BajaNomad

Getting an FMM? Do I need one?

John Harper - 3-26-2017 at 10:54 AM

I'm not sure I need an FMM to go to Mike's Sky Ranch, I plan to be in Baja for 5 days. I don't need to get turned around after getting down HWY 3 on the way.

It looks like I can get one online from INM, but confused as to whether I have to have it stamped at the border. Some of the information seems conflicting.

If so, where do I get it stamped, it seems like there is no place to stop (unless Mexican secondary) that I've noticed. I looked on Google, and it listed the office at the border permanently closed?

I recall years ago getting a paper at Maneadero, on the the way to Abreojos, but that was way back in 1984.

Already got a fishing license and truck insurance, but I still have two weeks to get my FMM taken care of if necessary.

Thanks,

John

[Edited on 3-26-2017 by John Harper]

bajaguy - 3-26-2017 at 10:59 AM

Yes, you need an FMM as soon as you enter Mexico.

You can get your FMM on line, but still have to get it stamped and passport verified at the INM (Immigration) office at the border crossing, or purchase the FMM at the INM office

All border crossings have parking for INM or Customs business or ask the Aduana (Customs) officers where you can park

The Maneadero checkpoint has not been in operation for many years, get your FMM on line or at the border

If you are in Mexico for 5 days, the FMM is free

John Harper - 3-26-2017 at 11:08 AM

Okay, that's good to know. It was just so chaotic going through with the big right and left turns and then everyone converging just past the Mexican secondary. No sense getting one online if I have to stop anyway, and get one for free.

So, is the office before or after the border (San Ysidro) entrance gates?

John



[Edited on 3-26-2017 by John Harper]

yellowklr - 3-26-2017 at 11:17 AM

Quote: Originally posted by John Harper  
Okay, that's good to know. It was just so chaotic going through with the big right and left turns and then everyone converging just past the Mexican secondary. No sense getting one online if I have to stop anyway, and get one for free.

So, is the office before or after the border (San Ysidro) entrance gates?

John











its just before you cross stay as far as to the right as you can you will see the parking lot



[Edited on 3-26-2017 by John Harper]


[Edited on 3-26-2017 by yellowklr]

John Harper - 3-26-2017 at 11:19 AM

Quote: Originally posted by yellowklr  
Quote: Originally posted by John Harper  
Okay, that's good to know. It was just so chaotic going through with the big right and left turns and then everyone converging just past the Mexican secondary. No sense getting one online if I have to stop anyway, and get one for free.

So, is the office before or after the border (San Ysidro) entrance gates?

John











its just before you cross stay as far as to the right as you can you will see the parking lot



[Edited on 3-26-2017 by John Harper]


[Edited on 3-26-2017 by yellowklr]


Okay, I think I know where you mean, I try to stay to the right side anyway cause I can hit the toll road offramp easier.

Thank you.

John

bajaguy - 3-26-2017 at 11:47 AM

Get into the "To Declare" lane (far right), proceed straight ahead to the parking lot of Customs. Tell the inspector you will be getting your FMM.

Walk through the building, exit and make a left turn. The INM office will be on your left.

When exiting the parking lot and heading to the Aduana (Customs) gates/inspection area, stay to the right and after you pass the gates get as far right as you can.

Take the first ramp to the right and it will take you along the border fence and set you up for the toll road

John Harper - 3-26-2017 at 11:53 AM

Quote: Originally posted by bajaguy  
Get into the "To Declare" lane (far right), proceed straight ahead to the parking lot of Customs. Tell the inspector you will be getting your FMM.

Walk through the building, exit and make a left turn. The INM office will be on your left.

When exiting the parking lot and heading to the Aduana (Customs) gates/inspection area, stay to the right and after you pass the gates get as far right as you can.

Take the first ramp to the right and it will take you along the border fence and set you up for the toll road


Thank you, I'm familiar with the road, got some dental work done at Rancho Santini a couple months ago and stayed with at my roommate's place in Campo Lopez (K55). Just been a long time since I've been down there, used to spend weeks at a time there.

