No it is not a sanctury,the two States are some what exempt from customs duty it was done to help the econmic state of the citizens of the two most neglected territories, Baja Califirnia Norte and Baja California Sur, and tourism was a good economy, until the narcos came along and scared the turistas not just the Gringos, French, Germans, Dutch, in the early 90's the border crossing at San Ysidro wold have anywhere from 8,000 to 12,000 French, Germans, Duch crossing in to Mexico monthly for day trips to Tihuana, that is with out counting those arriving by plane directlly from Europe to take guided tours down Baja to San Jose del Cabo and leaving also by plane from Los Cabos.
The area North of the Mexico and the U.S.A. border is the Alta Califirnia today known as the State of California USA. since the two territories where isolated by water from the mainland the turistas could not escape but have to return, only way out was through the Sate of Sonora and thus the most corrupt customs agency is now operated as the Aduana de Sonoyta.
If FMM's and TIP's (person visa and vehicle permit) are requiered to traverse Baja it is a law that has been in the books for a long time, the changing political attitude is now begining to shape conditions at the borders of both countries, the best we can do is adapt and follow the laws of both countries.
navegator
