INAMI Rep Says There Is 'Collective Hysteria' Over Charging Tourists to Enter Mexico El Jefazo - The Fulano Forum
go to original November 17, 2014

TIJUANA - The representative of the National Immigration Institute (INAMI) in Baja California, Rodulfo Figueroa Pacheco, said there is "a little bit of collective hysteria" regarding collecting the entrance fee from foreigners who enter Mexico, and he assured that only those foreigners who enter Mexico for a period greater than seven days, or carry out paid activities have to pay the Right of Non-Residents (DNR), which costs 306 pesos (US$23.50).

He pointed out that this provision went into effect November 8, 2012, the date of the issuance of the Immigration Law, and he said it "is not a pilot program," as actually foreigners who enter Mexico via sea or airplane pay the DNR through their travel ticket, "and for that reason many were unaware of it."

Figueroa Pacheco explained that this payment provision actually applies to the Otay and San Ysidro border crossings, but only for foreigners who enter walking, however the Law requires this measure be applied at any port of entry in the country.

Visitors who come have to fill out a "Simple Immigration Form," on which only 15 words have to be written where they explain the reason for the visit to Mexico and show an official identification, and this is "not a new issue."

He stressed that the purpose of this document is to give legal certainty to foreigners who enter Mexico, as without this provision "their legal capabilities are diminished," as they cannot perform legal procedures.

Regarding paid activities, he pointed out that this is only for people who are going to collect a salary in Mexico. Now we are only being "a little more rigorous," in reviewing people who enter the country. So far in 2014, they have collected charges from 50,000 people under these guidelines.

See the original at The Fulano Forum

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