BajaNomad

People being turned back at San Felipe without proper immigration docs

BajaNomad - 3-27-2015 at 03:56 PM

A report on TalkBaja just a few minutes ago that immigration is turning people back at San Felipe today if they haven't got proper docs:
Quote:

Immigration is sending everyone back that doesn't have 6 month visa, temp visa or permanent visa TODAY.


https://www.facebook.com/groups/TalkBaja/permalink/105320639...

Bajahowodd - 3-27-2015 at 03:59 PM

If this is true, cannot we expect the same sort of roadblock South of Maneadero? Not that it affects me, as I always stop and get the card.

elgatoloco - 3-27-2015 at 04:01 PM

:yawn:

David K - 3-27-2015 at 04:05 PM

The post says 'near San Felipe', so if at the military checkpoint, then that is 31 miles north at the Hwy. 5 and Hwy. 3 intersection. I wonder if it is a true INM officer there or they actually enlisted the military to do something outside of their assigned role?

The Pole Line Road and Arroyo Grande areas are north of Hwy. 3, for anyone concerned going on Ken's Easter weekend trip... which is within the 72 hour time limit and inside Mexicali municipality. If the whole caravan stops there for FMM's then add a couple hours to get out of Mexicali, maybe?

sancho - 3-27-2015 at 04:35 PM

Was a post here a couple weeks back, at the Algodones crossing, Imm not giving free 7 day fmm for San Felipe,
claimed the holders were staying more than 7 days. San
Felipe is 123 mi so. of Mexicali, a very generous Border
Zone, with it's 72 hr. rule, perhaps Mex Imm is redifining the so called
Border Zone

motoged - 3-27-2015 at 05:12 PM

So far, all my trips to Baja have been for periods of under 6 weeks and getting a visa at Tecate has never been problematic.

Are there varying time periods that might make a visa application at such crossings more difficult?

My next planned trip will likely be for 3-4 months....will that require a different procedure to get a visa?

Udo - 3-27-2015 at 06:17 PM

3-4 months will not require a change, since the regular FMM is good for 180 days, and is good throughout Baja.
Quote: Originally posted by motoged  
So far, all my trips to Baja have been for periods of under 6 weeks and getting a visa at Tecate has never been problematic.

Are there varying time periods that might make a visa application at such crossings more difficult?

My next planned trip will likely be for 3-4 months....will that require a different procedure to get a visa?

4x4abc - 3-27-2015 at 06:58 PM

hilarious - the same people complaining about illegals in the US are caught having no proper visas while in Mexico. Some animals are more equal. Made my day!

carlosg - 3-27-2015 at 07:23 PM

Quote: Originally posted by 4x4abc  
hilarious - the same people complaining about illegals in the US are caught having no proper visas while in Mexico. Some animals are more equal. Made my day!




ouch... touché....:lol:

mtgoat666 - 3-27-2015 at 07:30 PM

Quote: Originally posted by 4x4abc  
hilarious - the same people complaining about illegals in the US are caught having no proper visas while in Mexico. Some animals are more equal. Made my day!


Rules don't apply to gringos! Gringos just need to stomp their feet and demand their rights!

4x4abc - 3-27-2015 at 07:50 PM

last time Americans did not like Mexican rules, they gave Mexico a pretty bloody nose and took Texas, New Mexico, Arizona, California, Nevada, Utah and parts of Colorado and Wyoming as punishment.

So, Mexico might lose Baja next if they keep asking for immigration papers

paranewbi - 3-27-2015 at 08:12 PM

Got married to the misses 10 years ago on the patio behind the Bar Diane on the west side of the Zocolo in Tecate. Had to get a 6 month visa as part of the legal requirements for the Mexico Marriage license. Even though the Judge did the ceremony in both Spanish (about 30 locals attended) and English ( 75 friends attended from our US marriage earlier in the day) it still only took 2 hours for the Judge to complete the ceremony. Still had plenty of time on the visa to drink for five hours before we all stumbled back across the border.
Never did mail in that visa.

motoged - 3-27-2015 at 10:24 PM

Thanks Udo....

