Military Checkpoint | Checkpoint
Mexico
Details
- Verified:
- 26 days ago
- GPS:
- 27.29019, -112.92673
- Altitude:
- 203.5 masl
- Contributor:
-
nicknameinternational.com
Amenities
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Description
Sometimes they fully inspect, sometimes just ask where you're going. Be careful with some of the guards, hide your valuables or put them in your pockets! And watch them closely as they inspect.
Why? By checking in after you’ve visited a place you let others know this place is still functional. You can also add or correct any information.
Latest Check-Ins
did not ask to see in our truck camper heading north. a very brief exchange of words, pleasant enough and carried on our way.
Report Check-Inwent through check point around 10 AM. about 5 other rigs plus cars. North & south bound both getting full searches. They ended up just waving me through asking me a couple questions. Told him I was heading home to the states.
Report Check-InPerfunctory inspection northbound today. Friendly and polite, no issues.
Report Check-InPolite and professional. No shakedown. Asked where we’re coming from and waved us through.
Report Check-InVery nice they waved us right through. Didn't even ask where we were going or where we had been.
Report Check-InHeading south. Long line of cars and semis they just sent everyone through, no questions asked.
Completely different than last year when they did a 5 minute inspection.
Report Check-InWe haven’t been asked to give money. But they searched the van for a good 5 minutes every drawer and cabinet… asked about drugs and stuff. Our biggest searched yet, they usually just open the door and look without going in for our small rig.
Report Check-InGoing SB we were asked to stop for a quick inspection. He looked inside my dog treat bag (which he thought was a purse) asking if we had any drugs/marijuana and a cursory look around our van.
Then he pulled out his phone and showed me a photo with English text asking for “support” for their building materials and supplies… I said no, and he let us go on our way.
They are getting savvier on how to get “mordidas”/bribe money by framing it as a donation now. Don’t get suckered, just say no and they won’t push it.
Report Check-Ingoing south, did an 'inspection' and in the end quickly asked for money (he had a picture on his Phone with an english text), of course I said no. Hide your valuables, be calm and nice. They know they are doing something illegal if they ask for money, so they are not persuing it.
Report Check-InCheck point Militaire, attention il nous a demandé de l’argent pour soit disant repeindre la façade d’un mur …
Report Check-Innorthbound, chill, 5 guys, had a little convo in spanish and asked me all the dogs names. roll the windows down as you approach to show you aren't hiding anything. traveling with 3 dogs, 2 are a friends. no check in camper or car, adelante!
Report Check-InLeft lane for semis and trailers, right lane for cars and buses. Took our van through the right lane.
One guy working each lane. Our guy asked us how we were doing, where we came from, where we were going, and let us through with no search.
Report Check-InAll good, light check for us!
Single van couple with a dog coming from southern Baja… They asked where we were coming from, where we were going and how long we have been in Baja. As long as you have nothing to hide and don’t act super anxious should be fine. They opened our slider door, took 2 minutes to look and said “bueno.”
Report Check-InHeading northbound at 6:00 PM. The official asked us where we’ve been and where we’re going. He asked me to open the side door to look around. He didn’t open any drawers or cabinets. It took less than two minutes.
Report Check-InWe are traveling in a caravan southbound and had no issues. They just asked where we were coming from, where we’re going and if we were on vacation. No one in the caravan was inspected and made it through in just a few minutes.
Report Check-InNorthbound 9.30 am. A short conversation. Where are you going? Where are you coming from? Tourist? OK. No inspection.
Report Check-InAsked for a donation for road repair. Politely declined and we went on our way.
Report Check-InDefinitely the "longest" check of all Baja, but still very correct. Decent look in the vehicule for 5 min, few questions, you're good to go!
Report Check-InSouthbound. Solo female traveler. Sprinter Camper Van.
He asked if I had a boyfriend. In Spanish, I said yes, he is just behind me and so is my Dad! He then waived me to drive away.
Report Check-InNot nearly as bad as advertised. No hassle heading south into San Ignacio in late afternoon. Polite soldier asked to take a look in the back, did a cursory search of our pullout kitchen and sent us on our merry way. Worth remembering that fewer people will review a checkpoint if they had a fine experience than those who had a negative one.
