fourninerpapa
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walking across boder to Tijuana
I am thinking of walking across from US ti Tijuana to get my FMM and then walking back to US. Is this going to be a major hassle and where do I park?
Looking at Google maps it looks like the southbound pedestrian port is east of the northbound auto port. I can't locate the northbound pedestrian
port of entry.
Maybe getting my FMM would be easier at Tecate?
Norm
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woody with a view
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it's a HUGE pain in the a ss to do what you're asking. just drive across when you travel and do your thing.
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fourninerpapa
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We are currently inTemecula Ca for a few more weeks. We were just looking for a day trip in our tow car. When we cross southbound at Tecate in our 38
ft motorhome we did not want to try and find parking in Tecate while we got our FMM.
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BajaBlanca
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Location: La Bocana, BCS
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MY RECOMMENDATION
it is easy to park the car in san ysidro
walk across and get your FMM
walk back to US - pay $5 or something like that
drive back to Temecula!
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wilderone
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I did this a couple weeks ago. At the end of the road in San Ysidro is the walk-across route that goes through a new building where you get your FMM.
See the McDonalds. See the signs. It's the end of the trolley line. After you enter the new immigration building, and acquire (and pay for-bank
counter is in the same room), your FMM, you'll pass through a green light/red light, with possible X-ray section. Then proceed into TJ via a wide
circling pedestrian path that comes out at the far side of the plaza. You used to come out on the other side by the taxi stands and betting parlor.
To get back into the US pedestrian line, you'll see another bridge of sorts - no signs - just follow the people going in that direction in the same
general area. The line was really long at 1 pm on a Thursday - 2.5 hours. The procedure now is CBP lets in a bunch of people into the room where you
funnel through the inspection lanes inside. They stop everyone else behind gates outside, with that whole area clear of people. Everyone waits until
the room empties, then they fill the room again. There are 4 lanes - disabled, general public, Ready, and Sentri. They let Sentri people through as
they come up. I finally got inside the building and there was nobody inside. I was fuming. I waited about 25 minutes for the next bunch of people
to get inside - they could have been inspecting people all that time. CBP agents standing around. No CBP agents at the outside gate for at least 15
minutes to even let us in. I told him it was inefficient and mismanaged, and that they hadn't allowed anyone in the building in 1/2 hr. and they were
burroes. He looked at me and told me to have a nice day. I looked at the 3 other guys who simply stand there like linebackers and called them
burroes too. Made me feel a little better anyway.
I would suggest you park at a trolley station and ride the trolley in - it lets you out right across the street from the walk-across route. Don't
have to pay for parking. There's a pay toilet at the McDonalds, and a good exchange rate booth for pesos where the trolley line ends. Maybe if you
cross into TJ about 8 am, and come right back, the line won't be so long.
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mtgoat666
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Quote: Originally posted by wilderone  | I did this a couple weeks ago. At the end of the road in San Ysidro is the walk-across route that goes through a new building where you get your FMM.
See the McDonalds. See the signs. It's the end of the trolley line. After you enter the new immigration building, and acquire (and pay for-bank
counter is in the same room), your FMM, you'll pass through a green light/red light, with possible X-ray section. Then proceed into TJ via a wide
circling pedestrian path that comes out at the far side of the plaza. You used to come out on the other side by the taxi stands and betting parlor.
To get back into the US pedestrian line, you'll see another bridge of sorts - no signs - just follow the people going in that direction in the same
general area. The line was really long at 1 pm on a Thursday - 2.5 hours. The procedure now is CBP lets in a bunch of people into the room where you
funnel through the inspection lanes inside. They stop everyone else behind gates outside, with that whole area clear of people. Everyone waits until
the room empties, then they fill the room again. There are 4 lanes - disabled, general public, Ready, and Sentri. They let Sentri people through as
they come up. I finally got inside the building and there was nobody inside. I was fuming. I waited about 25 minutes for the next bunch of people
to get inside - they could have been inspecting people all that time. CBP agents standing around. No CBP agents at the outside gate for at least 15
minutes to even let us in. I told him it was inefficient and mismanaged, and that they hadn't allowed anyone in the building in 1/2 hr. and they were
burroes. He looked at me and told me to have a nice day. I looked at the 3 other guys who simply stand there like linebackers and called them
burroes too. Made me feel a little better anyway.
I would suggest you park at a trolley station and ride the trolley in - it lets you out right across the street from the walk-across route. Don't
have to pay for parking. There's a pay toilet at the McDonalds, and a good exchange rate booth for pesos where the trolley line ends. Maybe if you
cross into TJ about 8 am, and come right back, the line won't be so long. |
Homeland security does not discriminate. They tell everyone "flock you!" Regardless of race, ethnicity, education, nationality...
And a more serious comment: when you observe government employees purposefully not performing their public service, and purposefully delaying people,
trade and commerce, you need to send your complaint to the IG and your congressman. Don't let CBP get away with this chit!
Would love to see VOSD or UT do an piece on CBP incompetence and obstinance at the San Diego border crossings. Busiest border crossing in the world,
and being run by petty, mean, vindictive wasteful bureaucrats and unfriendly munchkins on the front line that reflect badly on the USA.
[Edited on 11-19-2015 by mtgoat666]
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sancho
Ultra Nomad
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Registered: 10-6-2004
Location: OC So Cal
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I walked across to TJ a week ago, waited 10 min in the Mex Imm line for a free 7 day fmm. Parking available on both sides of the 5. 6-10 dlls. What
you may encounter is the
sometimes LONG ped line coming back. The CBP site claimed
20 min on Thurs. 3 pm, waited 2 1/2 hrs on Fri. 3 pm. Plan
to cross back mid week noon. I tend to agree with the post
suggesting when you drive across get your fmm then, unless
you want to walk over just for kicks
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woody with a view
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Location: Looking at the Coronado Islands
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that's the determining factor=the wait to get back in the ped line! seems much easier to just spend the 10 minutes on your way south and then wait 2.5
hours in your car on the way back after your trip.
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dasubergeek
Senior Nomad
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For heaven's sake, just park at Otay Mesa and walk across there. The line is nowhere near as long to return.
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fourninerpapa
Junior Nomad
Posts: 40
Registered: 11-2-2008
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We took Wilderones's advice and it took us about 1.5 hours total from the time we parked our car until we got back to the car.
It made for a nice day trip for us and the weather was perfect.
than you all for your advice.
Norm
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Alm
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Registered: 5-10-2011
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x2.
Occasionally there is "almost" no waiting in pedestrian line back to the US, but don't count on it. It only takes 10-15 minutes to get FMM on the way
South, and there is an ample free parking in the "to Declare" yard before the gates. If you miss that yard and get to the gates... - just go then...
skip the formalities...
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MitchMan
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dasubergeek,
where do you find overnight parking in Otay if you enter Baja on foot and how do you get from that parking facility to the border to enter Baja?
Delta Truck parking is loaded with big trucks these days and only has room to park very few cars and then only by reservation.
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dasubergeek
Senior Nomad
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Registered: 8-17-2013
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Delta Truck Parking is no longer allowed to accept cars due to a change in zoning by the City of San Diego. There are other pay lots on the east side
of the freeway, off Roll Dr. and south of Siempre Viva Rd. They are walking distance to the border, whereas at Delta you needed a shuttle.
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