BajaNomad

Changes coming for pedestrian line

rayfornario - 9-3-2015 at 09:39 AM

It appears that the checks going into Mexico have impacted business in Tijuana so much so that they are reviewing what they are doing. Here is the link to the article in La Frontera:bounce:.
http://www.frontera.info/EdicionEnLinea/Notas/Noticias/03092...

JoeJustJoe - 9-3-2015 at 10:54 AM

I didn't read anything about new changes coming to the pedestrian line like Ray is claiming, and perhaps Ray can do a full translating of the article and show us.

Here is what I'm reading from the article and highlighting the main points:

The title says authorities ask for changes in pedestrian review.

It looks like some tourism officials are concerned the long lines might scare away visitors. The article talks about in hotel occupancy increase 20% this summer.

The article mentions that tourism has affected the functioning of the new crosswalk

They also talk about two incidents where tourists came for a day or two, but were forced to make a payment, and that shouldn't have happened.

They talk about inefficiency, and want authorities to consider peak hours in their operation, and split crossing lines between foreigners who come for business or tourism.
_________________
JJJ comments:

Sound like they want three lines, but this is only the secretary of tourism speaking to a reporter, and I doubt he carried enough weight to get rid of the new pedestrian policy at the border, or make major changes, although I'm sure he might have some indirect influence.

The changes to the Mexican border, is not a tourist issue, and I doubt it will go away any time soon.



[Edited on 9-3-2015 by JoeJustJoe]

SFandH - 9-3-2015 at 01:25 PM

Quote: Originally posted by JoeJustJoe  
I didn't read anything about new changes coming to the pedestrian line like Ray is claiming, and perhaps Ray can do a full translating of the article and show us.


Using the Google translator, https://translate.google.com/ , the first sentence says tourist officials are asking for random checks.

"TIJUANA, Baja California (PH) Tourism officials ask random check on the East Gate pedestrian crossing in San Ysidro checkpoint to avoid long lines that might scare away visitors."

The way rayfornario previously explained it, which agrees with the newspaper articles, is ALL foreigners must present a passport when walking across, not randomly selected individuals.

[Edited on 9-3-2015 by SFandH]

JoeJustJoe - 9-3-2015 at 02:19 PM

Quote: Originally posted by SFandH  
Quote: Originally posted by JoeJustJoe  
I didn't read anything about new changes coming to the pedestrian line like Ray is claiming, and perhaps Ray can do a full translating of the article and show us.


Using the Google translator, https://translate.google.com/ , the first sentence says tourist officials are asking for random checks.

"TIJUANA, Baja California (PH) Tourism officials ask random check on the East Gate pedestrian crossing in San Ysidro checkpoint to avoid long lines that might scare away visitors."

The way rayfornario previously explained it, which agrees with the newspaper articles, is ALL foreigners must present a passport when walking across, not randomly selected individuals.

[Edited on 9-3-2015 by SFandH]


Ray said, "changes are coming for the pedestrian line."

If you ask me that's a little bit premature giving the fact some tourist officials are interviewed and are engaging in wishful thinking of what they would like to see.

Maybe the US customs agents can change their policy too, and just randomly check people coming back into the US side. This way the lines would go quickly and it will improve Mexican tourism on the US side of the border.

If you ask me, I'm outraged over the US/Canada, new border requirements. I have been reading that Canadian officials will turn Americans away at the Canadian border, if they have a criminal record, and they are talking about even minor criminal convictions like a drunk driving ( DUI) or other minor offenses done even 20, 30 , or 40 years ago!

If true, that's crazy, considering the amount of Americans with criminal records.

I seriously doubt Mexico is going to change their policy at the border, considering how tough the US, and now Canada is.





[Edited on 9-3-2015 by JoeJustJoe]

The pedestrian line

bajaguy - 9-3-2015 at 04:26 PM

The new enforcement of old border-crossing rules has generated few readily available reports of long waits for Mexico-bound pedestrians, but the National Immigration Institute (INM) has introduced a new option that might improve traffic flow.
ADVERTISEMENT

Just as the Mexican government opened a new facility for pedestrians crossing the Mexico-U.S. border between Tijuana and San Diego, it began requiring foreigners to present a passport. And anyone staying longer than a week would pay a 330-peso fee.