Report Check-InWhere are you going? Where did you come from? No inspection, Nice smile and wave from his colleague.
Report Check-InNorthbound. Quick 20s exchange with no inspection.
“De donde vienen? Donde van? Adelante.”
holy hell, going northbound at 5 pm. very intense. patted down my partner and made me get out while they searched everything in the cab. found the speaker i hid in my purse from prior reviews and inspected it but didn’t ask. opened all cabinets and baskets in the back and tore through everything. questioned us on our sage a lot. tried using the “no comprende” a lot but they used a translate app to tell us what to do. took about 20 minutes and they were not very kind. hardest time we’ve had in the last 2 months
Report Check-Inquick search going northbound at 11:25am. went though some backpacks and looked in our upper cabinet. easy peasy.
Report Check-InWent through on motorcycle south. The did look in 2 bags (not very thorough). They were friendly.
Report Check-InAfter reading all the reviews of this check point we hid our valuables and were ready for a thorough inspection, and then nothing. I'm Mexican so spoke to the guy and he only asked me where we were coming from and who my husband was. He then sent us on our merry way.
Report Check-InSouthbound at midnight, waved through without inspection in a Transit van.
Report Check-InOn the way south, no problem and a very smooth inspection with a nice guy.
On the way back, we have been asked to give them our Bluetooth speakers as gift, then a coffee machine and finally our Swiss knives. We of course said no each time, but the soldier was trying hard to get something. We simply stayed calm and said no, but we saw a van in front of us giving them a soccer ball. Please don't do that, or they won't stop this behavior.
He also checked our IDs and asked several times if we had drugs, likely to intimidate us. As said, we just stayed calm and replied gently, they have no power to take anything, but unfortunately some of them try to trick tourists.
FYI we had zero problems in the other checkpoints so far.
Report Check-Inwhere are you going, where are you from, camper? thats it. friendly and fast
Report Check-InOur guy was short and sketchy looking. He searched in cupboards and drawers in our van for about 5 minutes. Not a fun experience but he let us go without any trouble.
Report Check-InLittle bit of a wait. Asked to check inside our Sprinter van and looked through each of our cabinets. We were in the van while he searched. Search was around 5 minutes total; he asked if we had marijuana and where we were going.
Report Check-InEasy crossing. Looked in the fridge (spilled our sour cream lol) friendly guys. 3 minutes tops. 23’ Sprinter based RV and SXS on trailer
Report Check-Inguy was nice. he asked us to get out to search. he looked in 2 backpacks & in the cabinet - 5 minute check at 4:15pm. easy.
Report Check-InNorthbound at 12:00PM
We drove through this checkpoint in our 2014 e350 Ford van. Stopped our family of 6 for less than 5 minutes. They opened the back of our van. Then, he came back to the driver door and began to look more thoroughly through the door, under the seat, and behind the seat. He even opened up our pelican case and looked through it. After looking in and seeing our young kids he finished his search and sent us on our way.
I think this was our sixth or seventh time through this checkpoint. Today we were waved through and have only had one quick inspection so far in the times we’ve passed through.
For some reason this checkpoint got a bad reputation at some point, people warned us before we first came to Baja, but it seems like it’s all good now.
Report Check-InWe went through here with two vans. No issues whatsoever, he was very polite and we were through very quickly
Report Check-Inarrived to a bit of a line up and fairly long wait only to be waived through because the military were seriously digging through a minivan packed with camping gear.
Report Check-InSouthbound 3:00 PM - After reading reviews here we prepared well, hiding all valuables, etc. The pickup truck in front of us we could see they took away the mans vape cartridge, but after pretty thoroughly searching the vehicle for maybe 5-10 min but let him on his way without issue. We were traveling in a car with our dog, they asked where we were going and the reason for travel. They had us open the back, peeked around a little and let us on our way. Easy checkpoint, but would have been intimidating if we hadn’t read this first and had happened upon it.
Report Check-InWe were thoroughly prepared for this checkpoint. I packed all my valuables in my backpack and had it on me. All my money in one spot in my pocket. Wore a ball cap so not flashing my pretty face;) We even purchased two beer for gold teeth and were eager to ask for a picture with him!
