September 2022 Baja Bulletin

COVID and Border Update

With COVID cases high along the peninsula, many municipalities have reinstated COVID protocol and are requiring masks and limiting capacity. Please be sure to call ahead to make reservations at all businesses and to inquire about current restrictions.

Non U.S. citizens who are fully vaccinated for COVID-19 and have appropriate documentation are permitted to enter the United States via land ports of entry. 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 allowed back into the US without proof of COVID vaccinations with no COVID test required.

As of June 13, 2022, the U.S. no longer requires proof of a negative COVID test for air travelers entering the country.

Hurricane Kay

Tropical Storm Kay caused heavy rains, extreme flooding, and extreme road damage all along the peninsula. Many roads are washed out and there are long delays for detours. We suggest that you delay road travel for the next few days. We will keep our Road Conditions page updated with the latest information. For more resources and information about being prepared in a hurricane, check out our Hurricane Preparedness page.

New DBTC Member Discount at Campo Lorenzo

Located on its own sixty-acre peninsula in the Bahía de San Quintín, Campo Lorenzo is known for its fully licensed, federally recognized private airstrip, a Skypark development and the private secured gated residential community. In addition, it has an incredibly unique RV Park that is situated on the shoreline of a beautiful Baja estuary. The RV spaces are large, so visitors are not crowded and there is room to maneuver your RV and “spread out.” Each of the current 4 spaces has a concrete patio slab with a fire pit, electricity water and septic hook up.

A minimum 3-day stay is required to assist in maintaining the security of all residents and campers. The rate is $40 per night with a discount for Discover Baja members at $100 for a 3-night stay. Monthly rates are available at $450 per month. Visit www.campolorenzo.com for more information.

Construction Begins on New Otay Mesa II Border Crossing

Construction has begun on the long-awaited Otay Mesa II border crossing. The new land port of entry will have four lanes and a fee that will be collected after exiting the inspection point on the U.S. side. The fee will be dynamic (depending on traffic and border crossing time) and will range from $5 to $20 US for tourist vehicles, and $20 to $55 US for commercial vehicles. Revenue from the toll will be divided between the United States and Mexico. The expected border wait time at the crossing will be around 40 minutes. Construction is expected to be completed by September 2024.

The Passing of Coco from Coco’s Corner

Beloved Baja icon Coco, owner and steward of the quirky Coco’s Corner on Highway 5 south of Gonzaga Bay, passed away at the end of August. Coco always welcomed passersby with a big grin and a cold drink. And he was famous for cataloging all of his visitors in his guest books. Stay tuned for more information about a memorial service.

Incidents at the Mexicali East Border Crossing

We’ve had a number of members report that they’ve been harassed at the Mexicali East border crossing, heading both northbound and southbound. Travelers with dogs are being instructed that they must have their dogs in crates while traveling in the car and there have been a few incidents of travelers being targets of planned traffic accidents. You can read more about what to do if you’re pulled over by the police in Mexico in our article here and you should print the following document to keep in your glove box.

Corazón de Vida’s San Diego Noche de Gala

Corazón de Vida, will be hosting their San Diego “Noche de Gala,” a Great Gatsby themed gala on Saturday, November 12th. Corazón de Vida is a foundation that supports orphaned and abandoned children in Baja California. Click here for tickets and more information, or to make a donation to the organization.

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