John

David K - 3-26-2017 at 12:10 PM

It will all work out (it always does in Baja)... Just relax and tackle each event as it presents itself. A smile and honesty goes a long way in Mexico.
In the past, the "Border Region" did not require a Tourist Card for up to 72 hours stay. This Border Region ended at Maneadero (10 mi south of Ensenada). That deal ended a year or two ago, so yes any trip into Baja for any time or any location requires the Tourist Card (FMM). However, with millions just going to Tijuana for the day, they can't possible stop each car to inform this or send you to the INM office. Otherwise, traffic would be backed up to Los Angeles!

willardguy - 3-26-2017 at 12:36 PM

Quote: Originally posted by John Harper  
Quote: Originally posted by bajaguy  
Get into the "To Declare" lane (far right), proceed straight ahead to the parking lot of Customs. Tell the inspector you will be getting your FMM.

Walk through the building, exit and make a left turn. The INM office will be on your left.

When exiting the parking lot and heading to the Aduana (Customs) gates/inspection area, stay to the right and after you pass the gates get as far right as you can.

Take the first ramp to the right and it will take you along the border fence and set you up for the toll road


Thank you, I'm familiar with the road, got some dental work done at Rancho Santini a couple months ago and stayed with at my roommate's place in Campo Lopez (K55). Just been a long time since I've been down there, used to spend weeks at a time there.

John


john with so many choices for dentists how did you choose marco at surf dentistry?

John Harper - 3-26-2017 at 02:00 PM

Quote: Originally posted by willardguy  
Quote: Originally posted by John Harper  
Quote: Originally posted by bajaguy  
Get into the "To Declare" lane (far right), proceed straight ahead to the parking lot of Customs. Tell the inspector you will be getting your FMM.

Walk through the building, exit and make a left turn. The INM office will be on your left.

When exiting the parking lot and heading to the Aduana (Customs) gates/inspection area, stay to the right and after you pass the gates get as far right as you can.

Take the first ramp to the right and it will take you along the border fence and set you up for the toll road


Thank you, I'm familiar with the road, got some dental work done at Rancho Santini a couple months ago and stayed with at my roommate's place in Campo Lopez (K55). Just been a long time since I've been down there, used to spend weeks at a time there.

John


john with so many choices for dentists how did you choose marco at surf dentistry?


My roommate recommended him, plus I get to stay at K55 for the weekend. My dad was a dentist and I can tell Marco is very skilled, way better than the US dentist I tried in Cardiff. Had an inlay done and a small chip veneer. Only $600. He has the lab work done in the US and has a practice in Huntington Beach. Nice guy and very meticulous.

I have recommended him to several people up here in the Estados Dividos already.

John



[Edited on 3-26-2017 by John Harper]

John Harper - 3-26-2017 at 02:12 PM

Quote: Originally posted by David K  
It will all work out (it always does in Baja)... Just relax and tackle each event as it presents itself. A smile and honesty goes a long way in Mexico.


So true.

John

David K - 3-26-2017 at 03:37 PM

My dad was a dentist, too. Had an office in Rancho Santa Fe, when I was a kid in the 60s.

John Harper - 3-26-2017 at 04:46 PM

Quote: Originally posted by David K  
My dad was a dentist, too. Had an office in Rancho Santa Fe, when I was a kid in the 60s.


I grew up in Fillmore, same era, not quite the clientele your dad likely had, bud good people one and all. An oil and farming area. Lots of Okies and Mexicans. We all got along just fine.

John




[Edited on 3-26-2017 by John Harper]

weebray - 3-26-2017 at 05:00 PM

If by some chance you don't get an FMM, in practice, you won't ever be asked to show it. Coming back in to the US they won't give a hoot either. Don't worry, be happy, drive on.

bajabuddha - 3-26-2017 at 05:26 PM

Quote: Originally posted by John Harper  


I have recommended him to several people up here in the Estados Dividos already.

\
Estados Dividos........ PRICELESS. :bounce: :lol:

John Harper - 3-26-2017 at 05:33 PM

Quote: Originally posted by bajabuddha  
Quote: Originally posted by John Harper  


I have recommended him to several people up here in the Estados Dividos already.

\
Estados Dividos........ PRICELESS. :bounce: :lol:


Thanks, it just popped into my head. It definitely works.