Pulled up and didn’t get gold teeth, instead a young man pointing to me to show him through the trailer (instead of my bf who was doing the talking). He climbs in and opens a few cupboards doing a half assed search. He gets to my fridge, opens it, grabs a beer and excitedly holds it up asking if he could have it. I’m pretty sure I answered yes before he even asked. His face lit up so happy, and that was the end of the search. He asked if the guy was my husband, lol. Validated!
All in all was an interesting experience (for us) and we will now be stocked with a couple beer for security checks (not really wanting to encourage it, but wanting for smooth drive throughs)!
Report Check-Intraveled southbound in a 5 van caravan. barely stopped us, no checks. took about 15 seconds
Report Check-InChatted for a while then asked for some money, wanted US$ 'propina'. When I explained I don't have US$ as I'm not American, he gave up asking and let us go.
Report Check-InMost intense checkpoint I've encountered. They searched the front of my car and trunk. They asked where I was going and where I was coming from. No issues but only checkpoint where I've actually had my searched.
Report Check-InThis was our first intense checkpoint heading south. my husband got out with the dog and I tried to communicate with Google translate. he poked around a little and was looking for me to give him something. first asked for my Bluetooth speaker and I laughed and nicely said no, it's my only one! Then I think he asked for a lamp then a pen which I ended up giving him. he asked for our IDs which I gave him a paper copy of and he gave back after saying our state. made sure to take my purse, phones, and watch while he was looking. he mostly looked through the front of the van.
Report Check-InWent through the checkpoint with our family. They just waved us through. They talked to the car in front of us for a few minutes but waved the 2 vehicles behind us through too.
Report Check-InThe officer searched our van for about 10 minutes, first in the front and then in the back. Another officer was asking some questions where we are from and where we are going but since we are don’t speak spanish he didn’t ask more. We also kept our belongings with us and looked closely how the officer searched our van. But overall they were nice and we had no problem.
Report Check-InMore thorough than any other checkpoint thus far. They asked if we were surfers, asked if we did drugs, and asked where we were from. They had us get out of the car and they looked through the glove compartment, half-heartedly searched some bags that were open, looked around the back of the car, and then let us through. Not unfriendly, but a little intimidating. Only took a few minutes.
Report Check-InDefinitely one of the more thorough military checkpoints we went through in Baja. Going Northbound they asked to search our van. Peeked through the cupboards and opened the back doors - nothing crazy and only took about 10 mins.
Report Check-InThey stopped us and were very friendly. Military entered the van but didn t check anything. Opened one cupboard and then asked where we were going, and how “dog” was said in french LOL. Overall ok
Report Check-InNo issues today. Opened up the back of our van to take a look then let us through
Report Check-InDid not read this before passing southbound but I guess I should have. These guys were nuts and they actually search the van more then when we got through the Mexican border. Was even easier entering USA... anyways I guess that if you have weed, you better stick it up ur butthole. They also faked the would bring in the dog just to see my reaction...
Report Check-InWe accidentaly drove through even there were some officers haha .. So they were pretty upset and searched us of course.. But they were polite and friendly!
Report Check-InSouthbound: Thanks to all the comments here we were well prepared. However, we got lucky and we’re not searched.
Our winning strategy: Smile and pretend to only speak the bare minimum of Spanish. You could tell he checked us out and simply decided the language barrier was just not worth the trouble. Worked for us, probably also just got lucky.
Report Check-InWas nervous coming up to this checkpoint from previous reviews but there was hardly anyone there and they waved us through.
Report Check-InAsked where I was from and if I spoke Spanish. I told him “un poco” and he said “inspection” so I said ok. I got out with my dog, purse, and keys. He looked in my center console, cooler, and along the doors. I think he could tell I was a simple camper and let me go on my way. It was a little uncomfortable but overall not too bad. I’m a single girl traveling with my dog and he asked where my boyfriend was…. :-/
All my valuables were locked away or in my purse. Like the others say, just be aware and watch them.
Northbound in Sprinter van shortly after 1pm. Soldier asked where we were coming from & where we were going to, & if we were on vacation then waved us through.
Report Check-InNorthbound. 730pm. "enrique" asked a lot of questions about me and my dog. Some awkward silence...I didn't want to chit chat, I have a long drive. I think he was checking to see if I was nervous. I started to be ...for no reason lil...he then let me go, without searching. but he had just throughly searched the truck in front of me. I have noticed they just wave locals through.
