BajaNomad - Calixico West crossing

Calixico West crossing

PaulW - 7-9-2018 at 06:47 AM

New border is opening. The mexico side is still unknown. Here is the US side

David K - 7-9-2018 at 07:52 AM

Thanks Paul.

AKgringo - 7-9-2018 at 08:56 AM

Thanks for the info, that has been my choice of entry points for a while now. I had a little trouble reconciling the link posted because Ceasar Chavez is also called out as River Rd on some maps.

David K - 7-9-2018 at 09:05 AM

I hope that the Mexican side has the wisdom to add more parking spots for INM if they really want us to all get FMM tourist cards!

PaulW - 7-10-2018 at 02:02 PM

Speak Spanish?
https://www.facebook.com/dosmilth/videos/1921359504583114/?t...

I will second that motion!!

thebajarunner - 7-11-2018 at 06:22 PM

Quote: Originally posted by David K

I hope that the Mexican side has the wisdom to add more parking spots for INM if they really want us to all get FMM tourist cards!

When we have several vehicles going in together at least one of our guys gets seriously hassled, maybe even paying an assessment, for parking in places that were not proper.
Total bummer...
If they want us to comply with immigration issues then they should provide some reasonable parking.
The ingress at San Ysidro is marvelous in the big parking layout
Very convenient and very efficient!!

Video of new Mexicali West entrance drive.

David K - 7-12-2018 at 08:28 AM

Looks like a big deal and totally new. The video ends before I could tell where they were in relation to the street for San Felipe with the train tracks in the center. Maybe a whole new way?

https://www.facebook.com/dosmilth/videos/1921359504583114/Uz...

AKgringo - 7-12-2018 at 08:48 AM

The old entry point was tight on parking spaces, but at least I knew where to get the FMM! I am guessing that to get one now, I will have to keep to the left, but would appreciate a confirmation if someone passes through there in the near future.

It is good to see that 'stop' signs are just a suggestion.

mjs - 7-12-2018 at 10:20 AM

From the video and maps it looks like the new exit is on to Calzada de Los Presidentes.

BajaUtah - 7-12-2018 at 11:29 AM

Quote: Originally posted by AKgringo

It is good to see that 'stop' signs are just a suggestion.

Just more opportunities for Mexicalli's finest to score a bit of spending money.

David K - 7-22-2018 at 12:56 AM

Video was from Mary at Playa Mexico... She needed to renew her FMM but the nice new building (on the left) at the new border was not yet staffed so they directed her to drive north a block or two to the original crossing area. Give then time, it will be ready mañana!

My guess that from the border they will direct us down some new system of roads that eventually merge back into the former route? Look for signs saying San Felipe, Mexico #5, Puertecitos, etc. The Hwy. 2 for San Luis R.C., Sonora braches off the original road, 5 miles from the border. That fork (train track crossing) in Km. 0 for the San Felipe highway.

JZ - 7-22-2018 at 03:38 PM

Quote: Originally posted by AKgringo

It is good to see that 'stop' signs are just a suggestion.

I ran one on accident at San Luis just after the red light/green light a couple years back. Cost me $40.

new west crossing

daledives - 7-31-2018 at 04:15 PM

new crossing once you are in mexico did not work for us, we must have missed a left turn?? We drove a long way last week and ended in a dead end, had to back track and then did an old-time jump across some barriers for road work, we were definitely off-roading for a bit, going to have to try something different next time Don't know yet how to get back to old crossing and get our FMMs

David K - 7-31-2018 at 07:22 PM

From what Mary at Playa Mexico posted, just after entering Mexico at the new crossing, you turn left (north) to get back to the old crossing. The INM hadn't moved yet, so she needed a new FMM, too. Then, of course, you take the street with the railroad tracks in the center.

I was really hoping to hear they installed signs (and moved INM) from the new crossing on south.

Thanks for the report and your fun tour of Mexicali back streets!

PaulW - 8-6-2018 at 07:09 AM

Here is the latest update for the Mexicali west crossing. For sure I have not tried it , but I think the report is reliable