Hope you are feeling better these days :cool:
Quote: Originally posted by Udo  
3-4 months will not require a change, since the regular FMM is good for 180 days, and is good throughout Baja.


Quote: Originally posted by motoged  
So far, all my trips to Baja have been for periods of under 6 weeks and getting a visa at Tecate has never been problematic.

Are there varying time periods that might make a visa application at such crossings more difficult?

My next planned trip will likely be for 3-4 months....will that require a different procedure to get a visa?

redhilltown - 3-27-2015 at 11:53 PM

Quote: Originally posted by 4x4abc  
last time Americans did not like Mexican rules, they gave Mexico a pretty bloody nose and took Texas, New Mexico, Arizona, California, Nevada, Utah and parts of Colorado and Wyoming as punishment.

So, Mexico might lose Baja next if they keep asking for immigration papers




Actually we took all of Mexico...or could have but were "nice" enough to give most of it back!!!!

DENNIS - 3-28-2015 at 07:54 AM



The facebook post is vague as to where the checkpoint is......north or south of SF. I doubt an FMN is required for a day trip...72 hours.....a week or whatever the rules say......from the border to SF, but don't let that detail get in the way of an opportunity to do some US bashing.

Tioloco - 3-28-2015 at 08:08 AM

I am not sure why many here jump to the conclusion that everyone is abusing the Mexican immigration laws. Many of us run to San Felipe for the day or overnight. Not close to the 72 hour rule...... Why such BS nanny attitude from Nomads? Just curious.

David K - 3-28-2015 at 08:39 AM

Quote: Originally posted by Tioloco  
I am not sure why many here jump to the conclusion that everyone is abusing the Mexican immigration laws. Many of us run to San Felipe for the day or overnight. Not close to the 72 hour rule...... Why such BS nanny attitude from Nomads? Just curious.


Right! Poor Mexico, having undocumented Americans is such a burden to their economy! LOL

The truth, well these bad Americans drive into Mexico through their controlled border. If they are supposed to have the FMM right then, then they would stop every U.S. plated car... Can you imagine what that would do??? So, a 'Border Zone' is created to allow daily or up to 3 day visits in the zone. The issue is they created no system that allows people in the zone to venture beyond it legally without returning to the border or an INM office.

The cure would be to have immigration stations at the southern limit of the border zone where you could obtain the tourist card. Of course with today's population and traffic, that should be a place where a traffic jam is less likely, so beyond any cities, and a lane for foreigners so the local population can drive by easily. This was the case in the days before the 90's when they closed the Maneadero INM checkpoint and moved it to Baja Sur by the Eagle Monument. On holiday weekends there was a small crowd at the checkpoint, but in 15 minutes, you were on your way with the tourist card. Oh, it was free back then... you see, they wanted Americans to flow into Mexico because that meant income for the people of Baja.

mtgoat666 - 3-28-2015 at 08:51 AM

You gringos should quit belly aching and get your visas! Crikey! Is it really that difficult?
Have you ever seen how difficult it is to get a visa to enter the USA??? You gringos got it easy! You are complaining about the trivial effort required of gringos to get a visa!?!?!?

Tioloco - 3-28-2015 at 08:58 AM

Goat-
I am not complaining about anything. I stay legal when I make longer trips. I do not believe 48 hours at San Felipe is required to get a visa. Please recognize that many of us enjoy and respect Mexico and are not trying to "get one over on the Mexicans". If it isn't required, why would you say people should go waste their time on the paperwork?

PaulW - 3-28-2015 at 09:28 AM

Military checks are at the Jct of Hwy 3 and 5 north of SF. The next one going south is a little north of Gonzaga. No other permanent Military checks. In the past the navy set up temporary checks, both on the Highway south of SF and on dirt roads west of Hwy 5 all south of town.
I was told by an IMN guy at the Algodones crossing that the old rules were removed with the new government. No more 72 hour freebe. He did not mention the free one for the border. He said travel to SF requires FMM, Tremporay, Permanente, or the old unexpired FM1/2
He was stopping all non Mx tag cars and collecting the FMM dollars.
So far nobody here in SF has reported first hand knowledge on IMN at the military check.
Quote: Originally posted by DENNIS  


The facebook post is vague as to where the checkpoint is......north or south of SF. I doubt an FMN is required for a day trip...72 hours.....a week or whatever the rules say......from the border to SF, but don't let that detail get in the way of an opportunity to do some US bashing.

