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micah202
Super Nomad
Posts: 1615
Registered: 1-19-2011
Location: vancouver,BC
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TOURIST CARD...where t'get??
....I tried the search function,,but no specifics about where t'get atourist card.
....online would be wonderful!,,,
.....Ensenada would be 2nd choice,,,,,any specific directions?
......or are they sold right at the Tijuana border?..don't want t'spend a second longer than I have to in Tijuana
....whut's the most convenient choice?.......thanks,folks!
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goldhuntress
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There's lots of ways to get the tourist visa. I have been getting mine through http://www.discoverbaja.com/. It's $39 to join for a year. They send it so all you just have to get it stamped at the border. They are very
helpful and will be able to answer any questions you may have.
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micah202
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| Quote: | Originally posted by goldhuntress
There's lots of ways to get the tourist visa. I have been getting mine through http://www.discoverbaja.com/. It's $39 to join for a year. They send it so all you just have to get it stamped at the border. They are very
helpful and will be able to answer any questions you may have. |
...I'm leaving in 2 days,,,'sending-it' might not be the best idea
Here's good information from discover baja ...
''Be advised that if you are going to be in Baja for seven days or less, you may obtain this document for free at the Immigration office at the
border. For visits of eight days or more paid visas (from DISCOVER BAJA or the border) are required.
In order to obtain a Tourist Visa at the border, you need a current passport or passport card. You must get your Visa as soon as you enter the
country. There are Mexican Immigration offices at every border crossing. The Tijuana Immigration office and banjercito should be open 365 days/year
and 24 hours/day.''
....so 'Tijuana immigration' sounds to be right at the border?
[Edited on 1-24-2011 by micah202]
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wilderone
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Yes, the "Migra" office is immediately to your right as you pass through the kiosks and red light/green light at the border. Should only take about
15 minutes - the bank and cambio are in adjacent offices. Getting it in Ensenada is not advisable.
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DENNIS
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Ensenada Immigration would prefer that you get it at the border.
I'm hoping that one day soon, WalMart will sell them. 
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micah202
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| Quote: | Originally posted by DENNIS
Ensenada Immigration would prefer that you get it at the border.
I'm hoping that one day soon, WalMart will sell them.
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...or they become unnecessary!!....thanks!
.
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DENNIS
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| Quote: | Originally posted by micah202
...or they become unnecessary!!....thanks!
. |
That wouldn't be an "Open Borders" sentiment, would it? 
Jes kiddin. I know what it was. 
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David K
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micah, I have posted photos of the Tijuana border parking INM office/ bank area in my trip report of July 2009 (Baja 709)... and again more than once
here. The 'migra' (immigration) office is the far north (right) one in the building that faces the secondary (covered) parking area.
Go there first, get the FMMs, if longer than 7 days or you just want a 180 day one, (fill in 180 days, and put Los Cabos or the southernmost
destination in Mexico on it), take it to the bank teller... it is about 7 windows/ doors down from INM... pay, take the forms back to INM for final
stamp...
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David K
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One more time...
Get in far right lane, I-805 southbound:
Drive into Something to declare lane (gate opens automatically at entrance).
Park... walk over to row of offices... INM was the far right one.
Bring a pen with you... if there are others there, they may only have one.
When you drive out of the secondary parking, they had a button you walk over to push to see if you get a red or green light... for a car search. If
you are on vacation and not transporting guns, ammo, furniture, appliances, or used clothes to give away, you will be fine.
Remember, you are in Latin America now... and random military inspections and searches are normal... they are looking for guns, ammo and drugs. They
usually ask where you are coming from first (in Spanish)... then will wave you on or ask you to step out for a search.'
Although I never had any problems... some have reported flashlights, cameras, etc. missing... so just pick up those things and hold them (and your
money) on you while they search your car... It is quite fine to watch them while they look.
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micah202
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...thanks -this sums the question nicely for the next newby...
...as long as they try a 'search' before posting!
