Missed immigration & customs in Tijuana - can it be done it La Paz?

[Smudger]

Hello,

just crossed from the US into Mexico with Rich (Uggawish) & as he's been here before we skipped immigration & customs at Tijuana as there's an office in Ensenada.

Turns out that office is closed, which means we're now 500 miles into Baja with no stamp in our passports & no documents for the bikes. Been through a few military checkpoints with no issues but obviously need to get the paperwork sorted prior to heading south towards Central America.

Suggestions welcome! Can it all be done in La Paz?????

Thanks,

Smudger

[Mickey D]

Didn't you guys post this already here? Or maybe over on ADV rider ... where you actually get a response?

YES! you can get your TVIP in La Paz. You'll have to buy your Tourist Visa there as well. I don't think you will have to worry about getting your Passport stamped, but they may do it when you get the Tourist Visa. For US citizens, they never do this.

Baja is a Free Zone, so Mexico really doesn't begin until the mainland.
You may get stopped at Guerrero Negro and asked for Tourist Visa. They will sell you one there. Big Flag, military base there and most always a check point as you enter town.

Ensenada has never had an Aduana office for the TVIP form. But you can get the Tourist Visa there if you catch the guy there. Unless they've shut it down? Could be I guess. His office is by the port, near the huge flag.

Anyway, no worries. La Paz is good. Go to Ferry terminal, ask for Aduana/Bancjercito offices for TVIP. You may be able get it in Santa
Rosalia (also at Ferry Terminal) as well. Don't take that Ferry. It goes to Guaymas, is very slow ... and expensive. Sucks!

[Mickey D]

It's rare they ask for TVIP papers but it can happen. Most Transito cops could care less. But if you run into Federales they will ask, Army guys, usually not.

1st thing they want to see is your Passport. Then the Tourist Visa.
The Hologram sticker is best left in with your papers. Present if asked. Mexicans will peel it off ... it allow them to drive round in a US car for six months. A rare happening, but has happened.

[Smudger]

Immigration office on the La Paz waterfront in a very non-descript building near Hertz car rental. Not open weekends & took about 90 minutes once they were open.

The office for the bike docs (Banjercito) is in the ferry port 12 miles out of town & is staffed by two very helpful (& lovely) young Mexican girls who make it all very straight forward & simple.

So, in answer to my own question. Yes, it can all be done in La Paz.