Tioloco - 3-28-2015 at 09:34 AM

Thanks for the info Paul. I will go to Algodones or San Luis and find out what is required.

From Facebook

SFandH - 3-28-2015 at 10:01 AM

The following from the facebook link provided in the first post:

"My sister-in-law just called a contact at The Mexican Tourism. They are not sending people back. They are warning people. Under 7 days you fill out a form ...no cost. Over 7 days you pay."

David K - 3-28-2015 at 10:46 AM

Seems the issue is with Algodones making up rules to have some pocket money?

DENNIS - 3-28-2015 at 11:57 AM



Maybe they should start taxing the dentists?

AKgringo - 3-28-2015 at 12:27 PM

Quote: Originally posted by SFandH  
The following from the facebook link provided in the first post:

"My sister-in-law just called a contact at The Mexican Tourism. They are not sending people back. They are warning people. Under 7 days you fill out a form ...no cost. Over 7 days you pay."


So if money is being collected, does the payee receive a valid, stamped FMM that will pass further inspections? How about at least a receipt?
If I was able to get the FMM at an inspection point, that would be a lot smoother process than finding parking and visiting an office.
Smells like a shakedown to me.

chuckie - 3-28-2015 at 01:02 PM

Es Mexico...

PaulW - 3-28-2015 at 01:28 PM

The FMM is written up by the INM guy at the border. This is done in his office. He sends you to the bank where you pay and get bank paper. Most crossings the bank is a short walk. Then you go back to the INM guy and he stamps the FMM - and then you are good to go with your FMM in you possession.

The 7 day just get the FMM stamp by the INM guy - no bank of course. Then the INM guy record the event in his computer.
PW
==========
Quote: Originally posted by AKgringo  
Quote: Originally posted by SFandH  
The following from the facebook link provided in the first post:

"My sister-in-law just called a contact at The Mexican Tourism. They are not sending people back. They are warning people. Under 7 days you fill out a form ...no cost. Over 7 days you pay."


So if money is being collected, does the payee receive a valid, stamped FMM that will pass further inspections? How about at least a receipt?
If I was able to get the FMM at an inspection point, that would be a lot smoother process than finding parking and visiting an office.
Smells like a shakedown to me.

rts551 - 3-28-2015 at 01:47 PM

crossed a couple of weeks ago at Algadones. Showed him my Immigrado card. He said I should get it updated at the proper immigration office to the new permanent resident card. He also said...do not let them charge you. It is free. No attempt at extortion.

INM south of the border

AKgringo - 3-28-2015 at 01:49 PM

Thanks Paul, everything you said makes perfect sense to me as to how things should work. What I was referring to was the reports (so far unconfirmed) of people without valid FMMs being stopped further south, and paying the fees on the spot.
If this has happened to anyone reading this post, could you please inform the rest of us how that worked, and what you got for the fee?

sancho - 3-28-2015 at 03:29 PM

The Tourist Card regs have been unclear for decades, never
has been spelled out, specific rules to go by, or not. No clear demarcation line for needing fmm's. Since
there is no enforcement or penalty Tourists will ignore them,
or simply not be aware. Lets face it, some here, until there is
some sort of fine/penalty, just want to save the $25. I think
their regs are generous and appreciate the opportunities
Mex offers. Some here go SOB, sleep on a free beach, buy a fish taco, a 6 pack, contributing nothing to the Mex economy, just taking advantage

Tioloco - 3-28-2015 at 04:25 PM

Sancho-
If someone drives around, buying gas, beers and tacos.... Isn't that contributing to the mexican economy? I can not see how that is taking advantage of Mexico. Maybe you can explain?

Bajahowodd - 3-28-2015 at 05:31 PM

At the end of the day, the absolute greatest impediment for cross border travel is the US border. Given that until a few years ago, there was no passport requirement, and way shorter lines, I just have to wonder if the co-presidents Bush and Cheney knew what they were doing to the average American and the average Mexican.

