BajaNomad

Flying Tijuana to Loreto - FMM's??

TLBaja79 - 5-20-2014 at 06:27 PM

We are flying from Tijuana to Loreto next week and are wondering about FMM's (tourist visas). Are they required for the flight? or once we land in Loreto?

Also anybody who has done the TJ to Loreto flight... any insight?
Hows the Tijuana airport?
Easy to Navigate?

Any info is much appreciated, you guys are the best!

Ateo - 5-20-2014 at 06:33 PM

TJ airport is easy to navigate. I flew to Guadalajara from there and got my tourist card in the airport. No problemas.

mrfatboy - 5-20-2014 at 06:37 PM

Technically yes. I have flown out of TJ three times. Bought the FMM at the TJ airport. Never once has anybody ask to see it. I still would get the FMM. Better safe than sorry. Not worth a $25 hassle.

vandenberg - 5-20-2014 at 06:45 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by mrfatboy
Technically yes. I have flown out of TJ three times. Bought the FMM at the TJ airport. Never once has anybody ask to see it. I still would get the FMM. Better safe than sorry. Not worth a $25 hassle.


Also, if you have a return flight you have to show your FMM upon departure, so, GET ONE!!

Alm - 5-20-2014 at 06:49 PM

In Loreto they only issue FMM for international arrivals. Even if you convince them in Loreto to issue you FMM upon landing, this will be breaking a law (on your part), because you can't travel to Mexico THAT far from the border without FMM. Could be fines a few hundred $US. There is no excuse not to get FMM in Tijuana.

danaeb - 5-20-2014 at 07:24 PM

The INM kiosk in the TJ airport only accepts pesos for the FMM. The current rate is approx 2900 pesos. When you enter the lobby of the airport if you go to the far left end there are several ATMS. I would suggest picking up your pesos first (for the FMMs and your initial spending money) then go back to the other end of the lobby to the kiosk. The entrance to the check-in counters is just beyond the INM kiosk after you have obtained your FMMs

TLBaja79 - 5-20-2014 at 08:43 PM

Danaeb, do you mean 290?

Thanks for this guys, we'll be sure to pick them up at the border or the airport in TJ

mrfatboy - 5-20-2014 at 08:53 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by danaeb
The INM kiosk in the TJ airport only accepts pesos for the FMM. The current rate is approx 2900 pesos. When you enter the lobby of the airport if you go to the far left end there are several ATMS. I would suggest picking up your pesos first (for the FMMs and your initial spending money) then go back to the other end of the lobby to the kiosk. The entrance to the check-in counters is just beyond the INM kiosk after you have obtained your FMMs



I just got a FMM in march at the TJ airport. The guy said he would take $US. However, after conversion it was about $5 more.

Just my experience. YMMV


Btw. I DO recommend always getting an FMM because it's the law. I do find it bizarre that they rarely check for it. Just get it!!!!

[Edited on 5-21-2014 by mrfatboy]

mrfatboy - 5-20-2014 at 09:04 PM

FYI. The cost of an FMM in march was $306 pesos PP. They raised the prices at the beginning of the year.

[Edited on 5-21-2014 by mrfatboy]

elizabeth - 5-21-2014 at 04:45 AM

You can't miss the INM booth at the airport. You have to walk right by it to get to the check in area, and there are a number of signs in both English and Spanish saying that all international visitors must go there first. The airport is very easy to navigate, and there are restaurants both in the entry area and past security by the gates.

ligui - 5-26-2014 at 06:20 AM

Anyone have an idea what the cost for the roundtrip ticket would be ?

Thanks

TLBaja79 - 5-26-2014 at 07:46 AM

Between US$200-US$300

Alan - 5-26-2014 at 07:48 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by ligui
Anyone have an idea what the cost for the roundtrip ticket would be ?

Thanks
Give this a shot for the most current pricing http://volaris.com/

susaninlapaz - 5-26-2014 at 07:53 AM

I find the Tijuana airport very easy, partly because I get there at least an hour and a half before my flight. If you are in Tijuana, you are supposed to already have your tourist visa! I don't think you can get one at the airport. How are you crossing the border?
Quote:
Originally posted by TLBaja79
We are flying from Tijuana to Loreto next week and are wondering about FMM's (tourist visas). Are they required for the flight? or once we land in Loreto?

