Do I need a passport to go to Tijuana?

[USC_Gamecocks]

My family and I are going to California in a couple of weeks to Disneyland. :cool1: We where headed to San Diego for a day and also like to visit Tijuana Mexico for a few hours to shop. Do I need a passport to go to Mexico for a few hours? And what other advice can I get about traveling to Tijuana.

Thanks.:)

[Cali_Sparrow]

Are you sure you want to go to Tijuana?
It's gotten very dangerous for tourists to be there at night/evenings and it's not a good place for children at all.

I suggest finding a more tourist-friendly place to go in Mexico if you can.
Try the Baja area, and I hear Ensenada is a better bet for visiting than Tijuana.

I don't think you need a passport for Mexico yet, but it's never a bad idea, especially if you want to use it later. Better safe than sorry!

[USC_Gamecocks]

Are you sure you want to go to Tijuana?
It's gotten very dangerous for tourists to be there at night/evenings and it's not a good place for children at all.

I suggest finding a more tourist-friendly place to go in Mexico if you can.
Try the Baja area, and I hear Ensenada is a better bet for visiting than Tijuana.

I don't think you need a passport for Mexico yet, but it's never a bad idea, especially if you want to use it later. Better safe than sorry!

Thanks for the info. We know that we want to go to mexico but not sure where. We will look into Baja.

[RudemanRB]

I work with CBP, but at an airport
Drivers licenses, Birth certs, and a 2nd photo ID, grab your SS cards also, to be safe. you know know what CBP agent your gonna get.

here's a link to our website http://www.cbp.gov/xp/cgov/travel/id_visa/citizens/cbp_reqs_mexico.xml

this one might adress your question more directly

http://help.cbp.gov/cgi-bin/customs.cfg/php/enduser/std_adp.php?p_faqid=74&p_created=1043364936&p_sid=-cnUA58j&p_accessibility=0&p_redirect=&p_lva=&p_sp=cF9zcmNoPSZwX3NvcnRfYnk9JnBfZ3JpZHNvcnQ9JnBfc m93X2NudD02MzMsNjMzJnBfcHJvZHM9JnBfY2F0cz0mcF9wdj0 mcF9jdj0mcF9zZWFyY2hfdHlwZT1hbnN3ZXJzLnNlYXJjaF9ub CZwX3BhZ2U9MQ**&p_li=&p_topview=1

Click around for more specifics or call one of the contact numbers on the website.

I'll check with my CBP folks (i'm off today :D)



:wizard:

[Tink33]

You will need a passport for Mexico or a government issued photo ID as well as an official birth certificate with raised seal for each member of your party.

I would strongly suggest that you do not go to Tijuana. I have had several friends mugged and/or stopped by the police (who take all of your money). Things are not safe at the moment.

[USC_Gamecocks]

Thanks for all the great info. We will have a rental car so we cant drive into Mexico. Is there any time of bus or tour that we could take to Mexico. Tijuana doesn't sound like a place that we want to go now. Any suggestions of where we sould go.

[USC_Gamecocks]

I work with CBP, but at an airport
Drivers licenses, Birth certs, and a 2nd photo ID, grab your SS cards also, to be safe. you know know what CBP agent your gonna get.

here's a link to our website http://www.cbp.gov/xp/cgov/travel/id_visa/citizens/cbp_reqs_mexico.xml

this one might adress your question more directly

http://help.cbp.gov/cgi-bin/customs.cfg/php/enduser/std_adp.php?p_faqid=74&p_created=1043364936&p_sid=-cnUA58j&p_accessibility=0&p_redirect=&p_lva=&p_sp=cF9zcmNoPSZwX3NvcnRfYnk9JnBfZ3JpZHNvcnQ9JnBfc m93X2NudD02MzMsNjMzJnBfcHJvZHM9JnBfY2F0cz0mcF9wdj0 mcF9jdj0mcF9zZWFyY2hfdHlwZT1hbnN3ZXJzLnNlYXJjaF9ub CZwX3BhZ2U9MQ**&p_li=&p_topview=1

Click around for more specifics or call one of the contact numbers on the website.