John

willardguy - 3-26-2017 at 06:48 PM

Quote: Originally posted by John Harper  
Quote: Originally posted by bajabuddha  
Quote: Originally posted by John Harper  


I have recommended him to several people up here in the Estados Dividos already.

\
Estados Dividos........ PRICELESS. :bounce: :lol:


Thanks, it just popped into my head. It definitely works.

John


thanks, just curious..everyone has a dentist that they swear up and down can't be beat, all my neighbors use surf dentistry and are very pleased, thanks!:yes:

John Harper - 3-29-2017 at 03:58 PM

Okay, my roommate who lives at K55 says I cross the border, then turn to park after the secondary inspection area. I looked on a sat view, and it looks like you can park just before the gates, near the big flag. I found a website that suggested that method. I'm thinking you can do either?

Should be at the border around 6AM on Palm Sunday, so hopefully not many folks entering at that time so easily get in and out.

John

John Harper - 3-29-2017 at 04:01 PM

Quote: Originally posted by willardguy  
Quote: Originally posted by John Harper  
Quote: Originally posted by bajabuddha  
Quote: Originally posted by John Harper  


I have recommended him to several people up here in the Estados Dividos already.

\
Estados Dividos........ PRICELESS. :bounce: :lol:


Thanks, it just popped into my head. It definitely works.

John


thanks, just curious..everyone has a dentist that they swear up and down can't be beat, all my neighbors use surf dentistry and are very pleased, thanks!:yes:


Yes, mine was my dad, but unfortunately he's dead. All his colleagues went to him. Marco is damn good, I can tell.

[Edited on 3-29-2017 by John Harper]

willardguy - 3-29-2017 at 04:02 PM

you pull into the first structure you come to, the big covered parking lot for declaration.

John Harper - 3-29-2017 at 04:07 PM

Quote: Originally posted by willardguy  
you pull into the first structure you come to, the big covered parking lot for declaration.


Is that before the border gates? I went through recently, just did not really pay attention cause of heavy traffic. I know it's a big blue building, and I stay to the right. I've never stopped to pick up paperwork at the border, so it's a bit strange. Been going since 1974 when my dad and I flew into BDLA.

John

[Edited on 3-29-2017 by John Harper]

David K - 3-29-2017 at 05:02 PM

There have been a hundred posts on this here. You can park before or after going through the gate, whatever works.

Seriously, don't worry so much... we all do it (that follow the rules) and everything always works out. Just park at the first opportunity after the highway bends south and you see the building and multiple lines. Parking sites on either side of the building.

Here are photos and directions of that border crossing, from Baja Bound:

https://www.bajabound.com/before/driving/xborder.php

https://www.bajabound.com/before/driving/directions/elchapar...

y2kbaja - 3-30-2017 at 06:39 AM

We crossed at Mexicali east and missed first turn into the parking lot. The attendant at the exit let us enter and park. The FMM office is under the big cover and took little time to get. We then went to the bank at the parking lot and paid, then back to FMM. We were to be in Baja from Saturday noon to Saturday noon. 7 days in my books but turns out to be 8 calendar days so we had to pay. I feel much better traveling as far as we did (Loreto) having the proper paperwork.

David K - 3-30-2017 at 08:10 AM

Quote: Originally posted by y2kbaja  
We crossed at Mexicali east and missed first turn into the parking lot. The attendant at the exit let us enter and park. The FMM office is under the big cover and took little time to get. We then went to the bank at the parking lot and paid, then back to FMM. We were to be in Baja from Saturday noon to Saturday noon. 7 days in my books but turns out to be 8 calendar days so we had to pay. I feel much better traveling as far as we did (Loreto) having the proper paperwork.


Now, you can go back to Baja on another trip (if you can or want to) before the 180 days is expired without that stop at the border!

sancho - 3-30-2017 at 11:40 AM

Quote: Originally posted by y2kbaja  
We were to be in Baja from Saturday noon to Saturday noon. 7 days in my books but turns out to be 8 calendar days so we had to pay. I feel much better traveling as far as we did (Loreto) having the proper paperwork.










