BajaNomad

Tourist Permits - what's the practical reality?

TecateRay - 3-20-2015 at 04:06 PM

Do we really need a Tourist Permit (FMM ???) whenever we cross the border?
It appears that contrary to popular belief all of a sudden the tourist free zone to Ensenada/ San Felipe does not exist. Nomad commenters here have said they couldn't get free 7 day permits at the TJ immigration office. There also seems to be some that say the 180 day permit is not multi - entry.

What is the practical reality? Are new immigration checkpoints going to spring up on all the major highways and be staffed 24/7? Was the recent "flying checkpoint" recently sighted below Maneadero a sign of things to come or have the business / state tourism folks put an end to an over zealous effort ?

elgatoloco - 3-20-2015 at 04:17 PM

The reality for us is that we get a 180 day permit we tell them we are going to Cabo so that if something happens (crash/checkpoint,etc) we are LEGAL. We return it by mail as near as possible to expiration date. Then we get another. We use it over and over and over which is ILLEGAL. Its an EXIT visa so we return after our last exit as close to expiration as possible. It takes us on average 15 minutes to stop at SY crossing and get the permit.

YMMV.

David K - 3-20-2015 at 04:40 PM

The practical reality is that it's Mexico, and there are no written rules when it comes to Baja with the federal INM (Immigration) laws... at least none on official stationary!

What has "always been":
No tourist card needed in the "Border Zone" for up to 72 hours, longer yes. The border zone in Baja has been (historically) to Maneadero or San Felipe. Variations have been posted saying it is now San Quintin, or not anywhere south of Mexicali, or the entire state.

Below those points for any time period required tourist card. However, until a few recent times at La Canada, the past 20 years there has been no INM checkpoint anywhere in the state of Baja California.

The 7 day FREE tourist card is a reality! When they began charging for tourist cards in mid-2000, it hurt Baja so much when families with children wouldn't dish out $100+ before there Mexican vacation even began, they created the FREE 7 Day permit... it took a few years!

Okay, since you asked for opinions, and I am a practical person:

We have heard here on Nomad the other day that there is no 'real' mandatory need to turn the card in, as they are "filed" in the trash can when people do the near impossible to get to INM on their way back north. If you live in fear or believe they keep this all on record, mail the thing back in after your trip. One time I mailed it back, and another time I forgot... and I have been to Baja many times since, so I am not black-listed!

If the thing is issued for 180 days, I don't see the logic of not using as much of the 180 days as you can for the money you pay for it. That is probably why they say you must turn it in or mail it in after your trip, so if you return before the 180 days for another 8 day+ trip, they will get double the money. Makes sense, it all to line the pockets of someone, the people in business in Baja get nothing from it!

I hang on to mine and then mail it back before the last day it expires.

TedZark - 3-20-2015 at 04:41 PM

We got free 7 day tourist permits for relatives about ten days ago at the San Ysidro crossing. Eight days cost $20, but seven was free. We drove down to Guerrero Negro for whale watching thing and went through several military and police checkpoints coming and going and were never asked for any paperwork.

The whole thing at the border took less than fifteen minutes and then we were on our way.

[Edited on 3-20-2015 by TedZark]

mtgoat666 - 3-20-2015 at 04:45 PM

Quote: Originally posted by TecateRay  
Do we really need a Tourist Permit (FMM ???) whenever we cross the border?
It appears that contrary to popular belief all of a sudden the tourist free zone to Ensenada/ San Felipe does not exist. Nomad commenters here have said they couldn't get free 7 day permits at the TJ immigration office. There also seems to be some that say the 180 day permit is not multi - entry.

What is the practical reality? Are new immigration checkpoints going to spring up on all the major highways and be staffed 24/7? Was the recent "flying checkpoint" recently sighted below Maneadero a sign of things to come or have the business / state tourism folks put an end to an over zealous effort ?