Report Check-InI've been here over a month and this is the first time they really searched. They searched everything in my truck and my truck camper. Took 20 minutes atleast.
Report Check-InQuick stop. A few questions and cursory check of our RV going North.
Report Check-InVery nice going North. Waved us through after asking where we are going, where we came from and saying hi to the kids!
They were searching going south.
Report Check-Inwe are in a caravan of 3. we were searched lightly. not a long wait. the guard was interested in some of our more interesting belongings like a viking horn mug. our friends a day ahead of us said one was asked for a bribe and the other asked to give their speaker. which they did not do and were still allowed through.
Report Check-Inon the way back north, they like to check the car inside, we say"shoes off please" and show the shoe off sign on our stets, and it works, only a short view, thats it
Report Check-InNorthbound this time, asked where I am coming from, where I am going to. Then starred intensely at my eyes awkwardly for a minute at least (Mexican standoff?). Then waived me through, no search.
Report Check-In4 van caravan, all got searched extremely. Tossed my entire home. Went through all my electronics, cabinets, sleeping bag, clothes, food, etc. They found a joint I had stashed away after 10 min of searching and threatened to take my van and send me to jail. Helped themselves to my friends beers and some food from fridge. They took my driver's license and all of em took pictures of my ID with thier cell phones. Real Super-cop A-holes. After 30 minutes of hassle they just let me go. Kept my joint & friends beers. After we had a long talk together and almost turned around and went back to America. Huge Hassle.
Report Check-In30 min waiting time in the sun in the row, "allemania", "si"...nothing else
Report Check-InGoing south, we were in line for an hour and fifteen minutes. They thoroughly checked every camper and car in front of us. When we got up to the front, we struck up a friendly conversation about the whales with one of the soldiers and he ended up waving us through without checking our vehicle.
Report Check-InAsked us where we were coming from and where we were going. Then asked if on vacation or have a house here.
Said vacation for 2 weeks and now heading back as school is starting for the kids.
Just waved us through.
No problems. They asked where we are going and where we came from.. Wished us a good day!
Report Check-InWe were not excited to pass this checkpoint based on reading reviews and talking to expats. However it wasn't that bad.
Southbound we went through the most thorough search of our van in Baja but it was still only about 5m.
We spoke in spanish to the guys and they were very upfront. They asked me to follow them and watch them as they poked around the van, asking about our camping equipment, if we were married, where we were going, etc.
They seemed to be very by the book in both honesty and doing a dilligent job looking for contraband so things might have changed.
Report Check-InWe had read comments about this stop and were prepared for a search...but they said hello and waved us through! No preguntas, nada. Maybe the crew has changed in the last few months? Anyways, easy day!
Report Check-InDidn’t even talk to us just waved is through in our class c RV.
Find us on Facebook Penny Pinching globetrotter
Report Check-InIt’s hit or miss here in the sketch factor. Today we were waved through after a friendly conversation about “why do Americans like dogs so much”. There was only one guy on duty. My hypothesis is that the long searches come when the rest of the crew isn’t out on patrol. Smile and be friendly. Try some Spanish. They’re people too and live a hard and dangerous life out here working for the MX government.
Report Check-InAfter reading other reviews On here about this checkpoint we were a bit nervous. Pulled up going northbound handed them a photo copy of our passports and let us go. Not sure if it was because my husband has military tattoos on him or not but whatever the case may be is was a good experience.
Report Check-InI'm in my van. the guard was somewhat friendly but also creepy asking me how old I was, if I was married and traveling alone. he also asked for my phone number which I felt was completely inappropriate
Report Check-InOne of the most important check but the guy was really friendly, easy going. It took 15min.
Report Check-InSo, after reading all these mixed reviews, I took the approach of (in Spanish) telling them straight up “I’m nervous. Other travelers have told me this military inspection has a history of messing with people and planting drugs for money. I have no drugs, no mota, and want no problems. I have no problem with you searching, but I have to watch closely.”
They were cool to me, even easier than the last two I participated in.
Cheers all!
Happy Travels!
