BajaNomad

Tourist card?

Quinonez - 9-26-2013 at 10:06 AM

First time post… Awesome site! Very informative.

I’m heading to Ensenada then east on highway 3 to San Felipe. Anyone know if a tourist card is required?

bajagrouper - 9-26-2013 at 10:36 AM

Only if you will be in Baja no more than 72 hours, for staying up to 7 days you need one but it is free...for over 7 days or traveling into BCS you need one and it cost 295 pesos......hope this helps

welcome to the board......

[Edited on 9-26-2013 by bajagrouper]

sancho - 9-26-2013 at 10:39 AM

The above post totally accurate, in practice the area
you describe travellers often do not get tourist cards,
for me, I get one every time down, to further muddy
the waters, Mex Immigration MAY tell you ypu don't
need an fmm



[Edited on 9-26-2013 by sancho]

David K - 9-26-2013 at 12:26 PM

Quote:
Only if you will be in Baja no more than 72 hours
Ummm?



Needed technically if MORE than 72 hours... no checks for it anywhere in the state of Baja California... Only one checkpoint for tourist cards, and it is on Hwy. 1 just south of the state border, near Guerrero Negro.

Bajahowodd - 9-26-2013 at 04:57 PM

There hasn't been any immigration presence at the state border for years. It is an agricultural checkpoint.

That said, unless someone decides to live in the border region, and a local cop gets curious, the 72 hour thing really doesn't matter, inasmuch as there is almost no way any authorities can verify how long you have been South of the border.

To further expand on what Sancho mentioned, we will occasionally obtain one if we're going to stay in Ensenada, only for future use when we take a trip farther South.

DavidE - 9-26-2013 at 05:07 PM

But, the only place to get an FMM tourist card is within 100' of the border crossing in Tijuana.

David K - 9-26-2013 at 10:24 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by Bajahowodd
There hasn't been any immigration presence at the state border for years. It is an agricultural checkpoint.

That said, unless someone decides to live in the border region, and a local cop gets curious, the 72 hour thing really doesn't matter, inasmuch as there is almost no way any authorities can verify how long you have been South of the border.

To further expand on what Sancho mentioned, we will occasionally obtain one if we're going to stay in Ensenada, only for future use when we take a trip farther South.


They were open for business in July, 2012... waved us through after we made the full stop in front of the office.

consensus opinion

huesos - 9-27-2013 at 08:50 AM

What is the correct approach for someone staying above Ensenada driving a California plated vehicle attempting to find a rental?
I would prefer not to run afoul of official regulations.

sancho - 9-27-2013 at 11:04 AM

Quote:
I would prefer not to run afoul of official regulations.





As posted, the Official, depends on who you ask in Mex
Immigration, is that over 72 hrs. ANYWHERE in Mex you technically need an fmm,
but I sure there are Gringos LIVING in the
Ensenada without Immigration papers of any kind.
The situation I would not like to find myself in, is to come
into contact with an Insurance Adjuster, Mex Cop, and
by chance be asked for a Tourist card and not have one.
Both the San Diego Mex Insurance Brokers have assured
policy holders that not having an fmm would not affect
their Auto Policy. what that may do is open a can of
worms, possibly giving the Cop leverage for Mordida, not saying it would, just opens the door. Someone mentioned
how do they know when you crossed into Mex, to me,
if you are carring a Mex Auto Policy for a given date,
that gives an indication of when you crossed. I may
be a bit paronid than most in re: driving in Mex,
but I will go out of my way to not give them a reason
to question me

bajaguy - 9-27-2013 at 11:30 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by huesos
What is the correct approach for someone staying above Ensenada driving a California plated vehicle attempting to find a rental?
I would prefer not to run afoul of official regulations.





Get the tourist card. When you have the rental, you can apply for a temporary resident card.....since you won't be a tourist anymore.

David K - 9-27-2013 at 02:14 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by sancho
Quote:
I would prefer not to run afoul of official regulations.