I think the way the 7 day fmm is, 6 nts/7days, so yes your
time in Baja would be 7 nts. I cross at Mexicalli West, they are
so quirky about wanting the 7 day returned. I just get the
180 day

Alm - 3-30-2017 at 12:26 PM

Quote: Originally posted by David K  
Just park at the first opportunity after the highway bends south and you see the building and multiple lines. Parking sites on either side of the building.

Here are photos and directions of that border crossing, from Baja Bound:

David, there is a parking before the SY gates, North of the building.

Correct me if I'm wrong, I don't see any photos showing parking sites on the other side of building. Every time after I've crossed, I'm busy getting into the right-most lane in order to get to the toll Hwy, and gate attendants are doing their best to NOT let you turn into anything that looks like a parking space on the "other" side of the gates - those spots are either for a Secondary inspection or for Mex border employees.

So, my suggestion would be - park before the gates. Then - if you want a toll Hwy - with a regular vehicle take any gate closer to the right, and with a wide trailer - the very 1st right-most gate.

[Edited on 3-30-2017 by Alm]

David K - 3-30-2017 at 12:59 PM

I think I said there was parking before or after the gates... the other side of the building is covered parking, is it not? I get this parking info from fellow Nomads who have said numerous times that info... and said to the Secondary people that you are getting an FMM. This was how it was done before the new border was opened.

I have not yet personally driven through the new Tijuana border since 2012... I will be soon, however, and will report what I find. Tecate and Mexicali West the past several trips south. I crossed at Otay in 2011 last I think?

In any case, thank you, Alm... Noted to TRY and park north of the building and gates!!

SY Parking

bajaguy - 3-30-2017 at 01:04 PM

Park on the north side of the SAT building in the "To Declare" inspection area and advise the SAT/Aduana (Customs) inspector you will be going to INM for your FMM.....no problems parking there.

There is no parking south of the building, and if you park where the busses pull up, you will be told to move.

After you pass through the gates and "secondary" area there are some parking slots, however they are for people paying duty at the bank inside the building, and if you park there you may be told to move

David K - 3-30-2017 at 01:22 PM

Quote: Originally posted by bajaguy  
Park on the north side of the SAT building in the "To Declare" inspection area and advise the SAT/Aduana (Customs) inspector you will be going to INM for your FMM.....no problems parking there.

There is no parking south of the building, and if you park where the busses pull up, you will be told to move.

After you pass through the gates and "secondary" area there are some parking slots, however they are for people paying duty at the bank inside the building, and if you park there you may be told to move


View looking down from space with south on top...



So, am I just not seeing ANYONE parked on the north or is that not where the parking for INM is? How bad will it be to try and merge back into the south flow after getting the FMMs?

[Edited on 3-30-2017 by David K]

bajaguy - 3-30-2017 at 01:30 PM

You park under those white tents on the north side. the "To Declare" area ....when you exit the parking lot just merge to your right into the traffic headed to the gates.....

the INM cubbyhole is located in the little breezeway between the two buildings

[Edited on 3-30-2017 by bajaguy]

Alm - 3-30-2017 at 01:51 PM

Quote: Originally posted by David K  

So, am I just not seeing ANYONE parked on the north or is that not where the parking for INM is? How bad will it be to try and merge back into the south flow after getting the FMMs?

On your photo the "Declare" North parking is at the bottom. Yes, there are rarely more than a few cars in the "Declare" because people don't want to "declare" :)... You can park there with confidence, this won't be interpreted as an admission of guilt, if anybody is looking just tell them that you need INM, FMM etc.

On the parking South of the gates there are buses waiting for passengers, police cars and something else. You are not supposed to park there.

It's not difficult to merge into the "head" of the South-bound flow before the gates. They are moving slowly and keep distance. On the photo a couple of gates in the middle are inactive, sometimes all the gates closer to the building are open . (and of course, the right-most gate next to the building is always open because it is for buses and wide vehicles). However, AFTER the gates it can be difficult to merge into the right-most lane if you are in the left-most lane at 5 pm on Friday.

[Edited on 3-30-2017 by Alm]

KurtG - 3-30-2017 at 02:46 PM

Quote: Originally posted by David K  


So, am I just not seeing ANYONE parked on the north or is that not where the parking for INM is? How bad will it be to try and merge back into the south flow after getting the FMMs?

