BajaNomad - Video of new TJ border crossing into Mexico

Video of new TJ border crossing into Mexico

Bruce R Leech - 10-29-2012 at 12:50 PM

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zKgKsfl1sn0&feature=plcp

DENNIS - 10-29-2012 at 12:59 PM

Thanks Bruce. That answers a lot of questions.

Good to see you, by the way.

bkbend - 10-29-2012 at 01:21 PM

Looks simple enough, except the little cluster in the construction zone after the big U turn.

DENNIS - 10-29-2012 at 01:28 PM

I did notice some confused drivers in the vid. To be expected, I suppose.

J.P. - 10-29-2012 at 01:42 PM

Dont get use to it. It will change agian. :lol:

24baja - 10-29-2012 at 01:51 PM

Hey thanks for the video, that helps us put it into perspective before we cross, You are the best!!

Ateo - 10-29-2012 at 02:01 PM

WOW!!! That looks way better and less stressful!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Great job Mexico! Gonna do it mañana!

Keri - 10-29-2012 at 02:52 PM

Great Job Bruce. What a steady hand you have. That makes everything easier. Mike and I were just wondering where you were. We miss you.k

Bruce R Leech - 10-29-2012 at 03:27 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Keri
Great Job Bruce. What a steady hand you have. That makes everything easier. Mike and I were just wondering where you were. We miss you.k

I miss you guys to, and I hope you are recovered from your accadent

Bruce R Leech - 10-29-2012 at 03:30 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Ateo
WOW!!! That looks way better and less stressful!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Great job Mexico! Gonna do it mañana!

except for the first abrupt turn it is mush eraser than before.

Ateo - 10-29-2012 at 03:45 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Bruce R Leech

Quote:

Originally posted by Ateo
WOW!!! That looks way better and less stressful!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Great job Mexico! Gonna do it mañana!

except for the first abrupt turn it is mush eraser than before.

Did you see where the immigration office was for tourist cards?

Udo - 10-29-2012 at 04:00 PM

It was a fairly transparent crossing.
I normally cross at Otay or Tecate.

The only hitch I see for myself is when I need to make a run to Mercado Hidalgo to purchase spices. But it appears that the roads are well marked.

Really terrific video, Bruce!

Bob H - 10-29-2012 at 04:30 PM

That's a great video Bruce. Thanks, and welcome back to the board. You were missed!

Bruce R Leech - 10-29-2012 at 04:42 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Keri
Great Job Bruce. What a steady hand you have. That makes everything easier. Mike and I were just wondering where you were. We miss you.k

my hand is not that steady I use a Canon camera with image stabletion and a RAM mount. makes me look good.

LaTijereta - 10-29-2012 at 04:49 PM

Nice video..
Where is the new "Declaration Lane".. To the righthand side?
Is there still a bank to pay for a visa if needed?

Bruce R Leech - 10-29-2012 at 05:01 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by LaTijereta
Nice video..
Where is the new "Declaration Lane".. To the righthand side?
Is there still a bank to pay for a visa if needed?

when you enter stay to the far right for declaration, the signs are good.

I did not see the immigration office :?:

Santiago - 10-29-2012 at 05:16 PM

Nice job right there.

David K - 10-29-2012 at 05:32 PM

Thanks Bruce... good job!

There must be an INM office over by that covered parking (secondary) area, somewhere?

Bruce R Leech - 10-29-2012 at 05:57 PM

I think it is to the far right in the declaration aria but not sure.

if you go frame by frame as I round the corner you see the buildings on the far right

Ateo - 10-29-2012 at 08:22 PM

I'm heading through manana. I'll look for the immigration office and post later.

roundtuit - 10-30-2012 at 09:22 AM

Friends used new road and had to pay import fees on food they had to bring down

DENNIS - 10-30-2012 at 09:24 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by roundtuit
Friends used new road and had to pay import fees on food they had to bring down

How much food and what was the duty/

roundtuit - 10-30-2012 at 09:32 AM

Will ck on food,but they said just about every one was paying 200 pescos or $ 20.00

Ateo - 10-30-2012 at 10:23 AM

I just crossed the border and there are many new updates. Will post when I get home later. No fmm facility yet. Otay closest facility.

