grace59 - 12-4-2004 at 10:34 AM
Hello, I'm a bit confused about the need for a FMT when visiting Baja. I've heard you can go down for 72 hours w/o one, but also have heard you can
go to SF for 7 days with no Visa. I want to do the right thing, but don't know what that is...if a Visa is necessary do we need to get it when
crossing at Mexicali or can we get the Visa in San Felipe? Is it permissable to drive that far w/o the Visa. Thanks for the help.
bajalou - 12-4-2004 at 10:46 AM
It's a bit inconveinint getting one in Mexicali, and you can get one at the Imigration office in San Felipe very easily. They rarely check people for
FMT's but for over 72 hrs you are supposed to have ont. and for 7 days or less they say they are free. So come on down. If you'll be here on Dec
31st, see my post "December 31st." You are invited.
David K - 12-4-2004 at 11:24 AM
Lou, you are so hospitable!
Grace, to set your mind at ease, there is NO officials checking for tourist cards on Hwy. 5: Mexicali to San Felipe (125mi), to Bahia San Luis Gonzaga
(225mi), to Laguna Chapala on Hwy. 1 (261mi).
The state of Baja tourism says no FM-T is needed (ie. come spend your money, don't worry) in their state.
The federal government says stays over 72 hours needs one as does any trip south of San Felipe (or Punta Banda on the Pacific side).
They are FREE (again), but for only up to 7 days visit. Otherwise, it is about US$20 for an FM-T (request it for the max. 180 days to get your value's
worth). You need proof of citizenship and photo ID. A passport has both, but despite rumors, still is not necessary. A cert. birth certificate,
voter's registration, notorized affidavit of citizenship, are all proofs of citizenship.
To obtain an FM-T ('Touist Card') go to INM office in Mexicali at the border, or in San Felipe, on the left just before the big traffic circle (with 2
gas stations).