I'll check with my CBP folks (i'm off today :D)



:wizard:
Thank you so much.;)

[ballarinamom]

We go over the Texas US border often. Just last week my friend used her DL and raised Birth certificate. I have a passport. I wouldn't think there is a difference between Texas and California. Now if you fly, passport only. And I agree things are getting bad in all border towns so be careful

[FoodLover]

Are you sure you want to go to Tijuana?

This was my first reaction, too. Tijuana was never a nice place and now it's really dangerous, with the drug cartels battling it out. Frankly you couldn't pay me enough to go anywhere in the Northern Baja peninsula these days, either. Personally I would just drop the whole Mexico excursion. The border areas are the pits.

Mary

[darrendman]

My family and I are going to California in a couple of weeks to Disneyland. :cool1: We where headed to San Diego for a day and also like to visit Tijuana Mexico for a few hours to shop. Do I need a passport to go to Mexico for a few hours? And what other advice can I get about traveling to Tijuana.

Thanks.:)

I would highly reccomend you to avoid Mexico, Especially when kids. A friend of mine was just there for a concert, and the cab driver drove them to an alley where 3 guys were waiting in ski masks. Took everything they owned.

Tourism is down 90% in the past couple years. Their government is so corrupt that they will steal and do anything to get money.

[USC_Gamecocks]

Thanks for all of the help everyone.:hug: After reading all of your post we decided it was better for us not to go. We didn't want to take the chance even for only a few hours.

[tortugaverde]

Having lived in Mexico for a while during my college years, I can honestly say I have spent a considerable amount of time traveling in Mexico and NEVER had one problem. In general, the country is full of considerate, kind and helpful citizens. I would not hesitate to take my children to Mexico for vacation or to live (which we have considered). However, with that said... the border areas can be dangerous. This is mostly due to poverty and drugs, same goes for towns on the US side of the border... especially if you hang in the "wrong" part of town. Although there is more crime in this area, as long as you stay in the tourist part of town... where a tour would likely go if you took one, you will be totally fine. As in any city in the world, there is crime... especially if you stray from the beaten path and you are not familiar with the city at all. Mexico has a tourist police department that generally patrols tourist areas. As long as you keep your wits about you (as you would anywhere) you should not have any problems. Most crime involving tourists (unless you are a drug dealer!) is theft. Pickpockets can be very tricky!

As to the story about the taxi robbery, that can happen. You just have to know which taxi company is safe... and which are not safe. If you do decide to go, just make sure to use a Radio Taxi. These are reputable taxis that operate through a large company. They must radio in their every move, which eliminates the crime that can happen with independent taxi drivers. Buses are an even better alternative.

Personally...I would go, even with my kids. But that is just my two cents on the matter;)

[disney-inspired]

My family and I are going to California in a couple of weeks to Disneyland. :cool1: We where headed to San Diego for a day and also like to visit Tijuana Mexico for a few hours to shop. Do I need a passport to go to Mexico for a few hours? And what other advice can I get about traveling to Tijuana.

Thanks.:)

Anything out of the country now requires a passport. When my family went down to Mexico in the past it only required a US driver's license but now they have more restrictions. You better have it rushed if you want to have it in time, you know how efficient our government is;) :rotfl:

[FoodLover]

Having lived in Mexico for a while during my college years, I can honestly say I have spent a considerable amount of time traveling in Mexico and NEVER had one problem.

I'm thinking you went to college awhile ago. Crime in Mexico has grown much worse in recent years and has accelerated dramatically in the past year. It is affecting visitors, even those who stay in formerly safe "tourist areas."

The US State Dept says "Some border cities have seen an increase in violence over the past year, some of which has been directed against U.S. citizens. Local police forces have been ineffective in maintaining security in some regions along the border. Drug-related violence has increased dramatically in recent months, and shows no sign of abating. While U.S. citizens not involved in criminal activities are generally not targeted, innocent bystanders are at risk from the increase in violence in the streets of border cities.

