BajaNomad - Visa-free border zone - how far?

Visa-free border zone - how far?

Bajayan - 5-2-2014 at 09:27 AM

I thought it was to just south of Ensenada, but read on a couple of websites it's been extended to San Quintin. I can't find anything reliable to back it up...

Anyone know the current extent of this zone, and where the checkpoint is or should be?

Thanks!

BooJumMan - 5-2-2014 at 09:47 AM

The only checkpoint is when you cross into Baja Sur. Sometimes they ask for visa, sometimes not. Or, if you get pulled over before then. I was always under the impression that it was the south of Ensenada, but I am fairly certain these days you need a visa ANYWHERE in Baja and should be bought the second after you cross the border. With the new SY entry, getting them is pretty easy and quick.

durrelllrobert - 5-2-2014 at 09:56 AM

http://www.bajabound.com/before/permits/visa.php

When is a tourist card (FMM) required?

A tourist card (FMM) is required when:

The visit is 72 hours or more
OR
The visit is outside the limits of the border zone or tourist corridors established by the Mexican government. The border zone varies slightly from one Mexican border state to another, but is an area south of the U.S. border down approximately 20 to 30 kilometers (12.4 to 18.6 miles) into Mexico.

The tourist corridors are as follows:
Tijuana – Ensenada
Mexicali - San Felipe
Sonoyta – Puerto Penasco
Cuidad Juarez – Paquime
Piedras Negras – Santarosa
Reynosa – China – Presa el Cuchillo
It is important to note that in Baja, even though you may take your vehicle to the end of the peninsula without a vehicle permit (see vehicle importation regulations) you must have a tourist card if you plan to travel south of Maneadero.

BajaGeoff - 5-2-2014 at 09:58 AM

You only need the tourist card if you are going to stay in Mexico for over 72 hours OR if you will be heading south of the tourist zone. For the Ensenada area, the tourist zone ends at Maneadero. There is a Federale checkpoint just south of Maneadero that is usually unstaffed, but did hear recently that they were stopping cars and requesting to see documentation.

More info here: http://www.bajabound.com/before/permits/visa.php

sancho - 5-2-2014 at 10:26 AM

In Algodones, near the AZ. border, reports of Mex Imm
requiring a Tourist Card for day visitors walking over.
This has been
confusing for decades, you can get different info from
different Mex Imm offices, clear as mud, no constitant
application. I find it interesting that Gringos are concerned
only if there is an Official Checkpoint for fmm's. I always
have either the free 7 day or the 180 day, but I'm a
bit uptight about driving in Mex, just playing it safe. Many
visitors do not bother with an fmm, regardless where they
are going

Bajayan - 5-2-2014 at 12:15 PM

So the following information from Mexonline is false? The border zone has NOT been extended?

In Baja California, the border zone has been extended to San Quintin, on the Pacific side and San Felipe, on the Sea of Cortez.

http://www.mexonline.com/visamex.htm

blackwolfmt - 5-2-2014 at 01:27 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Bajayan
So the following information from Mexonline is false? The border zone has NOT been extended?

In Baja California, the border zone has been extended to San Quintin, on the Pacific side and San Felipe, on the Sea of Cortez.

http://www.mexonline.com/visamex.htm

So does SF have a tourista card office in town??

BajaGeoff - 5-2-2014 at 02:05 PM

I have never heard of San Quintin being the end of the border zone. The Baja Tourism Board still says it's Ensenada:

http://www.discoverbajacalifornia.com/guides/safety-tips/

Quote:

David K - 5-2-2014 at 05:09 PM

The only sure bet is to get the tourist card when you enter Mexico... The INM office is one of the first doors inside the border.

It was reported (some time ago) that the San Felipe INM was not issuing any...? Ensenada INM used to be a bear to deal with... but recent posts said no problem.

However, the border is open the same hours as the INM officer is open, but Ensenada, San Felipe, or anywhere else south of the border will be open only limited hours and limited days, and if you want to travel south with the FMM in hand... get it at the border!

[Edited on 5-3-2014 by David K]

Ensenada INM

bajaguy - 5-2-2014 at 05:27 PM

The Ensenada INM office has moved from the port area to a location near the San Nicholas hotel.

blackwolfmt - 5-2-2014 at 06:10 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by David K
The only sure bet is to get the tourist card when you enter Mexico... The INM office is one of the first doors inside the border.

It was reported (some time ago) that the San Felipe INM was not issuing any...? Ensenada INM used to be a bear to deal with... but recent posts said no problem.

However, the border is open the same hours as the INM officer is open, but Ensenada, San Felipe, or anywhere else south of the border will be open only limited hours and limited days, and if you want to travel south with the FMM in hand... get it at the border!

