BajaNomad

Where to get tourist visa at Mexicali crossing?

Tbone - 10-10-2016 at 11:39 AM

Where can we get a tourist visa at the Mexicali crossing? What time does the INM open in the morning?

Thanks

[Edited on 10-10-2016 by Tbone]

[Edited on 10-11-2016 by Tbone]

PaulW - 10-10-2016 at 01:30 PM

east crossing is the only on I use. drive thru and park parallel to the main road just past the guard area and walk back, Its an office on the west side under the canopy. If the couple of parking places along the road are taken then take the next right into the big parking lot.

David K - 10-10-2016 at 01:51 PM

The west crossing, or "downtown" original border crossing, it is in white building immediately on your left once you pass the border gate. Signed INM. They take the money for the 180 day FMM there as well.

sancho - 10-10-2016 at 01:59 PM

As DK said, for the Downtown crossing, Mex Imm is 100' or
so to the left as you enter Mex, there are 8 or so diagonal
parking spaces in front

Tbone - 10-10-2016 at 02:53 PM

Quote: Originally posted by sancho  
As DK said, for the Downtown crossing, Mex Imm is 100' or
so to the left as you enter Mex, there are 8 or so diagonal
parking spaces in front



Thank you all.

liknbaja127 - 10-10-2016 at 08:19 PM

We just got back from San Felipe, going down we went through Mexicali, on Friday, IMN can right up to truck asked for passport, and said we will need visa did not matter if we were only going for 4 days!
he did all the paper work, we gave them $50.00 US, and were told it is good for 6 months! And did not have to return them! This was Friday around 11:30 am. We did have a large group, app. 6 trucks. that was a first for me!

sancho - 10-11-2016 at 10:46 AM

Quote: Originally posted by liknbaja127  
IMN can right up to truck asked for passport, and said we will need visa did not matter if we were only going for 4 days!








Have heard of Imm stopping tourists entering at the Old Mexicali
crossing. Technically the border zone 72 hr. rule is a thing of the
past. They can do that due to the # of vehicles entering there, impractical at TJ. If you have an existing 180 day fmm, I
understand you can enter. The free 7 day fmm is available, some
border crossings may do things differently


David K - 10-11-2016 at 11:40 AM

Quote: Originally posted by liknbaja127  
We just got back from San Felipe, going down we went through Mexicali, on Friday, IMN can right up to truck asked for passport, and said we will need visa did not matter if we were only going for 4 days!
he did all the paper work, we gave them $50.00 US, and were told it is good for 6 months! And did not have to return them! This was Friday around 11:30 am. We did have a large group, app. 6 trucks. that was a first for me!


Exactly...

I was the first vehicle in our 4 Toyota caravan Sept. 9 and got the red light! LOL

They just looked over my Tacoma and waved me on... the INM office is immediately on your left and there was no vacant parking in front... but a spot just opened a few hundred feet past (looks like a taxi parking area) and I pulled in.

The other three Toyotas did not get a red light BUT were approached as they passed the gate and told to pull over at INM to get Tourist Cards... and told they could double park behind the filled parking spots there! Thank goodness!

Most of the group had pre-paid FMMs from Discover Baja Travel Club, but as we all should know, they are NOT valid unless you stop at INM and get them stamped. My passenger and I purchased our FMMs there... all was done in 15 minutes, including bathroom use, down a long hallway from the office waiting room, next door. It takes no extra effort to pay for the FMMs than getting them stamped, and the INM officer takes the money right there, too.

Tbone - 10-11-2016 at 01:05 PM

Any idea what the INM hours of operation are? What time they open?

David K - 10-11-2016 at 01:11 PM

Same hours as the border, ie. 24 at Mexicali West

EDIT: Of course, that is what is posted... I have only used them when the sun was up!

[Edited on 10-11-2016 by David K]

liknbaja127 - 10-11-2016 at 06:59 PM

It worked out great for us, we will going back in November for Thanksgiving. Like David said It was very easy, and they told us to double park!

Tbone - 10-12-2016 at 05:34 AM

Thanks David and liknbaja.

boe4fun - 10-15-2016 at 12:25 PM

Thanks for the info amigos!