In Ciudad Juarez, Monterrey, Nuevo Laredo, and Tijuana, shootings have taken place at busy intersections and at popular restaurants during daylight hours. The wave of violence has been aimed primarily at members of drug-trafficking organizations, criminal justice officials, and journalists. However, foreign visitors and residents, including U.S. citizens, have been among the victims of homicide and kidnapping in the border region."

http://travel.state.gov/travel/cis_pa_tw/cis/cis_970.html

[brenda1966]

It saddens me to hear that Tiajuana is no longer a safe tourist destination. I was there 10 years or so ago and my mom and I walked across the border and did some shopping. We felt very safe. But I have noticed increased warnings from the govt travel website regarding mexico and it gave me pause about booking a trip to Cancun. I took DD to Puerto Vallarta a few years ago and always felt safe, but things are changing and not for the better. It's really too bad.

[amyamya]

OP: I am so glad you decided to change your plans. There has been recent violence there and it is not a safe place to go by any means. There is no "tourist area" that is safe. It might have been that way but is no longer. Plus, you wanted to shop and all they have are trinkets and other items that are probably fake. Thanks for listening to the folks who told you it wasn't safe!:thumbsup2

[bumbershoot]

Anything out of the country now requires a passport.

Not true. Sea and land travel to Mexico, Canada, and some other cruise places do NOT yet require a passport. They thought it was going to start this June, but have pushed it back to next June (until they change it again). Photo ID for adults and birth certificates for all is what is needed for sea and land travel right now.

Though, of course, should something happen and you need a flight back, then it becomes annoying.



OP, from San Diego, my SIL and brother (who live there) always recommend the red trolley to Mexico. SIL and her friends have taken it and had a grand time.

[tortugaverde]

I'm thinking you went to college awhile ago. Crime in Mexico has grown much worse in recent years and has accelerated dramatically in the past year. It is affecting visitors, even those who stay in formerly safe "tourist areas."

The US State Dept says "Some border cities have seen an increase in violence over the past year, some of which has been directed against U.S. citizens. Local police forces have been ineffective in maintaining security in some regions along the border. Drug-related violence has increased dramatically in recent months, and shows no sign of abating. While U.S. citizens not involved in criminal activities are generally not targeted, innocent bystanders are at risk from the increase in violence in the streets of border cities.

In Ciudad Juarez, Monterrey, Nuevo Laredo, and Tijuana, shootings have taken place at busy intersections and at popular restaurants during daylight hours. The wave of violence has been aimed primarily at members of drug-trafficking organizations, criminal justice officials, and journalists. However, foreign visitors and residents, including U.S. citizens, have been among the victims of homicide and kidnapping in the border region."

http://travel.state.gov/travel/cis_pa_tw/cis/cis_970.html

I was in Mexico in 2000, however I have friends that are still there... Mexican citizens as well as US citizens. All feel completely safe.
Have you read the reports for other countries? They are just as bad, if not worse. I have also traveled in Ecuador, which also gets a very bad report... again with no problems.

Personally, I think travel can be safe almost anywhere... as long as you do your research and stay out of areas that are unsafe. You would not walk through central park in New York city at midnight, just as you would not walk through an alley way in Tijuana. Most crime happens to people involved in crime. All of the recent situations I have read about in Mexico, involving US citizens have been criminals themselves.

Turn on the US news and you will see that a lot of sick people live here in the states as well. You could be hit by a truck crossing the street for goodness sakes! I have not yet heard of a family shopping in Tijuana being kidnapped and murdered.

If you don't feel safe, by all means don't go. I guess I just have a different opinion on the matter. Just sharing my thoughts:)

[RudemanRB]

TJ, is no less safe than any Major US city in the day. if your really concerned then drive a little further south and go to Rosarito I would avoid TJ at night with a family.



