BajaNomad

Parking while getting FMM stamped at San Ysidro crossing

Trueheart - 3-2-2013 at 10:35 AM

I'll be crossing at San Ysidro soon. I have my Vagabundos supplied FMM paperwork, so I'm "paid" already, but need it stamped at entry point. I'll be in a 1/2 ton truck towing a utility trailer with two ATV's.

Can I get advice from Nomads on exactly where to park while I am getting stamped? Last time I did this (a couple of years ago) I had some difficulty. Has the setup changed? What lane to be in? Farthest right? Office still in same location?

I'll be crossing at 9-10 AM.

Thanks.

Steve

Trueheart - 3-2-2013 at 10:36 AM

Posted in wrong topic ... sorry.

David K - 3-2-2013 at 10:49 AM

Remember, there is a new Mexican entry at San Ysidro, a ways to the west of the old one, next to the U.S. entry. I do think it has been posted that parking at the new facility is no longer a problem. However, there is a pay parking lot on the U.S. side, last exit... and if the pedestrian Mexico entry is unchanged, that is how we got the paperwork done, last July.

BAJA.DESERT.RAT - 3-2-2013 at 01:51 PM

Hola,

does that mean i can still walk across the border as before ? still the last exit, turn right and park at the first parking lot on the right side ( or ? ) and walk across the bridge to the turnstiles ?

sorry if this has been posted before.

BIEN SALUD, DA RAT

Trueheart - 3-2-2013 at 02:38 PM

Is it better to park on US side, then walk across to office to get stamped, then walk back to vehicle on US side?

I've heard somewhere that parking on MX side to get FMM stamped, that then when exiting that lot one gets subjected to questions about decalring stuff. I don't have anything to declare, and would prefer not needing to go through an unnecessary expalantion ... my spanish ain't that good.

Pacifico - 3-2-2013 at 03:08 PM

No need to park on the US side and walk.... Just go through the new crossing and once you get through the main area, just go straight and there is plenty of parking (even with a trailer). The immigration office is on your right as you are driving through. The workers there are really helpful and friendly! Search for more info on the subject, there are other threads about the new crossing. Good luck!

skipowell - 3-2-2013 at 03:09 PM

No problem parking with a trailer, most of the spots are pull through spots. Last week I was there to drop off my FMM and there was a large motorhome that was towing a vehicle in the parking area.

Trueheart - 3-2-2013 at 03:28 PM

Just stay as far right as possible? I've not seen the new set up yet. Clearly marked?

skipowell - 3-2-2013 at 05:09 PM

Yes stay right. As you come to new entry look for the tall poles on the right. There is a parking lot behind them. Park and then enter the brand new sparkling building. To get to the FMM office, you go through the building and then make an immediate left, it is the small office on the backside of the building closest to the road. Super friendly and clean

Udo - 3-2-2013 at 05:16 PM

Just remember and take note:

The INM office there is just a counter with an INM officer stamping and signing your papers.
They have no computers.

The signing designating the DECLARATION and INM office are very clear.
There is a large gate in the middle of the yellow fence, which fences off the INM and DECLARATION offices.
For those who don't know, the IS a bank about 40 feet from the INM office, also clearly marked.

Trueheart - 3-2-2013 at 06:58 PM

You guys are great. TY for info. Steve

Whale-ista - 3-3-2013 at 12:54 AM

What time do the offices open for FMM paperwork processing? I'll be crossing very early Tuesday- 6 am or so- heading to Ensenada to meet friends, then on to GN and beyond.

Should I go the day before and walk across to manage this, or is the office open that early?

Ateo - 3-3-2013 at 08:50 AM

I went thru there Friday. A stated above, stay to the right and pull in the declaration area. While exiting the vehicle tell them "nothing to declare, just need to get an FMM or tourist card. Then hopefully they won't hassle you upon returning from getting your tourist visa to go thru your stuff. It's worked for me twice. I'm 2-0.