[Edited on 3-30-2017 by David K]


It just couldn't be any easier, you don't see vehicles parked on the north side of the building because they are under those canopies. I have had no difficulty merging back into a crossing lane. This whole thing is not a complicated process.

David K - 3-30-2017 at 03:04 PM

OK, this is great... I can edit the photo and add notes.

Let me know if this is correct...

bkbend - 3-30-2017 at 03:25 PM

And if you're pulling a boat/trailer/etc. the area north of the tents has pull thru parking or long parking slots, can't remember which.

bajaguy - 3-30-2017 at 03:42 PM

Now put a little green circle in the breezeway between the two buildings where that little white square is (INM office) and connect them with a dotted yellow line
Quote: Originally posted by David K  
OK, this is great... I can edit the photo and add notes.

Let me know if this is correct...

John Harper - 3-30-2017 at 04:06 PM

Okay, so I'm right you can/should park before the border. I did not see anywhere to turn or get back into traffic past the gates. I read that you park near the big flag. You can see it in the photo.

John

[Edited on 3-30-2017 by John Harper]

bajaguy - 3-30-2017 at 04:20 PM

Actually, you are already in Mexico at the Aduana (Customs ) gates. The border is about 1/3 of a mile behind you
Quote: Originally posted by John Harper  
Okay, so I'm right you can/should park before the border. I did not see anywhere to turn or get back into traffic past the gates. I read that you park near the big flag. You can see it in the photo.

John

[Edited on 3-30-2017 by John Harper]

elgatoloco - 3-30-2017 at 04:26 PM

Quote: Originally posted by John Harper  
Okay, so I'm right you can/should park before the border. I did not see anywhere to turn or get back into traffic past the gates. I read that you park near the big flag. You can see it in the photo.

John

[Edited on 3-30-2017 by John Harper]


Its easy. You park. Get paperwork. Head back to the line of traffic and merge (make sure to keep moving slowly and don't make eye contact) - kidding aside - at early hour it wont be a big deal. We were at K55 Casa 29 yesterday. It was beautiful day and surf was up! :saint:

David K - 3-30-2017 at 04:42 PM

Quote: Originally posted by bajaguy  
Now put a little green circle in the breezeway between the two buildings where that little white square is (INM office) and connect them with a dotted yellow line


Do I have the INM location correct?

bajaguy - 3-30-2017 at 04:44 PM

Yup, it is near that little white square at the bottom of the diamond
Quote: Originally posted by David K  
Quote: Originally posted by bajaguy  
Now put a little green circle in the breezeway between the two buildings where that little white square is (INM office) and connect them with a dotted yellow line


Do I have the INM location correct?

David K - 3-30-2017 at 04:48 PM

Is there a tall iron bar fence along tent parking, making the shadow of bars on the concrete?
When you are ready to drive on south, do you leave the tent area the same way as you got in (opening by the flag pole)?

bajaguy - 3-30-2017 at 04:56 PM

I think they are concrete pillars.......and yes, you enter/exit the same way

Without the tent https://www.google.com.mx/maps/@32.541227,-117.0348987,78m/d...
Quote: Originally posted by David K  
Is there a tall iron bar fence along tent parking, making the shadow of bars on the concrete?
When you are ready to drive on south, do you leave the tent area the same way as you got in (opening by the flag pole)?


[Edited on 3-31-2017 by bajaguy]

mtgoat666 - 3-30-2017 at 05:17 PM

Dk, seems like your are writing your guide book. You need to go do it yourself, eh?

John Harper - 3-30-2017 at 05:51 PM

Quote: Originally posted by elgatoloco  
Quote: Originally posted by John Harper  
Okay, so I'm right you can/should park before the border. I did not see anywhere to turn or get back into traffic past the gates. I read that you park near the big flag. You can see it in the photo.

John

[Edited on 3-30-2017 by John Harper]


Its easy. You park. Get paperwork. Head back to the line of traffic and merge (make sure to keep moving slowly and don't make eye contact) - kidding aside - at early hour it wont be a big deal. We were at K55 Casa 29 yesterday. It was beautiful day and surf was up! :saint:



My roommate lives in Casa 39 since the early 60's, everyone calls her Cata (Cathy), maybe your friends know her. I wake up early so going in early Sunday makes sense, nice and mellow. Just hope to find a couple trout.

