Prepare
From Calexico to San Felipe in one morning
Everything you need for the border, in the order you'll need it. Rules change; Luis checks this page every January.
The first 24 hours
- FRIDAY NIGHT
Sleep in Calexico
Most riders stay on the US side so they can cross early. Book your own room. [Calexico hotel list from Paul's Border Lodging email]
- SATURDAY MORNING
Cross at Mexicali East
Use the Calexico East / Mexicali II crossing, east of town. Get your FMM stamped and show your registrations.
- SATURDAY
Highway 5 to San Felipe
Expect the military checkpoint at Los Chinos. Be patient and polite; they may look through your trailer.
- SATURDAY NIGHT
Hotel El Cortez
Book through tfetravel.com/utma. Each vehicle needs a parking pass. Rider's meeting at 5:30 PM by the pool.
Paperwork at the border
Passport or passport card
For every person, including passengers. Check that it isn't about to expire.
FMM tourist permit
Pre-apply online to save time, then get it stamped at the INM desk at the crossing. It's free for 7 days or less, but our week is 8 days, so expect to pay: 983 pesos (about $54) in 2026. [Official FMM link; Luis checks the 2027 fee]
Original registrations
For each bike, UTV and trailer. Bring the originals, not copies; customs may check VINs.
Declare new parts
New parts can be charged a 19% duty. Used spares on your machine are fine.
No firearms or ammunition
Not even one stray round in a truck. Clean out your vehicle before you leave home.
Your document checklist
Bike and UTV packing checklists →Money
$500 cash
Minimum emergency cash for each person in your group. Hotels mostly take a credit card, but only some Pemex stations do. Bring pesos for fuel. Ranches like Meling and Mike's Sky Ranch, and barrel fuel, are cash only.
Mexican insurance
Your US policy doesn't cover you in Mexico. Buy liability for every bike, UTV, tow vehicle and trailer before you cross.
- Baja Bound: online, and many riders use it
- Cathie Smith LoCicero, an agent riders have used
- Jim Pennock, an agent riders have used
If something goes wrong
- Carry medical evacuation coverage: Ripcord, Medjet or Global Rescue
- Dial 911 in Mexico. Green Angels highway help: 078
- Enroll in the State Department's STEP program
- Bring a satellite messenger with SOS, since there's no cell signal for long stretches
- No ride-wide support truck: your group fixes breakdowns or gets them to a town shop
Your group's hotels on the trail
Each group has its own place to stay each night. Your group leader emails registered riders the group's list, rooms and radio channel.
If you cancel, you work it out with each hotel where we reserved you. Some will charge for a room you don't use. You can often hand your spot to a last-minute replacement. We guarantee every room, so please don't make us look bad.