The 'reality' is a visa is required for most trips into country, beyond the border region, beyond a week, and tourist visa is cheap and easy to get, so it has never occured to me to not get it.

woody with a view - 3-20-2015 at 04:57 PM

WORD, goat!

willardguy - 3-20-2015 at 04:58 PM

the reality is there are thousands of expats living here that at first bought tourist cards,then after a couple years just didn't bother anymore. THESE days with the chance of being asked for one, I think its a good idea for both tourists and the many folks who don't qualify for temp/perm to carry one. thats just my take.:coolup:

SFandH - 3-20-2015 at 05:06 PM

In my ever so humble opinion, get one if you're going south of Ensenada, otherwise..

Fuggedaboudit

I picked up a 180 day tourist visa for an upcoming trip when I walked across to buy medications in TJ last week. So I have one for 1/2 a year. When it expires, I'll get another........maybe, who knows about these laws in the future, they'll probably change.


[Edited on 3-21-2015 by SFandH]

Bajaboy - 3-20-2015 at 05:23 PM

Quote: Originally posted by TecateRay  
Do we really need a Tourist Permit (FMM ???) whenever we cross the border?
It appears that contrary to popular belief all of a sudden the tourist free zone to Ensenada/ San Felipe does not exist. Nomad commenters here have said they couldn't get free 7 day permits at the TJ immigration office. There also seems to be some that say the 180 day permit is not multi - entry.

What is the practical reality? Are new immigration checkpoints going to spring up on all the major highways and be staffed 24/7? Was the recent "flying checkpoint" recently sighted below Maneadero a sign of things to come or have the business / state tourism folks put an end to an over zealous effort ?


I suppose one could blow off getting insurance as well:light:

SFandH - 3-20-2015 at 05:29 PM

Quote: Originally posted by Bajaboy  


I suppose one could blow off getting insurance as well:light:


I understand where you're coming from but they are two very different things, especially considering what could happen if you needed insurance and didn't have it.

Bajaboy - 3-20-2015 at 05:46 PM

Quote: Originally posted by SFandH  
Quote: Originally posted by Bajaboy  


I suppose one could blow off getting insurance as well:light:


I understand where you're coming from but they are two very different things, especially considering what could happen if you needed insurance and didn't have it.


Assuming you had insurance and needed it, you would also need a valid tourist permit:light:

SFandH - 3-20-2015 at 05:49 PM

oh, ok

weebray - 3-20-2015 at 06:14 PM

Notwithstanding how easy it is or if you should obtain any immigration papers the fact is that your chances of ever being asked for your immigration status or paperwork in Baja Norte or BCS are slim and none if you are not flying in or out. Back when I was a kid without a pot to pee in or a window to throw it out of I had very limited resources and 20 bucks bought a lot of beer. Just be aware that immigration could make you go back to the border and get legal. Oh well!

willardguy - 3-20-2015 at 06:24 PM

Quote: Originally posted by Bajaboy  
Quote: Originally posted by SFandH  
Quote: Originally posted by Bajaboy  


I suppose one could blow off getting insurance as well:light:


I understand where you're coming from but they are two very different things, especially considering what could happen if you needed insurance and didn't have it.


Assuming you had insurance and needed it, you would also need a valid tourist permit:light:



I don't doubt what you're saying BUT, i've needed my mexican insurance twice now and was never asked for a tourist permit? has anyone:?:

DENNIS - 3-20-2015 at 06:34 PM



But, I think it could become an issue, and in the event of injury to the other driver, that's a bad gamble

bajaguy - 3-20-2015 at 06:44 PM

A. It's the law

B. After the cops showed up at my accident. they wanted a drivers license, vehicle registration, valid Mexican insurance......and my immigration status

David K - 3-20-2015 at 07:11 PM

Quote: Originally posted by Bajaboy  
Quote: Originally posted by SFandH  
Quote: Originally posted by Bajaboy  


I suppose one could blow off getting insurance as well:light:


I understand where you're coming from but they are two very different things, especially considering what could happen if you needed insurance and didn't have it.


Assuming you had insurance and needed it, you would also need a valid tourist permit:light:


Ask your Baja insurance company if they will deny coverage based on possessing a tourist card... I asked, and the answer is NO.