It continues to blow my mind that there is such a fortified border between Mexico and the US; more so than almost anywhere in the world, given the long history of the two countries.

Those politicians that seek to hold immigration reform hostage until the borders are secure are out of their minds.

Fernweh - 3-28-2015 at 05:36 PM

Quote: Originally posted by Bajahowodd  
At the end of the day, the absolute greatest impediment for cross border travel is the US border. Given that until a few years ago, there was no passport requirement, and way shorter lines, I just have to wonder if the co-presidents Bush and Cheney knew what they were doing to the average American and the average Mexican.

It continues to blow my mind that there is such a fortified border between Mexico and the US; more so than almost anywhere in the world, given the long history of the two countries.

Those politicians that seek to hold immigration reform hostage until the borders are secure are out of their minds.


Your King Obama is not any better!

Humor, bad, good, or gallows, is never understood by true leftists, unless they are paid. They have had that sense surgically removed as the price of admission to the inner circles.

Bajahowodd - 3-28-2015 at 05:38 PM

Quote: Originally posted by Fernweh  
Quote: Originally posted by Bajahowodd  
At the end of the day, the absolute greatest impediment for cross border travel is the US border. Given that until a few years ago, there was no passport requirement, and way shorter lines, I just have to wonder if the co-presidents Bush and Cheney knew what they were doing to the average American and the average Mexican.

It continues to blow my mind that there is such a fortified border between Mexico and the US; more so than almost anywhere in the world, given the long history of the two countries.

Those politicians that seek to hold immigration reform hostage until the borders are secure are out of their minds.


Your King Obama is not any better!

Humor, bad, good, or gallows, is never understood by true leftists, unless they are paid. They have had that sense surgically removed as the price of admission to the inner circles.



Huh?:?::?::?::?:

Tomas Tierra - 3-28-2015 at 06:01 PM


[/rquote]

Huh?:?::?::?::?:[/rquote]

Exactly ^^^^

thebajarunner - 3-28-2015 at 07:09 PM

Southbound a week ago and they never asked for papers, sodas or anything
Just a very brief discussion and on the way we went

Methinks this is much ado about not much

sancho - 3-28-2015 at 07:48 PM

Quote: Originally posted by Tioloco  
Sancho
Isn't that contributing to the mexican economy? I can not see how that is taking advantage of Mexico. Maybe you can explain?















There are regular posters, that top off with gas before crossing,
with camping gear, food, go 125 mi SOB, (I've done plenty of
that myself), come back on the same tank, and are able to
return with change from a $10 peso coin, and champion themselves as some sort of contributing tourist. Mex Imm,
if they knew, wouldn't let them in the Country


David K - 3-28-2015 at 07:59 PM

Wish it was that cheap and easy for me!

Off the top of my head, money that goes to Mexico from my pocket includes:

1) I buy Mexican Auto Insurance (a Mexican company is the end benefactor)
2) If required based on my destination and duration, I buy a tourist card (from the Mexican government).
3) I buy gasoline in Mexico multiple times even on a short trip.
4) I buy Mexican beer, food, gifts and more...
5) When not camping, I stay at Mexican owned establishments (motels, bed & breakfast).
6) I have been known to get a flat tire or two in the past (not deflating for graded roads), so I pay Mexican tire shops to patch the tires.
7) I have hired a local to serve as a guide once, as well.
8) Oh, one more... my $34,000 truck was made in Baja!!!

Tioloco - 3-28-2015 at 09:05 PM

Sancho-
While I understand your example, it isn't much different from a german tourist hitch hiking across America. Part of being a free society, yes?

bajatrailrider - 3-28-2015 at 11:17 PM

Sancho thats the most Bs I have heard today.I live here full time.When any of my freeing come here.Or almost anybody I know here,they spend lots of $ here. Help the economy here

sancho - 3-29-2015 at 09:34 AM

Back in the day, Mex Imm often wanted to see funds of some
sort before they allowed entry, especially to someone that
didn't meet their appearance standard. With the showing of Bank checks,etc.
There is a bridge that links Guatemala with Mex not too far
from the Pacific, I walked across there late 80's, was told of
a Euro traveller who checked out of Guat, walked over to Mex,
Mex Imm wouldn't let him for lack of $, Guat would'nt let him
back for the same reason, he spent 3 days on the bridge
until someone gave him $ to show Mex Imm. Mex Imm is
very accomidating, we are lucky, but they don't care for
Tourists trying to live as cheap as they can get away with. Still many Gringo tourists
ignore the simple Imm requests of the host country Mex
due to no enforcement