Directions to and thru the new Southbound Calexico West border crossing.
From Hwy 8 or State Hwy 95, go south on Hwy 111 also known as Imperial Highway.
Turn right on Second Street, where there is a duty free store on the corner.
Unless you want to go to Downtown Mexicali, merge into the middle lane.
At the first STOP sign, you will turn LEFT and enter the Mexican southbound border check point
crossing. Stay in the middle or right lane.
The entry to these new check lanes is the same as on the old southbound crossing, so it should look
familiar to you.
After you have passed thru the inspection area, be sure to be in the RIGHT lanes and continue stay in
them. These lanes will take you to the NEW River Road. But you won’t know that cause there are no
signs. It’s also known as Calzada de los Presidentes (you won’t see a sign for this name either ☺).
Just stay on this 6 lane road which has a very wide center median. There WILL be SIGNS pointing the
way to San Felipe. You will be on this road for about 5 or 6 miles* until you see a SIGN pointing LEFT
to San Felipe. This is where you make a left turn and after about 1.5 miles you will come Sam’s
Club/Walmart on the right and very near the street is a VIP’s Restaurant. Stay in the right lane and follow
it around, over railroad tracks, then drive (watch for the stop sign) past the closed PEMEX Station on
your right. The overpass lanes will drop down on the road that you are on. About 1 mile ahead is Home
Depot. Just a few football fields ahead, is where you merge to the right onto HWY 5 and from here is a
straight shot.
*For some sightseeing points, you see a sports park on the left side of this road
On the Left, a group of brown buildings is the location of the new Justice Center, containing courtrooms,
and related facilities. Just beyond on the Left is the local Jail. Enough said.
The Mexicali Zoo will be on your right, and the approach will look like a park.
Just past the Zoo is a UABC 4 story building for Clinical Behavior studies.
Past the UABC watch for the overhead sign POINTING to the LEFT to go to San Felipe. Yup, take the
next left turn at the signal light.

David K - 8-6-2018 at 07:18 AM

Thanks, Paul. There is no mention about INM?
Because all of us who don't have a resident visa must get an FMM and must get it at the border, that's kind of important...
Some questions...
Has INM relocated to the new crossing?
Is it the building on the left, as before?
Do you park for INM before the automatic gates of after?

PaulW - 8-6-2018 at 08:18 AM

No info in INM. I will post if the info becomes available.
For now what we need is a first hand write up.

David K - 8-6-2018 at 08:26 AM

Thanks Paul.

Pacifico - 8-6-2018 at 06:36 PM

I'm going south on Thursday. I'll investigate...

Pacifico - 8-9-2018 at 08:40 AM

I’m here now at the new crossing. The immigration office is not open yet at the new crossing. When you cross, stay to the left most road and go left up a slight hill and it takes you to the old immigration office....easy!

sbsyncro - 8-14-2018 at 02:07 PM

Quote: Originally posted by Pacifico

I’m here now at the new crossing. The immigration office is not open yet at the new crossing. When you cross, stay to the left most road and go left up a slight hill and it takes you to the old immigration office....easy!

Thanks John. I had no idea about this new crossing when we went across last week, and I could not figure out how to get to the office for the FMMs, and the people I asked were not very helpful. I missed that turnoff to the left, so we ended up meandering through downtown Mexicali until we picked up the 5 finally!

David K - 8-14-2018 at 02:12 PM

Quote: Originally posted by sbsyncro

Quote: Originally posted by Pacifico

The important thing is you had a good trip and nobody at any checkpoint told you to turn around without the papers.... I hope!

carlosg - 9-2-2018 at 06:46 PM

In a couple of weeks we plan to cross thru Calexico in the evening around 5 or 6pm on our way to BoLA and Punta San Francisquito.

Has anyone done it at this hour in the afternoon? My concern is if there's a lot of traffic going south at that time of the day like in San Ysidro and Tecate.

Thanks BajaNomads, any info is most welcome.

David K - 9-3-2018 at 08:54 AM

The new crossing seems to be designed for that long line of cars southbound on Friday evenings that disrupts Calexico business access on the 111 street. I will guess that 99% (or more) of those cars do not stop to get an FMM. Post if find that INM has finally moved to their new building or if you had to turn left to go to the old one (if you are getting FMMs).

carlosg - 9-3-2018 at 09:24 AM

Thanks David for your reply. We'll be crossing on a Tuesday afternoon or Wednesday early morning.

Quote: Originally posted by David K

... (if you are getting FMMs).

Regarding the FMM's we'll drive from Chula Vista to Tecate and get them days before we leave. I usually park ($5) my vehicle at the TC Worthy market on the US side and walk back and forth, that way its easier getting through the border when we cross on the day of our trip.

I'll follow up with a report on our crossing, trip and any encounters at the check points. We'll drive down on Mex 5 and drive back on Mex 1 to Ensenada via El Arco.

David K - 9-3-2018 at 12:39 PM

Have a fun trip Carlos!

Update End of September

tuckles - 9-27-2018 at 04:51 PM

Can anyone who has traveled though Calexico in late September give me easy directions to stop at the IMS office. I have not been through Calexico in years and have to stop at the IMS this time. Thanks.

KasloKid - 10-19-2018 at 10:16 PM

Any news if INM has moved to the new west crossing? Somewhere I read the target date was late September....

We'll be crossing there Nov 11..... on our way to the Baja 1000.

David K - 10-20-2018 at 08:19 AM

I keep looking here and on Facebook for word of the INM move to the new Mexicali crossing. Last I saw, you still need to turn left after crossing into Mexico and drive the block or two up to the old location to get it.

Pacifico - 10-20-2018 at 11:01 AM

When I went down in October the immigration guy told me that he thought that they would be moved to the new office by November.