Bajagypsy - 10-30-2012 at 11:13 AM

I would be interested in knowing about getting our visa's as well, as wel plan on going down again in December, and Tijuana always makes Mr. Gypsy a bit cranky. :yes:

I would rather have it mostly figured out prior to getting to that border crossing!

willardguy - 10-30-2012 at 11:46 AM

just crossed the new crossing, pretty slick. the only trouble spot is entering the international road, but they are working on that.
lots and lots of cars going to secondary, checking registrations and I.D.s and everyone get a look under the hood.
upon exiting secondary there's a group of young ladies in schoolgirl uniforms that hand you an ice cold tecate,give you a little peck on the cheek and say welcome to mexico! :tumble:

Ateo - 10-30-2012 at 02:26 PM

Just ate shrimp at La Fonda. Time to take a nap. My wife wants another margarita. I love the new border crossing.

AlanDow - 10-30-2012 at 03:32 PM

Here is the latest info from Baja Bound regarding getting FMM - before November 5th it appears we could be in for a "long walk" if the old crossing is not open when we cross:

Hi Alan,
We tracked down a phone number for Mexican Immigration at the San Ysidro crossing (Puerto Mexico).
I spoke to two different people, yesterday and today to try to get a more complete story.

At this time, the Immigration office is still at Puerto Mexico/San Ysidro. The one at El Chaparral will not open apparently until November 5th.

First a bit of background of what is going on with the crossings in my personal experience.
In the last almost week, sometimes they are:
1) Using only Puerto Mexico/San Ysidro
2) Using only El Chaparral
3) Using both

If they are only using Puerto Mexico/San Ysidro, you may cross as usual. We recommend crossing in the declaration lane since this allows you to park easily inside the Mexican Customs (Aduana) facility. Then the Immigration office (and banks where you pay for the FMM Tourist Card) is right there near the parking.

If they are only using El Chaparral, the Immigration officer I spoke to said to go ahead and cross, then park in the El Chaparral facility. For those who are new to El Chaparral, it is set up differently from Puerto Mexico/San Ysidro. As soon as you cross into Mexico, the El Chaparral facility has parking spots that you drive past. She told me you may park there and then walk to the Puerto Mexico/San Ysidro border crossing. (Ask around how to walk back there, I'm not clear on how to find it exactly.)

If both are open, for obvious reasons it is best to cross through Puerto Mexico/San Ysidro.

I hope this is helpful! If you have any additional questions, we'll try to find out for you.

Thanks,

Jennifer Hill
VP Agency Development

Baja Bound Insurance Services, Inc.

Norm - 10-31-2012 at 06:11 AM

WILL THEY ALLOW MOTOR HOMES TO CROSS THERE ??

Ateo - 10-31-2012 at 09:15 AM

We crossed south yesterday and I must say it was quite an impressive experience. As we made the hard left into El Chapparal, I was amazed to see what looked like 20 lanes, each manned by an agent directing people where to go. As we went thru the gate we were directed to secondary, parking spot 4. EVERY VEHICLE WAS GETTING PULLED INTO SECONDARY.

We were greeted by a young Aduana agent and he asked where we were headed and coming from. He had some cool ipad tablet-like computer that he was punching info into. He asked for the vehicle registration, my passport, and my OK to search the vehicle. Another agent stopped by to assist him. They were very professional and polite.

As we sat in the vehicle, looking around this new POE, we noticed a television screen for every secondary inspection parking spot. The screen had a color picture of my vehicle, the license plate number and some other info. They were not messing around. If they do this procedure for every southbound vehicle I'd reckon they'd be collecting a huge amount of data. The days of being anonymous in Mexico are over. It felt like I was crossing into the USA, except the customs agent was respectful, polite, and courteous.