[Edited on 3-29-2015 by sancho]

[Edited on 3-29-2015 by sancho]

[Edited on 3-29-2015 by sancho]

bajatrailrider - 3-29-2015 at 03:44 PM

But Thats Mexico,No building permits,no meter for water,No one sends property tax bill.No one come to collect if you dont pay.Got to love this place.

4x4abc - 3-29-2015 at 03:55 PM

Quote: Originally posted by bajatrailrider  
But Thats Mexico,No building permits,no meter for water,No one sends property tax bill.No one come to collect if you dont pay.Got to love this place.


without a building permit they'll shut down your construction site within a week,
my lawyer told me about a guy he represented for using water without a meter for 5 years = a $30,000 pesos fine. And no, nobody comes to collect property tax, but if you pay by October (due in January), you'll get a 50% discount. That reduces it down to $450 pesos for a 2 acre very, very nice house.

bajatrailrider - 4-1-2015 at 07:33 PM

Quote: Originally posted by 4x4abc  
Quote: Originally posted by bajatrailrider  
But Thats Mexico,No building permits,no meter for water,No one sends property tax bill.No one come to collect if you dont pay.Got to love this place.


without a building permit they'll shut down your construction site within a week,
my lawyer told me about a guy he represented for using water without a meter for 5 years = a $30,000 pesos fine. And no, nobody comes to collect property tax, but if you pay by October (due in January), you'll get a 50% discount. That reduces it down to $450 pesos for a 2 acre very, very nice house.

bajatrailrider - 4-1-2015 at 07:45 PM

Ah but you dont live in San Vicente.There are no water meters.Building permits,shut down your home building in one week. There is not one home in SV with building permit.Here is the funny part.True story,few years back new Mayor Stated.All homes in this town,will have and pay for building permits.No matter when they where built.Guess what No houses to this date have permits.Guess what happened to New Mayor,Less then one week after his statement. The towns people,ordered him to leave.He did.Less then 20% pay property tax.For over 25 years that I know.True story.If your wondering,I do pay my taxes.:)

Glidergeek - 4-4-2015 at 11:56 PM

Last thanksgiving the wife and 2 dogs and I crossed at Mexicali. We have a lance slide in camper, they looked in the camper. At San Felipe check point they looked in the camper, at Gonzaga check point they looked in the camper. We stayed 2nights at rancho grande, on the way back north the whole process was repeated, never were we asked for any papers. Should we have been?

PaulW - 4-5-2015 at 05:45 AM

You went thru the military check points. They are looking for guns and drugs. These kids that man the check points have nothing to do with Immigration status. The people who were stopped by immigration were part of the state wide crack down and sometimes they do it at the military check because it is easier there.
They are easily identified because they do not have rifles and military uniforms.
PW
==========
Quote: Originally posted by Glidergeek  
Last thanksgiving the wife and 2 dogs and I crossed at Mexicali. We have a lance slide in camper, they looked in the camper. At San Felipe check point they looked in the camper, at Gonzaga check point they looked in the camper. We stayed 2nights at rancho grande, on the way back north the whole process was repeated, never were we asked for any papers. Should we have been?

CortezBlue - 4-5-2015 at 06:02 AM

Quote: Originally posted by 4x4abc  
[ And no, nobody comes to collect property tax, but if you pay by October (due in January), you'll get a 50% discount. That reduces it down to $450 pesos for a 2 acre very, very nice house.


I wish that were true. I have TRIED to pay before January and online or at the office they will not accept payment. When i do pay in January it is a 20 percent savings.

bajaguy - 4-5-2015 at 06:58 AM

Quote: Originally posted by CortezBlue  
I wish that were true. I have TRIED to pay before January and online or at the office they will not accept payment. When i do pay in January it is a 20 percent savings.





