General Reports

[Bunter Hiden]

Are you walking through the Mexican Nationals line or the Foreigners line? I could see if it was the Nationals line as I see them waving pretty much everyone who looks Mexican through for that but I've never seen them wave anyone through for the Foreigners line.

Just take the time to get a passport card. Easy and on line and it can't be stamped. Prior to my get out of Paradise rapido Global Entry card, for decades I crossed with a passport. I've got stamps from 23 countries but not one is Mexico. They stamp your paper visa going in, not your passport. Think about it. A poorly paid border agent would have to flip through your book as there is some order to what page they can stamp on, then stamp it. Too much effort for such low pay. On another note way back in BC times (before COVID) and pre GE card, 30% of the time they would just ask you what you're doing, say lunch at world famous Caesars and they nod you in. It was a drag at ped west when a dozen gringos are trying to fill out the form. I had better luck then as I would walk straight up to the agent and say I'm just going to lunch and would get the nod. I could not pre print the visa as my printer at home has a memory. Plausible deniability my friends. Had a friend busted that way. Wife-where have you been? Husband-the casino. Wife then why this in my printer memory. Fastest thinker on the planet husband. The casino in Tijuana. Genius.

[BrotherMouzone]

I'm talking strictly about the Foreigners' line. I've never tried the line for Mexicans.

And I look less Mexican than Joe Biden.

Okay well that's interesting. In all the years I've been walking through the Foreigners' line I've never not had to go to the desk to get my FMM processed (though I only go to Tijuana like 2-3 times a year).

I'm also obviously not Mexican (African-American) but I do use the Nationals' line for re-entry with a stamped FMM for times when I'm back and forth between Tijuana and San Diego and need to re-enter. Have never had a problem getting waved through in that scenario.

[Jackie888]

Cartel wars starting to heat up again. They are hanging bodies from bridges in Zacatecas. Normally I ignore anything not next to Tijuana. But I got a funny feeling this time because so many cartels are involved. In the Zona Norte, military on foot patrol. Unsure if it is for "presence" or if the cops are getting scared shitless.

[WombatEd2]

Are you walking through the Mexican Nationals line or the Foreigners line? I could see if it was the Nationals line as I see them waving pretty much everyone who looks Mexican through for that but I've never seen them wave anyone through for the Foreigners line.

I'm talking strictly about the Foreigners' line. I've never tried the line for Mexicans.

And I look less Mexican than Joe Biden.

[BrotherMouzone]

In theory, that's true. But in my experience, if you walk in, about a third of the time they wave you through with bothering with the FMM.

And if you're driving, they never even ask for one.

Are you walking through the Mexican Nationals line or the Foreigners line? I could see if it was the Nationals line as I see them waving pretty much everyone who looks Mexican through for that but I've never seen them wave anyone through for the Foreigners line.

[WombatEd2]

As far as I know an FMM is always required when crossing into Mexico.

In theory, that's true. But in my experience, if you walk in, about a third of the time they wave you through with bothering with the FMM.

And if you're driving, they never even ask for one.

[WombatEd2]

Is there a way to enter Mexico and re enter the us without a passport stamp using only a passport? Thanks.

If you don't want your passport stamped, the only sure bet is to drive in. The officials on the drive-in side never stamp you.

[LuvMexicanas]

Flew down to SAN airport, the Buss 922 and Blue line took 1 HR 20 minutes to reach the border. Total expense $2. 5 + $2. 5 ticket to reach there.

Two things: 1) it's the 992 bus and 2) it should cost just $2.50 total with Pronto because transfers are free for two hours. I know $5 total instead of $2. 50 so who cares but $2.50 in pesos will buy you a couple delicious tacos or 3 beers including tip at El Copeo.

[Captain Solo]

Layover on connecting flights up to 29 hours no charge, about $300 RT.

Multiday layovers booked in copair.com I have seen $297. I booked mine for $420.

[DogLife]

Sounds like the mongering gods were shining on you as much as having picked up pointers from the old salts here. Good going.

Thanks Amigo! Hope this streak continues. Had a very dry spell since Señor Covid arrived in the scene.

[Rpatl]

This is very helpful and much appreciated.

