BajaNomad

Immigration Check Points Mexciali to San Felipe

El Comadante Loco - 3-29-2015 at 08:33 AM

We spent the last week enjoying our house south of San Felipe but in all my trips since 1973 I have never encountered an Immigration check point on the way down least of all two.

Last Saturday March 21, a check point was set up at the Calexico crossing. The officers were polite but firm reminding all that a permit was required but not turning you back.

Last Friday another checkpoint was set at the military check point junction with Hyw 3 to Ensenada. I did see several cars turned away.

There have been at least 3 immigration visits to the South Campos in San Felipe.

SFandH - 3-29-2015 at 08:48 AM

Just curious, what organization is manning these checkpoints? Immigration, military, police, or a combo of folks?

El Comadante Loco - 3-29-2015 at 10:21 AM

Immigration

David K - 3-29-2015 at 10:23 AM

Thanks Rudy for the up to date info!

Sounds (from your post) like INM is set up at (next to) the military checkpoint.

That you are being told it is required at the border is good, so no surprises.

How long before the San Felipe business association puts a stop to turning back 'customers' before they reach San Felipe?

AKgringo - 3-29-2015 at 11:12 AM

Thank you Comandante for a first hand account. This is what I was asking for in the other thread that is on it's third page without such a report.
I was hoping to hear that getting an FMM further south was an option, but have to admit that I would think it was a lousy idea if the US immigration decided to do that for visitors going north.

sancho - 3-29-2015 at 11:26 AM

All Mex Imm is asking is for compliance, I believe on the
Mex mainland, one can't travel 30 mi. or so so., before
needing some Imm papers. Apparently the free 7 day fmm
is still available, at least in Mexicali, so why would San Felipe
businesses be concerned? I believe 7 days would cover most visitors. They are simply enforceing their regs
as they choose.Why does anyone on this board think they
have the lattitude to even voice/suggest how or where
Mex Imm enforces their regs/laws?






[Edited on 3-29-2015 by sancho]

David K - 3-29-2015 at 11:40 AM

Quote: Originally posted by sancho  
All Mex Imm is asking is for compliance, I believe on the
Mex mainland, one can't travel 30 mi. or so so., before
needing some Imm papers. Apparently the free 7 day fmm
is still available, at least in Mexicali, so why would San Felipe
businesses be concerned? I believe 7 days would cover most visitors. They are simply enforceing their regs
as they choose.Why does anyone on this board think they
have the lattitude to even voice/suggest how or where
Mex Imm enforces their regs/laws?
[Edited on 3-29-2015 by sancho]


Why? Long lines at the border going into Mexico, the need for a PASSPORT book (they aren't cheap)... Americans have other choices than Mexico for a vacation. The more roadblocks to easily driving to San Felipe, the fewer who will go there.

Baja has always been special consideration over the rest of Mexico BECAUSE it is almost an island. No vehicle permits and extended border zones.

sancho - 3-29-2015 at 11:46 AM

DK, your opinions on how the Mex Govt conducts it's business
doesn't mean jack, it is none of your businesss, nada.
Hopefully when you go to Percebu, this will have died down,
so you won't have to worry about stopping for free fmm
or worse spending $50 for 2

norte - 3-29-2015 at 12:01 PM

Quote: Originally posted by David K  
Quote: Originally posted by sancho  
All Mex Imm is asking is for compliance, I believe on the
Mex mainland, one can't travel 30 mi. or so so., before
needing some Imm papers. Apparently the free 7 day fmm
is still available, at least in Mexicali, so why would San Felipe
businesses be concerned? I believe 7 days would cover most visitors. They are simply enforceing their regs
as they choose.Why does anyone on this board think they
have the lattitude to even voice/suggest how or where
Mex Imm enforces their regs/laws?
[Edited on 3-29-2015 by sancho]


Why? Long lines at the border going into Mexico, the need for a PASSPORT book (they aren't cheap)... Americans have other choices than Mexico for a vacation. The more roadblocks to easily driving to San Felipe, the fewer who will go there.

Baja has always been special consideration over the rest of Mexico BECAUSE it is almost an island. No vehicle permits and extended border zones.