Get your government senior discount card and present that with your payment. Can knock off up to 50% more

deanfootlong - 4-9-2015 at 02:02 PM

I'm always in too big of a rush to get to san felipe to afford a stop for an FMM. Never done it. Hopefully I wont need to for the next trip coming up soon. Being turned around at the military checkpoint would absolutely SUCK. Though I'd likely just find a dirt road and go around and continue further south.

around check point

akshadow - 4-9-2015 at 03:04 PM

Don't know if they still do it but have seen military out on lake bed and other back areas so not sure you would "get around"
Quote: Originally posted by deanfootlong  
I'm always in too big of a rush to get to san felipe to afford a stop for an FMM. Never done it. Hopefully I wont need to for the next trip coming up soon. Being turned around at the military checkpoint would absolutely SUCK. Though I'd likely just find a dirt road and go around and continue further south.

David K - 4-9-2015 at 03:19 PM

Quote: Originally posted by PaulW  
You went thru the military check points. They are looking for guns and drugs. These kids that man the check points have nothing to do with Immigration status. The people who were stopped by immigration were part of the state wide crack down and sometimes they do it at the military check because it is easier there.
They are easily identified because they do not have rifles and military uniforms.
PW
==========
Quote: Originally posted by Glidergeek  
Last thanksgiving the wife and 2 dogs and I crossed at Mexicali. We have a lance slide in camper, they looked in the camper. At San Felipe check point they looked in the camper, at Gonzaga check point they looked in the camper. We stayed 2nights at rancho grande, on the way back north the whole process was repeated, never were we asked for any papers. Should we have been?


THIS ^^^

deanfootlong - 4-9-2015 at 09:35 PM

Ive seen someone do it. its pretty sketchy. Not sure I'd be able to follow through if it came to it thought.
Quote: Originally posted by akshadow  
Don't know if they still do it but have seen military out on lake bed and other back areas so not sure you would "get around"


Quote: Originally posted by deanfootlong  
I'm always in too big of a rush to get to san felipe to afford a stop for an FMM. Never done it. Hopefully I wont need to for the next trip coming up soon. Being turned around at the military checkpoint would absolutely SUCK. Though I'd likely just find a dirt road and go around and continue further south.

PaulW - 4-10-2015 at 06:32 AM

Depends on your direction of your travel. The bypass are not really roads, but are off typically pretty rough and slow.
There is a go around at the Mil Ck on Hwy3 when driving from the west. It is over the hill so they cannot see you. Off road for sure. And you need high clearance and the ability to get thru the sand with 4WD or go fast. This go around can be used when going north on 5 then west on 3. Turn off 5 at K149.5.

When coming from the west on Hwy 3 you can go south toward L Diablo. There is a semi permanent military camp near Juan's store. And they will stop you and inspect your vehicle most of the time. At that forsaken place I doubt if the city dweller immigration person would ever go there. The only traffic would be and is the off road people.

No off road go around of the Mil ck on hwy 5 when driving South on hwy 5.
However one can turn west at ~K134 and follow the wood power line and miss both the hwy3 and hwy 5 Mil checks. You will be on a race road and probably should have a race capable rig or plan to go slow. Your options after reaching hwy3 west of the 3 Mil chk is to head south as noted above or go west and head for L Diablo.
Ha what a joke.
PW
=========
Quote: Originally posted by deanfootlong  
I'm always in too big of a rush to get to san felipe to afford a stop for an FMM. Never done it. Hopefully I wont need to for the next trip coming up soon. Being turned around at the military checkpoint would absolutely SUCK. Though I'd likely just find a dirt road and go around and continue further south.

shari - 4-10-2015 at 08:24 AM

Just a reminder here that if you travel to Mexico without a visa, you are an illegal alien. I really get my panties in a twizzle when I hear people complain about a measly $25 permit when I know how nearly impossible it is for a Mexican to go shopping for a day in San Diego.

A few years back, my Mexican husband and daughter went with me to visit our family in Canada...we were only transiting the states for a couple hours to catch a plane and what they had to go through was HELL!!!

