Border Crossing

“No tricks no tips just cross thru in TJ.”

“I drive through Tijuana and never get stopped. It is the quickest way through if you are heading south. If you have the time, head through Tecate. You can stop at immigrations right at the border and there is never anyone there, no lines whatsoever.”

“Cross at tecate; much quicker, no hassles, opens at 8am. Get your tourist visa right there at the border...do lots of smiling...no problem.”

“We cross at San Ysidro/ Tijuanna and it has been easy, although we usally do no have anything to declare (only comida y ropa). The office and the bank are open 24 hours so you can get there early (before dawn) go to the immigration office, fill out your form, show your passport, walk about 100 yards to the bank (a walk-up window) pay $ 20.00/USD each, he stamps your form as paid, you walk back to the office and they stamp it again and give you your copy and you are on your way. Note, as you approach the border, stay in far right lanes, pull up to officers, tell them you are going to immigration and they will wave you into the parking area on the right. Your vehicle is secure and it only takes about 20 minutes and by that time it is daylight and safe to drive.”

“FMT's are available from the Vagabundos, from the Mexican Consolate wherever one is, or at the border or in Guerro Negro. You need to eventually pay the fee at a bank, any Mexican bank and need not be paid until you return.”

“If you go thru AZ you need a car and trailer permit. Not fun!”

Border Crossing With Trailer

“at this point, very very few vehicles that are southbound are being stopped or inspected...”

“My recommendation is to drive 'fat, dumb, and happy' as if you don't have to do anything. If they inspect, just tell them you are vacationing in Baja for a few months. Now, that is only my opinion.”

“I just took a ton of taxable stuff across at San Ysidro and they waived me through at 5:30 am, no questions, no charge. I was prepared to pay.”