BajaNomad - Crossing south at San Luis

Crossing south at San Luis

dizzyspots - 10-4-2021 at 12:44 PM

Done this many times, but its been a couple of years.

Crossing at San Luis AZ with a printed and paid travel visa in hand.

Where do I get it stamped?

Is it as simple as heading into the declare lane and turning left and asking if we can go the office and get it stamped.

We are traveling in a large truck camper rig and with a fresh total knee, cant hike very far!

Thanks Nomads in advance for any advice!! Mike

rimrock - 11-12-2022 at 06:48 AM

Any responses to this ? Wondering the same thing. We normally walk across in Algodones to get our FMM but the 1 to 2 hour wait to cross back is a PITA. We are pulling a 5th wheel and wonder if getting stamped is doable without clogging up the crossing.

David K - 11-12-2022 at 07:07 AM

The FMM is obtained or pre-paid ones stamped at the INM desk ("migra") which is always in the first building across the border. Basically next to the electric gates. Park as soon as you see a spot, it may be before the gates, in a "Something to Declare" area (even if nothing needs declaring).

If you can't park before the gates, then park as soon as you can after passing through. If you get a red light at the gate, you will be directed to park for inspection. Ask the inspector where the immigration is ("donde esta la migra?") after he/she has their look at your vehicle. Hopefully you can remain parked there while you walk into the building.

This is how it is done at Tijuana & Mexicali West. Tecate does not have close parking without driving around a 2-block circle due to one way streets. Hopefully, someone who crosses at San Luis Rio Colorado can expand on my general instructions for that border.

rimrock - 11-12-2022 at 04:42 PM

Thanks! Last year for the first time at San Luis we were taken to secondary inspection. This required us to follow a police truck with lights flashing around a long block and then to secondary. Interestingly they didn't do any more than usual when we just stopped betweent he barricades. Like you say hopefully someone will chime in with first hand knowledge while towing.