BajaNomad

MEXICALI PORT OF ENTRY CLOSED

BajaParrothead - 6-26-2020 at 08:51 PM

Arrived at southbound east crossing today at 6:30 PM and found it closed. It appeared the truck lane was still allowing traffic. Drove over to the west and found Imperial Avenue Grid locked without any movement. The line was backed up nearly two miles to the north and as far as I could see to the west. I would imagine they were possibly screening and letting the workers back home and denying all of the rest.
So, tomorrow morning it’s back to NorCal we go. I’ll try again in October!

[Edited on 6-27-2020 by BajaParrothead]

SFandH - 6-27-2020 at 12:04 AM


CONTINUARÁ ESTE FIN DE SEMANA OPERATIVO GARITAS-FILTROS SANITARIOS • 2020-06-26

https://www.mexicali.gob.mx/XXIII/noticiasView.php?g=1573

Browser translation:

"In continuity with the actions to combat the COVID-19, the Mayor of Mexicali Marina del Pilar Ávila Olmeda, announced that this weekend the "Inspection Garitas- Sanitary Filters" operation will be carried out again at the border crossings. Central, Eastern, Los Algodones and San Luis Rio Colorado zones.

The Municipal President indicated that in a joint effort of the Municipal Government, National Guard, SEDENA, Customs and the Health Sector, last weekend the first of these operations was carried out, which aims to control the entry of foreigners and citizens to the city for tourism or non-essential activities, as well as avoiding the excessive introduction of beers, wines and spirits.

In addition to establishing a sanitary filter to detect people with symptoms of COVID-19, to be channeled to a doctor for evaluation, and in the same way verify that they have all the preventive measures such as mouth covers and protection supplies.

He reported that the operation will remain throughout the weekend, starting this Friday, June 26 from 2:00 PM in Garita Centro and San Luis.

Similarly, in the Garitas de Los Algodones and Oriente, the inspection day will be from 6:00 AM to 2:00 PM."

[Edited on 6-27-2020 by SFandH]

[Edited on 6-27-2020 by SFandH]

Maderita - 6-27-2020 at 02:49 AM

Why give up so easily? Why no go through Tecate (before the 2:00 PM closing time), or Otay Mesa, or San Ysidro?

BajaBlanca - 6-27-2020 at 03:08 AM

Well that just takes the cake. Baja Sur is open for tourism but folks will not be able to get into the country? Or do you have to prove you have a reservation somewhere? Confusing to say the least.

I was hoping my family could come and visit, but maybe not.

BajaParrothead - 6-27-2020 at 04:57 AM

Quote: Originally posted by Maderita  
Why give up so easily? Why no go through Tecate (before the 2:00 PM closing time), or Otay Mesa, or San Ysidro?

After sleeping on it, I think we’ll try Tecate.

SFandH - 6-27-2020 at 06:38 AM

Quote: Originally posted by BajaBlanca  
Well that just takes the cake. Baja Sur is open for tourism but folks will not be able to get into the country? Or do you have to prove you have a reservation somewhere? Confusing to say the least.

I was hoping my family could come and visit, but maybe not.


Currently, it's just Mexicali and just the weekend. The reason is the high infection rate in Imperial county, I guess.

AKgringo - 6-27-2020 at 07:06 AM

Just now, the local news reports that Gavin Newsom has announced the stay at home order is re-instated for Imperial county!

The municipality of Mexicali includes San Felipe, I wonder if there are new procedures there as well?

[Edited on 6-27-2020 by AKgringo]

ncampion - 6-27-2020 at 09:05 AM

Don't have a direct reference, but I thought I saw a notice that said the Mexicali East crossing was closed at 2:00pm every day.

SFandH - 6-27-2020 at 09:19 AM

You can read what the cachanillas (nickname for those from Mexicali) have to say here in the "comments".

https://www.facebook.com/TelevisaMexicaliCanal4

ehall - 6-27-2020 at 10:33 AM

Quote: Originally posted by Maderita  
Why give up so easily? Why no go through Tecate (before the 2:00 PM closing time), or Otay Mesa, or San Ysidro?


Only US side closes at 2pm for northbound travel. Mexican side is keeping normal hours. 6am-11pm.

SuperScrappy - 6-27-2020 at 11:17 AM

The borders are closing early due to COVID. When you try to contact someone to find hours, we got the run around and could never speak with anyone. Mexicali east and Algodones close at 2pm. Lukeville is also closing early too. My husband arrived there at 8:30pm and it was closed. Just be aware and plan ahead for early border closures

bajaric - 6-27-2020 at 11:26 AM

Dang. Thanks for info.

Rolling up to the border and finding gridlock at the crossing due to an unexpected delay is always a bummer, whether you are crossing northbound, or southbound.
It usually resolves itself, this time, who knows? half a million dead world wide and climbing.
I had been thinking about taking a quick trip across the border, now another reason to sit around the house like I have been doing for the last three months.