We asked the agent if this was the new procedure for south bound vehicles (doing a thorough inspection) and he said, "yep, forever.......", and jokingly said he'd be doing these long, intense inspections for the rest of his life.

I doubt they can do this thorough of an inspection during peak crossing times, without seriously backing up traffic, although I swear there was at least 150 agents conducting inspections. Jobs, jobs, jobs.....................and all were between the ages of 20-30.

So we pulled out of secondary quite impressed by the new POE. Clean, hi-tech, fast, efficient, and best of all, not a cluster FU%$ like the old POE. If you have something illegal to bring into Mexico, you better hide it well, because they are checking!!!

Oh yeah, I was also coming down to get my tourist card for the Baja 1000 next month. The FMM office is not open yet at El Chapparal, like mentioned in other threads. The agent told us the office at San Ysidro was closed and the closest place to get a card would be Otay. He asked where I'd be going and I told him La Paz. Then came the epic statement of confusion that is the FMM card when he told me I didn't need a tourist card for coming down for the Baja 1000 for a few days. I'm aware of the 72 hour thing....if you're in the "border zone" so I'm guessing he was stating that exemption, although I told him I'd BE ALL THE WAY IN LA PAZ. I said, "what about the inspection booth in Guerrero Negro? Won't they ask for the FMM there?" and he just kind of laughed. How to interpret that? No idea...............maybe he didn't know where La Paz was or never heard of Guerrero Negro, or maybe he was just trying to say, "dude, no one is gonna check so why waste your time?"

Moving past this border................we had an epic day of pottery shopping in Rosarito. Then ate at La Fonda. Got to the border and entered the Ready Lane at San Ysidro. I HATE THE READY LANE AT SY. Took longet than the regular lanes and actually ended up merging WITH THE REGULAR LANES!!! WTF?

The agent was cool but sent our butts to secondary for an x-ray. Some dude waved us into the wrong place, and no one gave us any direction as to where to go once we were in that wrong place. I told an agent they sent us for an x-ray and in a very condescending voice told me I entered the wrong area. I TOLD HIM I WAS FOLLOWING ORDERS and he redirected me to the x-ray machine. It was disgusting how unorganized they were. I was trying to make eye contact to get some direction the whole time, but everyone was heads down, staring at computer screens, while occupants sat in vehicles, waiting to be searched by agents that were in no hurry to do anything.

Welcome home fellow US citizen, may I treat you like crap?

BajaNomad - 11-1-2012 at 08:10 PM

bryanmckenzie - 11-5-2012 at 05:54 AM

Project Fact Sheet (PDF)

From Wikipedia:

2013

1922

[Edited on 2012-11-5 by bryanmckenzie]

David K - 11-5-2012 at 11:48 AM

I like 1922 better!

EnsenadaDr - 11-5-2012 at 09:01 PM

I just went into the new Port of Entry today. It is huge and very impressive, sort of like a newly built prison in the United States. It is very sterile looking, but clean and modern. I went because my school requires me to keep my VISA to get my official medical license in Mexicali. So I had to stop at Aduanas. After a few minute walk, I was directed to a small office, all white, and a diminuitive Mexican man was there, who started screaming at me, "YOU are in Mexico, not the USA, you UNDERSTAND?" This guy was clearly on a power trip. He directed me to a Bancomer office around the bend in the new complex, I paid my $30 American and headed back to the gentleman, who gave me my tourist visa for 60 days so the school can process my FM3. I don't understand what this big huge complex is all about. It reminds me of the old days when the new Pelican stores opened up and and there were 25 lanes with cashiers waving you to come to their line. There was hardly any traffic but I can't imagine what it is like on a Friday evening. Oh yeah, there was a second story like they have in the prisons and military are on the lookout with their machine guns...that's why it reminded me of a prison.