YUP - vacation in the good old USA when you do not like another countries rules/laws.

mtgoat666 - 3-29-2015 at 12:25 PM

Quote: Originally posted by David K  
Quote: Originally posted by sancho  
All Mex Imm is asking is for compliance, I believe on the
Mex mainland, one can't travel 30 mi. or so so., before
needing some Imm papers. Apparently the free 7 day fmm
is still available, at least in Mexicali, so why would San Felipe
businesses be concerned? I believe 7 days would cover most visitors. They are simply enforceing their regs
as they choose.Why does anyone on this board think they
have the lattitude to even voice/suggest how or where
Mex Imm enforces their regs/laws?
[Edited on 3-29-2015 by sancho]


Why? Long lines at the border going into Mexico, the need for a PASSPORT book (they aren't cheap)... Americans have other choices than Mexico for a vacation. The more roadblocks to easily driving to San Felipe, the fewer who will go there.



The only roadblocks to san Felipe tourism are that the town and its beaches are a chithole, and it is an inferno for more than half the year!
Not much trouble to show a passport and get a visa! If that is too much trouble for someone, then God help them for they are hopeless!

Tioloco - 3-29-2015 at 12:44 PM

Goat- your assessment of San Felipe is about as uninformed as most of your other posts. If you have nothing nice to say, STFU!

David K- Your assessment is correct. Unfortunately, Mexico tourism is still on a banana peel and they could use the latitude of the soft enforcement practices of yesteryear. Hopefully, for the Mexican economy, this is a short lived enforcement program.

By the way, I have my 6 month visa. I am not trying to skirt the law.

CortezBlue - 3-29-2015 at 01:03 PM

BTW
Last weekend they came through Pete's. We were eating dinner at the bar and they didn't stop there, but went down to the beach to have a look around.

We followed all of the Mexican laws around residency and we have been residents for 3 years. By law we only have to state that we are residents, however, being a gringo it is easier to show our residency card.

Tioloco - 3-29-2015 at 01:05 PM

Sancho-
Sonora allows visitors to travel most of the state. Recently returned from a trip and no immigration checkpoints to Bahia Kino. El golfo de Santa Clara is about 70 miles south of San Luis Rio Colorado and I have never been asked for papers. Sonora wisely has recognized a "no hassle zone".

David K - 3-29-2015 at 03:44 PM

My statements are not usually about how things affect me, they are about how it affects others.

I have NO problem getting an FMM, and I have posted a detailed how to with photos to show and explain it. Some of you should read my posts., and not just my replies.

By being alive and working for an income, I can tell you how some others will think about traveling to Mexico. I also hear it a lot from my customers when they see my stickers!

When you aren't on government assistance or have union jobs with enormous vacation periods, you have to do what you can with what you have.

Very simply, the harder Mexico makes it to cross the border, the FEWER people who work will be going there. Because I love the Mexican people, I post IDEAS that will benefit them and maybe take away the cash from government bureaucrats!

My love for Baja is not going to be hindered by bureaucrats, but not enough people love Baja enough to overcome the hurdles that government places on a vacation trip there. There are MANY other choices to take a family than Baja.

thebajarunner - 3-29-2015 at 03:57 PM

We always get visas, but two weeks ago at Mexicali it was a real hassle to find parking for 6 vehicles, one with a boat, back and forth to the banco, etc.
We killed over an hour getting all squared away.
Not a big deal, but when you have miles to go before you sleep it is still annoying.
And a $46 charge from a cop and a tow truck for parking in a questionable spot.
All just part of the fun, I guess,
but it could be easier, when they want a dozen guys to come down for 10 days and spend the pesos that we spent..... no freebies in our gang.

bajatrailrider - 3-29-2015 at 04:17 PM

This is getting Heavy. Maybe the Mexican government should more worry,about the poor people.Working in the Camps for 8 bucks a day. Then tourist cards,Gas,food all cost of living up,Taxes. Dont worry about your own people no food.Worry about tourist cards. Thats great thinking.

CortezBlue - 3-29-2015 at 06:26 PM

WTF

Someone on this site needs to get back on Meds or get started taking them

there are several places in Ensenada I can recommend

thebajarunner - 3-29-2015 at 06:47 PM

Quote: Originally posted by CortezBlue  
WTF

Someone on this site needs to get back on Meds or get started taking them


Just off Second Street are several farmacias that can help you sir.
The sooner you get started the better IMO

bajatrailrider - 3-29-2015 at 06:55 PM

You both look in the mirror,then you will person needs meds. Dont like other peoples opinions.To bad. To knock David for his opinions. again to bad.Thats what he thinks,All your hog wash,is just that.

rts551 - 3-29-2015 at 07:33 PM

Why is it hogwash for a country to want to control its borders? That is what the Visa/permit does. I do not blame them. Where else other than the border would you have them do this?

