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TecateRay
Nomad
Posts: 346
Registered: 9-6-2006
Location: La Mesa, CA
Member Is Offline
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Tourist Permits - what's the practical reality?
Do we really need a Tourist Permit (FMM ???) whenever we cross the border?
It appears that contrary to popular belief all of a sudden the tourist free zone to Ensenada/ San Felipe does not exist. Nomad commenters here have
said they couldn't get free 7 day permits at the TJ immigration office. There also seems to be some that say the 180 day permit is not multi - entry.
What is the practical reality? Are new immigration checkpoints going to spring up on all the major highways and be staffed 24/7? Was the recent
"flying checkpoint" recently sighted below Maneadero a sign of things to come or have the business / state tourism folks put an end to an over
zealous effort ?
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elgatoloco
Ultra Nomad
Posts: 4332
Registered: 11-19-2002
Location: Yes
Member Is Offline
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The reality for us is that we get a 180 day permit we tell them we are going to Cabo so that if something happens (crash/checkpoint,etc) we are LEGAL.
We return it by mail as near as possible to expiration date. Then we get another. We use it over and over and over which is ILLEGAL. Its an EXIT visa
so we return after our last exit as close to expiration as possible. It takes us on average 15 minutes to stop at SY crossing and get the permit.
YMMV.
MAGA
Making Attorneys Get Attorneys
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David K
Honored Nomad
Posts: 64837
Registered: 8-30-2002
Location: San Diego County
Member Is Offline
Mood: Have Baja Fever
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The practical reality is that it's Mexico, and there are no written rules when it comes to Baja with the federal INM (Immigration) laws... at least
none on official stationary!
What has "always been":
No tourist card needed in the "Border Zone" for up to 72 hours, longer yes. The border zone in Baja has been (historically) to Maneadero or San
Felipe. Variations have been posted saying it is now San Quintin, or not anywhere south of Mexicali, or the entire state.
Below those points for any time period required tourist card. However, until a few recent times at La Canada, the past 20 years there has been no INM
checkpoint anywhere in the state of Baja California.
The 7 day FREE tourist card is a reality! When they began charging for tourist cards in mid-2000, it hurt Baja so much when families with children
wouldn't dish out $100+ before there Mexican vacation even began, they created the FREE 7 Day permit... it took a few years!
Okay, since you asked for opinions, and I am a practical person:
We have heard here on Nomad the other day that there is no 'real' mandatory need to turn the card in, as they are "filed" in the trash can when people
do the near impossible to get to INM on their way back north. If you live in fear or believe they keep this all on record, mail the thing back in
after your trip. One time I mailed it back, and another time I forgot... and I have been to Baja many times since, so I am not black-listed!
If the thing is issued for 180 days, I don't see the logic of not using as much of the 180 days as you can for the money you pay for it. That is
probably why they say you must turn it in or mail it in after your trip, so if you return before the 180 days for another 8 day+ trip, they will get
double the money. Makes sense, it all to line the pockets of someone, the people in business in Baja get nothing from it!
I hang on to mine and then mail it back before the last day it expires.
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TedZark
Nomad
Posts: 171
Registered: 10-31-2014
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We got free 7 day tourist permits for relatives about ten days ago at the San Ysidro crossing. Eight days cost $20, but seven was free. We drove
down to Guerrero Negro for whale watching thing and went through several military and police checkpoints coming and going and were never asked for any
paperwork.
The whole thing at the border took less than fifteen minutes and then we were on our way.
[Edited on 3-20-2015 by TedZark]
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mtgoat666
Select Nomad
Posts: 18366
Registered: 9-16-2006
Location: San Diego
Member Is Offline
Mood: Hot n spicy
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Quote: Originally posted by TecateRay  | Do we really need a Tourist Permit (FMM ???) whenever we cross the border?
It appears that contrary to popular belief all of a sudden the tourist free zone to Ensenada/ San Felipe does not exist. Nomad commenters here have
said they couldn't get free 7 day permits at the TJ immigration office. There also seems to be some that say the 180 day permit is not multi - entry.
What is the practical reality? Are new immigration checkpoints going to spring up on all the major highways and be staffed 24/7? Was the recent
"flying checkpoint" recently sighted below Maneadero a sign of things to come or have the business / state tourism folks put an end to an over
zealous effort ?
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The 'reality' is a visa is required for most trips into country, beyond the border region, beyond a week, and tourist visa is cheap and easy to get,
so it has never occured to me to not get it.
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woody with a view
PITA Nomad
Posts: 15939
Registered: 11-8-2004
Location: Looking at the Coronado Islands
Member Is Offline
Mood: Everchangin'
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WORD, goat!
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willardguy
Elite Nomad
Posts: 6451
Registered: 9-19-2009
Member Is Offline
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the reality is there are thousands of expats living here that at first bought tourist cards,then after a couple years just didn't bother anymore.
THESE days with the chance of being asked for one, I think its a good idea for both tourists and the many folks who don't qualify for temp/perm to
carry one. thats just my take.
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SFandH
Elite Nomad
Posts: 7084
Registered: 8-5-2011
Member Is Offline
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In my ever so humble opinion, get one if you're going south of Ensenada, otherwise..
Fuggedaboudit
I picked up a 180 day tourist visa for an upcoming trip when I walked across to buy medications in TJ last week. So I have one for 1/2 a year. When it
expires, I'll get another........maybe, who knows about these laws in the future, they'll probably change.
