joel
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Mexicali West / Calexico Visa Hours
I've searched and couldn't find the answer... does anyone know how early one can obtain and pay for a visa at Mexicali West / Calexico crossing
heading south? I'm looking for an early morning crossing heading south via San Felipe.
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David K
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The INM (immigration) office is open the same hours as the border (ie 24). That is no guarantee you will actually find the officer on duty at 2 am,
but just look around and wake him up. Seriously, Mexicali is a major crossing, so it may not be an issue... and if you only need the free 7 day card,
all the better as you won't need to find a cashier or have him open the cash box if he doesn't want to. The INM building is (or was last we heard) on
the LEFT, after you enter Mexico... some parking in front or close, on the left. Ken Cooke posted photos... as did John M.
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joel
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Thanks! Anyone know the cashier hours - I'd rather not have to wait for a bank to open? I'm thinking of rolling through around 5 or 6 AM.
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sancho
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Was a post on the San Felipe site, maybe 4 mo. ago, someone
reported crossing on a Sun., were given an fmm, told to pay
the fee in San Felipe at Bancomer bank
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freediverbrian
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a month ago on my last trip thru Mexicali west , I was waved over and was asked to see my visa by immigration. I said I was going to get one now he
told me where to park and was very polite . We waited in line for about 40 mins, the office clerk was filling out EVERY visa by hand, in that time
they completed about five visas. Seeing the line getting longer and longer they said the computer was down and we did not need visas and to tell
anyone who asked about visas " the computer was down" . I try to do the right thing in Mexico , but they make it difficult
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sancho
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Isn't that the truth. Clarity is not one of their strong points,
but that is part of the romantic appeal...I think?
Seems the Imm office in San Felipe could easily handle fmm's,
I believe they used to maybe 6-8 yrs back. Apparently at the SF airport,
they issue fmm's to the passengers on the new Sea Port airline
arrivals, but it es Mexico
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PaulW
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Pay at the bank = normal banking hours
No bank on Sunday and holidays
Sometimes they will take money and skip the bank
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Quote: Originally posted by joel  | | Thanks! Anyone know the cashier hours - I'd rather not have to wait for a bank to open? I'm thinking of rolling through around 5 or 6 AM.
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freediverbrian
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I was told at IMM office if the banks were closed you could pay at office ,I would not count on it.
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David K
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As of the past 3 years (at least), INM officers have been authorized to take the payment directly from you. This was a huge improvement over the need
to pay a bank teller and go back for the stamp.
Maybe they don't want the extra work now, but in 2012 the INM officer at Tijuana had her own cash box and told me it didn't matter if I paid her or
walked to the bank teller and paid there (4 doors away). Of course I paid her.
She also was clear that I could return to Mexico in 5 more days with that FMM to begin our long trip. I asked all the specific questions, then
reported it all here on Nomad. Of course things change and people change.
One other option is to join Discover Baja Travel Club (a good organization) and buy the pre-paid FMMs there. All you need to do is have the border INM
officer stamp them, no need for a bank or any more money. I was at Discover Baja a couple weeks ago when Hugh walked in with a fresh load of FMMs.
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freediverbrian
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If every person entering Mexico thru the Mexicali gate stopped and got a visa at the border it would create grid lock hours long . until Mexico
comes up with an efficient and simple method for visas it will be a wink and nod system that helps no one
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