November 2021 Baja Bulletin

U.S. Land Borders Reopening November 8 

Non U.S. citizens who are fully vaccinated for COVID-19 and have appropriate documentation will be permitted to enter the United States via land ports of entry starting on November 8, 2021. Non-essential travelers who are not U.S. citizens should be prepared to (1) provide proof of COVID-19 vaccination, as outlined on the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) website; and (2) verbally attest to their reason for travel and COVID-19 vaccination status during a border inspection. More information can be found on the Department of Homeland Security website.

There will also be a change to border hours, which have been operating under limited schedules since the pandemic started.

Beginning November 7, border hours will resume to 6 a.m. – 10 p.m. at the Tecate port of entry. Beginning November 8, hours will resume to 6 a.m. – 10 p.m. at the Mexicali East port of entry.

San Ysidro, Otay Mesa, and Calexico West ports of entry will continue to be open 24 hours. All pedestrian processing at San Ysidro will continue at the Pedestrian east facility (the original pedestrian crossing area at San Ysidro.)

We anticipate that the borders will be very busy during this time and suggest that you try to avoid crossing the border on Nov 8th or allow for extra travel time. You can find the latest updates on our Road Conditions Page.

Baja 1000 Off Road Race

The 2021 Baja 1000 will take place November 15-20. The course this year is a one-way race from Ensenada to La Paz (course map here). Be sure to make advance hotel reservations if you’ll be traveling around this time.

New 50 Peso Bill 

There’s a new 50 peso bill that just went into circulation. The new bill features the Mexica (Aztec) capital of Tenochtitlán based on a mural by Diego Rivera. The other side of the bill features an axolotl, a native salamander. This bill joins the previously issued new 500, 200, 100, and 20 peso bills.

Gas at Costco Ensenada

The Ensenada Costco now has a gasoline station! This is the twelfth Costco gas station in Mexico and the third in Baja (there are also gas stations at the Costcos in Mexicali and Los Cabos).

Boating and Fishing Paperwork

There have been a few boats recently confiscated out around the Coronado Islands because the owners did not have the proper paperwork (TIP, fishing licenses, FMMs, etc). Please be sure to have all of your paperwork in order before taking your boat to Baja. For more information, please see our Boating and Fishing in Baja page.

New Hiking Trail in Valle de Guadalupe

Valle de Guadalupe has a new hiking trail, El Toyón. Located in San Antonio de las Minas, the trail ascends to over 2,000 feet with views of the Valle de Guadalupe and the Pacific Ocean at the top. For more information and a map of the trail, visit the Ensenada Tourism website.

Paying Property Taxes in Baja

If you own property in Mexico, some municipalities have already opened up the window for paying for your annual property taxes. The earlier you pay, the bigger discount you receive on your taxes. Inquire locally with your municipality.

Banyan Tree Valle de Guadalupe to Open 2023

Banyan Tree Valle de Guadalupe Resort, Spa and Winery is scheduled to open in 2023. The 30-villa luxury resort will mark Banyan Tree Group’s fourth hotel in Mexico. Banyan Tree is known for their sustainable and wellbeing focus as well as the concept of each room being a villa with its own private pool.