[Edited on 5-3-2014 by David K]

Thanks DK

Whale-ista - 5-2-2014 at 08:20 PM

thank you
That's good to know- and better to be closer to the "tourist zone" instead of industrial port operations.

do you know the hours?

Quote:

Originally posted by bajaguy
The Ensenada INM office has moved from the port area to a location near the San Nicholas hotel.

dasubergeek - 5-6-2014 at 03:27 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Whale-ista
thank you
That's good to know- and better to be closer to the "tourist zone" instead of industrial port operations.

do you know the hours?

Quote:

Originally posted by bajaguy
The Ensenada INM office has moved from the port area to a location near the San Nicholas hotel.

You may have to tell them you arrived on a boat—they don't do FMMs for land crossers (they sent my friend back to Tijuana to get hers).

Clarification

bajaguy - 5-6-2014 at 03:45 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by bajaguy
The Ensenada INM office has moved from the port area to a location near the San Nicholas hotel.

Clarification.....Just wanted people to know the Ensenada INM office has a new location

Disclaimer........I would not recommend trying to obtain the FMM at the Ensenada INM office.....(get it at the border)

rts551 - 5-6-2014 at 03:56 PM

saw the new office a couple of weeks ago/

Bajahowodd - 5-6-2014 at 05:05 PM

Although I do not encourage scofflaws, my feeling is that if you are actually traveling only as far as San Quintin, you will really not need the visa. That's because it appears that the only punishment you will encounter is to turn around and head back the the border. The website at Coyote Cal's has stated for years that you don't need one to visit them, and they are many miles South of Maneadero.

Now, if you are headed down to Guerrero Negro or beyond, absolutely get the FMM at the border. You really do not want to be turned around after driving almost 500 miles.

David K - 5-6-2014 at 10:50 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Bajahowodd
Although I do not encourage scofflaws, my feeling is that if you are actually traveling only as far as San Quintin, you will really not need the visa. That's because it appears that the only punishment you will encounter is to turn around and head back the the border. The website at Coyote Cal's has stated for years that you don't need one to visit them, and they are many miles South of Maneadero.

Now, if you are headed down to Guerrero Negro or beyond, absolutely get the FMM at the border. You really do not want to be turned around after driving almost 500 miles.

What was always common understanding, until they stopped tourists and checked FMMs between Maneadero and Santo Tomas not too long ago... as reported here on Nomad. It was brief, but who knows when they decide to do it again?

sancho - 5-7-2014 at 11:29 AM

Quote:

I'm with you on that, although having to come back to the
border would make one wish they had got an fmm when they crossed. I always have either the free 7 day or the 180 day. Kinda like Homeland Security stating
US tourists returning POSSITIVELY NEED A PASSPORT ,which shows no indication of ever being enforced. The San Felipe
Office has not issued fmm's for a few yrs

willardguy - 5-7-2014 at 05:18 PM

if someone wants to give ensenada INM a shot, its about 5 blocks south of the san nicholas hotel,same side of the street, past the big school, pemex station right across the street. 2030 lopez mateos.

[Edited on 5-8-2014 by willardguy]

joerover - 5-7-2014 at 09:07 PM

tijuana airport says

YOU NEED PAY

they speak no other english

deanfootlong - 5-8-2014 at 06:45 AM

I've never bothered with getting one when going south of San Felipe. This next trip I'll be headed south of Ensenada tho. guess i should get one. If I'm crossing SY at 630am is the fmm office open?

[Edited on 5-8-2014 by deanfootlong]

CortezBlue - 5-8-2014 at 08:12 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by Bajayan
I thought it was to just south of Ensenada, but read on a couple of websites it's been extended to San Quintin. I can't find anything reliable to back it up...

Anyone know the current extent of this zone, and where the checkpoint is or should be?

Thanks!

Driving into Baja
U.S. and Canadian citizens who visit the immediate border zone or the city of Ensenada do not need to obtain a tourist card, provided the length of the stay does not exceed 72 hours. For travel beyond Maneadero on the Pacific coast or south of Mexicali on Highway 5, a tourist card is officially required for each individual visitor, regardless of age. (Note: San Felipe is considered Mexicali)

If your are not a Mexican citizen and you intend on staying for more than seven (7) days in any region of Mexico, you are obligated to pay a Non-Immigrant Fee (D.N.I) which costs $210.00 pesos (approx. $20.00 dollars), payable at any Mexican Bank. However, the fee is waived for any travelers staying less than 7 days.

Only non-U.S. residents must present passports and visas for entry. U.S. citizens need only proof of citizenship, such as a copy of your birth certificate, to re-enter California.

