Ken Franke, president of the Sportboat Association of California (SAC), sent this announcement out today:

Consulate General of Mexico in San Diego Press Release # 06/2012 March 12th, 2012

REQUIREMENTS TO ENTER MEXICO FOR RECREATIONAL SPORTSFSHING ACTIVITIES

In order to respond to recent requests for information regarding the procedures to be followed, and the permits to be obtained by foreign tourists entering Mexican waters for sport fishing activities, the Consulate General of Mexico in San Diego communicates the following:

• There is no visa or new immigration requirement for sport fishing purposes. U.S. citizens, permanent residents of the United States, and foreigners who carry any type of valid U.S. visa do not require a Mexican visa to enter the country as tourists for a period of up to 180 days.
• According to current regulations, US citizens that wish to enter Mexico for any purpose, including sport fishing, must: (i) present themselves before migration authorities in a port open for international transit of persons. Ensenada is presently the nearest Mexican seaport to San Diego that offers this service; (ii) fill out the Multiple Migratory Form (FMM); (iii) present a valid Passport or any other valid form of government issued id; and make the tourist immigration rights payment of $294 (Two hundred and ninety four Mexican pesos)
• Mexican law considers the possible participation of consignee agencies. Their function is to support all administrative procedures, such as gathering information, filling out forms and payment of fees. The hiring of the aforementioned services for recreational or sport fishing vessels for private use is not mandatory. Fees charged by consignee agencies are not part of the government rates applicable to the issuance of various permits.

Contact: Alberto Díaz Tel. 619 308-9924 Cel. 619-649-5364 Email: adiazg@sre.gob.mx