:wizard: Rudy

[honeymom]

Aren't we just talking about parking in San Diego side of TJ and walking over? Has it really gotten that bad - I haven't heard about problems for the typical day tripper.

[Tink33]

Yes, it has become that bad. At one point the military took the guns away from the Tijuana police force and gave them slingshots:

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/16763344/from/ET/

http://www.usatoday.com/news/nation/2007-02-05-border-crime_x.htm

Here is an article about a kidnapping this year:

http://www.signonsandiego.com/uniontrib/20080630/news_1m30father.html

I have travelled through Mexico and Central America. I won't go into Tijuana at this time.

[tortugaverde]

Yes, it has become that bad. At one point the military took the guns away from the Tijuana police force and gave them slingshots:

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/16763344/from/ET/

http://www.usatoday.com/news/nation/2007-02-05-border-crime_x.htm

Here is an article about a kidnapping this year:

http://www.signonsandiego.com/uniontrib/20080630/news_1m30father.html

I have travelled through Mexico and Central America. I won't go into Tijuana at this time.

I read all of the articles. In one, it mentions how Washington DC has a higher crime rate than Tijuana and that the crime rate is no worse than any other major city. The concern is HOW the murders occur... often by decapitation. These are drug gang wars mostly, so if you are a drug dealer... it would be dangerous, yes. Also, kidnappings happen. With more frequency in the last year, obviously... but kidnappings happen all over the world.

They also mentioned that TENS of THOUSANDS cross the boarder both ways legally every day. That is a lot of people! And while I have read about drug trafficking US citizens being killed recently, I have not heard of any US tourists being killed or kidnapped (although I am sure it has happened somewhere in the world!).

They also interviewed US citizens on Revolution ave. who all visit frequently, with no problems and none had any concerns.

[tortugaverde]

OP: I am so glad you decided to change your plans. There has been recent violence there and it is not a safe place to go by any means. There is no "tourist area" that is safe. It might have been that way but is no longer. Plus, you wanted to shop and all they have are trinkets and other items that are probably fake. Thanks for listening to the folks who told you it wasn't safe!:thumbsup2

Just curious, but have you ever been to Mexico or Tijuana? Trinkets and items that are fake? I am just curious as to what this means?

And yes, Tijuana does have a "tourist area". I just phoned a friend of mine who lives in San Diego... he and his wife frequent Tijuana often (just went last week). Both assured me that dispite the media, Tijuana's tourist strip is still alive and kicking. They have never had a problem... although they go during the day, stay in the tourist area, don't carry large amounts of money or big cameras and they don't deal drugs. Common sense for travel in any big city. They also recommend the Red Trolley, Molly (that rhymes, :laughing: )!

[amyamya]

Just curious, but have you ever been to Mexico or Tijuana? Trinkets and items that are fake? I am just curious as to what this means?

And yes, Tijuana does have a "tourist area". I just phoned a friend of mine who lives in San Diego... he and his wife frequent Tijuana often (just went last week). Both assured me that dispite the media, Tijuana's tourist strip is still alive and kicking. They have never had a problem... although they go during the day, stay in the tourist area, don't carry large amounts of money or big cameras and they don't deal drugs. Common sense for travel in any big city. They also recommend the Red Trolley, Molly (that rhymes, :laughing: )!

Yes, I have been to Tijuana, Rosarito, Ensenada, Cabo, Puerto Vallarta, Mazatlan and Zihuatanejo, many places more than once. I honeymooned in Cabo for two weeks and went to college in San Diego and crossed the border way more than my parents were comfortable with. I've taken the trolley, the bus, walked across, drove across, etc. From experience, I am talking about the stuff they sell in many of those towns. So fake stuff: jewelry, watches, cosmetics, handbags, Disney stuff, cigars, even prescription drugs, not to mention the fake Zebras. Yes, you could get Taxco silver, handicrafts, pottery, vanilla, blankets, leather goods, but why risk crossing the border to place where the police themselves are a huge part of the problem? I know there is a tourist area but to call that area safe is a long stretch. Why risk being caught in some other war that is raging down there right now as an innocent bystander? There is a reason tourism is down 90%, clearly a couple of us on this board are not the only ones who think it's no longer wise to visit select border towns.