Paying that fee, and the tourist card it buys, can now be carried out online, where the necessary paperwork can also be completed in advance of crossing the border.

The INM says that visitors can obtain the tourist card, known as an FMM, or forma migratoria multiple, by entering the required information online, paying the fee, now 332 pesos, with a credit or debit card and printing the document and proof of payment.

The traveler has 30 days to use the document to cross the border, where it will be stamped upon entry. The FMM is good for 180 days and must be kept until leaving Mexico.

The new process is intended to make it easier faster and safer for travelers, says the INM, and reduce the time spent waiting in lineups.

Those lineups could result from enforcement of a 2012 regulation requiring foreign visitors to show a passport, a rule that has not been widely enforced in some areas. But officials are aiming to get things organized.

“The way that people enter Mexico has been growing very disorganized, and now we are making it organized, that’s the big difference,” said Carlos de la Fuente of Indaabin, the Mexican agency in charge of building federal facilities.

But enforcement won’t necessarily be constant, said Rodulfo Figueroa, the INM chief in Baja California. When the port gets busy the rule will not be uniformly enforced, he said.

The new Puerta Este crossing, where 22,000 pedestrians cross each day, opened August 19.

Source: El Informador (sp), San Diego Union-Tribune (en)
- See more at: http://mexiconewsdaily.com/news/travelers-can-obtain-tourist...

Hook - 9-3-2015 at 07:45 PM

"I seriously doubt Mexico is going to change their policy at the border, considering how tough the US, and now Canada is. "

You dont like Ray's headline and yet YOU jump to THIS conclusion?

Tell me your logic in saying this. I am not following the dots.

rayfornario - 9-3-2015 at 08:09 PM

Quote: Originally posted by JoeJustJoe  
I didn't read anything about new changes coming to the pedestrian line like Ray is claiming, and perhaps Ray can do a full translating of the article and show us.

Here is what I'm reading from the article and highlighting the main points:

The title says authorities ask for changes in pedestrian review.

It looks like some tourism officials are concerned the long lines might scare away visitors. The article talks about in hotel occupancy increase 20% this summer.

The article mentions that tourism has affected the functioning of the new crosswalk

They also talk about two incidents where tourists came for a day or two, but were forced to make a payment, and that shouldn't have happened.

They talk about inefficiency, and want authorities to consider peak hours in their operation, and split crossing lines between foreigners who come for business or tourism.
_________________
JJJ comments:

Sound like they want three lines, but this is only the secretary of tourism speaking to a reporter, and I doubt he carried enough weight to get rid of the new pedestrian policy at the border, or make major changes, although I'm sure he might have some indirect influence.

The changes to the Mexican border, is not a tourist issue, and I doubt it will go away any time soon.


Sorry but I have to differ with you. I went to TJ today and spoke with one of the inspectors while crossing. Yes, Joe, they will making changes because it is not working and is impacting business in TJ. Today, they waved people through like in the old days. Not sure if because they felt it was busy or no. Other observations from fellow travelers have noticed that the return lines to the U.S are much shorter then normal indicating less traffic into Mexico. This has been observed first hand since the new procedures went in place:biggrin:
[Edited on 9-3-2015 by JoeJustJoe]

akshadow - 9-3-2015 at 09:21 PM

Canada has long denied entry to US citizens with DUI convictions. It has affected many Alaskans. It was explained to me that DUI in Canada is a felony and in any case it is not a minor offense.
their country their laws.


"If you ask me, I'm outraged over the US/Canada, new border requirements. I have been reading that Canadian officials will turn Americans away at the Canadian border, if they have a criminal record, and they are talking about even minor criminal convictions like a drunk driving ( DUI) or other minor offenses done even 20, 30 , or 40 years ago!

If true, that's crazy, considering the amount of Americans with criminal records.

I seriously doubt Mexico is going to change their policy at the border, considering how tough the US, and now Canada is.





[Edited on 9-3-2015 by JoeJustJoe][/rquote]

mtgoat666 - 9-3-2015 at 09:46 PM

Quote: Originally posted by akshadow  
Canada has long denied entry to US citizens with DUI convictions. It has affected many Alaskans. It was explained to me that DUI in Canada is a felony and in any case it is not a minor offense.
their country their laws.


Why are so many Alaskans drinking and driving?

