Earthquake Emergency Fund
Binational Emergency is collecting supplies and money donations to help the victims of the earthquake in Mexico City. Donations will be accepted until January 2018.
The following supply donations can be brought to the Discover Baja offices (we will deliver them to Binational):
-bandages
-first aid supplies
-soap
-toothpaste
-non-perishable dry food items
-blankets
-NEW clothing
Money donations can be sent to:
BEMCC Earthquake Relief Fund
642 Third Ave. Suite I
Chula Vista, CA 91910
Money donations will be used to purchase blankets and medical supplies
New Trusted Traveler Program Website
For SENTRI, NEXUS, and Global Entry card holders and applicants, there is a new Trusted Traveler Program (TTP) website that launched on October 1: ttp.cbp.dhs.gov/
The GOES website and system no longer exists. If you had a previous account through GOES or had started an application, you will need to go onto the new TTP website to create a new account. If you are already a trusted traveler, you will need to have your Pass ID (which can be found on the back of your SENTRI or Global Entry card). Read this article for step-by-step instructions on how to register on the new website.
Now Required for Baja: Motorhome TIPs
All registered motorhomes crossing into Baja now need Temporary Importation Permits (TIPs). Please see our page on Motorhome TIPs. Discover Baja is pleased to announce that we can process the 10-year motorhome TIPs for members. Please allow at least three weeks for processing.
San Ysidro Now Processing TIPs
You are now able to obtain vehicle, boat, and motorhome Temporary Importation Permits (TIPs) at the San Ysidro El Chaparral border crossing. The Banjercito office, located in the blue customs and immigration building, can process TIPs from 7am-11pm. For directions to the customs and immigration office at San Ysidro El Chaparral, download our PDF.
Daylight Savings Difference in Baja Norte and BCS
Not only are the states of Baja California and Baja California Sur on different time zones, but they begin and end daylight savings on different dates as well. Baja California Sur will end daylight savings and “fall back” this year on Sunday, October 29th at 2am. Baja California (Norte) will end daylight savings and change time a week later (the same date as California) on Sunday, November 5th at 2am.
San Ysidro Border Construction Update
Construction continues on the southbound San Ysidro El Chaparral border crossing as they work to align the I-5 freeway with the border crossing. The border lanes currently go down to three lanes before crossing. A fourth lane is supposed to be added by Thanksgiving and the 90-degree right turn will be softened to help traffic flow. The entire realignment project is supposed to be completely finished by summer 2019. The project will expand the number of southbound vehicle inspection lanes from 10 to 19 at the El Chaparral crossing. An additional eight northbound vehicle inspection lanes will also be constructed.
Día de los Muertos
Mexico celebrates Día de los Muertos, Day of the Dead, on November 1 & 2. This colorful and joyous holiday is a time to remember deceased friends and family members. See some of the holiday’s traditions explained in our Día de los Muertos Guide.
Aloha!
DBTC staffer Monica and husband Mike visited long-time DBTC members Don and Colleen Weir in Kailua, Hawaii in August. They had a great time exploring the Island and hanging out on “Don’s beach.” Mahalo Don and Colleen!