Also anybody who has done the TJ to Loreto flight... any insight?
Hows the Tijuana airport?
Easy to Navigate?

Any info is much appreciated, you guys are the best!

mrfatboy - 5-26-2014 at 08:10 AM

You CAN get your FMM at the airport and Volaris does not fly to loreto.

weebray - 5-26-2014 at 03:34 PM

In actual fact you will never be asked for any immigration documents when traveling on a domestic flight in Mexico.

bajagrouper - 5-26-2014 at 03:46 PM

The actual fact is if you were to fly to Loreto or Guadalajara for more than 72 hours without the FMM you would be illegal alien whether you are asked for it or not........bring your passport.

Bajahowodd - 5-26-2014 at 04:59 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by vandenberg
Quote:
Originally posted by mrfatboy
Technically yes. I have flown out of TJ three times. Bought the FMM at the TJ airport. Never once has anybody ask to see it. I still would get the FMM. Better safe than sorry. Not worth a $25 hassle.


Also, if you have a return flight you have to show your FMM upon departure, so, GET ONE!!


Not true if it is a domestic flight in Mexico.

mrfatboy - 5-26-2014 at 05:55 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by Bajahowodd
Quote:
Originally posted by vandenberg
Quote:
Originally posted by mrfatboy
Technically yes. I have flown out of TJ three times. Bought the FMM at the TJ airport. Never once has anybody ask to see it. I still would get the FMM. Better safe than sorry. Not worth a $25 hassle.


Also, if you have a return flight you have to show your FMM upon departure, so, GET ONE!!


Not true if it is a domestic flight in Mexico.



They checked my FMM coming back from barra de navidad. First Time ever.

dasubergeek - 5-26-2014 at 10:06 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by weebray
In actual fact you will never be asked for any immigration documents when traveling on a domestic flight in Mexico.


This is not true. I am asked every single time I fly out of TIJ (to anywhere, because there are no direct flights from TIJ to any other city in the border zone).

There's an FMM check at the check-in counter, after your luggage is searched, there's an FMM check at the "outside" airport when you return (say, from GDL or MEX), and there's an FMM check at TIJ when you land, almost like going through immigration.

This is a recent thing, but they are being very strict about it.

weebray - 5-27-2014 at 06:52 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by bajagrouper
The actual fact is if you were to fly to Loreto or Guadalajara for more than 72 hours without the FMM you would be illegal alien whether you are asked for it or not........bring your passport.


Who said anything about being legal?

mulegejim - 5-27-2014 at 07:09 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by bajagrouper
The actual fact is if you were to fly to Loreto or Guadalajara for more than 72 hours without the FMM you would be illegal alien whether you are asked for it or not........bring your passport.


Actually, I don't think the 72 hours even enters into the equation in either of those cases as neither city is in the border zone where the 72 hours apply.

David K - 5-27-2014 at 08:37 AM

Correct, it is just one minute south of the border zone, not 72 hours that requires an FMM.

72 hour period for not needing an FMM is only IF you remain inside the 'border zone'.

weebray - 5-27-2014 at 10:08 AM

There you go, do as you are told or you will get a spanking.

gallesram - 5-27-2014 at 03:13 PM

Flying from Tijuana to Loreto is great, but unfortunately only one airline (Aereo Calafia) currently flies the route; and they only fly on Thursdays & Sundays. They have a 50-seat jet and the flight only takes 90 minutes.

The immigration authorities don't check your tourist visa in Loreto but when you fly back into Tijuana there is an immigration checkpoint just before you enter baggage claim. The officers waive through the people who look like nationals & stop the people who don't. If you don't have your tourist visa you will pay a fine which can add a lot of time and hassle to an otherwise easy trip.

Volaris does not currently fly the route Tijuana-Loreto. When I was flying back on Sunday I saw a private plane in Loreto with engines running and the Interjet logo on the tail (but no other signage). I'm purely speculating but maybe Interjet is looking into adding Loreto to their routes? I like Aereo Calafia a lot but competition never hurts.

