Without a fence to mark the international boundary, crossing by boat from San Diego into Mexico might seem deceptively easy. But San Diego sports fishermen and others drawn to the waters off Baja California should take heed: Mexico’s federal government has been stepping up inspections, checking for passports, tourist permits, fishing permits, and other documents.

Published 9 years ago, updated 6 years ago

As reported by the LA Times.

Until now, violators have been issued warnings and told to turn around. But this week, the Mexican government announced its intention to crack down on violators. That could mean boats being towed to Ensenada for an administrative process and immediate deportation of the crew and passengers.

Although violators won’t face charges, “it will be an inconvenience,” said María de Los Remedios Gómez Arnau, head of the Mexican Consulate in San Diego.

The warning is being issued through Mexican consulates across California, and as far as western Canada and Arizona, and states that the “Mexican Navy and immigration authorities are strengthening their presence in Mexican waters.”

According to Mexico’s federal government, 40,000 to 50,000 tourist vessels cross into Mexico each year, many for fishing but others for other activities such as racing or cruising.

Although fishing permits long have been required, the federal government has more recently been asking foreign visitors to comply with Mexican immigration regulations, requiring them to carry passports and tourist permits when inside the country’s territorial waters, within 12 miles of the coastline. Known as an FMM, the visitor permit costs about $21.

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