Nogales crossing report

[moisheh]

Ah, Mexico where it is never the same way twice. Some of you may not be aware of the promised changes by the Gov. They have eliminated some of the inspections ( red light ,green light) at many crossings. Nogales now has the one inspection just after the first toll booth. You do not get any paperwork at this point. However one of the Gov. geniuses forgot to do some infrastructure work so the is a place to do the inspection. It is a Zoo with more aduaneros than are required. Most of them doing nothing. As before you are supposed to cross to the right where the sign says motor homes. So far so good. A young female Aduanero entered the MH , pet the cat , and made small talk. She looked inside our truck and then told me to wait. Behind me were about 6 frustrated 28 wheelers who cannot get past me. She brought over another Aduanero who saw my Hologram but wanted to see the paperwork. He motioned for me to pull forward a few feet to let the trucks go by. I said this will not work as they will clip my truck. I moved further forward and he motioned for me to stop. My wife explained in Spanish that we have not allowed enough room for the trucks. He said in English: No problem! I just kept on moving. I could see the pissed off truckers in the mirror. He then looked at the paperwork and told us to move on. There were trucks and cars all over the place. In the compound were about 15 Mexican vehicles with all their goods scattered about and a line up to pay duties. NUTS! KM 21 still has the Banjercito and issue permits and FMM's. The inspection lanes are closed and the lights have been removed. It was deserted. One clerk at the Bank and one immigration guy. They were polite and happy! We were processed in 15 minutes. I asked about returning the FMM when leaving and he stated it is not required. He did say they will be building a booth on the Northbound side to collect the FMM's. Lots of construction on both sides of the border. Road condition was normal: Some very good and some horrible. Watch for loose gravel. Make sure you have taken your BP meds!

Moisheh

[moisheh]

If one is coming from the central areas of N.A Nogales is really the only choice. Not everyone lives in B.C.!!:) But seriously: We have always crossed @ Nogales. Up until this year they did not hassle you over pets, meat and more. Every time I read about Lukeville they have given some one a hard time about something. I think the problem with the only existing inspection station on 15D is they need to spend some $$ on infrastructure. There is way too much happening in a small area. Maybe a parking area like @ km21. Perhaps there will be some changes. If they do not do something by Xmas it will be hell. Imagine a first timer encountering all this confusion.

Moisheh

[robatthelake]

From what You are saying Nogales may not be the best place to cross when going South!

Interesting that they are saying not to turn in the FMM . Then in the same breath say that They are building a return station on the North bound side of the Highway!

It seems to Me that if the FMM expires and You are still in the Republic of Mexico after the FMM expires, You could either plead ignorance ,or be in deep Doo
It leads one to believe that the FMM is not an important document!

That said I will make every effort to turn mine in when We head North in the Spring!
I'm pretty sure that the collection Booth will be in operation by that time!

[Talleyho69]

Thank you for validating the information we got on returning FMM's in Tijuana. They don't want them back, they expire!
Safe Travels!