fear. It is also possible to get a tourist visa (tarjeta de turista) with certified copy of your birth certificate (embossed seal do impress) and a photo ID at border crossings. The cost of a tourist visa is about $20 USD, and is included in the cost of your international plane or cruise ship ticket . Visas are typically valid for 180 days
Most people officially need a passport to pick up their tourist card, but for US and Canadian citizens all that's required is proof of citizenship (an original birth certificate or notarized copy, for instance, or naturalization papers), along with some form of photo ID (such as a driver's license).
Don't lose the blue copy of your tourist card, which is given back to you after immigration inspection. You are legally required to carry it at all times, and if you have to show your papers, it's more important than your passport. Get extra visas if you'll be leaving and returning to Mexico during your trip.


If returning to the USA by land you do NOT need a passport. Only proof of citizenship. When traveling by air you DO need a passport to return to the USA. I forgot my passport last trip north and only had to show my Arizona drivers license and an old expired passport that I keep in my truck.

sancho - 5-16-2012 at 10:45 AM

At the crossings, San Ysidro, Mex Immigration has
previously issued fmm's with the Passcard, $40
instead of the Passport $130 or so. I can't imagine
Mex Immigration issueing an fmm with a birth cert,
but I'm not going to say it is not possible,
they seem to interpert their regs on an inconsistant
basis, but I would not go to the TJ Airport without one
of the above, getting back into the US, at least
walking, you can enter with a DL or in fact
no ID

pascuale - 5-16-2012 at 11:51 AM

Thank you for the info!

Heres the situation. I am flying out of TJ to PV rountrip. I can simply walk across the border but can i get on the plane from tj to PV without a passport, just a birth certificate? When I return, I will arrive back in TJ, get off the plane and use my birth certificate and photo id to get back into the U.S.

Otherwise, what is the fastest way to get a Passport. Thanks

gallesram - 5-16-2012 at 11:59 AM

Here's what will happen when you land in TJ from PV (way before you get to the US; this takes place in the TJ airport terminal); you will go through an immigration checkpoint at the TJ airport just before you get to baggage claim and they will ask you for your passport and tourist card. I don't know how strict they are at the checkpoint about requiring a passport; I have always had my passport with me, however, and have always sailed through. I don't know if they'd accept a driver's license with your tourist card.

I understand what you mean about being able to board the plane within Mexico by just showing my driver's license; I have done that too when I'm too lazy to get my passport out of my bag. The immigration checkpoint seems more formal so I have always taken the trouble of showing my passport there.

The State Department will issue you a passport on an expedited basis but you'll pay for it. Just go to their website. There are services that will expedite it even fast but they charge a lot.

mtgoat666 - 5-16-2012 at 12:48 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by pascuale
Thank you for the info!

Heres the situation. I am flying out of TJ to PV rountrip. I can simply walk across the border but can i get on the plane from tj to PV without a passport, just a birth certificate? When I return, I will arrive back in TJ, get off the plane and use my birth certificate and photo id to get back into the U.S.

Otherwise, what is the fastest way to get a Passport. Thanks


airport sometimes asks to see passport/visa. best to have one. if asked and you don't have, you'll get rejected

there is a passport office in san diego. you can get PP in under 5 days, by paying expedite fee. check state dept website for info

pascuale - 5-16-2012 at 01:07 PM

awesome! Oh and i just booked another flight in march 2013 for $77 roundtrip. Check Volaris now!!!