Pacifico - 3-3-2013 at 09:35 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by Ateo
I went thru there Friday. A stated above, stay to the right and pull in the declaration area. While exiting the vehicle tell them "nothing to declare, just need to get an FMM or tourist card. Then hopefully they won't hassle you upon returning from getting your tourist visa to go thru your stuff. It's worked for me twice. I'm 2-0.


Exactly!!!

David K - 3-3-2013 at 10:36 AM

Is the INM office once again open 24/7...,. and how about their ability to take payment for it? Last time the money box was only open for part of the day (a big part, but not 24 hrs.).

Whale-ista - 3-3-2013 at 10:47 AM

Can someone tell me What time is the office open for issuing visa and accepting payment ?

Thank you I appreciate your help.

David K - 3-3-2013 at 11:16 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by Whale-ista
Can someone tell me What time is the office open for issuing visa and accepting payment ?

Thank you I appreciate your help.


It would be nice if all the deatils were shared since the deal seems to change a lot... All I can privide is what I was told when I got mine, last July (2012):

THE NEW INM HOURS (Tijuana/San Ysidro): OPEN 7 DAYS A WEEK 6 am to 10 pm.

SFandH - 3-3-2013 at 11:37 AM

The route to walk across into Mexico at San Ysidro has changed. It's now on the east side where the trolley station is. The is an IMN desk there to get a tourist visa. I don't know where you pay, maybe at the same place. There is not a bank window there. I don't know what the hours of operation are.

The current situation is temporary. The Mexicans are building a new building, also on the east side, which will handle southbound pedestrian traffic.

[Edited on 3-3-2013 by SFandH]

Whale-ista - 3-3-2013 at 12:17 PM

thanks SFandH. I'll be driving early Tuesday, trying to determine which crossing to use so we can get our papers handled.

I used to drive to Ensenada and purchase visa there- back in the day you didn't need one until after Ensenada. Is that no longer an option, if we cross to early before they open for business in Otay/TJ/Tecate?

I'd rather get thru town, head south, and get papers after breakfast at Alfonso's if they wont arrest/deport me ;)

SFandH - 3-3-2013 at 12:50 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by Whale-ista
thanks SFandH. I'll be driving early Tuesday, trying to determine which crossing to use so we can get our papers handled.



Just so there is no misunderstanding, what I wrote about in the above post concerns walking across, not driving. When driving south at San Ysidro you get the tourist visa where you drive across, not where I was talking about.

David K - 3-3-2013 at 12:58 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by Whale-ista
thanks SFandH. I'll be driving early Tuesday, trying to determine which crossing to use so we can get our papers handled.

I used to drive to Ensenada and purchase visa there- back in the day you didn't need one until after Ensenada. Is that no longer an option, if we cross to early before they open for business in Otay/TJ/Tecate?

I'd rather get thru town, head south, and get papers after breakfast at Alfonso's if they wont arrest/deport me ;)


The tourist card check has been gone 20 years or so... it used to be just south of Maneadero. It is now at the Eagle Monument, near Guerrero Negro, 400 miles south.

There is an INM office at the Ensenada harbor, but really for boat arrivals, they haven't always been easy on auto travelers there, telling them they are supposed to get the FMM at the border. Also, no bank teller by the Ensenada INM.

Whale-ista - 3-3-2013 at 01:52 PM

I remember the staff at the port office was a real pain, agree they didn't like us drivers.

still waiting on info regarding hours and other options as I decide to cross at Otay, and drive to Popotla, or do the Tecate route. (Since I let my SENTRI expire, I avoid San Ysidro xings)

sargentodiaz - 3-3-2013 at 08:42 PM

What on earth is this FMM stuff?

I'm clearly outdated. One needs a visa to enter Baja?

SFandH - 3-3-2013 at 08:47 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by sargentodiaz
What on earth is this FMM stuff?

I'm clearly outdated. One needs a visa to enter Baja?


Only if you are going to cross into the southern state at Guerrero Negro. Maybe. Usually nobody checks.

There are other details, but that's the scoop from a practical point of view.