Ateo - 11-6-2012 at 08:28 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by EnsenadaDr
I just went into the new Port of Entry today. It is huge and very impressive, sort of like a newly built prison in the United States. It is very sterile looking, but clean and modern. I went because my school requires me to keep my VISA to get my official medical license in Mexicali. So I had to stop at Aduanas. After a few minute walk, I was directed to a small office, all white, and a diminuitive Mexican man was there, who started screaming at me, "YOU are in Mexico, not the USA, you UNDERSTAND?" This guy was clearly on a power trip. He directed me to a Bancomer office around the bend in the new complex, I paid my $30 American and headed back to the gentleman, who gave me my tourist visa for 60 days so the school can process my FM3. I don't understand what this big huge complex is all about. It reminds me of the old days when the new Pelican stores opened up and and there were 25 lanes with cashiers waving you to come to their line. There was hardly any traffic but I can't imagine what it is like on a Friday evening. Oh yeah, there was a second story like they have in the prisons and military are on the lookout with their machine guns...that's why it reminded me of a prison.

Thanks for the update. Can you describe where you walked to get to the office? Sounds like you walked across and then over to El Chap? If you were driving across, it would be the buildings on the right correct? Gracias.

The Visa office is on the right of the crossing lanes before you cross over in the new complex

EnsenadaDr - 11-6-2012 at 08:58 AM

Before you cross the border in San Ysidro, you are directed to the right and there are the lanes to cross into Mexico in that new cement road and complex. El Chaparral, what a name. Is that what the Mexicans call it...they should call it CEMEX Grande: A tribute to Carlos Slim. I asked one of the men where I go to Aduanas. They told me to back up and not cross into Mexico in one of the lanes, unlike the old port of entry where you crossed first and then immediately you pulled over to the right and got your visa. So as you are looking at the lanes to cross, you go around the to your right before reaching the lanes, (if you are looking into Mexico), and its right around the bend. It is a huge building, you enter it and immediately make a left into this tiny room. The building reminds me of a huge mausoleum.

Quote:

Originally posted by Ateo

Quote:

David K - 11-6-2012 at 04:55 PM

So, if you don't mind my dumbness... You said they told you to "go back up" what does that mean?

We drive south on I-5 or I-805, they come together and then, right in front of the old entry, is a sharp right bend and then a sharp left bend to the new border entry...

Where do you park for the INM office and where is the office compared to where you park?

[Edited on 11-6-2012 by David K]

DENNIS - 11-6-2012 at 05:17 PM

In the past, had they been inclined to send someone back for whatever reason, they would simply open a gate and direct the vehicle through to the US side to sit there and wait for a good hearted driver to let him in line.
I wonder how they'll do that today.

EnsenadaDr - 11-6-2012 at 10:59 PM

I reached the border crossing, and they told me to go back and not cross to Mexico, in other words I had to back up in the lane, turn around, thank God there was not much traffic and then facing towards the US you make a left about after 50 feet and go around a short bend, there is a huge parking lot and the building is right there. It's very close to the crossing you can't miss it and just ask anyone, they will show you, it's very simple.

Quote:

Originally posted by David K
So, if you don't mind my dumbness... You said they told you to "go back up" what does that mean?

We drive south on I-5 or I-805, they come together and then, right in front of the old entry, is a sharp right bend and then a sharp left bend to the new border entry...

Where do you park for the INM office and where is the office compared to where you park?

[Edited on 11-6-2012 by David K]

David K - 11-7-2012 at 10:23 AM

So you had to re-enter the U.S., or were you always inside of Mexico. Is this a a two-way street or did you go against traffic? Thank you.

EnsenadaDr - 11-7-2012 at 10:32 AM

Well David, like I said, it was all very strange. I coincidentally did not hear about the new Port of Entry or did not pay much attention to it...as I have been out of Mexico for over a month. So where you normally would expect to cross there was a deviation to the right, then it was a snake like road, all brand new, for a 100 feet or so. I was looking for the signs for Aduanas and the building, but immediately in front of me were people waving me on to cross the borders in the new lanes, quite a number of them. When I approached the gate, I asked the guy where the Aduanas office was for the visa and he said go around the gate and back up to do it. So I had to back up, and then go to my right around a bend. Truthfully I think I was in Mexico at that point because they were telling me to back up, but I don't know. It was a very dangerous maneuver, and if there were cars in back of me, I would have been SOL. There was no gate for a turn around to the US. At the time you make a right from where the old crossing was, it appeared to be all under Mexican control. I will pay more attention today and ask them if I am in Mexican territory at the point I am crossing the new border.