They had to make an appointment in TJ a month in advance which cost $1,000 pesos just to make the appointment!!!...travel 14 hours to get there, wait in huge lines all day, attend an appointment with mountain of paperwork, wait all day for an answer and find out that less than 20% of applicants even get it. I cant rememer what it cost for the actual visa but it sure was a costly venture...just to go to an airport!

they did get the visa probably as we went as a family and had all the addresses and phones of where we would be, blah blah blah...they were lucky.

So when people complain about a measly visa they get on the spot at the border...it drives me nuts knowing what a Mexican person has to go through to visit the States as a tourist.

end of rant

rts551 - 4-10-2015 at 08:53 AM

Quote: Originally posted by shari  
Just a reminder here that if you travel to Mexico without a visa, you are an illegal alien. I really get my panties in a twizzle when I hear people complain about a measly $25 permit when I know how nearly impossible it is for a Mexican to go shopping for a day in San Diego.

A few years back, my Mexican husband and daughter went with me to visit our family in Canada...we were only transiting the states for a couple hours to catch a plane and what they had to go through was HELL!!!

They had to make an appointment in TJ a month in advance which cost $1,000 pesos just to make the appointment!!!...travel 14 hours to get there, wait in huge lines all day, attend an appointment with mountain of paperwork, wait all day for an answer and find out that less than 20% of applicants even get it. I cant rememer what it cost for the actual visa but it sure was a costly venture...just to go to an airport!

they did get the visa probably as we went as a family and had all the addresses and phones of where we would be, blah blah blah...they were lucky.

So when people complain about a measly visa they get on the spot at the border...it drives me nuts knowing what a Mexican person has to go through to visit the States as a tourist.

end of rant


A common complaint from the people here in Abreojos as well. Some have been denied because although they had jobs, Jobs that payed better than what they would get working as an illegal in the States, they had no family.

bajaric - 4-11-2015 at 06:32 AM

Has anyone made the drive to San Felipe in the last couple of weeks? Are they still checking tourist cards at the military checkpoint north of San Felipe or was that temporary. I have driven south of San Felipe a half dozen times in the last couple years and this was never an issue, it was part of the "border zone".

Tioloco - 4-11-2015 at 06:59 AM

Bajaric -
Smooth sailing now.

KurtG - 4-11-2015 at 10:31 AM

Quote: Originally posted by shari  
Just a reminder here that if you travel to Mexico without a visa, you are an illegal alien. I really get my panties in a twizzle when I hear people complain about a measly $25 permit when I know how nearly impossible it is for a Mexican to go shopping for a day in San Diego.

A few years back, my Mexican husband and daughter went with me to visit our family in Canada...we were only transiting the states for a couple hours to catch a plane and what they had to go through was HELL!!!

They had to make an appointment in TJ a month in advance which cost $1,000 pesos just to make the appointment!!!...travel 14 hours to get there, wait in huge lines all day, attend an appointment with mountain of paperwork, wait all day for an answer and find out that less than 20% of applicants even get it. I cant rememer what it cost for the actual visa but it sure was a costly venture...just to go to an airport!

they did get the visa probably as we went as a family and had all the addresses and phones of where we would be, blah blah blah...they were lucky.

So when people complain about a measly visa they get on the spot at the border...it drives me nuts knowing what a Mexican person has to go through to visit the States as a tourist.

end of rant


Couldn't agree more. I simply get an pay for a 180 day permit twice a year and consider that $50 well spent. And I know someone will point out that it is not a multi entry permit but in practical usage it is. I like the security of always having that permit in my wallet since I have been known to take spur of the moment trips.

Tomas Tierra - 4-14-2015 at 05:26 PM

Went through there on the first and was asked if I had visas. I did but they did not want me to produce them, took my word for it.

They did not appear to be there yesterday on the way north.

TT

cj5orion - 4-15-2015 at 09:06 AM

came down a week ago Thursday.
I have ALL the paperwork,visa,boat permit,fish license,etc.

No immgration checkpoints.

David K - 4-15-2015 at 09:16 AM

Quote: Originally posted by Tomas Tierra  
Went through there on the first and was asked if I had visas. I did but they did not want me to produce them, took my word for it.