[Edited on 6-27-2020 by bajaric]

BajaTed - 6-27-2020 at 01:09 PM

El Centro is one of the worst Rona hot spot in the state

mtgoat666 - 6-27-2020 at 01:49 PM

Imperial valley is a hot spot, test positive rate has skyrocketed over 25%. I would not be surprised to see Mexico shut border xing on imperial valley region.
Arizona is spiking too, as the flat earth earthers (plandemic conspiracy theorists) are rejecting masks and thereby swapping spittle, and bound to see disease spread like wildfire... so expecting CA and Mex will close border with AZ??

BajaParrothead - 6-27-2020 at 06:49 PM

Quote: Originally posted by ncampion  
Don't have a direct reference, but I thought I saw a notice that said the Mexicali East crossing was closed at 2:00pm every day.

Their sign said closed from midnight to 6:00 AM, but they probably modified the time for COVID.

BajaParrothead - 6-27-2020 at 06:53 PM

As suggested, Tecate was a breeze. No one else going in at 7:00 AM.
The Sanitary Filter in Guadalupe is very well marked, but was not manned this morning. No other filters so far to Guerrero Negro.
Traffic is extremely light on 1, with mostly locals and semis.
I’ll finish the second half tomorrow night when we hit Barriles.

SDROB - 6-27-2020 at 07:01 PM

I was getting ready to cross at Mexicali at 10pm. I usually cross near Imperial ave. Do you know if this crossing is closed as well?

BajaParrothead - 6-27-2020 at 07:45 PM

Quote: Originally posted by SDROB  
I was getting ready to cross at Mexicali at 10pm. I usually cross near Imperial ave. Do you know if this crossing is closed as well?

The length of the line we saw before sunset looked like it was going to be a 3-4 hour wait. My backup plan was to attempt to cross at 5:30 AM, but after reading what SF and H posted, I opted for Tecate and it worked great. Ended up going through Ensenada and traffic was very slow through Comandu Valley. I prefer Mex 5, but I’d already driven from Calexico to Tecate, so I opted to continue down the valley.

SDROB - 6-27-2020 at 08:36 PM

Thanks for the reply. I’m headed thru now. I should be there by 10. Will see what happens.

BajaBlanca - 6-28-2020 at 04:21 AM

What a great turn of events, you made it across the border! Have fun in Los Barriles!

SFandH - 6-28-2020 at 09:19 AM

Video of the checkpoint yesterday. One comment mentioned 6 hours to get into Mex, 6 PM until midnight. Many of the comments indicated that a lot of beer is being confiscated. Also, a considerable number commented that the filter is a good idea. And there are many against it.

The maximum is 12 beers. I don't know if that is per person or per car.

https://www.facebook.com/TelevisaMexicaliCanal4/videos/26961...


[Edited on 6-28-2020 by SFandH]

BajaParrothead - 6-28-2020 at 09:49 PM

From Guerrero Negro to Los Barriles this morning went smoothly. San Ignacio military checkpoint consisted of the usual "where from and where to" questions and he waved us on.
Loreto sanitary filters were manned at each end of town, but they weren't stopping anyone at either one. Sanitary filter in Constitucion was the same, manned but not checking. Third sanitary filter was north side of La Paz and he stopped us and just asked where we were going and where we came from. No temp check or request for documentation. His parting comment was "welcome home sir."

All in all, it was one of the least intrusive travels we've had in Baja.

BajaParrothead - 6-28-2020 at 09:55 PM

Quote: Originally posted by BajaBlanca  
What a great turn of events, you made it across the border! Have fun in Los Barriles!

Thanks Blanca. Pulled into town at 5:30 and it's been busy. Lots of work to do around here, so hopefully I'll get to put a line in the water before heading north in August. We are laying low for the first two weeks, just in case we picked something up along the way. Plenty to do here to keep my home! :no:

joel - 6-29-2020 at 04:57 PM

Anyone know if it is still closed? Wondering how I can find out what hours.

BajaNomad - 6-29-2020 at 05:15 PM

Quote: Originally posted by joel  
Anyone know if it is still closed? Wondering how I can find out what hours.


Did you need clarification on the info already posted to the thread? Thx.

RFClark - 6-29-2020 at 07:51 PM

https://calexicochronicle.com/2020/06/calexico-local-news/se...

English Calexico news story. 7 hr back up this passed weekend!

mtgoat666 - 6-30-2020 at 06:30 AM

Quote: Originally posted by RFClark  
https://calexicochronicle.com/2020/06/calexico-local-news/se...

English Calexico news story. 7 hr back up this passed weekend!


What they are doing at the sanitary filter...

News reports out of Canal 66 in Mexicali on June 28 showed photos and film footage of Mexican officials running infrared thermometers over the foreheads of all occupants of each car passing through the port.

In addition to temperature scans and checking for other COVID-19 symptoms, each car is also being checked for four other things, according to the letter to Beltran.

Mexican authorities are checking for use of face coverings; that no more than two people are in a vehicle at the same time; the purpose of the visit to Mexicali (verifying residency or “essential business”); and limited possession of alcoholic beverages.