David K - 5-16-2012 at 01:41 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by durrelllrobert
1. A passport or other WHTI-compliant travel document is necessary for U.S. and Canadian citizens traveling to Mexico. You may not be asked to present your passport if entering Mexico by land, but you will surely need to present one upon your return to the United States.
2. Traveling in Mexico requires proof of citizenship, which is easiest to provide by carrying a valid passport. If you do not have a passport, never fear. It is also possible to get a tourist visa (tarjeta de turista) with certified copy of your birth certificate (embossed seal do impress) and a photo ID at border crossings. The cost of a tourist visa is about $20 USD, and is included in the cost of your international plane or cruise ship ticket . Visas are typically valid for 180 days
Most people officially need a passport to pick up their tourist card, but for US and Canadian citizens all that's required is proof of citizenship (an original birth certificate or notarized copy, for instance, or naturalization papers), along with some form of photo ID (such as a driver's license).
Don't lose the blue copy of your tourist card, which is given back to you after immigration inspection. You are legally required to carry it at all times, and if you have to show your papers, it's more important than your passport. Get extra visas if you'll be leaving and returning to Mexico during your trip.


Since the above was written, they (Mex INM) want a passport and will not accept a birth cert., voter's registration, or other 'proof of citizenship.

ASK edm-1 (Art) as they tried all of these because his wife's passport had expired before their July 2011 Baja trip... The chanced it with just Art having a passport and the new FMM... However, at Guerrero Negro/ Eagle Monumant INM inspection, they were fined US$100 for the mrs.

Shari (I think it was) has since posted that they have dropped the $100 fine and will issue an FMM at Guerrero Negro if you skip getting it at the border... BUT, you still need the passport!

sancho - 5-16-2012 at 02:53 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by David K
BUT, you still need the passport!




I assume you are using the word Passport to
include the Passcard, a Passcard $40 can be
used inplace of a regular Passport Book to
get an fmm. Pascuale, really $77 rt to Vallarta?

David K - 5-16-2012 at 03:08 PM

We have been told a PASSPORT only is recognized by Mexico, NOT a passport card (which is fine to use to get back into the U.S. by land.).

pascuale - 5-16-2012 at 03:20 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by sancho
Quote:
Originally posted by David K
BUT, you still need the passport!




I assume you are using the word Passport to
include the Passcard, a Passcard $40 can be
used inplace of a regular Passport Book to
get an fmm. Pascuale, really $77 rt to Vallarta?


yep. the trip down was $39.00 and back was $38.00
I did pay $9 for extra luggage and a rod case.

sancho - 5-16-2012 at 03:22 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by David K
We have been told a PASSPORT only is recognized by Mexico, NOT a passport card



No offense, I don't know who We are, and it's called
a Passcard not a passport card. The Passcard IS
recognized by Mex Immigration and they will issue an
fmm with the Passcard. Pascuale, checked Volaris,
indeed in of Mar 2013, $37 1 way to PV
amazing. My bad DK, it IS called a Passport card,
but it CAN be used to get an fmm

[Edited on 5-16-2012 by sancho]

rts551 - 5-16-2012 at 03:40 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by David K
We have been told a PASSPORT only is recognized by Mexico, NOT a passport card (which is fine to use to get back into the U.S. by land.).


You really should post what you have experienced (know)and not what you have been told. My son has used his card for a couple of years no problem at Tecate,

mtgoat666 - 5-16-2012 at 03:50 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by sancho
Quote:
Originally posted by David K
We have been told a PASSPORT only is recognized by Mexico, NOT a passport card



No offense, I don't know who We are, and it's called
a Passcard not a passport card. The Passcard IS
recognized by Mex Immigration and they will issue an
fmm with the Passcard. Pascuale, checked Volaris,
indeed in of Mar 2013, $37 1 way to PV
amazing. My bad DK, it IS called a Passport card,
but it CAN be used to get an fmm

[Edited on 5-16-2012 by sancho]


card can't be used for intl air travel across borders. card is only for land/sea border xings. passport is more useful, as it works everywhere worldwide, and card works only in western hemi and only for land/sea xings

David K - 5-16-2012 at 03:55 PM

I am trying to focus on what is needed for the FMM by Mexican officials, NOT U.S. customs upon your return. In MEXICALI, no way would a birth certificate or a recently expired passport work to get an FMM, as posted here by edm-1, last year.