CortezBlue - 3-29-2015 at 07:36 PM

Ouch

I have been wounded:o

CortezBlue - 3-29-2015 at 07:43 PM

Quote: Originally posted by bajatrailrider  
You both look in the mirror,then you will person needs meds. Dont like other peoples opinions.To bad. To knock David for his opinions. again to bad.Thats what he thinks,All your hog wash,is just that.


I'm not sure what you are trying to say, but you may want to do a quick edit so this mesh of words can coherently work together?

I can't read jiberish
But after to many Tequilas I have been known to speak it fluently :lol:

[Edited on 3-30-2015 by CortezBlue]

[Edited on 3-30-2015 by CortezBlue]

bajatrailrider - 3-29-2015 at 09:39 PM

Im sure you get my drift.Whats hog wash.Ok Mexico wants to do checks on Visa/permits.Do you think there hit and miss (last big check 20years ago) Makes a diff. Not what so ever,the minuet the tourists b-tch.Then hotels,stores,little tourism stops.Then they stop checking.History repeats in Mexico.There is nothing wrong,with them doing it.The way they do it,is not worth the effort. All I want to say is.For any of you that visit Baja, but dont live here full time.The people > working people,since new tax,all goods up.Are hurting real bad.They could do lot better,making the ranchers.Pay them little more money to live.Instead of wasting hit and miss money.

SFandH - 3-30-2015 at 02:24 AM

Reading through this thread I can't help thinking about the fact that visas are not needed by Americans vacationing in Canada and the European Union for short periods of time (3 months?).

What is Mexico accomplishing with requiring these visas? What's the purpose of the law?

Especially the free 7 day visa. What good is that? IMHO it's just plain dumb. It's an impediment to weekenders thereby hurting business and it costs money to issue them.

:?::?::?:

[Edited on 3-30-2015 by SFandH]

SFandH - 3-30-2015 at 07:10 AM

Quote: Originally posted by soulpatch  
I would venture to say the purpose of the law is to extract money from tourists.
But, I am not a deep thinker.


Sure, plus it's a way of raising money from foreigners only, not angering the citizens.

OK, it's not a visa that somehow "controls" immigration, it's an entry fee and you need to have a receipt showing you paid. Let's call a spade a spade.

Thanks now I understand.

[Edited on 3-30-2015 by SFandH]

Cliffy - 3-30-2015 at 07:37 AM

Many countries around the world have a "Departure Tax" You wanna leave, you gotta paya da tax!

After traveling the world in my career, I just don't see the problem with goin with the flow and following the other countries rules. As a Capt flying around the world, I had to keep up with all this &**^ and make sure EVERYONE on my airplane complied because if they didn't the ^%$# fell on me.

The "good ol' days are gone folks. 9/11 made sure of that. There is a cost to tourism to the host country that has to be paid for. I'm not going into if the money ever gets to where it was supposed to be going but they have their rules and we as visitors need to follow them.

It's no different than using US dollars than the local currency. Try that anywhere in the world and see where you get.

rts551 - 3-30-2015 at 07:53 AM

Quote: Originally posted by soulpatch  
I would venture to say the purpose of the law is to extract money from tourists.
But, I am not a deep thinker.

The tax structure is so much different here.
I am learning about business here and funding sources are vastly different than we are used to NOB.
I see a concerted effort in the last few years to change who is traveling down here.... and, I'm OK with it.

Bottom line is, you wanna play SOB you gotta pay.

However, I've been wrong plenty.


Immigration along the southern border is to control the entry of workers from Central and South America I believe. For consistency, that may impact enforcement along its Northern border.

CortezBlue - 3-30-2015 at 09:22 PM

I think it is pretty simple

Everyone has had an opinion regarding border issues with Canada and Mexico

Which, in it self, is a totally different issue.

We have friendly relationships with Canada and a fairly easy border process to get in and out of USA and Canada

Mexico, not so much. We have broadcast all of the negatives having Mexicans and central american's crossing the border.