They did not appear to be there yesterday on the way north.

TT


Where, the Hwy. 3 junction 31 miles north of San Felipe? Who asked, a soldier or an INM official? Thank you.

J.P. - 4-15-2015 at 09:56 AM

Quote: Originally posted by David K  
Quote: Originally posted by Tomas Tierra  
Went through there on the first and was asked if I had visas. I did but they did not want me to produce them, took my word for it.

They did not appear to be there yesterday on the way north.

TT


Where, the Hwy. 3 junction 31 miles north of San Felipe? Who asked, a soldier or an INM official? Thank you.















D.K. Are you implying that it would make a difference.
You are the self proclaimed expert of Baja Mexico don't you know it's the duty of every citizen to report someone who is in the Country Illegally.

Sandlefoot - 4-15-2015 at 10:20 AM

Quote: Originally posted by J.P.  
Quote: Originally posted by David K  
Quote: Originally posted by Tomas Tierra  
Went through there on the first and was asked if I had visas. I did but they did not want me to produce them, took my word for it.

They did not appear to be there yesterday on the way north.

TT


Where, the Hwy. 3 junction 31 miles north of San Felipe? Who asked, a soldier or an INM official? Thank you.[/rquote


D.K. Are you implying that it would make a difference.
You are the self proclaimed expert of Baja Mexico don't you know it's the duty of every citizen to report someone who is in the Country Illegally.



I travel this peninsula all the time and there is a difference between a military asking for the INM paper work and an immigration official. If it is an immigration official they are checking your status as a visitor to their country. If it is a military person they are using the information to fill out their paper work of data collection. They have asked me for mine and I just give them my drivers license and they copy: name, state of residency, and ask the year the car was manufactured. It is my belief that the military is there to do a different job. Immigration officers are in charge of immigration, not the military. As immigration do not search your car for drugs and guns, although it is everyone"s responsibility to report illegal actions. Separate entities doing separate jobs.

[Edited on 4-15-2015 by Sandlefoot]

[Edited on 4-15-2015 by Sandlefoot]

J.P. - 4-15-2015 at 11:29 AM

Quote: Originally posted by Sandlefoot  
Quote: Originally posted by J.P.  
Quote: Originally posted by David K  
Quote: Originally posted by Tomas Tierra  
Went through there on the first and was asked if I had visas. I did but they did not want me to produce them, took my word for it.

They did not appear to be there yesterday on the way north.

TT


Where, the Hwy. 3 junction 31 miles north of San Felipe? Who asked, a soldier or an INM official? Thank you.[/rquote


D.K. Are you implying that it would make a difference.
You are the self proclaimed expert of Baja Mexico don't you know it's the duty of every citizen to report someone who is in the Country Illegally.



I travel this peninsula all the time and there is a difference between a military asking for the INM paper work and an immigration official. If it is an immigration official they are checking your status as a visitor to their country. If it is a military person they are using the information to fill out their paper work of data collection. They have asked me for mine and I just give them my drivers license and they copy: name, state of residency, and ask the year the car was manufactured. It is my belief that the military is there to do a different job. Immigration officers are in charge of immigration, not the military. As immigration do not search your car for drugs and guns, although it is everyone"s responsibility to report illegal actions. Separate entities doing separate jobs.

[Edited on 4-15-2015 by Sandlefoot]

[Edited on 4-15-2015 by Sandlefoot]
















The point I am trying to make , Why not do the right thing and just get the proper documents. It might keep your but out of jail. If you cant afford them you probably should stay home .

Tomas Tierra - 4-15-2015 at 12:01 PM

DK.

Yes at the military checkpoint jct. 5 and 3. Immigration officials asked.

Just info being asked for and passed on that's all JP.

TT

David K - 4-15-2015 at 03:52 PM

Quote: Originally posted by Tomas Tierra  
DK.

Yes at the military checkpoint jct. 5 and 3. Immigration officials asked.

Just info being asked for and passed on that's all JP.

TT


Thank you Tomás! Just was curious if anything had changed in what the military has been assigned to do, and it seems not one bit!
J.P., it was a simple question and Tomás answered it, thank you.