I'm no expert on border crossing but as far as I know an FMM is always required when crossing into Mexico. The only times I've ever NOT been given one was twice last year when they made me pay the $30 bribe when I attempted to cross with an expired passport. Those two times were the only times I've ever had to pay a bribe and only times I wasn't given an FMM card (I guess I didn't get one because they weren't supposed to let me in without a valid passport in the first place LOL). The FMM is that small white card with green and red lines on it. If you don't fill the FMM out online they always, to my understanding, give you one and stamp it when you cross the border.

I personally recommend ALWAYS filling the FMM out online and printing it out before your trip. In my experience it seems to reduce the likelihood of hassle / questions / potentially facing a bribe situation as it gives the Mexican customs official a signal that you're not just some nave border crosser. If you don't fill it out online the Mexican customs official is supposed to complete one (during which point they'll likely ask you a couple questions like how many days you're staying and why you're visiting) and stamp it for you. For my FMMs I've ALWAYS put Hotel Caesars on it (which they never actually verify). When the border was "closed" for non-essential travel, I always used the "dentist" excuse and had the name / address of a dentist as well as a fake e-mail I sent to myself confirming a dental appointment ready. Now that the border is no longer closed your reason for visit doesn't matter. You can say casino, bars, tacos, whatever..

[Ninguno Especial]

Made my first Tijuana trip on Wednesday.
It was around 7:30 PM and no line at all and was a breeze. No FMM, no questions, nada.
I came back Friday early morning and again it was very swift in the US customs check with my Global Entry.
Detailed mongering report to follow.

Sounds like the mongering gods were shining on you as much as having picked up pointers from the old salts here. Good going.

[LuvMexicanas]

I personally recommend ALWAYS filling the FMM out online and printing it out before your trip. In my experience it seems to reduce the likelihood of hassle / questions / potentially facing a bribe situation as it gives the Mexican customs official a signal that you're not just some naive border crosser.

This is very good advice and almost ensures a hassle-free crossing because as the poster indicated, it dispels any hint that it's your first rodeo and hence an easy mark. It's also convenient compared to manually filling out the form there.

[BrotherMouzone]

Hello,

I have been researching the forum as I am planning a return trip in January to Tijuana.

Can anyone explain their experience with the boarder crossing and FMM? If you do need it what hotel do you normally put and do they verify?

Usually I was waived across with my passport and there was no mention of a FMM. I said I was going to the casino so maybe that's why.

Appreciate any help you can provide.

I'm no expert on border crossing but as far as I know an FMM is always required when crossing into Mexico. The only times I've ever NOT been given one was twice last year when they made me pay the $30 bribe when I attempted to cross with an expired passport. Those two times were the only times I've ever had to pay a bribe and only times I wasn't given an FMM card (I guess I didn't get one because they weren't supposed to let me in without a valid passport in the first place LOL). The FMM is that small white card with green and red lines on it. If you don't fill the FMM out online they always, to my understanding, give you one and stamp it when you cross the border.

I personally recommend ALWAYS filling the FMM out online and printing it out before your trip. In my experience it seems to reduce the likelihood of hassle / questions / potentially facing a bribe situation as it gives the Mexican customs official a signal that you're not just some naïve border crosser. If you don't fill it out online the Mexican customs official is supposed to complete one (during which point they'll likely ask you a couple questions like how many days you're staying and why you're visiting) and stamp it for you. For my FMMs I've ALWAYS put Hotel Caesars on it (which they never actually verify). When the border was "closed" for non-essential travel, I always used the "dentist" excuse and had the name / address of a dentist as well as a fake e-mail I sent to myself confirming a dental appointment ready. Now that the border is no longer closed your reason for visit doesn't matter. You can say casino, bars, tacos, whatever.

This process usually isn't an issue, as long as you have proper and valid documentation (I. E. , a valid passport). The ONLY times I've ever had issue were the two times I explained above when I tried to cross with an expired passport. Even then they still let me through (though I had to pay a bribe).

[Tjones0110]

The FMM is a crapshoot.

Best Case: they barely glance at your passport and then wave you through. No FMM issue at all.

Worst case: They ask the purpose of your trip, and then blackmail you into buying a $30 FMM. Be prepared with the name of a respectable hotel and a respectable dentist. They won't verify either.

Is there a way to enter Mexico and re enter the us without a passport stamp using only a passport? Thanks.