bajaboolie
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Tourist visa off-hours
It's been years since I've crossed the border when the immigration office is closed, and when we did, my husband did the part of finding the after
hours guy. Can someone give a detailed account of where to get a visa when the main office and bank are closed? Or has this changed? Thanks much.
Bajaboolie
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fandango
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http://forums.bajanomad.com/viewthread.php?tid=66218#pid8015...
Read this thread
sbwontoo
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bajaboolie
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Thanks, Fandango. I did see that and originally thought it didn't answer my question. But on re-reading it, it looks like it has changed to where
now it is always at the same office in the same location, unlike a few years back, where you had to find someone elsewhere to give the paperwork.
Yes?
Bajaboolie
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woody with a view
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the office opens at 6am in TJ. be there then.
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bajaboolie
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Aha, so that is my question, then. Anyone have a current detailed account of how to get the visa before 6? Thanks much.
Bajaboolie
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woody with a view
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join DiscoverBaja.com pay $35 each and STILL need a stamp from Migra.
walk across a day or 5 early.
there is no other way.
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fandango
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Bajaboolie:
If you are entering Mexico at San ysidro, the new crossing is called el chaparral. The immigration office is open 24 hours a day. You can also pay for
your visa 24 hours a day.
Stay in the right lane as you come towards the border and watch the signs.
sbwontoo
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fandango
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| Quote: | Originally posted by woody with a view
join DiscoverBaja.com pay $35 each and STILL need a stamp from Migra.
walk across a day or 5 early.
there is no other way. |
Woody, what do you mean no other way?
sbwontoo
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bajaboolie
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Thanks, fandango.
Bajaboolie
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fandango
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Bb:
Do you know where the immigration building is at that border crossing?
sbwontoo
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bajaboolie
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Yes, we go every year, but the past few years we've been crossing later in the morning. My nephew wanted detailed directions on getting the visa, and
since I didn't know what time he's leaving I wanted to be thorough. When we used to cross at 4:00am and they were at a back office, they were nice
about letting my husband fill out all our visas while I waited in the car with our daughter, so I don't know where that office was. 
Bajaboolie
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David K
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| Quote: | Originally posted by fandango
Bajaboolie:
If you are entering Mexico at San ysidro, the new crossing is called el chaparral. The immigration office is open 24 hours a day. You can also pay for
your visa 24 hours a day.
Stay in the right lane as you come towards the border and watch the signs. |
THIS !
(unless Woody is correct, then it is THAT!)
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bajaboolie
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 Thanks, David K, I think it is THIS.
Bajaboolie
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woody with a view
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well, i've yet to get a FMM at the new crossing as the old one didn't open until we were climbing into the hills south of Maneadero at 6am. i've been
bad the last year and just bypassed the GN checkpoint and i know i shouldn't. IF the new crossing is open 24 hours i will gladly contribute to the
Mexican Govt's coffers.
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BajaRat
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| Quote: | Originally posted by woody with a view
well, i've yet to get a FMM at the new crossing as the old one didn't open until we were climbing into the hills south of Maneadero at 6am. i've been
bad the last year and just bypassed the GN checkpoint and i know i shouldn't. IF the new crossing is open 24 hours i will gladly contribute to the
Mexican Govt's coffers. |
Ive been told that your Mexican car insurance is not valid without legal status................. not true ?
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Alm
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OP, you don't say where you are going to cross. There must be a dozen crossings on the US border.
Recent experience at the new SY/Chapparal car crossing. Saturday 10 am, wasn't in the mood to stop, just crossed over. Camped near Ensenada - needed
to go to dentist, otherwise would of course skip that town, don't like it at all. Took a transit bus from the camp to Ensenada "Centro" on holiday
Sunday (didn't want to pull the whole rig, and 10 pesos bus is cheaper than gas and parking). Walked up to Migra on Blvd Azueta, the "gringo" door is
of course closed like everything else. But... being located in Port, they have to work - and do work - 24/7. Very cautiously and politely I approached
the guy in uniform smoking just outside the door, next door to where gringos go on a weekday. I knew that he was THE guy, but you can't make them work
when they don't want to - this is Mexico. You can't demand or insist, this won't get you anywhere. Relax, smile, small talk about weather, let him
finish the cigarette. Eventually he'll ask what do you want. or you ask him if it's possible to get a Carta Touristo. The guy goes into the office -
there is nobody else, he's the only one on duty - and gives me the blank to fill. Takes my money and I'm on my way. My Spanish is not that good, not
even "intermediate", just few hundred words, numbers, and basic grammar.
Note that you are NOT supposed to go as far as Ensenada without tourist visa. You are only allowed 25 miles in, which is Rosarito. That's what he
said. Technically, he should've arrested me on spot ... But if you don't push
them, they don't push you.
Btw, he said that from November 2013 according to new regulations only people with cars will need Tourist Visas - airplane, bus and pedestrians won't
need it.
[Edited on 3-23-2013 by Alm]
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David K
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Baja has a wider border zone, Ensenada is included in it. Baja Geoff of Baja Bound has posted here that lack of tourist card does not void coverage
you paid for. See his post, don't take my word for it.
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Alm
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Well, the customs officer In Ensenada told me "25 miles", and I didn't feel like arguing with him, since he was already issuing me a Tourist Card ...
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woody with a view
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| Quote: | Originally posted by BajaRat
| Quote: | Originally posted by woody with a view
well, i've yet to get a FMM at the new crossing as the old one didn't open until we were climbing into the hills south of Maneadero at 6am. i've been
bad the last year and just bypassed the GN checkpoint and i know i shouldn't. IF the new crossing is open 24 hours i will gladly contribute to the
Mexican Govt's coffers. |
Ive been told that your Mexican car insurance is not valid without legal status................. not true ? |
mine has been valid, nightmares withstanding!
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