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David K
Honored Nomad
Posts: 65410
Registered: 8-30-2002
Location: San Diego County
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Mood: Have Baja Fever
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| Quote: | Originally posted by Bajahowodd
I kinda think you missed my point. That's OK.
I was also wondering about a post Tony made-
"Mexico has a drive on now to set up roadblocks to check vehicle documents. It is happening everywhere. Many Mexicans I know are getting busted for
not having current (or any) registrations for their vehicles. The result is big fines, causing many of them to have their vehicles confiscated."
In all the trips we've made, we were asked once for the vehicle registration at an army checkpoint. And, it has always been clear to me that the army
has been much more diligent in inspecting vehicles being operated by Mexican nationals.
So, are you referring to checkpoints other than those run by the military? Or, is it a different LE such as the federal or state police? I ask only
because it would raise hades if something like that was to occur in the US- the military checking for vehicle registration. |
Of course I think everyone should have papers that need them... I am trying to rationalize the inaction by the government of Mexico.
I was talking about immigration checkpoints... there used to be one in Maneadero... and then the past dozen years there was one at the Eagle
Monument... but no more.
Military checkpoints are a new thing, and they are looking for drugs, guns, ammo. They have NOTHING to do with immigration.
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Jack Swords
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Posts: 1095
Registered: 8-30-2002
Location: Nipomo, CA/La Paz, BCS
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Probably should stay out of this, but after crossing early (5:30 AM) December with all the folks taking goods home for Christmas, I plan on a better
way. Every spot in the Declaration area was used, goods for inspection were scattered all over the pavement awaiting inspectors. Folks were in line
up front waiting their turn, then they and the inspector would return to their car for the inspection. We couldn't park (no places) so we drove right
up to the exit gate (therefore blocking the exit). We quickly ran back to immigration, got visas, got back to the car. Still nothing was moving. One
inspector saw us, gave a quick look, and we passed on. We have done this routine for the past 15 years, this was the worst, mainly due to our crossing
around Christmas time a week later than normal. Next year we'll get a prepaid visa from Vagabundos and not stop in the Declaration lane. By the way,
the bank guy was asleep on the floor of the office, the immigration guy wasn't there. The guys in the immigration office by the turnstile were.
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Bajahowodd
Elite Nomad
Posts: 9274
Registered: 12-15-2008
Location: Disneyland Adjacent and anywhere in Baja
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The point made is that if Mexico really wants to beef up enforcement, they currently have no infrastructure at the border to do that. Perhaps given
the new and future yet to be built border crossing, they will be able to. Can't even tell you how many times parking has been a challeng at the SY
crossing.
And, DK, we are basically in agreement with the thought that Mexico appears to pay little attention to the immigration issue. Think I mentioned it on
another thread, but seemingly, the only real immigration checkpoint there is entering Mexico is if you are flying in on a commercial flight. In that
case, the whole immigration thing is outsourced to the airlines. Nobody boards a flight w/o a passport, and the fee fro the FMM is already included in
the ticket price.
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DENNIS
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Registered: 9-2-2006
Location: Punta Banda
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You guys are becoming more hilarious by the post, trying to apply US logic to Mexicans. Hasn't anyone told you, we think and operate differently?
You're trying to imagine them being guided by our brand of efficiency. By now, you should know that's not the way it'll be.
But...carry on with the fantasy.
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Bajaboy
Ultra Nomad
Posts: 4375
Registered: 10-9-2003
Location: Bahia Asuncion, BCS, Mexico
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| Quote: | Originally posted by DENNIS
You guys are becoming more hilarious by the post, trying to apply US logic to Mexicans. Hasn't anyone told you, we think and operate differently?
You're trying to imagine them being guided by our brand of efficiency. By now, you should know that's not the way it'll be.
But...carry on with the fantasy. |
Exactly
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Marc
Ultra Nomad
Posts: 2802
Registered: 5-15-2010
Location: San Francisco & Palm Springs
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Mood: Waiting
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I always stop in SY for pesos. At the border crossing getting the visa is no big deal. The whole thing takes ten minutes.