John



[Edited on 3-31-2017 by John Harper]

David K - 3-30-2017 at 07:36 PM

Quote: Originally posted by mtgoat666  
Dk, seems like your are writing your guide book. You need to go do it yourself, eh?


You missed where I said I will be crossing there again, soon. So far, all my 2017 trips began at Mexicali and ended at Tecate.

mtgoat666 - 3-30-2017 at 09:19 PM

Quote: Originally posted by David K  
Quote: Originally posted by mtgoat666  
Dk, seems like your are writing your guide book. You need to go do it yourself, eh?


You missed where I said I will be crossing there again, soon. So far, all my 2017 trips began at Mexicali and ended at Tecate.


You are in for an adventure!
TJ has changed a lot since 1972, when you last visited riding in your dad's 1969 galaxy station wagon!

Alm - 3-31-2017 at 12:15 AM

Quote: Originally posted by John Harper  
Okay, so I'm right you can/should park before the border. I did not see anywhere to turn or get back into traffic past the gates. I read that you park near the big flag. You can see it in the photo.

The big flagpole is before/across the entrance to the parking. You park under the white tents, in the green circle. Or to the right of the circle, in pull-through spaces. Anywhere inside the fenced area - you can see the iron fence.

"I did not see anywhere to turn or get back into traffic past the gates" - I don't understand. There is no "traffic" immediately past the gates.

Big orange-brown roof is the row of the gates. Past the gates there are smaller roofs - carports over Secondary inspection.
After getting through your chosen gate you're moving slowly in a single file and in a straight line unless they flag you down to a Secondary.
Until after you're past the last brown roof, you're in the Customs Kindom, moving slowly in a single file, polite, smiling, prepared to be stopped any moment.

The traffic begins past the very last brown roof - where you can see cars turning to the right from 2 or 3 single files, approximately near the end of the buses parking.

[Edited on 3-31-2017 by Alm]

John Harper - 3-31-2017 at 05:53 AM

Quote: Originally posted by Alm  
Quote: Originally posted by John Harper  
Okay, so I'm right you can/should park before the border. I did not see anywhere to turn or get back into traffic past the gates. I read that you park near the big flag. You can see it in the photo.

The big flagpole is before/across the entrance to the parking. You park under the white tents, in the green circle. Or to the right of the circle, in pull-through spaces. Anywhere inside the fenced area - you can see the iron fence.

"I did not see anywhere to turn or get back into traffic past the gates" - I don't understand. There is no "traffic" immediately past the gates.


I meant it looks like you can't turn right just after the crossing gates, because secondary inspection is right there. That's why it made sense that you could park before that (as described). I'm familiar with the traffic flow after that. I have been down there twice this year for dental work.

John

David K - 3-31-2017 at 07:49 AM

Quote: Originally posted by mtgoat666  
Quote: Originally posted by David K  
Quote: Originally posted by mtgoat666  
Dk, seems like your are writing your guide book. You need to go do it yourself, eh?


You missed where I said I will be crossing there again, soon. So far, all my 2017 trips began at Mexicali and ended at Tecate.


You are in for an adventure!
TJ has changed a lot since 1972, when you last visited riding in your dad's 1969 galaxy station wagon!


You are hilarious! We have toured around Tijuana many times the past dozen years. Do you want links to see them? LOL.
My dad had a Jeep Wagoneer to 1971, then a Chevy Suburban 4x4, and early in 1973 got the Ford LTD Country Squire station wagon. He added a second gas tank and air adjustable shocks to it for the trip to Loreto that year, before the highway was completed or even bulldozed in the center (Agua Dulce to Chapala).

BajaMama - 3-31-2017 at 09:56 AM

David K you have the google earth photo correctly marked as of last time I crossed (October). All he has to do is stay to the right when heading toward the crossing as do as everyone else says! My first time through the new crossing I got flustered, but I was kindly directed to park where the other tents are (south, after crossing) and you can get to immigration from there, too. But obviously declaring will be moot.