Ralph, are you saying Tecate Mexico going SOUTH for FMM, or Tecate USA coming NORTH for proof of citizenship, that your son had no problems?

DavidE - 5-16-2012 at 04:17 PM

Waited in line in TJ before I became inmigrado. A few people ahead of me had problems. I waited an hour while they tried everything from SENTRI cards, to Pass Cards to birth certificates to driver license to get FMMs. Three migras said no and implied CLEARLY "Do not reach for your wallet". Three years ago. Has this changed? Have they canned the migra that demanded my papers in TJ before I was allowed to board southbound?

Having been rejected for not having proof of exit for car permit at Sonoyta THREE PERMITS BACK, then having some gosh darnned fool on some other forum scream from Butt#@$%, Texas that "Oh That Cannot Happen!" I am a little sensitive when I see written before my eyes recollections of things absolutely contrary to my black & white experiences. I beg your forgiveness.

David K - 5-16-2012 at 04:22 PM

Well Dah-veed... as you know, Mexican laws are not set in stone, and each official can use them to his/ her advantage and your disadvantage! :lol::yes::wow:

rts551 - 5-16-2012 at 04:22 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by David K
I am trying to focus on what is needed for the FMM by Mexican officials, NOT U.S. customs upon your return. In MEXICALI, no way would a birth certificate or a recently expired passport work to get an FMM, as posted here by edm-1, last year.

Ralph, are you saying Tecate Mexico going SOUTH for FMM, or Tecate USA coming NORTH for proof of citizenship, that your son had no problems? [/quote

going South. his passcard worked for his FMM. Now you can say someone told you so.

rts551 - 5-16-2012 at 04:25 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by DavidE
Waited in line in TJ before I became inmigrado. A few people ahead of me had problems. I waited an hour while they tried everything from SENTRI cards, to Pass Cards to birth certificates to driver license to get FMMs. Three migras said no and implied CLEARLY "Do not reach for your wallet". Three years ago. Has this changed? Have they canned the migra that demanded my papers in TJ before I was allowed to board southbound?

Having been rejected for not having proof of exit for car permit at Sonoyta THREE PERMITS BACK, then having some gosh darnned fool on some other forum scream from Butt#@$%, Texas that "Oh That Cannot Happen!" I am a little sensitive when I see written before my eyes recollections of things absolutely contrary to my black & white experiences. I beg your forgiveness.


David. not to get you riled up. but could it be that you had something to do with it? I notice that you can be rather aggressive.

rts551 - 5-16-2012 at 04:28 PM

OK everyone else. My son crosses with us and gets his paperwork twice a year at Tecate. He also insists on turning it in when expired. spends his none school time in Baja so the immigration guy knows him by name. He is also fluent in Spanish. So his experience may not be the same as yours! and he insists he is not an expert in crossing the border.

David K - 5-16-2012 at 04:41 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by rts551
Quote:
Originally posted by David K
I am trying to focus on what is needed for the FMM by Mexican officials, NOT U.S. customs upon your return. In MEXICALI, no way would a birth certificate or a recently expired passport work to get an FMM, as posted here by edm-1, last year.

Ralph, are you saying Tecate Mexico going SOUTH for FMM, or Tecate USA coming NORTH for proof of citizenship, that your son had no problems?


going South. his passcard worked for his FMM. Now you can say someone told you so.


There, I think I fixed your answer so it would show outside of my quote... Thank you for the new and different answer than I got from another Nomad... which is very typical for any official process in Mexico!

danaeb - 5-16-2012 at 04:48 PM

I fly often between TJ and La Paz. Landing in TJ, I have always been stopped at the checkpoint (going into baggage area) to show my passport and FMM. I wouldn't take the chance that they might not ask.

rts551 - 5-16-2012 at 04:56 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by David K
Quote:
Originally posted by rts551
Quote:
Originally posted by David K
I am trying to focus on what is needed for the FMM by Mexican officials, NOT U.S. customs upon your return. In MEXICALI, no way would a birth certificate or a recently expired passport work to get an FMM, as posted here by edm-1, last year.