As posted, the Official, depends on who you ask in Mex
Immigration, is that over 72 hrs. ANYWHERE in Mex you technically need an fmm,
but I sure there are Gringos LIVING in the
Ensenada without Immigration papers of any kind.
The situation I would not like to find myself in, is to come
into contact with an Insurance Adjuster, Mex Cop, and
by chance be asked for a Tourist card and not have one.
Both the San Diego Mex Insurance Brokers have assured
policy holders that not having an fmm would not affect
their Auto Policy. what that may do is open a can of
worms, possibly giving the Cop leverage for Mordida, not saying it would, just opens the door. Someone mentioned
how do they know when you crossed into Mex, to me,
if you are carring a Mex Auto Policy for a given date,
that gives an indication of when you crossed. I may
be a bit paronid than most in re: driving in Mex,
but I will go out of my way to not give them a reason
to question me


Great advice!

Better to HAVE it and not need it...
Than to NEED it and not have it!! :light:

tourist card first

huesos - 9-27-2013 at 04:06 PM

So to recap, I will get the tourist card first. Where should I get that? After establishing a residence address, I will apply for a temporary residents visa. Where should I apply for that if I am somewhere in between Rosarito and La mision? Is the temporary residents visa the same thing as the fnm?

bajagrouper - 9-27-2013 at 04:29 PM

Huesos,Wrong.........

If you want to become a temporary resident you must first go to a Mexican Consulate in the country where you reside in and apply there, once all the paperwork is done you enter Mexico on an FMM and you have 30 days to complete the process at immigration ....Here is a website that explains all........

http://www.mexicovisaservice.com/TEMPORARYMEXICORESIDENCY.ht...

[Edited on 9-27-2013 by bajagrouper]

[Edited on 9-27-2013 by bajagrouper]

[Edited on 9-27-2013 by bajagrouper]

David K - 9-27-2013 at 04:40 PM

The FMM is the 'Tourist Card' and you get that at the border, just inside Mexico inside the office labeled as INM. It used to be called an FM-T, but that was changed just over a year ago.

You can pay for a tourist card good for up to 180 days... and also write in (or tell officer if they are filling out those parts) the furthest south point you might travel to in the next 180 days (Los Cabos, for example).

Bajahowodd - 9-27-2013 at 04:50 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by David K
Quote:
Originally posted by Bajahowodd
There hasn't been any immigration presence at the state border for years. It is an agricultural checkpoint.

That said, unless someone decides to live in the border region, and a local cop gets curious, the 72 hour thing really doesn't matter, inasmuch as there is almost no way any authorities can verify how long you have been South of the border.

To further expand on what Sancho mentioned, we will occasionally obtain one if we're going to stay in Ensenada, only for future use when we take a trip farther South.


They were open for business in July, 2012... waved us through after we made the full stop in front of the office.


If you are speaking of Southbound, it has been just an ag station for a long while. And, I've mentioned it previously, that one may refuse the bug spray and just drive on through.

As for Northbound, we've passed through that way a number of times in 2011, 2012, 2013, and the old building was shuttered.

180 or nothing

huesos - 9-27-2013 at 06:28 PM

So maybe what I should do is to get the 180 day tourist card at the border INM and list the southern most limit at Loa Cabos, taking on temporary residence procedure when it becomes necessary. The only question is: what about multiple entries on that tourist card?

BajaBlanca - 9-27-2013 at 06:32 PM

Quinones! Welcome!

bajagrouper - 9-27-2013 at 06:49 PM

huesos, on the back of your part of the FMM is states:

"Durning your stay in Mexico, you must retain this immigration form and surrender it upon leaving the country."

This is not a multiple entry form, it is a form that is multi purposes....

liknbaja127 - 9-27-2013 at 07:28 PM

What will happen if you do not surrender it upon leaving, or after
your 180 days? I think mine is past!

David K - 9-27-2013 at 11:42 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by liknbaja127
What will happen if you do not surrender it upon leaving, or after
your 180 days? I think mine is past!


