BajaNomad

A new first for me and now I'm confused?

Alan - 7-7-2022 at 09:52 AM

A buddy and I made a quick run to BoLA last month to get in a little fishing. We crossed at Mexicali and went in to INM to get our FMM's. We arrived at 7:45 am and the office didn't open until 8:00 so we waited along with a couple that were headed to Abrejos. They had gotten their FMM's online but still needed to have them stamped and paid for. The agent arrived promptly at 8 and promptly got the couple on the road.

When I told him we were going to BoLA for 4 days he told me he only issues 180 day FMM's. He swiped our passports through his computer reader then told us that next time don't stop and sent us on our way? WTH?

With all of the crackdown on FMM's in recent years I'm now totally confused to be told one isn't necessary. Anybody have a similar experience?

David K - 7-7-2022 at 10:06 AM

No, but I reach the border after 8 am, usually. That's quite the story... and the INM desk is supposed to be manned 24/7 since the border is also open that long. If you can't be in Mexico without the FMM, then they need to provide it when you enter Mexico!

Sounds like the previous-shift guy didn't show up or they are just relaxing enforcement? I guess there were no surprise immigration checks along the road as reported every so often here or very often on Talk Baja.

All you can do is follow the officials instructions and have a good trip without worrying too much.

[I traveled into Baja 8 times in 2017, always had a validated 180-day FMM on me (obtained twice) and was NEVER asked to show it... In fact, other than when the Guerrero Negro area INM inspection booth was open (2001, 2007, 2009, 2012), I have never been asked to show it.]

HeyMulegeScott - 7-7-2022 at 10:31 AM

Sounds like he was just being lazy. I would rather just pay for the 180-day FMM than risk getting caught without one. David K - I see more first hand reports of random inspections now.

AKgringo - 7-7-2022 at 10:34 AM

Alan, did you cross at Mexicali west, or east? The only time I ctossed at the east entry, I was waved off before I could even get out of the car, but the west entry has always issued one to me, and collected the fee. (I have never asked for the free one)

JZ - 7-7-2022 at 01:06 PM

Ignore him and make sure you get one.

Alan - 7-7-2022 at 01:24 PM

Quote: Originally posted by JZ  
Ignore him and make sure you get one.
??? Are you suggesting I put the INM agent in a headlock until he gives me one?

David K - 7-7-2022 at 01:25 PM

In reading the post again, I see you specified that you were going into Mexico for 4 days.

Were you asking for the FREE 7-Day FMM?
Maybe he didn't want to 'waste' using a form unless "the government" could get $30 dollars from you (180 days FMM)?

It was reported that during Covid, the free 7-day permit was not available.

We went to Baja last March for 4 days but still bought a 180 day FMM... just in case we return to Mexico before October.

I am hoping we will!!

TMW - 7-7-2022 at 01:44 PM

I always get a 180 day FMM because I never know when I'm going. That said I wouldn't worry about it. I have only been asked twice for my tourist visa and both times were about 20 years ago. I've been in two accidents in Baja and was never asked for my FMM only my insurance papers.

Alan - 7-7-2022 at 01:57 PM

Quote: Originally posted by AKgringo  
Alan, did you cross at Mexicali west, or east? The only time I ctossed at the east entry, I was waved off before I could even get out of the car, but the west entry has always issued one to me, and collected the fee. (I have never asked for the free one)
I have no idea. I followed Google Maps which brought me right down Hwy111 and then turned right on 2nd St then a left across the border. I have no idea if that is the east or west crossing.

Alan - 7-7-2022 at 02:20 PM

Quote: Originally posted by David K  
In reading the post again, I see you specified that you were going into Mexico for 4 days.

Were you asking for the FREE 7-Day FMM?
Maybe he didn't want to 'waste' using a form unless "the government" could get $30 dollars from you (180 days FMM)?

It was reported that during Covid, the free 7-day permit was not available.

We went to Baja last March for 4 days but still bought a 180 day FMM... just in case we return to Mexico before October.

I am hoping we will!!

Yes, that is exactly what I was asking for. I suspect you may be right about giving away a form for free. We didn't let it concern us as our passports were scanned into their system so at the very least we could show we made every attempt to adhere to their laws. Not that anyone would ever bother to look. I had a valid 180day visa in my glovebox because I had flown Volaris to La Paz a couple months earlier so I was covered but that doesn't help my buddy if we're inspected. Of course other than having to return them for an international flight I have only been asked once at the State line in GN.

I never mention my 180day form because I have been told numerous times by many INM agents it is only valid for one time use. (but I keep it just for situations like this:biggrin:)

David K - 7-7-2022 at 03:34 PM

You were at Mexicali West, #1, downtown original crossing but new border now, just west of the 111.

The 180 day FMM (for LAND travelers) is good for for the full period, not just one trip if for less than 180 days. As long as you leave Mexico before it expires.

WestyWanderer - 7-7-2022 at 03:46 PM

I routinely cross at the Mexicali West crossing and starting a year ago they no longer offer the free 7-day FMM in the office, the only way to get a free one is to fill out the paperwork online, print it, and have it stamped in the office.