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mtgoat666
Platinum Nomad
Posts: 20372
Registered: 9-16-2006
Location: San Diego
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Mood: Hot n spicy
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| Quote: | Originally posted by David K
what does Mexico expect us to do... It wouldn't be the first time anyone traveled in Baja without a tourist card... and with the immigration
checkpoint closed at the Baja Sur border, nobody really cares it seems. If they did, they would be sure to man the 24/7 office and teller window for
payment
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dk: your logic about border immigration office is that any law govt agency that closes at night is basically sending the signal that they don't care
if you obey their laws and regulations.
using your observation of logic about immigration ckeckpoint at BCS, if the policeman is not looking, he is giving approval, eh?
did i get that right?
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toneart
Ultra Nomad
Posts: 4901
Registered: 7-23-2006
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Mood: Skeptical
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| Quote: | Originally posted by Bajahowodd
I kinda think you missed my point. That's OK.
I was also wondering about a post Tony made-
"Mexico has a drive on now to set up roadblocks to check vehicle documents. It is happening everywhere. Many Mexicans I know are getting busted for
not having current (or any) registrations for their vehicles. The result is big fines, causing many of them to have their vehicles confiscated."
In all the trips we've made, we were asked once for the vehicle registration at an army checkpoint. And, it has always been clear to me that the army
has been much more diligent in inspecting vehicles being operated by Mexican nationals.
So, are you referring to checkpoints other than those run by the military? Or, is it a different LE such as the federal or state police? I ask only
because it would raise hades if something like that was to occur in the US- the military checking for vehicle registration. |
I should have been clearer. It is true that the Military is not particularly concerned with our immigration status, although on rare occasion I have
been asked. That was just north of Loreto. They have a clipboard and write down your immigration data. It is my impression that they are just
gathering information as to who is passing through.
What I was referring to in my earlier post are the very new roadblocks by the Federal and Municipal Police. They are checking. The Federal Police are
also stepping up speed law enforcement. From what I have heard from people who were busted for improper vehicle documents is that it is legitimate.
The funds will go to The State and the Municipalities. They are not out for a mordita. Also, immigration status is not their primary goal, but it
greatly increases you chances of getting caught if you are illegal.
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David K
Honored Nomad
Posts: 65410
Registered: 8-30-2002
Location: San Diego County
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Mood: Have Baja Fever
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Have a nice night boys... and be warned that if anyone gets a pre-paid tourist card before their trip YOU STILL MUST STOP AT THE BORDER TO HAVE IT
VALIDATED!!! No stamp, no activation... call Discover Baja or Vagabundos to confirm this if you don't believe me.
The logic (at Tijuana anyway) is if you got to stop there anyway, whty not just pay the 24/7 bank teller for one then?
Naturally the no longer consistant open status sort of makes this an unknown!?
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Jack Swords
Super Nomad
Posts: 1095
Registered: 8-30-2002
Location: Nipomo, CA/La Paz, BCS
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Actually, if one is crossing close to Christmas time with the large number of Mexican crossers with all their furniture, boxes, and other "gifts" and
it is very early in the morning, you cannot rely on the bank nor the satellite immigration office to be open. At 5-6 AM it is more likely than not
that they will be closed. Then, ALL parking places are filled in the Declaration area. We have also experienced the entrance to the Declaration area
closed with a police vehicle blocking the entrance, due to the area being filled with cars. Getting a prepaid tourist card ahead of time and walking
to the immigration office by the turnstile (always open) from the US side makes sense. It can be stamped the day before, then passage through the
garita is quite fast without the bedlam at the Declaration area. If we cross at times other than Christmastime, in the early hours the bank and
sometimes the satellite immigration office are closed. Our goal the first day of driving is Guerrero Negro (on these short winter days) and we always
cross between 5 and 6 AM. Certainly it is a different situation for those who cross later. As others have said, it is Mexico and certainty is
improbable.
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