MICK - 10-20-2018 at 08:41 PM

Yesterday they said two more weeks as of now you have to go thru then left to the old border crossing to get it

KasloKid - 10-20-2018 at 09:39 PM

Quote: Originally posted by MICK

Yesterday they said two more weeks as of now you have to go thru then left to the old border crossing to get it

Thanks. I hope I don't catch them on moving day....

[Edited on 10-21-2018 by KasloKid]

KasloKid - 11-7-2018 at 09:27 AM

Anybody have any news of the relocation of their office?

Cancamo - 11-7-2018 at 10:34 AM

Hard left after crossing, same building as before, parking is non-existent. Went up to the park three blocks up the blvd, waited for my friend to get his FMM.

David K - 11-7-2018 at 10:36 AM

Thanks for the update...

KasloKid - 11-7-2018 at 01:36 PM

Thanks. We'll be on dirt bikes so maybe we can squeeze into an opening somewhere close.. no fun walking 3 blocks in riding gear.

AKgringo - 11-7-2018 at 02:42 PM

Quote: Originally posted by KasloKid

Thanks. We'll be on dirt bikes so maybe we can squeeze into an opening somewhere close.. no fun walking 3 blocks in riding gear.

The last time I got my FFM at Calexico west was two years ago. My short little Sportage fit is a space about ten yards from the office door. A full size vehicle would not have fit there, but you should be fine!

David K - 11-7-2018 at 02:55 PM

If there are cars parked in the couple of spaces at the office, just double park... we were told it was okay as they were employee cars. So few people stop to get FMMs there is never a crowd... So silly, right? Maybe just Baja Nomads get these things?

KasloKid - 11-7-2018 at 09:40 PM

Thanks all... I'll figure it out on Sunday.
"Maybe just Baja Nomads get these things?" I've watched and taken part in a lot of discussions in this topic... my motto is to err on the side of caution... fewer potential surprises down the road. It's also a legal requirement and it only takes 10 minutes out of ones busy schedule to get their FMM.
Do you think it strange that there aren't many stories about individuals being checked or have gotten into a bit of crap for not having one? Nah, they're probably too embarrassed to tell their story....
Me thinks I'm stirring the pot.

David K - 11-8-2018 at 08:34 AM

I have one and agree it is the proper thing to do.

Pacifico - 11-8-2018 at 08:56 AM

Quote: Originally posted by KasloKid

Thanks. We'll be on dirt bikes so maybe we can squeeze into an opening somewhere close.. no fun walking 3 blocks in riding gear.

Kaslo, last time I got one there, there was an attendant who opened the barrier for me and let me in to park right in front of the office. There was a lot of construction going on. Then when I was leaving he stopped traffic for me and let me out. Not sure how it is now because it is constantly changing. Keep an eye out and there might be someone there to let you in.

KasloKid - 11-17-2018 at 07:44 PM

Last Sunday we entered at the new West crossing, pulled over immediately and was asked for our FMM's. We told the guy that we were on our way to the old office to get them and he responded by saying that the office is now at the new crossing. It's on your immediate left upon crossing. Lots of parking available.
My son got a 7 day free one. Asked if he had to return it upon exiting Mexico and was told no, not necessary.
I had already gotten mine a couple of weeks ago at San Luis, AND, just as we were get on our bikes to leave, the official told me to show him my FMM. I did and were sent on our way.

AKgringo - 11-17-2018 at 07:53 PM

Thank you for the update! I should be passing through there in the next couple of days, and now know what to look for.

David K - 11-17-2018 at 08:33 PM

Wonderful news and good to hear about parking there, too.
Thank you.

PamelaP - 12-11-2018 at 07:41 AM

Has anyone crossed at Calixico recently and know if the Immigration office has moved to the new crossing? We have family joining us and would like to direct them to correct location to get the proper documentation for their visit.

mjs - 12-11-2018 at 08:16 AM

I have not been into the new office but I believe it has moved. I have been stopped twice on recent crossings by an immigration officer and asked where I was going and to see my residence card. I suspect I would have been directed to the office if I didn't have a residence or tourist permit. YMMV.

PamelaP - 12-11-2018 at 09:01 AM

Thanks I found the answer! This thread is working wonderfully!

Rossman - 12-11-2018 at 05:00 PM

Interesting comments about the IMM office being moved. I went through there last Wednesday and asked where it was and the guy said it was in the same location at the old crossing. Since I already had a valid FMM I didn't search for it. But I will in a couple months.

David K - 12-11-2018 at 05:36 PM

Interesting, because it is been reported to be at the new crossing now. On the left, lots of parking.

Pacifico - 12-11-2018 at 05:48 PM

Quote: Originally posted by Rossman

Interesting comments about the IMM office being moved. I went through there last Wednesday and asked where it was and the guy said it was in the same location at the old crossing. Since I already had a valid FMM I didn't search for it. But I will in a couple months.

That's weird....They have definitely moved to the new building. Last time through we were towing and they made us go to the left of the big building. They checked us for tourist cards and those who didn't have them had to go in and get one.