Sounds like Canadians are doing things right. I think DUI in USA should be a felony with mandatory 10 years prison time. First time offender, mandatory decade lost! That would stop flock heads from DUI and killing others!

JoeJustJoe - 9-3-2015 at 10:26 PM

Quote: Originally posted by Hook  
"I seriously doubt Mexico is going to change their policy at the border, considering how tough the US, and now Canada is. "

You dont like Ray's headline and yet YOU jump to THIS conclusion?

Tell me your logic in saying this. I am not following the dots.


Your logic is flawed Hook.

I'm merely indicating a doubt( an opinion) that Mexico is not going to change their policy at the border for pedestrians. However, Ray is certain that changes are coming to the pedestrian line, and he based it on the article in his first post.

I again merely pointed out the article said no such thing about an imminent change to the pedestrian line.

Ray's exact quote: Changes coming for pedestrian line

[Edited on 9-4-2015 by JoeJustJoe]

JoeJustJoe - 9-3-2015 at 10:55 PM

Quote: Originally posted by rayfornario  


Sorry but I have to differ with you. I went to TJ today and spoke with one of the inspectors while crossing. Yes, Joe, they will making changes because it is not working and is impacting business in TJ. Today, they waved people through like in the old days. Not sure if because they felt it was busy or no. Other observations from fellow travelers have noticed that the return lines to the U.S are much shorter then normal indicating less traffic into Mexico. This has been observed first hand since the new procedures went in place:biggrin:


You also said this Ray:

After one week of operation, this new border procedure has definitely impacted the bottom line for many merchants out on Revolution. I also observed a large group of Young people returning from the entrance into Mexico having been denied entry because of no passport.
Merchants said there is a huge difference in the number of tourists between pre-inspection and now post inspection. I was there yesterday and it was dead out on the streets. Also, the line going back to the U.S reflects the lack of incoming tourists as it has been virtually wait free in my last 3 over the course of a week...sad
______________________________________

I doubted what you were saying was accurate because Tijuana is always crowded with people, and according to the CBP own website the waits in the afternoon back into the US pedestrian is usually over one hour long in the afternoon.

https://bwt.cbp.gov/

And here is another site that gives you current information and the past week:

http://traffic.calit2.net/border/border-wait-times.php?type=...

So sorry, but I'm going to treat what you say as anecdotal evidence, and wait till I hear from official reports, or newspaper article, translated word for word. I have my own experiences crossing the border on foot, and I monitor other Baja site, and they report the lines have not been really long, and many times, Mexican officials are not checking anybody's passport, but that doesn't mean, they're changing back to the old policy.

Perhaps you don't see anybody on Avenida Revolución, or you hear bar owners complaining about tourist on the tourist drag, because Avenida Revolución, is old, and has nothing new. According to another Mexican article last week, the tourist are branching out to other places in Tijuana, than just tourist trap, Avenida Revolución.

I mention this because you Ray, claim you have been visiting Avenida Revolución for something like 17 years.

Here is some tourist spots people are visiting than just Avenida Revolución.

http://www.tripadvisor.com/Attractions-g150776-Activities-Ti...




JoeJustJoe - 9-3-2015 at 11:15 PM

Quote: Originally posted by akshadow  
Canada has long denied entry to US citizens with DUI convictions. It has affected many Alaskans. It was explained to me that DUI in Canada is a felony and in any case it is not a minor offense.
their country their laws.

"If you ask me, I'm outraged over the US/Canada, new border requirements. I have been reading that Canadian officials will turn Americans away at the Canadian border, if they have a criminal record, and they are talking about even minor criminal convictions like a drunk driving ( DUI) or other minor offenses done even 20, 30 , or 40 years ago!

If true, that's crazy, considering the amount of Americans with criminal records.

I seriously doubt Mexico is going to change their policy at the border, considering how tough the US, and now Canada is.

[Edited on 9-3-2015 by JoeJustJoe][/rquote]


Well, I didn't find out about this new policy until recently while making travel plans, and according to this article, the second DUI, counts as a felony in Canada. I understand a lot of Alaskans, and people from cold climates like to drink, and get drunk, but Canada, was still denying entry to Americans with just one DUI conviction, and other minor misdemeanors going back decades, and you don't know which convictions will get a pass and which ones won't.

