Visa to visit Baja?

Question: Do I need a visa to visit Baja California
Answer: No, or perhaps Yes.

Answer – No: 
If you are going to be within 20km (13mi) of the border and/or for less than 72 hours. There is an exception to the 20km rule that applies when you are traveling within a designated tourist corridor listed below such as Tijuana to Ensenada, Mexicali, or Sonoyta to Puerto Penasco.

There is some disagreement if Ensenada and Valle de Guadalupe are part of the tourist zone. What is very clear is that there are immigration check points south of Ensenada and tourists found without proper paperwork will be sent back to the immigration (INM) office in Ensenada or may be detained. 

Answer – Yes:
Anything other than what is listed above.

Visa form FMM (Forma Migratoria Multiple) is required if you are a non-Mexican citizen and you will be traveling in Baja for longer than 72 hours and/or will be traveling outside of the border region or tourist corridor area.

If crossing on foot or by car via San Ysidro stop at the INM office at the El Caparral point of entry.  If you are staying for less than 7-days be sure to mention that as there will be no fee for the visa.  If staying more than 7-days the multiple entry visa fee will vary between $25-$40 USD depending on the exchange rate. Always ask for the full 180 day visa period as it will allow you to leave Mexico and reenter multiple times.

You will need your passport to apply for the visa. Be sure to return your visa before exiting Mexico for the final time.

Border crossing issues

If you have every felt mistreated by a CBP (Customs and Border Protection) officer you should know that the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) has launched Dignity Crossing. This program is in cooperation with other organizations and provides a platform for anyone who has felt mistreated to file a complaint.

Complaints can be lodged by clicking here or calling 619-233-4114.