Bajahowodd - 5-27-2014 at 05:00 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by gallesram
Flying from Tijuana to Loreto is great, but unfortunately only one airline (Aereo Calafia) currently flies the route; and they only fly on Thursdays & Sundays. They have a 50-seat jet and the flight only takes 90 minutes.

The immigration authorities don't check your tourist visa in Loreto but when you fly back into Tijuana there is an immigration checkpoint just before you enter baggage claim. The officers waive through the people who look like nationals & stop the people who don't. If you don't have your tourist visa you will pay a fine which can add a lot of time and hassle to an otherwise easy trip.

That really does not make sense. If you are arriving from a Mexican destination and arrive at a Mexican destination, what's up with immigration. Would seem to me that Americans making that flight would have their day of truth at the border returning.

I say this because we have flown through Mexico City to Cancun several times, and there has never been an immigration check in Cancun.

But what do I know.

Volaris does not currently fly the route Tijuana-Loreto. When I was flying back on Sunday I saw a private plane in Loreto with engines running and the Interjet logo on the tail (but no other signage). I'm purely speculating but maybe Interjet is looking into adding Loreto to their routes? I like Aereo Calafia a lot but competition never hurts.

gallesram - 5-28-2014 at 12:08 PM

Quote:
That really does not make sense. If you are arriving from a Mexican destination and arrive at a Mexican destination, what's up with immigration. Would seem to me that Americans making that flight would have their day of truth at the border returning.

I say this because we have flown through Mexico City to Cancun several times, and there has never been an immigration check in Cancun.

But what do I know.


It has never made sense to me either but that checkpoint has been there for many years; rather than fight it I just show my tourist card proceed to baggage claim.

Up until recently you also had to go through customs at the TJ airport before checking into your flight at the counter (push the green/red button). I always thought "I'm in the country already, why am I going through this?" but would just push the button and proceed.

dasubergeek - 5-28-2014 at 01:09 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by gallesram
Quote:
That really does not make sense. If you are arriving from a Mexican destination and arrive at a Mexican destination, what's up with immigration. Would seem to me that Americans making that flight would have their day of truth at the border returning.

I say this because we have flown through Mexico City to Cancun several times, and there has never been an immigration check in Cancun.

But what do I know.


It has never made sense to me either but that checkpoint has been there for many years; rather than fight it I just show my tourist card proceed to baggage claim.

Up until recently you also had to go through customs at the TJ airport before checking into your flight at the counter (push the green/red button). I always thought "I'm in the country already, why am I going through this?" but would just push the button and proceed.


Cancún is not in the border free zone. From INM's point of view, Tijuana, Mexicali, SLRC, Nogales, etc. are almost not in Mexico. Since there is no checkpoint for turning in FMMs on the way out of Mexico along the northern border, they do it in the airports.

The border with Belize at Chetumal has its own little quirk. Because there are zillions and zillions of Britons on package tours via Thomas Cook and the like, they use charter flights, which land at a different terminal at CUN. Those people's airline tickets don't include Mexican airport use tax or the FMM. So the way it works is this: they get bused to the main terminal for immigration and fill out FMMs there, but when they leave on their chartered flight, they file past a box where they have to deposit 1000$m.n. for their tax and FMM fee.

If they decide to go to Belize to go shopping, the border guard on the Mexican side makes them pay—and then again when they come back in. So many angry British people on the Internet complaining about "scams"!

TLBaja79 - 6-2-2014 at 05:25 PM

Ok so we just made the trip and it was great.
TJ airport was a breeze on the way in. Picked up FMM's at the kiosk near the entrance and were not asked for them in TJ.

Then the return flight nobody checked FMM in Loreto or TJ. I feel much more comfortable having one but we weren't checked.

We were very surprised how easy and comfortable the TJ airport was, even getting back to the border was a breeze.

Thanks again for the comments on here, def gonna continue to use TJ airport, MUCH easier than LAX and cheaper

briantroy - 6-6-2014 at 01:28 AM

Agreed. TJ airport is so much easier than LAX and even SAN. I prefer it because of simplicity, friendlier service and free beer on board! I have a Sentri and that makes thing faster and cheaper with parking included.

mrfatboy - 6-6-2014 at 06:44 AM

No more free any thing on volaris!