Easy going North. Had us pop the camper shell open for a glance around. Gave them a gal of water. Nice young guys. Didn’t see any of the old guard a-holes from a few years ago that were always hassling. Maybe the vibe has finally changed.
Report Check-InPassed this checkpoint going to Mulege and heading back to Guererro Negro, simple search the first time no search the 2nd. Traveling with baby so they did not ask many questions.
Report Check-InWe weren’t stopped heading southbound....
Only checking northbound at that time.
Was stopped and checked going northbound. Looked in the car and trailer. Asked us where we’re coming from and where we’re going.
Report Check-InWas waved through here going southbound. Didn’t check anything.
Report Check-InEasy peasy. They asked us where we were going and where we were from and had a quick look through the van. In and out
Report Check-InGoing south, was prepared for the worst. Been through before with the usual issues. This time they just waved us through. Seems like a lot of them weren’t there so maybe a skeleton crew when some are out “on patrol”?
Report Check-InPassed through going north today and it was ASTONISHINGLY easier than going south 2 months ago, likely because of the coronavirus pandemic. Thy asked where we came from, where we are going, and then said have a nice day. No inspection of the vans at all.
Report Check-InGoing north they just asked where we come from and where we are going and if we have anything. They searched the camper in front of us for quite some time.
Report Check-Inthey were trying to distract the driver with questions while another one was going through our stuff... we were 2 passengers looking closely at his moves especially his hands. seems like he was up to something but did not dare to do anything because he was closely looked at by 2 people. may be more difficult to deal with if you are only a driver and no passenger. maybe refuse to answer the questions while someone is going through the stuff, and tell them you need to watch. be alert.
Report Check-InHeading north. We were asked a few questions, where we are from, if we were on vacation and if we had jobs. We did not have to get out of the car. The car in front of us was being fully inspected.
Report Check-InMilitary Checkpoint, no problems at all but be very careful and keep your eyes on them.
I did not felt comfortable with them opening every single of the drawers and searching my underwear box.
He enter the bathroom and stay for a long time until I decided to open the door to check on him
I have a brand new vodka tamarind bottle and he ask for it I say no with out laughing so he didn’t insist
Be ready to let them open everything they want like I said just keep an eye on them.
They tried to be friendly and funny since I speak Spanish but once again like I said I did not feel comfortable.
They thank us and let us go after 10 min
Report Check-Injust passed through, nice guard very intetested in beer! Checked van but it only took 5mins.
Report Check-InGuys were picking random cars to inspect. Stopped most Americans as far as I could see but let a few RVs go by because the line was so long. We got inspected but kept an eye out. I took my purse out with me and they didn’t say anything, but then when we got the ok to leave he asked what was in my husband’s pocket. He showed him his wallet and the guy shook his head annoyed and said “ok.” He basically opened all of our drawers and cupboards but didn’t go through anything. He also checked the front seat. They weren’t really friendly but the inspection went pretty quick. They were stopping people going both north and south. On our way back north, it was much easier and the guys much friendlier.
Report Check-InMilitary checkpoint with more security than others, including cameras facing inspection area and guard overlooking cars waiting in line. We waited in line for about 10 minutes (busy Sunday evening). The guard asked us the usual questions for out of the country plates (Where are you from? Where are you headed? What is the purpose of your visit?). He asked us to roll down a back window since it’s heavily tinted, took a 2-second peek inside and sent us on our way. Bathrooms are available, if needed.
Report Check-InGoing eastbound the checkpoint person tried to plant drugs in my van after 10 or so minutes of looking through my stuff. He was out of my sight for a little bit because he asked me to open my rear bay doors when he was already inside.
After about 20-30 minutes of grilling me and trying to extort me, he let me go on my way.
Don’t let it out of your sight, don’t admit guilt to it, and don’t give it any money.
Report Check-Inthey tried to plant drugs on my friend and they really trashed our vans searching through then for 30min. 10/10 would recommend bringing beers like the other comments say. they're looking for bribes and it sucks. they kept asking me the same thing over and over if I do drugs or have marijuana and I kept saying nocthen
Report Check-InWe did the checkpoint 3 times because we went to San Ignacio for groceries and then back to San Francisco de La Sierra and back. The first time was easy, but the checkpoint got worse the next two times and we can confirm pretty much every said before, so a pretty annoying checkpoint. Gold tooth wasn't there, but his colleagues seem to work similarly. First check took 3 minutes, second one around 5 and last one almost 10 minutes.