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micah202
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..and here's some information for crossing at the --Otay-- crossing ,,which some prefer for the ease of crossing, and not having to drive through
downtown TJ!....sent U2U
------------------------------------------------
Travel Documents
For visiting, driving or traveling in Baja, you will need three types of documents.
US Drivers License – You should already have this. Ensure that it is not expired.
US Passport – You should also have one of these…..again, check the expiration date.
Mexican Immigration Travel Permit (FMM) – While not necessary in the Ensenada area, and for visits of less than 72 hours, it is highly
recommended…….kind of an immigration insurance policy.
You can obtain the FMM at any land border crossing. All you need is your US Passport, possibly a US driver’s license or other government issued photo
identification and about $22 (US).
When obtaining the FMM, tell them you want it for the full 180 days and that you are traveling to Cabo…..just makes things easier, trust me.
OBTAINING THE FMM
There are two ways to get the FMM at the Otay crossing……your choice
OTAY Crossing – As you approach the Mexican border and customs checkpoint, get into the far right lane under the “Declare” sign. As you pass through
the checkpoint, if you are asked, tell the Customs or military people that you need to see INM (Mexican Immigration) for the FMM Visa.
As you pass through the checkpoint, you will pass a building on your right….that’s where INM is located……once you drive past this building, there will
be a small single story brick building on your left……this is where the bank is.
As you pass the bank, you will come to a big parking lot where the customs inspections take place. Park in an open spot in this lot and tell the
Customs inspectors that you need an FMM……..
Go to the first building you passed upon entering the checkpoint….now on your left, find the INM office and fill out the forms……you will need your
passport and possibly your driver’s license.
Now take the FMM form and walk back to the bank where you will pay the $22 fee. There may be a INM counter there that will stamp the FMM (ask the bank
teller)…..if not, go back to the INM office, get your FMM stamped….walk back to your car and pull out of the lot………
Not done yet…….there is a little booth with a gate and a red/green light……..tell them (and show them your FMM) that you just pulled in to obtain your
FMM…..they may have you push the button….a green light and you go………….a red light and you may get a customs inspection…..
Park and Walk……. As you are southbound on the 905 approaching the border, exit the 905 at the Siempre Viva Road exit. At the top of the ramp, turn
left onto Siempre Viva, cross over the 905 and make a right turn on Roll Drive.
Proceed on Roll Drive to the stop sign. Proceed straight on Roll Drive……you will be headed toward the US Customs building. There may be a small
barricade in the road…….drive around it and turn right into the US Customs public parking lot.
Park, lock your car and take the pedestrian overpass across the 905/border entrance. Be sure to have your US Passport and US drivers license…..and
about $25 in US dollars.
Once you walk across the overpass, turn left and walk through the turnstiles into Mexico…..if anyone (Mexican Customs or Mexican military) asks you
questions, tell them you are obtaining an FMM.
There will be several offices on your right. Look for the one with the INM (Instituto Nacional de Migración - Mexico National Immigration) office.
Enter the office and request an FMM (see above for details and procedure).
After you have paid the FMM fee at the bank and had the FMM stamped/validated by INM, the fun part of the process begins………..
Walk south on the sidewalk along the roadway…..past the insurance and money vendors…..look for a break in the traffic divider between the southbound
and northbound traffic…….watch the locals….cross the traffic lanes and make it across to the other side of the northbound lanes………
You are now in the pedestrian walkway to enter the US……when you get to the US entry point, have your US Passport and drivers license ready……when
asked, tell the nice US Customs people you are returning from Mexico where you obtained your FMM and you have nothing to declare.
Walk through the building and back to your car…….this whole process shouldn’t take more than 20 minutes.
Exit the US Customs parking lot and at the stop sign, turn right onto Via de La Amistad then an immediate left onto Paseo De Las Americas. At the
stoplight (Siempre Viva Road) turn left…..cross over the 905 and take the on ramp to your left to the border crossing.
OK, this sounds complicated, but it is not. We did it and it is relatively easy.