Ralph, are you saying Tecate Mexico going SOUTH for FMM, or Tecate USA coming NORTH for proof of citizenship, that your son had no problems?


going South. his passcard worked for his FMM. Now you can say someone told you so.


There, I think I fixed your answer so it would show outside of my quote... Thank you for the new and different answer than I got from another Nomad... which is very typical for any official process in Mexico!


If you would post from experience you would not have to fix a thing!

David K - 5-16-2012 at 05:22 PM

I do post from experience... 47 years of experience since I began traveling in Baja.

Marc - 5-16-2012 at 05:53 PM

I have a passport
My wife has a passport
My kids have passports
My grand-kids have passports
Just get one!!!

passport

captkw - 5-17-2012 at 01:37 AM

your papers pleeze !! ya ,,and you live in a free crountry !! get a grip fellow american's..the us is going down FAST and you think you are free LOL K&T:cool:

wilderone - 5-17-2012 at 07:26 AM

Answer: Yes.
Before you board your flight to PV, you will be asked for your visa. You need your passport to get a visa. Maybe can get one with a birth certificate. Buy why risk that when your bags are packed. You will be asked for your passport when crossing back into US. You will likely be allowed across the border without one, but you will, for a fact, need to stand in the very slow-moving line for those without documentation. Why subject yourself to that. Passports are relatively cheap - you can get on in about 2 weeks. They're good for 10 years. Just get it. Go online, plug in your zip code and you will find about 20 addresses where you can apply for one, plus the forms which you can fill in at home.

David K - 5-17-2012 at 07:47 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by wilderone
Answer: Yes.
Before you board your flight to PV, you will be asked for your visa. You need your passport to get a visa. Maybe can get one with a birth certificate. Buy why risk that when your bags are packed. You will be asked for your passport when crossing back into US. You will likely be allowed across the border without one, but you will, for a fact, need to stand in the very slow-moving line for those without documentation. Why subject yourself to that. Passports are relatively cheap - you can get on in about 2 weeks. They're good for 10 years. Just get it. Go online, plug in your zip code and you will find about 20 addresses where you can apply for one, plus the forms which you can fill in at home.


Excellent advice!:light:

Add one more piece of advice

thebajarunner - 5-17-2012 at 08:06 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by David K
Quote:
Originally posted by wilderone
Answer: Yes.
Before you board your flight to PV, you will be asked for your visa. You need your passport to get a visa. Maybe can get one with a birth certificate. Buy why risk that when your bags are packed. You will be asked for your passport when crossing back into US. You will likely be allowed across the border without one, but you will, for a fact, need to stand in the very slow-moving line for those without documentation. Why subject yourself to that. Passports are relatively cheap - you can get on in about 2 weeks. They're good for 10 years. Just get it. Go online, plug in your zip code and you will find about 20 addresses where you can apply for one, plus the forms which you can fill in at home.


Excellent advice!:light:


David is right, and to add another bit.
Just pay the extra few bucks and get the passport card also.
It fits in your wallet, you always have it with you, whereas the full passport may be sitting at home when you decide, spur of the moment, to cross over the line.

We live up in Central Cal, we drove down to see family in San Diego, had time to kill and Teresa (who has her card in her wallet) says, "Let's go over to Tijuana, see my aunt and have lunch"

Yeah, except my passport was at home, and they did not offer cards when I renewed it 8 years ago.

So, lunch at Old Town instead....
TJ would have been better

Get the card!!

pascuale - 5-17-2012 at 09:54 AM

I got a PASSPORT thanks!! Its on the way!:)

DavidE - 5-17-2012 at 11:26 AM

rt551, This is a forum and indeed I seem to, I appear to get cranky a lot. You see or rather read me, here, in a light that is different than my aptitude, personality, and lifestyle. I get cranky here when I read about "absolute" statements that I know to not be "absolute". I know of far too many episodes, witnessed in person where a so-called expert cost someone, time, a lot of time, legal (jail and expulsion from Mexico, and money (Three thousand dollars). The last one happened fifteen years ago on a beach when a loudmouth gringo literally shouted me down, and declared an absolute "I Do Not Know What A 'FACTURA' is but what you are telling these people (Daughter and son in law of acquaintances not quite yet friends) is pure B.S."

