**Immigration Fees Remain at San Ysidro Crossing Only: Updates from Baja California**
As of now, there has been no consideration to extend the immigration fee, known as the Right of Non-Residents (DNR), to other border crossings in the country. This was confirmed by Kurt Honold Morales, the head of the Secretariat of Economy and Innovation in Baja California. The DNR fee, which applies to foreigners staying in Mexico for more than seven days, is currently only being collected at the San Ysidro pedestrian crossing.
Traditionally charged at airports, the DNR fee has recently been enforced at the San Ysidro crossing. This change came into effect shortly after Jorge Alejandro Palau Hernández was appointed to lead the National Institute of Migration (INM) in the state. While the fee has not yet been introduced at other border points, its implementation might expand once Sergió Salomón Cespedes assumes his role as the new head of the INM in December.
Honold Morales emphasized the need for effective communication if the policy is to be rolled out more broadly. “Should they apply it, it should be applied everywhere, with clear communication to avoid any issues similar to the past,” he stated. This is particularly important for those who frequently cross borders, such as Americans living in Tijuana, who have seen an increase in passport applications due to this new fee.
**Secondary Article: US-Mexico Border Traffic and Fee Implications**
As the DNR fee continues at the San Ysidro crossing, discussions have emerged regarding its potential impact on cross-border traffic and local economies. Some binational residents, especially those often traveling between the countries, have raised concerns about frequent documentation checks. There’s a challenge for families with children who split their lives between attending schools in the U.S. and living in Mexico.
The fee’s focus has ramped up interactions with U.S. consular authorities who report a rise in American citizens applying for passports in Tijuana. This reflects apprehensions about navigating the immigration landscape amidst changing fees.
Meanwhile, the Secretariat of Tourism in Baja California has been advocating for clearer guidelines and more information for tourists, as highlighted by Cotuco (Tijuana’s Tourism Promotion Committee). They stress the necessity of educating visitors on travel requirements, ensuring a seamless experience when entering Mexico.
As developments continue, there is an anticipation of further dialogue with the new INM leadership, focusing on maintaining smooth border interactions while upholding Mexico’s immigration policies.