Quote:

Originally posted by David K
So you had to re-enter the U.S., or were you always inside of Mexico. Is this a a two-way street or did you go against traffic? Thank you.

fourbi4rox - 11-7-2012 at 11:48 AM

I'm coming in this Friday night and towing a trailer. I don't think I'll be backing up.... Perhaps I will be crossing at Otay

DENNIS - 11-7-2012 at 12:07 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by fourbi4rox
I'm coming in this Friday night and towing a trailer. I don't think I'll be backing up.... Perhaps I will be crossing at Otay

Why would you need to back up? Did I miss something?

Welcome to BajaNomad by the way.

Don't worry be happy!!

EnsenadaDr - 11-7-2012 at 12:13 PM

Like I said, I made a mistake in entering the lane to cross the border thinking that the immigration office would be AFTER the crossing. When you see the lanes in front of you and attendants waving you forward, go to the immediate far right, do not enter the lanes and go around the bend to aduanas or the declaracion area where there is a huge building and a parking lot. I will be leaving shortly and will report after I get to Ensenada the exact directions....

Quote:

Originally posted by fourbi4rox
I'm coming in this Friday night and towing a trailer. I don't think I'll be backing up.... Perhaps I will be crossing at Otay

zoesterone - 11-8-2012 at 03:02 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Bruce R Leech
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zKgKsfl1sn0&feature=plcp

First time I went, just fine and easy. HUGE Ensenada/Playas de Tijuana sign on that far right upramp. Yesterday, there was no sign and it startled me, as I knew it had been there. It ought to be back soon, I hope, as I told holiday relatives to look for it.

EnsenadaDr - 11-8-2012 at 04:27 PM

It's easy if you aren't looking to get a visa. I crossed this morning, and there is NO sign that says aduanas/visa. So what you have to do is stay in the right hand lanes, and follow the signs for declaraciones, and bear a sharp right around the pole gate which is a bunch of poles lined up for about 50 feet that together, make up some kind of division between the crossing lanes and the building where you get your visa. Park then in front of the large building, go in and the first left there is an office to get the visa. Remember though the bank is not open before 9 am it appears. So make sure you are crossing after 9 am, but I don't know what time they close, to be safe, around 2 pm. Another very interesting point is that when you turn right where the old crossing used to be, that appears to start Mexican territory, because the whole road up to the new lanes you cross, has the border fence on your right, apparently you are in Mexico even before you cross the new lanes.

David K - 11-8-2012 at 05:06 PM

Okay... a little better... Please see if I got this correct:

For the FMM, stay in the RIGHT LANE, specially after the second sharp bend before the entry gates... then there is a special lane on the right, separated by poles from the normal entry lanes leading to the entry gate. The building you want is on the right, and there is parking by it, on the right.

Did I get it right?

Just fyi, you are physically inside Mexico when you make that first sharp turn (to the right), but you aren't 'officially' in Mexico until you pass the 'gates' where you may get pointed to go into secondary... The USA has not had the ability to match Mexico with making the freeway change to meet the new border into Mexico... thus the sharp turn detour lanes.

[Edited on 11-9-2012 by David K]

EnsenadaDr - 11-8-2012 at 05:08 PM

Yes David, you are correct, but a question, so why was the border gate on my RIGHT the whole time until I passed the gates? I am in Mexico...

Quote:

Originally posted by David K
Okay... a little better... Please see if I got this correct:

For the FMM, stay in the RIGHT LANE, specially after the second sharp bend before the entry gates... then there is a special lane on the right, separated by poles from the normal entry lanes leading to the entry gate. The building you want is on the right, and there is parking by it, on the right.

Did I get it right?