Driving through Sonora
In addition to Rocky Point (Puerto Peñasco), visitors to the state of Sonora are now able to drive directly to cities like San Carlos, Guaymas, Hermosillo, Magdalena, Kino Bay and Santa Ana, without obtaining a temporary vehicle importation permit. Travelers are required to have proof of US citizenship, a valid driver’s license and vehicle registration.

If you are only driving to any of the border cities or Puerto Peñasco (Rocky Point) declared as a FREE ZONE, no immigration permit is required. If traveling beyond 21 km south, an immigration permit is required and can be obtained at the Customs checkpoints by presenting:

Valid US passport or Birth Certificate and a government issued photo ID (i.e. driver’s license)

In Km. 98 of Empalme, ends the free circulation zone for vehicles of foreign citizens and Mexicans living abroad; from this point, it is necessary for all vehicles to have a temporary importation permit, to avoid having their vehicle impounded by the customs authorities.

[Edited on 5-8-2014 by CortezBlue]

David K - 5-8-2014 at 08:55 AM

Interesting, but how old is that? Because I can tell you a PASSPORT is mandatory for Mexico INM to issue an FMM.

A Birth Certificate with photo ID is no longer accepted by Mexico.

On the return into the U.S., the border guard can let you through or send you to secondary to verify your citizenship if you do not have a PASSPORT or Passport Card or other new ID on the list.

As for San Felipe being 'part of Mexicali' yes... it is in Mexicali 'county' (municipality). However, the same should be true of Ensenada... whose municipality goes to the border with Baja CA Sur (2 miles north of Guerrero Negro)? If Ensenada is in the no FMM needed for 72 hours zone, then all of the state of Baja CA would be covered. Not sure how many go that far for 3 days or less, however.

sancho - 5-8-2014 at 11:14 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by CortezBlue

U.S. citizens need only proof of citizenship, such as a copy of your birth certificate, to re-enter California

Wosrt quote I've ever read re: US Immigration regs, totally
100% incorrect, way out of date, check your info. Check any CBP site, for land
crossings back into the US, they require a US Passport or
US Passport Card, if you are referring to enforcement of
Passport regs, we all know that those Passport regs are not
currently enforced, what does entering Ca. from Mex, as opposed to say Texas or other US border state have any
bearing on Passport requirements? It is US Fed Immigration
regs

dasubergeek - 5-8-2014 at 01:56 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by sancho

Quote:

Originally posted by CortezBlue

U.S. citizens need only proof of citizenship, such as a copy of your birth certificate, to re-enter California

They will admit you without a passport if you are a U.S. citizen—it's illegal for them to deny you entry to your own country—but they don't have to admit anything you have with you. Generally they mock you and sometimes send you to secondary.

sancho - 5-8-2014 at 02:51 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by dasubergeek

They will admit you without a passport if you are a U.S. citizen

The fact that the Passport regs are not being enforced
does not change the policy of CBP.
CBP will admit you back with no ID whatsoever, birth
cert, DL, nada, but that is not CBP written, printed
policy. To portray it differently is inaccurate

Bajahowodd - 5-8-2014 at 05:05 PM

Again., although the passport requirement to get back into the US is somewhat a joke, it does really slow down transit.

That said, if you are traveling long and far into Baja, you MUST have a passport because the Mexican IMM will not issue you an FMM without one.

Alm - 5-8-2014 at 05:59 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by CortezBlue

U.S. and Canadian citizens who visit the immediate border zone or the city of Ensenada do not need to obtain a tourist card, provided the length of the stay does not exceed 72 hours. For travel beyond Maneadero on the Pacific coast or south of Mexicali on Highway 5, a tourist card is officially required for each individual visitor, regardless of age. (Note: San Felipe is considered Mexicali)

This is what I thought - no FMM within border zone AND for less than 72 hours. Not "OR" less than 72 hours.

And it is roughly 20 kilometers, not 20 miles like Americans used to think. Mexico, same as most of the world, uses metric system.

Beside being sent back to the border there can be other consequences like fine or denied entry next time you go to Mexico, though they have been lenient so far. They don't want to kill a goose laying golden eggs, but they might punish it to keep it in line.

Alm - 5-8-2014 at 06:09 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by deanfootlong
I've never bothered with getting one when going south of San Felipe.

Yes, you will get away with this - not that it's legal - but only as far as Guerrero Negro. There you're may be stopped by occasional INM officer.

Bajahowodd - 5-9-2014 at 04:01 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by David K

Quote:

They did build a checkpoint in the highway North of Santo Tomas, but as far as I know it has been vacant since built. But you are correct in that they could open it virtually any day.

David K - 5-9-2014 at 05:47 PM

I think Doug (BajaNomad) posted that was torn down because rifling between those raised cement pads was dangerous. It looked more like a future military checkpoint than an INM checkpoint? Just go with the flow... as it is better to have it (FMM) and not need it, then to need it and not have it!