Bajaboy - 3-20-2015 at 07:37 PM

Quote: Originally posted by David K  
Quote: Originally posted by Bajaboy  
Quote: Originally posted by SFandH  
Quote: Originally posted by Bajaboy  


I suppose one could blow off getting insurance as well:light:


I understand where you're coming from but they are two very different things, especially considering what could happen if you needed insurance and didn't have it.


Assuming you had insurance and needed it, you would also need a valid tourist permit:light:


Ask your Baja insurance company if they will deny coverage based on possessing a tourist card... I asked, and the answer is NO.


David, my policy clearly states on the dec page that "this policy only applies in the Republic of Mexico and is governed by Mexican laws." Seems pretty black and white to me.

tecatero - 3-20-2015 at 08:04 PM

Is there an IMN office to get a tourist card at Tecate or Otay ??

David K - 3-20-2015 at 08:32 PM

All borders have an INM office in Mexico... finding them open when you cross is another matter... technically they are open with the border... then paying for the FMM is another issue. Typically if the bank window is not open the INM officer can also accept payment. One other method is to buy a pre-paid FMM at the travel club and then you only need to stop to get it validated (stamped).

sancho - 3-20-2015 at 09:42 PM

Just because no one here has, in the event of a accident, been
asked for an fmm doesn't mean it couldn't happen. Not saying
it would invalidate your ins. if you didn't have an fmm, but who
here would want to explain to Mex Hiway or City Cop or Ins
adjuster that you are
in the country illegally, no one I would guess. I have
read on the back, fine print of a ploicy, stating the insured
has to be in the Country of Mex legally for the policy to be valid

Tomas Tierra - 3-20-2015 at 09:54 PM

Quote: Originally posted by David K  
All borders have an INM office in Mexico... finding them open when you cross is another matter... technically they are open with the border... then paying for the FMM is another issue. Typically if the bank window is not open the INM officer can also accept payment. One other method is to buy a pre-paid FMM at the travel club and then you only need to stop to get it validated (stamped).


Which travel club David??

Tomas Tierra - 3-20-2015 at 09:58 PM

Used my mex insurance in '98 was not asked for tourist card... Long time ago I know

About an FMM for valid insurance

AKgringo - 3-21-2015 at 07:41 AM

I suppose the question we should ask ourselves, is if we are in an accident, will lawyers be involved?
To quote Dirty Harry; "How about it punk, do you feel lucky?"

David K - 3-21-2015 at 08:13 AM

Quote: Originally posted by Tomas Tierra  
Quote: Originally posted by David K  
All borders have an INM office in Mexico... finding them open when you cross is another matter... technically they are open with the border... then paying for the FMM is another issue. Typically if the bank window is not open the INM officer can also accept payment. One other method is to buy a pre-paid FMM at the travel club and then you only need to stop to get it validated (stamped).


Which travel club David??


Oh sorry... Discover Baja Travel Club, FMM purchase is a member-only service, membership is $39/ year... discounted insurance, books, maps, etc. Discounts at many Baja tourist businesses, too. http://discoverbaja.com

In the past, but not sure now, Vagabundos del Mar also sold them (they are in the Sacramento area... Discover Baja is in the San Diego area.

Whale-ista - 3-21-2015 at 08:35 AM

Yes. There are Aduana offices at both tecate and otay crossings.

Quote: Originally posted by tecatero  
Is there an IMN office to get a tourist card at Tecate or Otay ??

RnR - 3-21-2015 at 08:51 AM

Quote: Originally posted by Whale-ista  
Yes. There are Aduana offices at both tecate and otay crossings.

Quote: Originally posted by tecatero  
Is there an IMN office to get a tourist card at Tecate or Otay ??


Yes, there are INM (Migracion) offices at both locations.

(Aduana are the customs officials. Two different agencies with two different functions and located in two separate offices.)

:)

[Edited on 3-21-2015 by RnR]

SlyOnce - 3-25-2015 at 07:54 AM

I live in Playas. I cross every day, along with about 300,000 other people. I have MX car insurance on both my cars. I have SENTRI on both my cars. I have no FMM. I've lived here 2 years now.

Get an FMM if it makes you feel better.

Someday I'll marry my MX novia to get my MX papers.

Until then I'll just drive home to Playas after work and have a beer on the patio.