U.S. Land Border Reopened
Non U.S. citizens who are fully vaccinated for COVID-19 and have appropriate documentation are now permitted to enter the United States via land ports of entry as of November 8, 2021. Non-essential travelers who are not U.S. citizens are required 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. US citizens driving across the border or crossing through CBX are still allowed back into the US without proof of COVID vaccinations with no COVID test required.
While the reopening of the border has been smooth, expect long border lines right now during the holiday season as many people are crossing the border for travel and holiday shopping.
New Access to the Tijuana Ready Lane
The access to the northbound Tijuana Ready Lane has changed. To access the Ready Lane from Vía Rápida, drivers must be in one of the two left lanes, which will cross over to the right. The far right lane will cross over to lead to Playas de Tijuana.
Help with Reporting Corruption
There have been a number of reports of incidents in Mexicali involving travelers becoming targets of scams for bribery. Discover Baja is working with the local Mexican tourism department who would like to help end the corruption. If you are involved in an incident, please email us at ask@discoverbaja.com with as many details as possible about the incident (time, place, details about the officials, etc.). Also please refer to our article on what to do if you are pulled over by the police in Baja and be sure to print and keep this document in your glove box if you are pulled over in the state of Baja California.
La Fonda Loses a Legend
Joe Dmytri, the owner of the original La Fonda passed away in November. The Baja legend will be fondly remembered by generations of Baja travelers for his warm hospitality and legendary Sunday brunches at his hotel and restaurant located on the coast just north of La Misión.
FMMs in the New Year
Because of price and policy changes that the Mexican government often puts into effect on January 1, Discover Baja will not be issuing prepaid FMM tourist permits for January 2022 until a week or so into the new year when we know the new price and any changes that may have taken place. For more information about FMMs, please visit our FMM Tourist Permit page.
DBTC Holiday Hours
The Discover Baja office will be closed Friday Dec. 24 to Sunday Dec. 26th for Christmas and Friday Dec. 31 to January 2nd for New Years. We wish you all a very happy holiday season!
New COVID Testing Requirements for Flying
On December 6, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) will implement a one-day COVID-19 testing requirement for travelers over age two coming to the United States. Regardless of vaccination status or nationality, any individual coming to the United States must show a negative pre-departure COVID-19 viral test taken the day before they board their flight to the United States. You must show your negative result to the airline before you board your flight.