How hard is it to cross the border into Mexico?

[traffic777]

When I went to Ensenada nobody even asked for my papers. Is that pretty typical for nobody to care who you are when you enter Mexico?

[Whoopter]

If you are going much farther than Ensenada you have to fill out a tourist card and pay a $5 tourist tax.
I've always taken the bus in and it's always been no hassle. At the border, a federale looks inside the bus and waives it on. Coming back home is pretty basic. If you're alone, expect a few more questions, if you're with a lady, it'll go a bit easier... he'll cover his badge and ask you what country you are a citizen of, check your ID/passport, and you're done.

[traffic777]

Thanks. What would he cover his badge for?

[johnnyp]

The times I have go to Mexico (via El Paso and Nogales) the Mexican authorities... come to think of it I did not even see any Mexican authorities.

Coming back into the US the Border Patrol, or was it Customs, just asked me: "citizenship?" and I answered "US", and they said "proceed".

[Whoopter]

Thanks. What would he cover his badge for?

The "correct" answer is on the badge.
I've had cops do the same thing when pulling me over to profile for DUI.... cover the badge and ask "Do you know what city you are in?"
That can be a tough answer here in SoCal

[escierto]

There is a frontier zone along the border where they don't check your papers and as long as you stay inside this zone you're ok. When you try to go further into the interior of Mexico there will be a checkpoint where you have to have your papers. Some places this checkpoint is 10 miles from the border, other places it's 15 or 20.

[traffic777]

There is a frontier zone along the border where they don't check your papers and as long as you stay inside this zone you're ok. When you try to go further into the interior of Mexico there will be a checkpoint where you have to have your papers. Some places this checkpoint is 10 miles from the border, other places it's 15 or 20.

So, in this case, Ensenada and Rosarito is out of question for non-US/CAN citizens or residents?

[escierto]

So, in this case, Ensenada and Rosarito is out of question for non-US/CAN citizens or residents?

All of Baja California is in the frontier zone. Just make sure that you can get back into the US when you return.

[Arecho Monger]

Shit Maybe this question should be said for the ilegals all entering the U.S. Very Very Simple for them. Once They are in all Is Easy for them. Thanks to Bush And Fox...

[technoid]

It's easy to cross over. Simply take a cab or walk over ... same way to come back