Smile friendly and watch them carefully. One asked for a flashlight (like described before), I said we don't have one. The other asked if we smoke weed, we said no (which is true), but it was obvious they tried to find some (making comments when they found lighters or matches). Another one wanted to take our small axe, a confident no stopped him.
It's annoying that they only stop and search tourists, all others were waved through.
Report Check-InThey asked for my passport and inspected the inside of the RV but were friendly. They also asked where we came from and where we were headed. Easy peasy.
Report Check-InHide all your valuables at least at THIS checkpoint!
The first time we were checked on the way south, and not just waved through, was at this check point.
The guard checked was very curious.
He asked us several times for drugs and weapons. Checked almost everything inside the Van. Switched on the headlights and so on. But the strangest thing was, he asked us about the prices of our speaker and other electronic devices and if we want to sell it to him. When we said no with a smile, he asked us to swap our safety vest with his.
We had the feeling that he could have some contact to who rob you after the checkpoint.
Report Check-InFor us it took 5 seconds. They asked where we come from and where we go and that was it. Lucky.
Report Check-Inregular check point, just smell our van for weed and let us go without inspection.
Report Check-InSuper easy. We were waved through with no inspection whatsoever at 3pm on a Saturday
Report Check-InWe had no problems at all. They asked a few questions had a quick look in the camper but were nice. We watched them closely but stayed super friendly. I know it can be intimidating, especially when you are alone but we learned that the key is to smile and be friendly yourself, maybe try to say some words in Spanish and they are happy (at least that’s what we experienced so far)
Report Check-InControl rutinario, muy simpáticos. Entraron dentro la RV a hacer un checkeo rápido. Nos preguntaron varias veces d donde veníamos y a dónde íbamos, supongo para comprobar si mentiamos. Todo OK, tardamos 2 minutos antes de proseguir la marcha.
Report Check-InMy truck and trailer got tossed quite thoroughly. I was detained for 15 minutes today. The guy went into my luggage, storage bins, glove box, console. Supposedly, the military is not permitted to go into your bags, glove box or console. I am filing a complaint with the commandant at the base in San Lucas where these guys are headquartered.
Report Check-InWe were very prepared for this checkpoint based on others experiences. Valuables hidden and our game faces on. But we basically had a quick broken English chat then were waved through... And Gold teeth wasn't on duty either
Report Check-InSuper easy going north! Guy came in our Skoolie, asked where we're going, and where we came from, asked if we're on vacation. Didn't ask for names or passports or anything. I asked if they were thirsty and offered them bottled waters. They liked that! Gold teeth wasn't there this time. Took 2 minutes
Report Check-Inthe most thourouge check stop yet in baja for us , seem professional lots of army and police, we got flagged over to stop for serch (seems they stop all travelers) but after seeing them find a shotgun and some cbd oil under the seat of the gringo truck in front of us they just let us go... guess they where about to be busy lol
Report Check-InBy far the most intense inspection yet, heading south. They asked us to stop, then came in our Skoolie and started searching. The guard with Gold teeth flirted with me while he searched absolutely every nook and krannie of our bus (which there are a lot of) he kept asking if we had any gifts for him which he was disappointed about because we only carry things that have sentimental value. My boyfriend has a bullhorn that makes a fun sound which he was really excited about and showed the other guards. I watched closely and he didn't try to take anything, but looked carefully through all the bags, cabinets, drawers, clothing, and compartments we have. The whole thing probably took 15 minutes. They jotted down our names, where we came from and where we're headed, and year of our bus and had quite a fun time trying to pronounce my boyfriend's name (Connor) which is apparently very American and hard to say here. They asked if I was nervous and asked why and I told them We don't have anything like this in America, and the one guy has a gun which is scary. Overall it wasn't a bad experience, just kind of nerve racking but they kept saying there's nothing to worry about if I don't have drugs, marijuana or guns. They were very happy guys who seemed to enjoy their job and wanted to let us keep having a good vacation.
Report Check-Infriendly guys, did a cursory search of our truck, asked a few basic questions, then waved us on.