The kids had their Ford Bronco towed 450 miles, did not get a FACTURA and their parents were subsequently denied reimbursement for a tow bill and related expenses.

So in real life, cara to cara I am noted for being mellow, unless someone gets in my face.

Por Favor, I am not "aggressive". that terms suggests that I prey upon people. I am CRANKY. I prey upon only a certain type of er... person.

FYI, I thanked everyone at Banjercito, and Aduana, in Sonoyta. What happened was not their fault. Entiendes? Sure, I threw a fit once I got back in my car, but I was utterly alone and isolated. There is a huge difference between hourly employees following instructions to the letter, however stupid, and quite another to be publicly dispensing incorrect advice, being advised by others that what was posted may not be the whole story and then coming back and arguing about it. When I am wrong on this or any other forum (I tend to try and minimize the number of times) I will come back and immediately shout it out publicly and then whine and plead my case as to how and why I could have been mistaken. Such was the case with the medicine ROHYPNOL in another thread.

If my crankiness proves to be intolerable to some, please send me a PM and I promise I shall devote all my spare time to my garden, rather than irritate folks.

Mil Gracias

durrelllrobert - 5-17-2012 at 12:07 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by pascuale
I got a PASSPORT thanks!! Its on the way!:)
Not good for flying though.

rts551 - 5-17-2012 at 12:58 PM

Hey thanks DavidE. You are 100% right on the internet experts. There are a lot of them here. and its OK to be cranky, once in a while.
Quote:
Originally posted by DavidE
rt551, This is a forum and indeed I seem to, I appear to get cranky a lot. You see or rather read me, here, in a light that is different than my aptitude, personality, and lifestyle. I get cranky here when I read about "absolute" statements that I know to not be "absolute". I know of far too many episodes, witnessed in person where a so-called expert cost someone, time, a lot of time, legal (jail and expulsion from Mexico, and money (Three thousand dollars). The last one happened fifteen years ago on a beach when a loudmouth gringo literally shouted me down, and declared an absolute "I Do Not Know What A 'FACTURA' is but what you are telling these people (Daughter and son in law of acquaintances not quite yet friends) is pure B.S."

The kids had their Ford Bronco towed 450 miles, did not get a FACTURA and their parents were subsequently denied reimbursement for a tow bill and related expenses.

So in real life, cara to cara I am noted for being mellow, unless someone gets in my face.

Por Favor, I am not "aggressive". that terms suggests that I prey upon people. I am CRANKY. I prey upon only a certain type of er... person.

FYI, I thanked everyone at Banjercito, and Aduana, in Sonoyta. What happened was not their fault. Entiendes? Sure, I threw a fit once I got back in my car, but I was utterly alone and isolated. There is a huge difference between hourly employees following instructions to the letter, however stupid, and quite another to be publicly dispensing incorrect advice, being advised by others that what was posted may not be the whole story and then coming back and arguing about it. When I am wrong on this or any other forum (I tend to try and minimize the number of times) I will come back and immediately shout it out publicly and then whine and plead my case as to how and why I could have been mistaken. Such was the case with the medicine ROHYPNOL in another thread.

If my crankiness proves to be intolerable to some, please send me a PM and I promise I shall devote all my spare time to my garden, rather than irritate folks.

Mil Gracias

Dewey - 5-17-2012 at 01:30 PM

I have been going to Baja to surf since 1963. I have learned it best to have all of the correct paper work from both the United States and Mexico. This includes a passport. It is like four wheel drive, if you need it, you are glad you have it. If you don't need it, so what, you had fun.