What's the difference between Baja CA and Baja Mexico?

Question

I am curious about the Baja Peninsula...any information would be great! (Will I need a passport if I'm planning on traveling from the Redwoods in CA?)

Answer 1

There isn't actually a place called Baja Mexico.

The Spanish word "Baja" means "lower", so Baja Mexico would mean "Lower Mexico". It's kind of like asking if there is a difference between South Carolina or South United States...see what I mean?

The Mexican state south of California is called "Baja California".

Currently you do not need a passport to travel to Mexico, however you will need one if you plan on getting there by plane or boat after September 30th of this year. Also if you plan to fly or take a boat, you currently have to have applied for a passport and need to carry the receipt of that application with you. If you drive, make sure you get Mexican auto insurance before crossing the border. They sell it in dozens of places right before you cross. If you plan on staying over a week, you really should need to get a tourist visa. Most people don't and you really won't get in any trouble if you don't but it is required.

Answer 2

Baja Mexico is in Baja, Mexico.. Baja California means lower California but is actually the Northern part of Mexico.. confusing isn't it..

You will need 2 forms of Id to go to mexico if driving.. A drivers license and a birth certificate/or Naturalization Papers.. And a Mexican tourist card if you are staying longer than 72 hrs - only 20 dollars

Answer 3

Baja California is the actual name of the peninsula that goes south from the california, USA state line. It is not part of the USA, but is part of Mexico. Hence, Baja Mexico. The state of California used to be part of Mexico.

you will need a passport to mexico. But you may need to check with the passport agencies. They have been changing the rules the last week or so due to the very long time to get one. Right now I think you just need the receipt that you have applied for one. Check the website somebody else posted.

Answer 4

There is no difference. Baja California is what the area is called in Mexico. It is in Mexico. A passport is not required if driving. It is now a little vague when flying. I think you need to prove you applied for a passport.

The U.S. Departments of State and Homeland Security announced Friday, June 8th that U.S. citizens traveling to Canada, Mexico, Bermuda or countries in the Caribbean region, who have applied for, but not yet received passports, can re-enter the United States by air.

Answer 5

At this time you don't need a passport to travel into Mexico if you are going by land (though that will change in the future). If you are going into Mexico and staying for more than 72 hours though you will need a temporary permit/passport which you can get from a place in Southern CA that will assist you. You'll also need your birth certificate (certified one, not a copy). If you are driving in, you should also get Mexican insurance for your vehicle in case it's stolen or damaged.

Answer 6

The US government requirement for having a passport to travel to Mexico and Canada has been postponed until 2009, so you don't need a passport.

You can check out http://www.baja.com/ or http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Baja_California_Peninsula for more information on Baja.