Nothing... at least not so far in the past 40 years since I have been getting them when I started driving south of Maneadero when I was 16. There is an address (it's been posted) where to mail the form back before it expires, as there is NO PLACE/ PERSON to hand it back as you are driving back north, in the border line. Not like at airports for flying tourists.

David K - 9-28-2013 at 12:00 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by Bajahowodd
Quote:
Originally posted by David K
Quote:
Originally posted by Bajahowodd
There hasn't been any immigration presence at the state border for years. It is an agricultural checkpoint.

That said, unless someone decides to live in the border region, and a local cop gets curious, the 72 hour thing really doesn't matter, inasmuch as there is almost no way any authorities can verify how long you have been South of the border.

To further expand on what Sancho mentioned, we will occasionally obtain one if we're going to stay in Ensenada, only for future use when we take a trip farther South.


They were open for business in July, 2012... waved us through after we made the full stop in front of the office.


If you are speaking of Southbound, it has been just an ag station for a long while. And, I've mentioned it previously, that one may refuse the bug spray and just drive on through.

As for Northbound, we've passed through that way a number of times in 2011, 2012, 2013, and the old building was shuttered.


Twilight Zone perhaps?

You know, if I didn't see it for myself, I would just bow to your insistance it isn't there... BUT IT IS (or was) on each of the past few times I crossed into Baja Sur on Hwy. 1 since they began checking for them there (about 2000). Now it isn't a lot, but here are my own experiences and a friend's who was nailed by the INM officer:

Dec. 2001: INM officer just south of Eagle Monument looked at the FM-Ts. Ag spray guy was there and asked for 10 pesos and a beer.

July 2007: INM officer (same place) looked at the FM-Ts. Ag spray, just beyond was 20 pesos, no beer.

July 2009: INM officer (just south of monument) looked at my FM-T and didn't need to see esposa's (who was trying to find it). Drove over an auto sprayer after paying 20 pesos.

July 2011: Art (edm1) was fined by INM officer US$100 at Eagle Monument INM office because wife didn't have FM-T (her passport was expired and Mexicali INM wouldn't issue her one, just Art... as reported here on Nomad)

July 2012: An ALTO sign was set up in front of a new INM office, just south of the Eagle Monument. We stopped, officer looked out his open door, and waved us on, without looking at our FMMs. Ag spray booth, a few hundred feet south was unmanned.

[Edited on 9-28-2013 by David K]

Bajahowodd - 9-28-2013 at 04:04 PM

One can always rest assured that there are no assurances when it comes to Mexico.

You mention a "new" IMM office when you passed in July 2012. I last went through there in April 2013, and saw no new office.

Historically, the IMM check was on Northbound traffic, which made no sense to me since the only port of entry farther South would be domestic ferries, and the airports where travelers are obliged to have visas just to get on the plane.

Would be nice if some other Nomads would check in here with their experiences at the state border in the past few years.

Just curious.

One of these days

bajaguy - 9-28-2013 at 04:10 PM

Everybody will be surprised when they start asking for drivers licenses, vehicle registrations, valid Mexican insurance cards and proof of immigration status at the military checkpoints, federal police checkpoints and local police traffic stops.......not today, or tomorrow, but it is out there.

bajagrouper - 9-28-2013 at 04:21 PM

Last July I was asked for all paperwork you mention at the military checkpoint just before San Ignacio heading south........minus insurance papers...

[Edited on 9-28-2013 by bajagrouper]

Time F

DavidE - 9-28-2013 at 05:54 PM

David K - 9-28-2013 at 06:51 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by Bajahowodd
One can always rest assured that there are no assurances when it comes to Mexico.

You mention a "new" IMM office when you passed in July 2012. I last went through there in April 2013, and saw no new office.

Historically, the IMM check was on Northbound traffic, which made no sense to me since the only port of entry farther South would be domestic ferries, and the airports where travelers are obliged to have visas just to get on the plane.

