pacside
Nomad
Posts: 316
Registered: 1-16-2006
Location: N. Cal
Member Is Offline
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Leaving manana to Cerritos...have FM3? and LaPaz 1/2 day visit?
Hi Nomads,
Finally taking a trip to baja again-YEA!!!. Leaving manana for a week (flying) going to Pescadero and Todos Santos. I know this question may have been
answered but still couldn't figure it out. I used my FM3 (got it in San Jose, CA) for the first time flying into Cabo last June. Upon arrival I didn't
have a stamped yellow piece of paper but they stamped it anyway. Did not realize I needed a stamp for departure (leaving cabo) and nice fellow let me
board plane without the stamp knowing I would of missed flight if he made me go get it stamped. So my question is...how the heck do I use this thing
now given it does not have an exit stamp? Do I forget about it and just use Passport only? or try to use FM3 again? if I use FM3 what do I do when I
fly in and what do I do when I fly out?
Have never been to La Paz...despite Gnukid's accounts I feel up for the challenge . What are some must things to do or see with hubby and 4 year old son for 1/2 day visit. Place to eat Lunch? Where to play in water with son? any
other suggestions?
Thanks for all your help. Love this forum.
Pacside
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Marie-Rose
Senior Nomad
Posts: 894
Registered: 10-2-2003
Location: Victoria, B.C. and Todos Santos
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Mood: Worried...
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I would be tempted to just to fill in your FMT for entry this time... use your passport and it when you enter.
When you leave, IF you are flying out of Cabo you need to take your FM3 around the back entrance. You walk in front of the arrivals and go around
the building to the back door (very strange the first time)... there will be someone watching the door and when you show them your FM3, they will
either just let you in...or, last time, I left my carry on there and they "signed me in". You will then walk thru all the people coming into customs
and go to one of the custom agents. Again... a very strange feeling as you are walking against all of the crowd. If there is a long line of people
coming in the other way just walk up to one of the agents and show your FM3. We always have extra forms so we can fill them out ahead of time. Then
they just stamp them and you re-trace your steps out. You can either do this before you check your luggage or after but you will need to have a
stamped copy to show the ticket agent before you get your boarding pass.
Good luck, strange process
Oh ya... when you return you need to give them the copy of the form you just had stamped... so keep it with your FM3 for re-entry.
[Edited on 2008-2-10 by Marie-Rose]
[Edited on 2008-2-10 by Marie-Rose]
Remember, when in Mexico, yes may be no and no may be
maybe!
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bajajudy
Elite Nomad
Posts: 6886
Registered: 10-4-2004
Location: San Jose del Cabo,BCS
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Do not try to enter the country on an FMT if you have an FM3.
They have computers now, you know.
If you get caught and I believe that you will, there will be a fine. There may be one anyway, although I dont understand exactly what your
circumstance are, I would try honesty.
I would like to hear if there is a problem because we have talked it to death and most seem to think that entry and exit stamps arent all that
important for FM3's.
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longlegsinlapaz
Super Nomad
Posts: 1685
Registered: 11-18-2005
Location: La Paz
Member Is Offline
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Judy is correct!! Don't try to come in on an FMT when you have a FM3. The stamps DO matter....and they need to be in balance! I
documented my situation here a while back....which occurred several years ago when I drove out & flew back in. When I went to renew my FM3, I had
an "unexcused absence" that was out of sync with my stamped return. I had to take my one-way airline ticket in to prove to the La Paz Immigration
that I had indeed flown just one way. They then begrudgingly added the missing exit stamp....there was no fine, just a gentle lecture.
pacside, although it sounds like you're only going to be spending half a day in La Paz, I'd recommend that you go to Immigration on
the Malecon, throw yourself at their mercy & explain the situation & I'll bet they'll make you legal right quick! The La Paz Immigration people are terrific! IMHO
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Marie-Rose
Senior Nomad
Posts: 894
Registered: 10-2-2003
Location: Victoria, B.C. and Todos Santos
Member Is Offline
Mood: Worried...
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Hopefully no chance they would do any checking into the past
Someone I know may be in trouble
Remember, when in Mexico, yes may be no and no may be
maybe!
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