DIRECTIONS TO -OTAY.......
DRIVING TO San Diego
Follow the I-5 down to the 905
Follow the 905 east to Otay
[Edited on 1-25-2011 by micah202]
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David K
Honored Nomad
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The best way southbound from Otay is to follow the signs for Tecate.. about a mile south of the border you turn left on 'Industrial'... go 5 miles to
the split (left is Tecate toll road toll booths, and right is Corredor 2000 for Popotla/Ensenada)... Great highway and free, all the way to Mex. 1 on
the coast.
[Edited on 1-25-2011 by David K]
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micah202
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...nice details,,,thanks soo much--I'll probably be able t'follow them after 30 hours of driving!!,,,and reduce worries some!
....that first hotsprings feels just that much closer now!!!
.....one sleep and I'll be on my way!!
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BajaVida
Senior Nomad
Posts: 541
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so the new US passport cards are sufficient?
can I leave my passport at home?
No se apure y dure.
Don\'t hurry and you\'ll last longer.
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David K
Honored Nomad
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| Quote: | Originally posted by BajaVida
can I leave my passport at home? |
For coming home, not sure if the Mexican officials like the card for getting your FMM... Why not keep the card in your wallet and the standard
passport in your car somewhere, just in case... Tijuana is a long way from Modesto to go back and get it!
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David K
Honored Nomad
Posts: 65410
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Oh, and it is good to see you posting again, Vida!
How is Dick doing?
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BajaVida
Senior Nomad
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Location: Motown, Califas
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how about this
several years ago, a friend brought his wife's passport my mistake (which he discovered as we were waiting in line in Tijuana)
I told him to stick with me and I would take care of him
I schmoozed the immigration agent and told him my friend was a Marine who fought in Viet Nam
the agent asked me if he was a US Citizen and I told him yes
he got his tourist card and we did not have to pay extra
the down side for Vince was that we called him Carol for the rest of the trip
the moral of the story? you don't need no stinkin' passport
Dick aka thebajarunner is just fine, but he is skipping Baja this year but hosting our "planning meeting" next weekend
hope all is well with you David
No se apure y dure.
Don\'t hurry and you\'ll last longer.
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captkw
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david,s pic's say it all!! real easy....did it nov.3rd and was the best yet.. something's are getting a lot better down here!!also the roed is
sweeT!!!!
[Edited on 1-29-2011 by captkw]
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ddawson
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Location: Hilo
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Follow David's instructions above. I used the declaration parking routine over my last two trips (Dec 2010, and Jan 2011) in order to get my gf and
brother their FMM. We had no issues with the FMM process.
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ddawson
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| Quote: | Originally posted by ddawson
Follow David's instructions above. I used the declaration parking routine over my last two trips (Dec 2010, and Jan 2011) in order to get my gf and
brother their FMM. We had no issues with the FMM process. |
To further my post above, and as an FYI, I did have issues with the Aduana when leaving the lot. I had to wait to get an all clear from the Aduana
guys. I was going on a surfing and fishing vacation and had all of my camping gear, fishing stuff, boards, and food. They took one look at my truck
and told me I had to get an official to search my vehicle to see if I had anything to pay duties on before I could leave. I told them I was on
vacation and that I was there to get a FMM and they said it didn't matter. I've never had this happen before.
I stood in the long line (it was right before Christmas, and a lot of people were crossing with gifts). I lucked out and got the pretty girl to
search my car. I smiled and lightly flirted with her (we seemed to be the same age, and I'm a handsome young guy) the whole time and she basically
waved me through. The whole process took an hour.
Last week I was headed down for more surfing and fishing, and again I was hassled by an Aduana official. I told him I'm on vacation and that I was
surfing and camping. He kept quizzing me about food, and I told him that I was going to purchase food in Ensenada and showed him my empty cooler (I
had another box of food packed deep in my truck) and he let me go.
I've been going to Baja for 15 years and have never had issues with this. I am not going to be using the declaration lot anymore. Has anyone else
had issues with this?
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