Would be nice if some other Nomads would check in here with their experiences at the state border in the past few years.

Just curious.


Again, one of us is in the Twilight Zone... :cool::lol:

liknbaja127 - 9-28-2013 at 07:44 PM

only been asked 1 time in 07, north bound. been through 4or more times
no problems! always pay the spray tax going down, so what!

Bajahowodd - 9-29-2013 at 04:53 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by bajagrouper
Last July I was asked for all paperwork you mention at the military checkpoint just before San Ignacio heading south........minus insurance papers...

[Edited on 9-28-2013 by bajagrouper]


Actually a slightly different subject. That checkpoint has, in my experience, been the single most vigilant. Have had major back up/ lines there on a number of occasions.

I'm guessing that is because it is the only checkpoint that stands between the Sea of Cortez and the Pacific Ocean. So, trafficking would seems to be more likely there.

elizabeth - 9-30-2013 at 06:05 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by Bajahowodd
One can always rest assured that there are no assurances when it comes to Mexico.

You mention a "new" IMM office when you passed in July 2012. I last went through there in April 2013, and saw no new office.

Historically, the IMM check was on Northbound traffic, which made no sense to me since the only port of entry farther South would be domestic ferries, and the airports where travelers are obliged to have visas just to get on the plane.

Would be nice if some other Nomads would check in here with their experiences at the state border in the past few years.

Just curious.

A year ago, July I was questioned by both the ag guys and docs checked by inm officer at that stop coming south.

[Edited on 9-30-2013 by elizabeth]

David K - 9-30-2013 at 07:52 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by elizabeth
Quote:
Originally posted by Bajahowodd
One can always rest assured that there are no assurances when it comes to Mexico.

You mention a "new" IMM office when you passed in July 2012. I last went through there in April 2013, and saw no new office.

Historically, the IMM check was on Northbound traffic, which made no sense to me since the only port of entry farther South would be domestic ferries, and the airports where travelers are obliged to have visas just to get on the plane.

Would be nice if some other Nomads would check in here with their experiences at the state border in the past few years.

Just curious.

A year ago, July I was questioned by both the ag guys and docs checked by inm officer at that stop coming south.

[Edited on 9-30-2013 by elizabeth]


Thank you elizabeth!

Bajahowodd - 9-30-2013 at 04:56 PM

I concede. DK wins.:lol::lol::lol:

Now, I must confess that in all the years I have driven North to South, even as far as Cabo, I have never been asked for a tourist visa, anywhere along the way. I'm talking about almost 30 years. And, with the exception of one time when we found ourselves at the border after a 90 minute trip from home and discovered we had left our passports at home, I have always bought the visas. BTW, we went all the way down to Cabo for two weeks and returned unscathed.

That said, it is incomprehensible to me why visa are needed between the US and Mexico in the first place. Just look at the EU. All you need is a photo ID, when you travel between a whole lot of different countries.

In my opinion, travel between Canada, USA, and Mexico ought to be the same.

willardguy - 9-30-2013 at 06:11 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by David K
Quote:
Originally posted by elizabeth
Quote:
Originally posted by Bajahowodd
One can always rest assured that there are no assurances when it comes to Mexico.

You mention a "new" IMM office when you passed in July 2012. I last went through there in April 2013, and saw no new office.

Historically, the IMM check was on Northbound traffic, which made no sense to me since the only port of entry farther South would be domestic ferries, and the airports where travelers are obliged to have visas just to get on the plane.

Would be nice if some other Nomads would check in here with their experiences at the state border in the past few years.

Just curious.

A year ago, July I was questioned by both the ag guys and docs checked by inm officer at that stop coming south.

[Edited on 9-30-2013 by elizabeth]


Thank you elizabeth!
I can't believe you didnt provide a google earth image and a half dozen photos!:lol:

dasubergeek - 10-1-2013 at 11:59 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by liknbaja127
What will happen if you do not surrender it upon leaving, or after
your 180 days? I think mine is past!