Report Check-InPasamos muy bien el retén , revisaron todo el vehículo y en todo momento fueron muy respetuosos
Report Check-InSuper mellow. Talked with the guy for a few minutes about surfing / our destinations and he waved us through. No search or anything
Report Check-InNorthbound they searched our Skoolie, took about 10 minutes. asked us if we had drugs on us a few times and if we had family down here. Wrote down the year and make of our bus and license information and where we were traveling to. All and all not to bad. Didn’t see gold teeth. We got kind of excited to see him lol! Assumed we would be stopped and searched more on the way back North.
Report Check-InI had no issues here south or northbound but lots of travelers complained about this site. Keep your eyes on the guy searching your vehicle.
Report Check-InDidn’t have to wait and just asked where we‘re going. Didn’t look in our van.
Report Check-Inwaved us through, no prob. we looked for the guy with gold teeth... didn’t see.
Report Check-InEverything went fine, we put away all our valuables before. Just asked a few questions, tried to answer in Spanish. All good for us!
Report Check-InBut of a lineup. The Canadian overlanders ahead of us got searched, as did we. We watched them, but no funny business. There was a sign in english: Fellow travellers, if you've been mistreated at this outpost contact the military commander [email protected]
Standard checkpoint experience.
Super low key asked if I spoke Spanish, where I was from, where I was going, and waived me through. Quickest military checkpoint thus far, maybe 30 seconds and I was on my way.
Report Check-InIt was the kinda a weird feeling. I was on edge made us get out of the van I held my dog in the front seat. He looked through my gf purse I watched made sure he didn’t steal anything. Asked if we had drugas 5 minutes. I told them I was watching them search my van I don’t trust them.
Report Check-InWaited for 20 minutes that they inspect the VAN in front of us. In our turn, they asked us how many we were, from where we came and where we were going to in spanish. They let us pass after 30 seconds, without inspect inside.
Report Check-Init was better than I thought, but I didn't have anything to be afraid of. Just hide everything valuable in my purse and brought it with me outside when they checked. I locked my car when they checked the camper and the opposite as well. always kept their hands in sight. they knew I was prepared and aware. 5 min and it was done.
Report Check-InThis is the right location for the check point.
Based on everyone's post, we hidden all our valuables and alcohol.
our experience was a bunch of friendly guys, more interested in our one eyed cat than anything else.
Did not get searched, took a minute.
according to the previous comments, we were ready for everything. We hide everything just to be sure. We passed on a holiday weekend and around 6:00 pm (dark time). The guards looked like kids that were chillin. they did a little inspection inside - open couple of cabinets but nothing more. We were watching them. He was trying to make jokes but we didn’t really understood them. anyways, nothing to declare here today.
Report Check-InAsked where we were coming from and going to and waved through. No sign of the gold teeth guy
Report Check-Inwe said buenos tardes and were waved through. same thing for the three cars in front of us. no big deal.
Report Check-InHad us get out of our car and they thoroughly checked the cab and our camper. Asked a couple questions, didn’t ask for ID. I’d follow the other posts guidance of hiding all valuables or putting them in your purse and taking your purse with you when you get out...seemed like they maybe were looking for quick cash grabs.
Report Check-InReally bad military check point. We have canadian plates. The only thing they care was our wallets and valuable things. One guy chat while the other tried to sneak around in our wallet, we were always paying attention. Be carefull. We soeak perfect spanish
Report Check-InSearched everything very thoroughly. Don’t know if they pocketed anything. Tried to scare me with the police and had to get full naked both directions. Also tried to keep my speaker. Be careful at this one! If you have nothing illegal stand your ground and don’t get intimidated!
Report Check-InNo sign of gold teeth. Quick 5 minute inspection and asked to buy our Bluetooth speaker, we said it was a gift so no sorry. Friendly enough though and kept our valuables in one place!
Report Check-InDefinitely hide everything and watch them closely. They go through everything, obviously looking for anything they can easily pocket or call you out for.
Report Check-InWe had to stopp here and they checked different spots in our Van. Put your phones / money away or in your pockets! Be sure to have an eye on them when they are searching around (one of you for the searching guy and one of you for the other guy/s if you are two people). As soon as we told that we are no gringos and that we are practicing Spanish (few sentence in Spanish) they were much friendlier!