Although the letter does not say so, it is suspected that those in violation of the any of the listed terms, including prior curfews instituted by the mayor, could be subject to arrest, fine or confiscation of alcoholic beverages, which is what Mexicali Mayor Avila Olmeda said in a prior late May advisory.

“Authorities will verify that the persons subject to review prove their Mexican address or nationality, (and) failure to do so, they will be subject to fines ranging from $3,475 to $17,376 pesos, or up to 36 hours of arrest,” the June 25 letter stated.

Gerardo explained the alcohol crackdown was instituted after COVID began surging in Mexicali due to “parties” and “gatherings,” he said.

Again this weekend, starting Thursday

SFandH - 7-1-2020 at 01:02 AM



mexicali.jpg - 62kB

Any update on this topic?

AKgringo - 7-1-2020 at 01:20 PM

Mainly, are the San Luis, Algodones, and Calexico East crossings still closed to southbound traffic? Is the Calexico west crossing delay getting better, or worse?

I tried a web search but have not found useful current info. If anybody can recommend a site for southbound traffic, I would appreciate it.

SFandH - 7-1-2020 at 02:14 PM

Follow this website, it might have some info.

https://noticiasmexicali.mx/

I wonder how many gringos are heading for San Felipe this weekend that don't know what's happening at the border.

AguaDulce - 7-1-2020 at 02:25 PM

Will Tecate be an easier wait? Can not figure out Mexicalli

AKgringo - 7-1-2020 at 02:26 PM

Quote: Originally posted by SFandH  
Follow this website, it might have some info.

https://noticiasmexicali.mx/

I wonder how many gringos are heading for San Felipe this weekend that don't know what's happening at the border.


Not just the border! One of the news item in the link you just provided (and thank you for it) states that tourists will be denied entry into San Felipe.

SFandH - 7-1-2020 at 02:29 PM

So 6 hours to cross the border, drive to San Felipe, and be told to go back.

There will be fireworks, of sorts.

SFandH - 7-1-2020 at 02:33 PM

Quote: Originally posted by AguaDulce  
Will Tecate be an easier wait? Can not figure out Mexicalli


When? Probably best to enjoy the 4th of July weekend wherever you are now.

AguaDulce - 7-1-2020 at 08:40 PM

Have a house in Baja, want to enjoy it there.

joel - 7-1-2020 at 08:44 PM

I drove through Mexicali crossing yesterday without any issues at all and there were very few gringos. No one in line for a tourist visa. Almost no traffic on the road to San Felipe.

AKgringo - 7-1-2020 at 08:50 PM

Quote: Originally posted by joel  
I drove through Mexicali crossing yesterday without any issues at all and there were very few gringos. No one in line for a tourist visa. Almost no traffic on the road to San Felipe.


Interesting....I guess it is a day by day thing! How was San Felipe, or did you just pass through on the highway?

SFandH - 7-2-2020 at 07:33 AM

The temperature, mask, essential travel, max 2 people in the car, and alcohol checks start today and go through Sunday at Mexicali east and west, Algodones, and San Luis Rio Colorado.

This came up on my Facebook news feed, or whatever it's called.


letter to mexicali.jpg - 148kB


[Edited on 7-2-2020 by SFandH]

John Harper - 7-2-2020 at 07:43 AM

Quote: Originally posted by AguaDulce  
Have a house in Baja, want to enjoy it there.


"You can't always get what you want."

Mick Jagger

AKgringo - 7-2-2020 at 08:29 AM

With the current upsurge of new cases, I don't see a border crossing in the near future. I would love to see the virus "just go away", but that isn't what they do!

I have been thinking about getting my dog accustomed to wearing a soft, muzzle type halter (to give me more control). It might be fun to wrap a mask around it when approaching an inspection point, and I bet we don't get inspected if we both have a mask on!

Tourists OK to cross at Tijuana

SFandH - 7-2-2020 at 09:59 AM

"tourists from the United States will be able to enter Tijuana without going through a filter"

https://www.elsoldetijuana.com.mx/local/no-habra-filtros-en-...

Bajazly - 7-3-2020 at 08:57 PM

Came thru the SF Military checkpoint this afternoon (Friday) and had to show power bill to the police to get thru. There were three gringo trucks full of kayaks and camping stuff parked on the northeast side of the checkpoint, wondering what the hell they were going to do other than go back north.

bajaric - 7-4-2020 at 12:09 PM

Checking everyone southbound, as could be expected, resulted in long delays at Mexicali last week. Wonder how it is going on this 4th of July weekend. Crossed Tecate Jul 2/3, no problems, everyone wearing masks, no beer -- Southbound Thursday, no wait, northbound Friday, long line but moved pretty fast, little over an hour to cross.

Happy 4th!


[Edited on 7-4-2020 by bajaric]



[Edited on 7-6-2020 by bajaric]

Travelers heading south through Mexicali in for screenings, long border waits

BajaNomad - 7-5-2020 at 08:56 PM

https://www.borderreport.com/news/travelers-heading-south-th...