Even today it looks like it's lot of trouble to enter Canada, because you still need advance permission by filling out a Temporary Resident Permit (TRP), or file a Criminal Rehabilitation application.

http://www.canadaduientrylaw.com/

_____________________________________________________
Here is an old article written three years ago, and the rules aren't that eased even today:
------

Canadians to ease rules allowing Americans entry
Past convictions for certain offenses, such as drunken driving, will no longer be a stumbling block.

By Doug Smith Star Tribune FEBRUARY 25, 2012 — 4:02PM
After years of turning back Americans with drunken-driving and other misdemeanor convictions, Canadian border officials are about to relax their entry restrictions.

The move, which begins March 1, should prevent many hunters, anglers and other tourists heading to Canada from being rejected at the border when officials discover a single DWI or other misdemeanor on their records. Thousands of Americans, including many Minnesotans, have been snared by the increase in border security in recent years.

But the changes won't apply to those with multiple convictions or more serious offenses.

As issue for Americans is that drunken driving is a felony in Canada, while a single offense here often is a misdemeanor.

Canadian tourism industry officials say the tightened border restrictions have resulted in thousands of American customers being turned away at the border, resulting in the loss of millions of dollars in revenue.

[Edited on 9-4-2015 by JoeJustJoe]

rayfornario - 9-4-2015 at 11:38 AM

Quote: Originally posted by JoeJustJoe  
Quote: Originally posted by rayfornario  


Sorry but I have to differ with you. I went to TJ today and spoke with one of the inspectors while crossing. Yes, Joe, they will making changes because it is not working and is impacting business in TJ. Today, they waved people through like in the old days. Not sure if because they felt it was busy or no. Other observations from fellow travelers have noticed that the return lines to the U.S are much shorter then normal indicating less traffic into Mexico. This has been observed first hand since the new procedures went in place:biggrin:


You also said this Ray:

After one week of operation, this new border procedure has definitely impacted the bottom line for many merchants out on Revolution. I also observed a large group of Young people returning from the entrance into Mexico having been denied entry because of no passport.
Merchants said there is a huge difference in the number of tourists between pre-inspection and now post inspection. I was there yesterday and it was dead out on the streets. Also, the line going back to the U.S reflects the lack of incoming tourists as it has been virtually wait free in my last 3 over the course of a week...sad
______________________________________

I doubted what you were saying was accurate because Tijuana is always crowded with people, and according to the CBP own website the waits in the afternoon back into the US pedestrian is usually over one hour long in the afternoon.

https://bwt.cbp.gov/

And here is another site that gives you current information and the past week:

http://traffic.calit2.net/border/border-wait-times.php?type=...

So sorry, but I'm going to treat what you say as anecdotal evidence, and wait till I hear from official reports, or newspaper article, translated word for word. I have my own experiences crossing the border on foot, and I monitor other Baja site, and they report the lines have not been really long, and many times, Mexican officials are not checking anybody's passport, but that doesn't mean, they're changing back to the old policy.

Perhaps you don't see anybody on Avenida Revolución, or you hear bar owners complaining about tourist on the tourist drag, because Avenida Revolución, is old, and has nothing new. According to another Mexican article last week, the tourist are branching out to other places in Tijuana, than just tourist trap, Avenida Revolución.

I mention this because you Ray, claim you have been visiting Avenida Revolución for something like 17 years.

Here is some tourist spots people are visiting than just Avenida Revolución.

http://www.tripadvisor.com/Attractions-g150776-Activities-Ti...
Anyway, Joe, didn't want this to drag out but I have seen definite impacts as have the merchants I spoke to. I guess time will tell...eh?:P



rayfornario - 9-4-2015 at 11:47 AM

I see some other posters have their own opinions on both the article and impact to business. Anyhow, I have made own observations as have others. I guess everyone is entitled to their opinion...

SFandH - 9-4-2015 at 12:32 PM

Quote: Originally posted by rayfornario  
I see some other posters have their own opinions on both the article and impact to business. Anyhow, I have made own observations as have others. I guess everyone is entitled to their opinion...


Just to let you know I appreciate you keeping us up-to-date about the changes going on at the SY pedestrian crossing.

Let us know when something new comes up.

[Edited on 9-4-2015 by SFandH]

rayfornario - 9-4-2015 at 01:49 PM

I will. Heading down tomorrow.