Report Check-InWe got through no problem but there was a line up and ahead of us they had asked a truck pull over to inspect the load. We side see the man with the gold teeth and actually he has a full grill. He reminded me of Jaws from James Bond - kind of wish he had asked us to step out so I could get a photo with him - perhaps he will be famous from iOverlander!
Not a bad check point - 3 for the waiting.
Our first check point with vehicle search heading south from Tecate. They didn't search thoroughly, roughly checked all the easily accessible backpacks, glove box, middle console, door pockets, packed sleeping bags, didn't look into the roof box. They wanted to see only driver's ID (laminated copy was ok) and wrote down some info from it, also where from/to we are going. I was chatting with one guy (his limited English vs. my limited Spanish), while my boyfriend showed other guy around the car. Chatting guy asked if we were Americans, if I would like a new boyfriend from military, if there are drugs where we are from and if we have some beer. My boyfriend showed them the big empty Corona bottle, they laughed and then we were off to San Ignacio. We spent there between 5-10 minutes.
Report Check-InThis is the actual checkpoint, other one on the map must be abandoned or slightly off. Guy with the gold teeth is still around. Hid our valuables and watched them closely. Got about a 5 min search then waved on.
Report Check-InQuick two minute inspection. Looked in our first aid kit, sewing kit,and makeup bag then sent us on our way. Did not ask for ID.
Report Check-InNo problems at this checkpoint today. Asked where from, where to, was I on vacation & if my dog was friendly, then waved me through. Only saw 3 total guys, only one approached the vehicle.
Report Check-Incame through this checkpoint very worried my drone, cameras or laptops would be taken(I do not carry any alcohol or drugs in Mexico). we pulled up, guy with gold teeth mumbled something to the guy checking us before we came to a stop. guy asked if we spoke Spanish, we said no so he spoke English. asked where we are coming from, where we are going. wrote down license plate number, asked for ID(gave him drivers license) and took down some info off it then waived us through. as we exited, there was a sign talking about if we have been mistreated call a number and report the checkpoint. if you encounter issues checkout the billboard for information on reporting them!
Report Check-InAsked a few questions, wanted to have look inside the van, opened the drawers and then we could go.
Report Check-InWe had no problems at this checkpoint. We were asked to get out of the vehicle while one official searched thouroughly inside. We chatted with two others outside while he searched. They just asked if we were on vacation,and etc. They were nice guys. Based on other comments here, maybe we got lucky though? Thank you to the others for the heads-up- much appreciated!
Report Check-InYeah watch these guys closely. Snooping around our van for things they want to have. I jumped in the back with him to keep an eye on him(guy with gold teeth). He opened our fridge probably looking for beer but only got veggies! Haha
Report Check-InWorst military checkpoint since we entered Baja via Tecate from the USA. Came in our vehicle, asked us numerous question. We looking in all the drawers and in the fridge. Asked for passports and drivers license (first time since in Baja). They were arrogant and were looking for things. Asked if we had marijuana. We said no. They finally left...
Report Check-InATTENTION!!!! Stolen money!
Passed this checkpoint today. One of the guys checking our RV has STOLEN 50 USD out of my jacket which was still in the drivers cab.
Both guys asked us to leave the cab, one of them started checking the interior, while I watched him. Then the other guy came and blocked my view, so I could not look after the first guy anymore.
When checking my belongings after the "inspection", I missed a 50 USD note. When I shouted out a little bit louder, the first guy returned the money to me.
So, travelers, be cautious, never let the guys in your car alone!!
The guy has stolen my pokercards after he asked for them and i didn‘t reacted to him.
Report Check-InThe Checkpoint is Open again!!!! It is the only one who checked us from the North. And they did 3times when we crossed in both directions!!! And One asked for a Beer which i gave him, One asked for my big maglite which i didnt gave. The Beer was now hidden.
Report Check-InDidn't get hit on, does that mean we aren't pretty!? :) 5 minute inspection, took a quick look in back and then sent us on our way.
Report Check-InNo Problems. De alemania? Conoces Thomas Müller y Mario Götze? Si.....bien viajes. Nice guys, they like futbol...
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