[Edited on 3-21-2015 by SFandH]
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Bajaboy
Ultra Nomad
Posts: 4375
Registered: 10-9-2003
Location: Bahia Asuncion, BCS, Mexico
Member Is Offline
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| Quote: Originally posted by TecateRay | Do we really need a Tourist Permit (FMM ???) whenever we cross the border?
It appears that contrary to popular belief all of a sudden the tourist free zone to Ensenada/ San Felipe does not exist. Nomad commenters here have
said they couldn't get free 7 day permits at the TJ immigration office. There also seems to be some that say the 180 day permit is not multi - entry.
What is the practical reality? Are new immigration checkpoints going to spring up on all the major highways and be staffed 24/7? Was the recent
"flying checkpoint" recently sighted below Maneadero a sign of things to come or have the business / state tourism folks put an end to an over
zealous effort ?
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I suppose one could blow off getting insurance as well
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SFandH
Elite Nomad
Posts: 7084
Registered: 8-5-2011
Member Is Offline
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I understand where you're coming from but they are two very different things, especially considering what could happen if you needed insurance and
didn't have it.
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Bajaboy
Ultra Nomad
Posts: 4375
Registered: 10-9-2003
Location: Bahia Asuncion, BCS, Mexico
Member Is Offline
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| Quote: Originally posted by SFandH |
I understand where you're coming from but they are two very different things, especially considering what could happen if you needed insurance and
didn't have it. |
Assuming you had insurance and needed it, you would also need a valid tourist permit
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SFandH
Elite Nomad
Posts: 7084
Registered: 8-5-2011
Member Is Offline
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oh, ok
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weebray
Super Nomad
Posts: 1094
Registered: 7-19-2010
Location: La Paz
Member Is Offline
Mood: lleno
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Notwithstanding how easy it is or if you should obtain any immigration papers the fact is that your chances of ever being asked for your immigration
status or paperwork in Baja Norte or BCS are slim and none if you are not flying in or out. Back when I was a kid without a pot to pee in or a window
to throw it out of I had very limited resources and 20 bucks bought a lot of beer. Just be aware that immigration could make you go back to the
border and get legal. Oh well!
Every beautiful beach in the world needs a few condo towers - NOT.
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willardguy
Elite Nomad
Posts: 6451
Registered: 9-19-2009
Member Is Offline
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| Quote: Originally posted by Bajaboy | | Quote: Originally posted by SFandH |
I understand where you're coming from but they are two very different things, especially considering what could happen if you needed insurance and
didn't have it. |
Assuming you had insurance and needed it, you would also need a valid tourist permit |
I don't doubt what you're saying BUT, i've needed my mexican insurance twice now and was never asked for a tourist permit? has anyone
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DENNIS
Platinum Nomad
Posts: 29510
Registered: 9-2-2006
Location: Punta Banda
Member Is Offline
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But, I think it could become an issue, and in the event of injury to the other driver, that's a bad gamble
"YOU CAN'T LITTER ALUMINUM"
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bajaguy
Elite Nomad
Posts: 9247
Registered: 9-16-2003
Location: Carson City, NV/Ensenada - Baja Country Club
Member Is Offline
Mood: must be 5 O'clock somewhere in Baja
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A. It's the law
B. After the cops showed up at my accident. they wanted a drivers license, vehicle registration, valid Mexican insurance......and my immigration
status
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David K
Honored Nomad
Posts: 64837
Registered: 8-30-2002
Location: San Diego County
Member Is Offline
Mood: Have Baja Fever
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| Quote: Originally posted by Bajaboy | | Quote: Originally posted by SFandH |
I understand where you're coming from but they are two very different things, especially considering what could happen if you needed insurance and
didn't have it. |
Assuming you had insurance and needed it, you would also need a valid tourist permit |
Ask your Baja insurance company if they will deny coverage based on possessing a tourist card... I asked, and the answer is NO.
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Bajaboy
Ultra Nomad
Posts: 4375
Registered: 10-9-2003
Location: Bahia Asuncion, BCS, Mexico
Member Is Offline
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| Quote: Originally posted by David K | | Quote: Originally posted by Bajaboy | | Quote: Originally posted by SFandH |
I understand where you're coming from but they are two very different things, especially considering what could happen if you needed insurance and
didn't have it. |
Assuming you had insurance and needed it, you would also need a valid tourist permit |
Ask your Baja insurance company if they will deny coverage based on possessing a tourist card... I asked, and the answer is NO.
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David, my policy clearly states on the dec page that "this policy only applies in the Republic of Mexico and is governed by Mexican laws." Seems
pretty black and white to me.
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tecatero
Nomad
Posts: 205
Registered: 11-20-2013
Member Is Offline
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Is there an IMN office to get a tourist card at Tecate or Otay ??
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David K
Honored Nomad
Posts: 64837
Registered: 8-30-2002
Location: San Diego County
Member Is Offline
Mood: Have Baja Fever
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All borders have an INM office in Mexico... finding them open when you cross is another matter... technically they are open with the border... then
paying for the FMM is another issue. Typically if the bank window is not open the INM officer can also accept payment. One other method is to buy a
pre-paid FMM at the travel club and then you only need to stop to get it validated (stamped).
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