[Tink33]

I have not heard of any US tourists being killed or kidnapped (although I am sure it has happened somewhere in the world!).



Now you have heard about it:

http://www.10news.com/news/15232704/detail.html?rss=sand&psp=news

You are correct that the odds are very low, but why chance it?


Here is one more article from the State Dept:

http://travel.state.gov/travel/cis_pa_tw/pa/pa_3028.html

[honeymom]

I thought that the majority of the problems are in Rosarito Beach (which is a real shame because I love the RB Hotel).

Have not gone anytime recently. Went to Rocky Point (south of Arizona) two summers ago and had a great time.

As to fake trinkets. I wouldn't buy gold and valuable stuff down there. There is really nice decorative stuff that is obviously made in Mexico. I'd stick to that.

[tortugaverde]

Now you have heard about it:

http://www.10news.com/news/15232704/detail.html?rss=sand&psp=news

You are correct that the odds are very low, but why chance it?


Here is one more article from the State Dept:

http://travel.state.gov/travel/cis_pa_tw/pa/pa_3028.html

Thanks for the link.

We take risks every day. Just living life is a risk! I COULD be shot driving down the road or hit by a drunk driver or kidnapped from my bed.

The risk is low enough that I would feel completely safe taking my family on a day trip to Mexico.

We disagree! Oh well :goodvibes !

[honeymom]

Okay, story on cnn.com tonight about gruesome discovery of 4 badly burnt bodies on a Tijuana street.

Probably best not to go to Tijuana these days.

[tortugaverde]

Okay, story on cnn.com tonight about gruesome discovery of 4 badly burnt bodies on a Tijuana street.

Probably best not to go to Tijuana these days.

People are murdered every day, I would guess in every single major US city. I was just on MSNBC and they have an entire section (Crime & Courts) dedicated to murder, kidnappings, rapes etc. Heck, we have serial killers and school shootings... which is something many countries have never experienced! Sadly, the world is a dangerous place.

[RudemanRB]

Okay, story on cnn.com tonight about gruesome discovery of 4 badly burnt bodies on a Tijuana street.

Probably best not to go to Tijuana these days.

Did they say it was Tourist?

I'll bet the Mexican version of CNN probably has more US stories than Mexican lol. I wonder if they are telling their citzens don't go to the US.
you might become the next Brittany Spears.


:laughing:


:wizard: Rudy

[foleyfun]

I live in San Diego and if you are only going to be here a short time there is SOOOOOOO much more fun stuff to do here besides going to Mexico. I have been to TJ many times to take friends and family there and every time I vow not to go back and now with the rise in crime I wouldn't go over there if you paid me to. My advice would be to enjoy all of the great stuff San Diego has to offer!

[honeymom]

The point is not whether it was tourists, but with a drug war going on there is the possibility of getting caught in the crossfire.

I agree with the above poster. There is a lot to do and see in San Diego and Tijuana can be skipped.

[JzeroT1437]

I think tortugaverde is secretly the president of Tijuana.

But seriously, if you have an inkling of doubt, don't do it. If it were me alone, I would totally go, but I'm a pretty big guy (6'8) and if you put me in some ill-fitting clothes, the ambiguity of my muscle size and weight appears threatening (don't let anyone know I secretly look like Rick Moranis!). If I had a family, I wouldn't risk it though.

[eduk8r26]

My godson just got back from a day in Rosarita Beach. He and his cousin and some friends took a shuttle from San Ysidro to Tijuana, then another shuttle to Rosarita. They spent most of the afternoon and were back by 7 PM. Since he is only 18, there wasn't much partying going on, but they went to the beach and hung out. He said he had a good time. He only needed a driver's license, but they recommended a 2nd ID.