BajaNomad

This week: Tij-Lapaz / Construction / Visa/FMM ?'s / Federales Caminos

BajaNomad - 1-2-2014 at 12:35 PM

Of note - and I hadn't remembered seeing anything posted about it recently...

There is road and bridge construction - with side road detours - in the following:

- Just north of Santo Tomas - they are working on bridges.
- About 3 km north of San Vicente to town, and then about 5-10km south out of town; there's road construction with bumpy graded detours around the road work.

Regarding the La Mision - Ensenada free road (toll-road detour), it seems to be somewhat of a non-issue, and as reported by many just adds a few minutes to the drive time. Went through there Monday morning. Some congestion to be expected. Some road construction as you get to San Miguel. Someone asked about diverting traffic north to the u-turn by the toll-gates, and yes, they were working on the bridge there at the time.
Quote:
Originally posted by woody with a view
anyone have a RELIABLE report on what happened at San Ig when no FMM could be produced? is this really the norm or will Mex turn back gringo $$$'s at some puesto's?


I'm in La Paz at the moment. The only military stop that didn't essentially ask a couple of questions and wave us through this week was on the mesa just north of El Rosario. They're the only ones that looked through the back of the truck as well.

They asked for my driver's license and wrote info out on their clipboard there.

*NO* FMM requests at any military stops heading south since Monday. This includes the stop just north of San Ignacio.

In fact, I've found it somewhat interesting - and just my own perception - that if you indicate you're on "vacation" - and it appears so (I have family members in the truck with me, and camping gear), they are very much into waving you on to have a great time in Mexico.

As a side note (and perhaps a sign of things to come), I was asked the following at *multiple* stops, which to me is an indication of something they're being trained to do (and must have a purpose behind it)... they asked if I was going to my "casa" (in Baja). When I indicated otherwise, that we were on vacation, we were quickly waved through.

btw.. nobody at the Las Canadas stop south of Maneadero... the first military stop (if I recall correctly) was south of San Vicente in one of the vineyards area (Cetto, I think at that spot).

Okay, this one is very interesting to me.... we were coming into a populated area (north of San Quintin?) and the vehicle ahead of me slowed abruptly for an unmarked (perhaps only poorly marked?) tope. With no oncoming traffic, I veered left to just pass him over the tope (he practically had come to a stop) - and just ahead of us sitting and watching, was a highway patrol officer. He turned on his lights, and put the car in drive (started forward a foot or more), and then for some reason turned the lights off, and waved his arm at us in a motion that seemed to be saying "slow down"... and put the car back in park apparently.

I suspect some government officials are being asked to be kind to tourists when/where possible (or, some such similar message). Just my $.02.

David K - 1-2-2014 at 03:07 PM

Thank you Doug for this confirmation that the Military does NOT ask for Tourist Cards, being outside of their area of authority (guns, ammo, illegal drugs)... at least didn't ask you this week (and has never asked me in 40 years of driving in Baja).

Hey, there's always a first time... or maybe they let you slide because you drive a Toyota Tacoma??? :lol: :light::spingrin:

chuckie - 1-2-2014 at 03:37 PM

Probably afraid to get too close to the Tacoma, for fear something would fall off and hurt them?:P

BajaNomad - 1-2-2014 at 03:54 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by chuckie
Probably afraid to get too close to the Tacoma, for fear something would fall off and hurt them?:P


You've apparently seen my Tacoma! :lol:

David K - 1-2-2014 at 04:05 PM

:lol::lol::lol::lol:

Chuckie, you got Toyota confused with another brand... most any other brand! LOL!

Doug, you know how to answer these better than I, LOL!

BajaNomad - 1-6-2014 at 11:20 AM

Just a follow-up...
Quote:
Originally posted by BajaNomad

The only military stop that didn't essentially ask a couple of questions and wave us through this week was on the mesa just north of El Rosario. They're the only ones that looked through the back of the truck as well.

They asked for my driver's license and wrote info out on their clipboard there.

*NO* FMM requests at any military stops heading south since Monday. This includes the stop just north of San Ignacio.


We had zero requests for FMM docs at any military stop this past week - this includes southbound from San Ysidro to La Paz, and then from La Paz back to San Ysidro. Seemed like "business as usual". It seems that they have become more efficient at all the military checkpoints for northbound traffic, checking at least two vehicles, if not more, at a time - instead of one-by-one. Delays were fairly minimal in comparison to past experiences.

I think it was two of the military checkpoints on the northbound trip that wanted my driver's license info.
Quote:

...nobody at the Las Canadas stop south of Maneadero.



The Federal checkpoint at Las Canadas *was* manned last night. Around 5:30pm. We were simply waved through at that time (northbound).

David K - 1-6-2014 at 12:18 PM

Thank you for that Doug, so still nowhere from Tijuana to La Paz was anyone asking to see a tourist card (FMM)... on the roads you drove. Interesting.

BajaNomad - 1-6-2014 at 01:55 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by David K
...so still nowhere from Tijuana to La Paz was anyone asking to see a tourist card (FMM)... on the roads you drove.


Again, when southbound, the Federal (non-military) checkpoint at Las Canadas was not manned. We also did not need to stop at the checkpoint just south of the BC/BCS state line (just north of Guerrero Negro). So, I am unable to say if/when there are times they are checking FMM docs at these two locations. Neither of these two locations stopped us on the way back north.

There were no requests for FMM documentation from us at any of the military checkpoints this past week+.