We keep talking about the "Death Train" hauling central americans through Mexico and into the USA

So, Mexico is playing both sides of the fence. In one breath they are sending a message that they are turning up the pressure to check for "Legal" travelers in Mexico.

At the same time, while cracking down, they are checking for legal traveling by folks from the north.

Also, Mexico is well aware of the USA checking ID's of Mexicano's to make sure they are legal.

So essentially, it is a you "F" us and we are going to "F" you.

It is a game! Grab your playing pieces and roll the dice.

Your turn is next

Lee - 3-31-2015 at 06:23 AM

Quote: Originally posted by CortezBlue  

So essentially, it is a you "F" us and we are going to "F" you.

It is a game! Grab your playing pieces and roll the dice.

Your turn is next


Buy your ticket take your chances. Thought it's always been that way.

mtgoat666 - 3-31-2015 at 06:49 AM

Quote: Originally posted by CortezBlue  
I think it is pretty simple

Everyone has had an opinion regarding border issues with Canada and Mexico

Which, in it self, is a totally different issue.

We have friendly relationships with Canada and a fairly easy border process to get in and out of USA and Canada

Mexico, not so much. We have broadcast all of the negatives having Mexicans and central american's crossing the border.

We keep talking about the "Death Train" hauling central americans through Mexico and into the USA

So, Mexico is playing both sides of the fence. In one breath they are sending a message that they are turning up the pressure to check for "Legal" travelers in Mexico.

At the same time, while cracking down, they are checking for legal traveling by folks from the north.

Also, Mexico is well aware of the USA checking ID's of Mexicano's to make sure they are legal.

So essentially, it is a you "F" us and we are going to "F" you.

It is a game! Grab your playing pieces and roll the dice.

Your turn is next


When it comes to visas, you think that mexico is just flocking with you. Crikey! You people are ridiculous!

When you say ridiculous things like that I do hope they flock with you!

CortezBlue - 3-31-2015 at 07:32 PM

Quote: Originally posted by mtgoat666  
Quote: Originally posted by CortezBlue  
I think it is pretty simple

Everyone has had an opinion regarding border issues with Canada and Mexico

Which, in it self, is a totally different issue.

We have friendly relationships with Canada and a fairly easy border process to get in and out of USA and Canada

Mexico, not so much. We have broadcast all of the negatives having Mexicans and central american's crossing the border.

We keep talking about the "Death Train" hauling central americans through Mexico and into the USA

So, Mexico is playing both sides of the fence. In one breath they are sending a message that they are turning up the pressure to check for "Legal" travelers in Mexico.

At the same time, while cracking down, they are checking for legal traveling by folks from the north.

Also, Mexico is well aware of the USA checking ID's of Mexicano's to make sure they are legal.

So essentially, it is a you "F" us and we are going to "F" you.

It is a game! Grab your playing pieces and roll the dice.

Your turn is next


When it comes to visas, you think that mexico is just flocking with you. Crikey! You people are ridiculous!

When you say ridiculous things like that I do hope they flock with you!


No I think the recent changes in INM making stops and going into campos asking for documentation, is them "F" ing with us.

I have been "legally" in Mexico for 10 years and I never saw INM stopping people to check papers.

willardguy - 3-31-2015 at 07:50 PM

Quote: Originally posted by SFandH  
Reading through this thread I can't help thinking about the fact that visas are not needed by Americans vacationing in Canada and the European Union for short periods of time (3 months?).

What is Mexico accomplishing with requiring these visas? What's the purpose of the law?

Especially the free 7 day visa. What good is that? IMHO it's just plain dumb. It's an impediment to weekenders thereby hurting business and it costs money to issue them.

:?::?::?:

[Edited on 3-30-2015 by SFandH]



good point!:yes:

revenue measure

akshadow - 3-31-2015 at 08:33 PM

Most of the tourist immigration rules are based on air travel. I think you pay the FMM fee whenever you fly in if you are not a resident. It is a real money maker with no effort on the governments part. The fact that the regulations, laws and practices are not very workable at the land crossings is not really a concern of the central Mexican government.

