Horizons Unlimited - The HUBB - Banjerito in Baja ?

Quote:

Originally Posted by thepinproject (Post 533645)

But the fact that the first time visitors (ANY VISITORS, not only Americans who travel for a day or Europeans who plan to spend a month in the peninsula before taking the ferry from La Paz or even Mexican workers who commute everyday for work) have not a clue about the entry formalities is a pity for such an organised country.

This is our humble opinion after 4 years on the road and after 40+crossings in Africa, Europe (withing and out of Schengen Zone) and recently Americas.

Mexico/USA border is unusual.

For sure ALL Mexican workers know the rules well and have gone to A LOT of trouble (and money) to get the expedited special Visa issued to daily commuters going back and forth from Mexico to USA.

Also, American tourists who live anywhere in the border region and frequently travel into Mexico, they also know the rules. There are none for day trippers or those going less than 200 miles from the border. No paperwork of ANY kind.

But your point is WELL TAKEN ... For true 1st time visitors it can be confusing. As some may know, when you ENTER Mexico from USA, you usually don't even have to stop. The Mexican Aduana just wave you through. Going the other way? (well, that is another world)

So for a first time Mexico visitor, it's confusing. They wonder why they did not have to stop at the border. Why didn't they stamp my Passport?

How many borders have you crossed where they 1. don't stop you ... and 2. Don't stamp your passport? :innocent:

As you continue South out of Tijuana or Mexicali, you will not see a SIGN saying: WAIT! DO YOU HAVE YOUR TOURIST VISA? Is there a Kiosk along the road where you have to stop and get your Visa? NO. Nothing.

Fact is, there is no posting stating this. WHY? Because 90% of visitors never go more than 50 miles South into Mexico. NO DOCUMENTS REQUIRED ... for anyone, no documents required for vehicles either.

From Tijuana, tourists go mostly to Ensenada, visit the beaches and such. Some go to Tijuana for the night life, shopping or to Mexicali for Dental work or less expensive Vet services.

I've done 20 Baja trips and many times (on dirt rides) never got a Visa at all even though we went beyond the Zona Libre. Never asked for a Visa, ever.

But, if you show up at the Ferry terminal in La Paz to sail to mainland, you better have your Visa before ... or it will cost you.

The whole reason for this policy is BUSINESS. The Mexicans know that if they inconvenience the American tourists coming in for the day or a few days, they will JUST NOT COME!

So ... they make it as easy as possible. The only thing you DO need is insurance ... which you can buy at a hundred Kiosks on the USA side of the border. Been this way ... forever.

bier