Hook - 1-7-2014 at 06:30 AM

Thanks, Doug. Exuberance often clouds reasoning in some.

We've noticed a laxity in enforcement of all things during the holidays, over here. We chalk it up to the Paisano program when the Mexican government welcomes returning Mexicans with open arms. It used to involve an increased allotment of goods being brought into Mexico for the Paisanos, but now Mexico has increased the dollar amount of goods you can bring into Mexico to 300.00 for everyone. That's a significant increase. And one of the few pluses on the tourism front I can think of from the new administration. So many new regs and new taxes.

mcnut - 1-8-2014 at 02:43 PM

I have to admit beyond the requirement and how to obtain them, I don't understand all the discussion throughout this forum regarding if and/or where FMMs were checked.

I think the requirement for where and when an FFM is required in order to be in Mexico legally is fairly straight forward and the cost none or low. I choose to always have one as required because it's their county and their rules, I'm just a visitor.

We just returned from 2 weeks in country and were never asked for our FFMs but have been in the past. For me a bigger issue is the "what if" questions like could the insurance coverage I paid $450 for be denied should I be involved in an accident and I was found to be in Mexico illegally? Not worth $23 to find out.

Bruce

David K - 1-8-2014 at 03:07 PM

Of course it is the correct thing to do, but it should be the same rules for everyone... You can't assume everyone driving south reads Nomad or inquires what is 'required'.

Since there is no signage to inform anyone crossing south or going south of Ensenada of what is required (there was in the 60's and 70's at Maneadero), just how do non-Mexicans know they should pull over at Tijuana and walk in to the INM office with passports and cash (no cash if under 7 days)?

When the tourist cards were free (before mid-2000), it was well signed that they were needed south of Maneadero and there was a small crowd at the office on the holiday weekends. Now that they get $$$ for it, no effort is made by Mexican authorities to have people stop at Tijuana to get it (no more Maneadero office)... It just seems strange and almost as if they hope to catch you 500 miles away to fine you (like they did to edm1 in 2011)???

mcnut - 1-8-2014 at 04:02 PM

David, I agree 100%. Info about when a FMM is required and where/how to obtain them is absolutely needed.

The part I don't get is the odds making that you will or will not be asked to show one, that's for Vegas IMO. Just a hunch but if I was investigating or involved in an accident with a gringo in Mexico I bet the question of if the gringo was in the country legally would surface regardless of fault. Not having an FMM when required is rolling the dice.

Bruce

[Edited on 1-8-2014 by mcnut]

rts551 - 1-8-2014 at 04:49 PM

Having visited many countries around the world (and sent employees there as well) it was always our understanding that we had to find out and know what the rules were BEFORE we went. I don't think Mexico is any different.

bajaguy - 1-8-2014 at 05:21 PM

If you don't check out the laws, rules and regulations (immigration, customs, driving) and the national/local customs of a foreign country before you visit, you shouldn't be going. It's not the government's job to spoon feed people.

Like "they" say, ignorance of the law is no excuse.

Just because "they' don't check for an FMM, doesn't mean they can't or won't.

Having these conversations or threads regarding FMM's is like a dog chasing it's tail.......just spend the money and get one.

When I was involved in an accident on Corridor 2000 on December 27, 2012 the first four things I was asked for was a drivers license, vehicle registration, insurance and immigration status

paratos adiuvat



Quote:
Originally posted by David K
Of course it is the correct thing to do, but it should be the same rules for everyone... You can't assume everyone driving south reads Nomad or inquires what is 'required'.

Since there is no signage to inform anyone crossing south or going south of Ensenada of what is required (there was in the 60's and 70's at Maneadero), just how do non-Mexicans know they should pull over at Tijuana and walk in to the INM office with passports and cash (no cash if under 7 days)?

When the tourist cards were free (before mid-2000), it was well signed that they were needed south of Maneadero and there was a small crowd at the office on the holiday weekends. Now that they get $$$ for it, no effort is made by Mexican authorities to have people stop at Tijuana to get it (no more Maneadero office)... It just seems strange and almost as if they hope to catch you 500 miles away to fine you (like they did to edm1 in 2011)???

David K - 1-8-2014 at 08:29 PM

REALLY??? LOL

The difference is you cannot just drive your car into any other country in the world from the USA except Mexico or Canada. Canada is tougher, or was when I went there... so Mexico is the only country somebody could decide to just drive into without any restrictions, questions, etc. Specially if you get a green light which is most of the time at the border.

David K - 1-8-2014 at 11:41 PM

(edit, this was a reply to a removed post about driving between countries in Europe that do not require stopping and inspecting for visas, but one must still know the rules in each country)

Thank you Rob... I was very disappointed when I traveled through Europe that my passport only got stamped twice (Greece and the U.K.).

I am not trying to argue about getting a tourist card, I am arguing that it should be no big deal to post an informative sign at the border instead of nailing someone with a fine 400 miles away. I am someone who believes there should be no surprises to visitors in a country that so badly needs more visitors and that has been harmed by the media, which hurts the people of Baja.

example, at the Tijuana, Tecate & Otay border:

FOREIGN TRAVELERS MUST OBTAIN A TOURIST CARD HERE TO BE IN MEXICO MORE THAN 72 HOURS OR TRAVEL SOUTH OF MANEADERO.

at Mexicali it would say either south of Mexicali (city) or San Felipe, depending on which is correct!

[Edited on 1-9-2014 by David K]