When you get your next one and they ask why you weren't stamped out, tell them you turned it in and the lazy guy at the desk just threw it in the trash can. That's usually what happens anyway.

sancho - 10-1-2013 at 12:19 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by Bajahowodd
I concede. DK wins
Now, I must confess that in all the years I have driven North to South, even as far as Cabo, I have never been asked for a tourist visa, anywhere along the way








Bahahowodd, ask for a rematch. To me getting an fmm
is more a matter of courtesy, showing respect to the Mex
Govt for allowing us to travel in their Country. They
make it relatively simple to enter Mex, and for the most
part do what one wants. I have never been asked for
a Mex Fishing License eother, but I get one

David K - 10-1-2013 at 02:33 PM

I was (and always try to) post facts... When I post opinions it doesn't become helpful (IMO).

Saying one didn't get checked for the FMM anywhere in Baja is a fact (like bajahowodd, I never had to show mine last year, even at the open INM checkpoint near Guerrero Negro where you have to stop , at ALTO sign).

Saying one should get one out of respect is an opinion... a good enough opinion, but an opinion, still.

Saying it will keep you observing the migra laws is a fact, as best we know it... but it has been years since INM has published the rules for Baja travelers... Baja California is a special area, and so is NW Sonora, where the normal border zone rules are extended further south.

Bajahowodd - 10-1-2013 at 03:57 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by sancho
Quote:
Originally posted by Bajahowodd
I concede. DK wins
Now, I must confess that in all the years I have driven North to South, even as far as Cabo, I have never been asked for a tourist visa, anywhere along the way


It's the same for me. Respect of another nation's laws.

As for the rematch, it already appears that DK has etched it in stone that there is an IMM office at the state border heading South.

Mine eyes have deceived me?






Bahahowodd, ask for a rematch. To me getting an fmm
is more a matter of courtesy, showing respect to the Mex
Govt for allowing us to travel in their Country. They
make it relatively simple to enter Mex, and for the most
part do what one wants. I have never been asked for
a Mex Fishing License eother, but I get one

tripledigitken - 10-1-2013 at 04:10 PM

Of course there's an IMM office at the bug spray booth.

But......usually no one there, and when they are they usually have no contact with tourists.

Once in the last 10 years have I been asked for my visa.

Ken

DianaT - 10-1-2013 at 04:18 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by tripledigitken
Of course there's an IMM office at the bug spray booth.

But......usually no one there, and when they are they usually have no contact with tourists.

Once in the last 10 years have I been asked for my visa.

Ken


The newer IMM office is on the east side of where one drives through, north of the bug spray. During the day there is almost always someone there during business hours, but they just don't come out and do a lot of checking.

However, a while back when one of the officers who has been there a long time, Magdalena heard that people on forums were saying the office was closed, she was not happy at all and they started checking more cars for a while.

[Edited on 10-1-2013 by DianaT]

David K - 10-1-2013 at 05:31 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by tripledigitken
Of course there's an IMM office at the bug spray booth.

But......usually no one there, and when they are they usually have no contact with tourists.

Once in the last 10 years have I been asked for my visa.

Ken


Last year, it actually was not at the bug spray 'drive over' device, but a few dozen/ hundred feet from it. Two separate stops, both just south of the Eagle Monument, and traffic circle.

Previously, it was all at the same stop... the INM officer would walk up and look at your FM-Ts and then the bug guy with his gas mask on would collect his tip and hand spray the underside of your car.

It was open in one (south) direction each time I traveled that way, never stopped me northbound to look at it again, however. 2001, 2007, 2009, 2012... a pretty broad spread of years... and to find an INM guy there each of those years kind of is more than random, I would think? Again, this is INM checking for tourist cards, and nothing else.

Edit... Noticed DianaT's reply and in July, 2012, the INM office you stopped in front of was on the right or west side of Hwy. 1, southbound.



[Edited on 10-2-2013 by David K]