the new mexico visas...

[zeehag]

are NOT cruiser visas----please read this from latitude 38:


Sea Visas Explained as Fleet Grows

July 11, 2012 – Baja Ha-Ha World Headquarters

Within the southbound cruising community there's been a lot of chatter lately about a new Mexican regulation which supposedly requires that "sea visas" be obtained in advance by all vessels heading south. Turns out, though, this has nothing to do with recreational sailors, such as those participating in the annual Baja Ha-Ha cruisers rally, from San Diego to Cabo San Lucas.


What a contrast from the congestion Southern Cal! A couple of day's sail south with the Ha-Ha rally and you'll find yourself in a whole new world.
Photo Latitude / Archives
© 2012 Latitude 38 Publishing, LLC

According to Bob Hoyt, a longtime friend of the Ha-Ha who operates the Mag Bay outfitters fishing operation, this new visa requirement only applies to long-range commercial fishing vessels that will be operating within Mexico's "economic zone" (which extends 24 miles offshore), and will not be clearing in at Ensenada. In recent years, there was an effort to force such vessels to clear at the port of Ensenada, but obtaining a Sea Visa in advance eliminates that necessity. Again, it does not pertain to sailors heading south.

Meanwhile, Hoyt has proposed an optional service that will make clearing in easier than ever for fleet members this year. Either he or his wife Diane will be on site during the Ha-Ha's pre-departure activities to pre-clear any boats that want to save themselves the time and hassle in Cabo (the fleet's traditional first port of entry). The same clearance fees that would be incurred in Cabo will apply, plus a $50 per boat service fee, similar to what Cabo ship's agents charge.


From the very beginning, the Ha-Ha has always encouraged families with kids - it's full of G-rated fun from start to finish.
Photo Latitude / Archives
© 2012 Latitude 38 Publishing, LLC

As was the case last year, immigration officials from the port of San Carlos will attend our annual Bahia Santa Maria beach party to finalize the clearances, and to meet and greet the cruisers. "They actually love meeting all the sailors," says Hoyt.