Just fyi, you are physically inside Mexico when you make that first sharp turn (to the right), but you aren't 'officially' in Mexico until you pass the 'gates' where you may get pointed to go into secondary... The USA has not had the ability to match Mexico with making the freeway change to meet the new border into Mexico... thus the sharp turn detour lanes.

[Edited on 11-9-2012 by David K]

David K - 11-8-2012 at 05:12 PM

Do you mean the border fence? Because you crossed over the line on I-5, then turned west with the border on your right (north)... then turned left (south) to go deeper into Mexico where the 'gates' are located.

kiterkip - 11-15-2012 at 01:25 PM

El Chapperal Banercito for FMM not open until after 9AM! Sucks, I like to get a sunrise early start to my 8 hour drive.

kiterkip - 11-15-2012 at 01:39 PM

OK, Sorry to muddy the FMM office question. I'm watching this video very carefully and looking for your "special lane on the right".
Is this it? Or maybe give us a time count on what frame I see this lane. Sorry, but I only cross here once or twice in a lifetime.
Is this where the FMM Lane is?:

DENNIS - 11-15-2012 at 01:55 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by kiterkip
OK, Sorry to muddy the FMM office question. I'm watching this video very carefully and looking for your "special lane on the right".
Is this it?

Not it. That picture is the entrance to the customs complex. The "lane to the right" is at the other end.....the exit.

David K - 11-15-2012 at 04:15 PM

Clear as mud once again... ??

If getting into the far right lane was best... but then not in the photo above, why not... Is there more than one right lane... and Ensenada Dr. said you go in a special lane to the right of steel poles, separating the normal traffic into Mexico from those needing to get an FMM.

I wish I could go south and document this, it really shouldn't be that hard to describe the process and take some photos, should it?

Personally, I am not at all concerned (go with the flow, part of the adventure), but for the others who are nervous about driving into Mexico, a clear description of the process would greatly reduce the anxiety.

acadist - 11-16-2012 at 01:36 AM

I am a creature of habit, and until this new habit is learned there will be some anxiety :yes:

I enjoy to go with the flow but am on a time budget, I am working for the day that time is not the issue. Heck, took me two years to change the bank I stop at to get my Pemex pesos :lol:

tourest card

captkw - 11-16-2012 at 05:08 AM

what the gig there if you need a tourest card?

The Silver Lining

acadist - 11-17-2012 at 03:23 AM

If the bank opens at 9 I can shop for tackle at the Black Friday early openings! Hard to find what I want here in CO

[Edited on 11-17-2012 by acadist]

DENNIS - 11-17-2012 at 07:46 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by David K
Clear as mud once again... ??

If getting into the far right lane was best... but then not in the photo above, why not... Is there more than one right lane...

Being in the far right lane is important at the exit.....not the entrance. All lanes inside lead to the exit where you want to stay to the right side and read the huge signs above. At that point the exit road splits into two or three options..... "downtown" etc. The option on the right side, as the huge sign will say, takes you to the fence road and on to the toll road. Once you do it, the confusion will lift and life will again be good.
It's important to keep in mind that the complex is enclosed except at the entrance and exit, so you can't get too lost. Just consider it a new and exciting Baja adventure and once you've done it, you'll laugh at yourself for creating all this confusion in your head. It's really very simple.

David K - 11-17-2012 at 08:17 AM

Wonderful Dennis, thank you! I love adventure... and Baja is FULL OF IT! :lol:

DianaT - 11-17-2012 at 08:50 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by DENNIS
It's really very simple.

acadist - 11-17-2012 at 08:58 AM

less than a week till I get to try :biggrin:

DENNIS - 11-17-2012 at 10:45 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by acadist
less than a week till I get to try :biggrin:

You can do it. We have faith. :biggrin:

acadist - 11-17-2012 at 04:11 PM

HAHAHAHA I just checked and my FMM from last time is good through 12/2.......just skinned by by the hair on my chinnychinchin :tumble:

Glad I looked :spingrin:

now I can cross at daybreak