MICK - 4-1-2015 at 07:00 AM

If you were a mexican trying to go to the U.S. the wait to get a visa is about a year and it is a real pain in the b...t to get. I just had a friend go thru it. Everyone wants to complain about the Mexican government but at least it is just a small inconvenience for us. If a mexican citizen could get into the U.S. as easy as we can go to Mexico there might be a lot less illegals in the US. We are quick to complain about the illegals in the US but want the Mexican government to just let us in with nothing.
There country There rules
Follow them or suffer the consequences.

mtgoat666 - 4-1-2015 at 07:23 AM

Quote: Originally posted by CortezBlue  
Quote: Originally posted by mtgoat666  
Quote: Originally posted by CortezBlue  
I think it is pretty simple

Everyone has had an opinion regarding border issues with Canada and Mexico

Which, in it self, is a totally different issue.

We have friendly relationships with Canada and a fairly easy border process to get in and out of USA and Canada

Mexico, not so much. We have broadcast all of the negatives having Mexicans and central american's crossing the border.

We keep talking about the "Death Train" hauling central americans through Mexico and into the USA

So, Mexico is playing both sides of the fence. In one breath they are sending a message that they are turning up the pressure to check for "Legal" travelers in Mexico.

At the same time, while cracking down, they are checking for legal traveling by folks from the north.

Also, Mexico is well aware of the USA checking ID's of Mexicano's to make sure they are legal.

So essentially, it is a you "F" us and we are going to "F" you.

It is a game! Grab your playing pieces and roll the dice.

Your turn is next


When it comes to visas, you think that mexico is just flocking with you. Crikey! You people are ridiculous!

When you say ridiculous things like that I do hope they flock with you!


No I think the recent changes in INM making stops and going into campos asking for documentation, is them "F" ing with us.

I have been "legally" in Mexico for 10 years and I never saw INM stopping people to check papers.


Things change. Your conclusion that they are flocking with gringos is probably wrong. I really don't see the local immigration or DF immigration people doing their jobs just to flock with you.

Change is happening in mexico. Things are going digital. Modernization marches on You may have seen changes in banking, taxes, immigration, etc.
it's not all about you.
Enforcement is happening. Rules are rules. You know, many Mexicans like the idea of enforcement, as long as the rules are applied uniformly and predictably. Heck, they are even trying to stamp out corruption of the police forces,... Change is happening and it's not all about you.

Get ready for immigration 2.0, the system is going online in next year or 2. Tourists will soon be able to do visa paperwork online. And not, this is not just because they are wanting to flock with you!

mcfez - 4-2-2015 at 03:44 PM

Perhaps the ones being turned around are telling the officials that their destinations are beyond San Felipe.....that requires proper paperwork. This town is know to be a zone for 7 days to enjoy......so it has been and shall be for time to come. This past week in SF has been amazing. Clean beaches to clean streets as the sanitation crews are out in full force. Police are going up every campos for security checks. Police are in full force and making it well known along the Mex5. There is a crew working currently along K66 fixing the potholes and cracks. San Felipe a shethole? Nada.

freediverbrian - 4-2-2015 at 07:59 PM

I will be interested to see if the inforcement is continued during Semana Santa

rts551 - 4-2-2015 at 08:20 PM

Quote: Originally posted by freediverbrian  
I will be interested to see if the inforcement is continued during Semana Santa


29 March 6Apr. You are in it now.

Zola - 4-2-2015 at 11:17 PM

We just drove down to BCS, passing through Mexicali. We were flagged by immigration at the border and obliged to obtain a visa. The immigration officers were exemplary and professional. Since we will be here for several months, we had to get a visa for six months. The only complication is worth noting: To pay the fee, which is really low, you have to walk down to the Bancomer and stand in line, which was really long and moved really slowly. Depending on when you arrive, you might have to stand in line for an hour or longer to pay for your long-term visa.

Of course Mexico has the right to enforce reasonable immigration restrictions, just like the US, which, in contrast, imposes unreasonable restrictions that make life oppressive for millions of Mexicans who mostly seek to come to the US only to work hard at jobs that gringos don't want or do poorly if they bother to show up. But I digress into troubled waters.

As for the Mexico 5, it is a great drive, but I do not think it is an option unless you have a serious off-road vehicle for the washboard road that links it to the Mexico 1. Amazingly, I saw trucks traveling this road at night, but they traveled in small convoys with their own personal road-graders in tow. The road is no big deal, but has some serious rocks and cannot be good for regular civilian cars and trailers.

But then again I have a motive for saying so :)