I can’t speak for other POE’s, but this has been my experience with Mexicali West.

jamiec - 7-7-2022 at 04:23 PM

In 2019 I stopped at San Ysidro to get FMM's for myself and my kid. We told the border agent we were going to Colonet area for 10ish days and maybe to BOLA, maybe further. We ended up going to Abreojos.

He told us we didn't need an FMM and told us to get going. We got out of line and hit the road. Had a bit of paranoia in the back of my head the entire trip but no one ever asked to see an FMM.

Last year my wife and I stopped at San Ysidro and got 180 day FMM's when we told the border agent we were going to Cerritos and many places in between. Said we were going to be in Baja for a month.

Right now I'm in BCS, crossed at Mexicalli East, told the agent where we were going, and said we would be in Baja for 2 months. She gave us only 90 days on our FMM's. My kid flew down for 3 weeks to visit and surf got 180 days at Loreto airport.

I figure that the lack of consistency is just to keep me on my toes and keep things interesting.




RFClark - 7-7-2022 at 06:00 PM

We stop at the west crossing at all hours, the INM desk is always open! Sometimes the duty person is outside and you need to wait for him to come back.

Alan - 7-7-2022 at 08:04 PM

Quote: Originally posted by WestyWanderer  
I routinely cross at the Mexicali West crossing and starting a year ago they no longer offer the free 7-day FMM in the office, the only way to get a free one is to fill out the paperwork online, print it, and have it stamped in the office.

I can’t speak for other POE’s, but this has been my experience with Mexicali West.
Thanks, I'll keep this in mind

sancho - 7-8-2022 at 09:51 AM

Have read fairly recent reports that Mexicali West, at times,
will only issue free 7 day fmm if you bring in an online
printed 7 day fmm for validation. It would be quite
refreshing, I know it's Mexico, but a consistent application
of Immigration regs would be appreciated. Was a guy pulled
off a bus in the mainland, ignorant of the regs, didn't have an fmm, spent 6 days
in some form of detention. Each Imm office, each Imm Officer
may have individual application

sancho - 7-8-2022 at 05:55 PM

lencho, Here is an interview, of sorts, with the person who
recounted the incident. I know it's you tube, but looks
legit to me. I suppose one could poke some holes in his story,
especially the book part at the end. The interviewer guy
does many posts about Mex, lives in Chapala
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3Gjo9D7W8gE&t=7s

DawnPatrol - 7-9-2022 at 07:27 AM

Alan... don't be confused. I think there is some sort of money scam going on at Mexicali West.
We did a less than 7 day trip to BoLA last month.
The six of us arrived at Immigration at about 630AM with our free 7 day FMM's we pre-printed out online.

When we arrived there was one agent and I noticed the bank window was dark.

When the Agent found out we were fishing he said:

"Oh when you are fishing or hunting you need to pay for the 180 day FMM" and held up the FMM form for us to see.

Well, there were a couple of us in the group that have been coming down for 40+ years, and basically said "BS" (in a little bit more colorful way), and said the FMM does not have a fishing or hunting box, only tourism, business, etc.

He basically became very quiet, begrudgingly stamped our forms, and made sure to tell us to bring the forms back on t5he way out. (I was exiting at Otay, but said sure no problema)

I think he may have been trying to pocket the FMM fee, what do you think?

Alan from San Diego

Or was it just an "Alan" thing, lol





[Edited on 7-9-2022 by DawnPatrol]

Alm - 7-9-2022 at 11:50 AM

Quote: Originally posted by DawnPatrol  
Alan... don't be confused. I think there is some sort of money scam going on at Mexicali West.

There is a some sort of money scam going on at any govt office anywhere in Mexico :). The incidence varies from office to office and from one week to another. Very common form is doing less work than they are supposed to - like leaving before 8am when your relief hasn't arrived yet, or not wanting to issue a free 7 day FMM with the excuse that the govt doesn't make money on it.

AKgringo - 7-9-2022 at 03:32 PM

Quote: Originally posted by DawnPatrol  
Alan... don't be confused. I think there is some sort of money scam going on at Mexicali West.

I think he may have been trying to pocket the FMM fee, what do you think?

Alan from San Diego

Or was it just an "Alan" thing, lol

[Edited on 7-9-2022 by DawnPatrol]





I believe you are at least partially correct. On my last trip I requested an FMM for longer than the free version. The agent processed it and took the money (Pesos) and sent me on my way. It was much later that I noticed it was not stamped!

I would bet that it wasn't recorded either. Do those mechanical stampers have a counter on them that could be checked against how many were issued or presented?





sancho - 7-9-2022 at 04:07 PM

If the bank teller is not open, off hrs., there will unlikely
be a official receipt.
I see no reason the Immigration
officer could not enter in the computer a free 7 day, on
the fmm write 180 days, pocketing the $35 dlls., I suppose
it would never become an issue. A tourist in PV, going
for the regularization program, found out his 180 day
fmm as recorded by Immigration as a 7 day

liknbaja127 - 7-10-2022 at 06:50 AM

When we cross early morning, and the bank is not open, they have taken
creit card only! NO CASH! never been a problem.

Durwin - 7-13-2022 at 06:13 AM

When I went through Mexicali last June, the entrance had traffic cones in front of it. I asked for them to be moved. When I got there the office was closed. I waited, but everything eventually worked out