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Entering into Mexico
Mexico Entry Requirements
To enter Mexico, you will need either a valid passport or your original birth certificate along with a valid photo ID such as a drivers license. If you plan on traveling to Mexico over land, AFTER June 1, 2009; a passport or PASS Card will be the ONLY acceptable form of identification. Although this is the fourth deadline change it is reported that this passport deadline will supposedly not be changed again. Citizens other than U.S. or Canadian may have other requirements such as a visa. Please contact a Mexican Consulate or embassy near you. Most commonly encountered restrictions are (import duties could be assessed if you exceed these amounts):
- Some food items - especially plants and seeds
- Cigars and cigarettes - up to 20 packs per person
- Liquor and wine - up to 3 liters per person
- Film or videocassettes - up to 12 rolls/cassettes
- Medicine for personal use - must have a prescription
- Illegal controlled substances & drugs
- Firearms - only for hunting and must obtain a permit from the Mexican Consulate in advance
Minors: Mexican law requires that any non-Mexican citizen under the age of 18 departing Mexico must carry notarized written permission from any parent or guardian not traveling with the child to or from Mexico. This permission must include the name of the parent, the name of the child, the name of anyone traveling with the child, and the notarized signature(s) of the absent parent(s). The State Department recommends that the permission should include travel dates, destinations, airlines and a brief summary of the circumstances surrounding the travel. The child must be carrying the original letter – not a facsimile or scanned copy – as well as proof of the parent/child relationship (usually a birth certificate or court document) – and an original custody decree, if applicable. Travelers should contact the Mexican Embassy or closest Mexican Consulate for current information.
NOTE: If you are entering Mexico by any means other than airlines or cruise ship (see below) and staying for over 72 hours and/or traveling more than 20 miles beyond the border, you will need a Tourist Card.
Mexico Declarations
When you approach the border by land you will need to get into the appropriate lane. Select carefully the lane to enter the country:
- Nothing to Declare Lane
It is used when your exemptions do not exceed the permitted limits. - Self-declaration Lane
It is used when you bring goods worth more than the personal or family exemptions, or when the amounts of goods exceed those amounts allowed in your personal luggage
Upon crossing the border, your vehicle will activate the Automated Selection Mechanism (stop light). When crossing the border on foot you will be asked to activate the mechanism:
- The red light indicates that your luggage will be inspected.
- The green light indicates that you can drive through the Customs facilities without inspection
If you or your vehicle have been selected for inspection, a Customs Inspector will conduct the examination. If the Customs Inspector finds goods that should have been declared and you did not do it, the Inspector will classify and appraise the goods and will impose the corresponding sanctions. If you mistakenly choose the wrong lane, you may approach a Customs Inspector and ask for a classification and appraisal of your goods for the corresponding payment of duties and taxes.
Mexican Tourist Card
Tourist Travel - U.S. citizens do not require a visa or a tourist card for tourist stays of 72 hours or less within "the border zone," defined as an area between 20 to 30 kilometers of the border with the U.S., depending on the location. U.S. citizens traveling as tourists beyond the border zone or entering Mexico by air must pay a fee to obtain a tourist card, also known as an FM-T, available from Mexican consulates, Mexican border crossing points, Mexican tourism offices, airports within the border zone and most airlines serving Mexico. The fee for the tourist card is generally included in the price of a plane ticket for travelers arriving by air.
Business Travel - Upon arrival in Mexico, business travelers must complete and submit a form (Form FM-N) authorizing the conduct of business, but not employment, for a 30-day period. Travelers entering Mexico for purposes other than tourism or business or for stays of longer than 180 days require a visa and must carry a valid U.S. passport. U.S. citizens planning to work or live in Mexico should apply for the appropriate Mexican visa at the Mexican Embassy in Washington, D.C., or nearest Mexican consulate in the United States.
Mexico Vehicle Permits
Tourists wishing to travel beyond the border zone with their vehicle must obtain a temporary import permit or risk having their vehicle confiscated by Mexican customs officials. At present the only exceptions to the requirement are travel in the Baja Peninsula and in the state of Sonora only for vehicles entering through the Nogales port of entry. To acquire a permit, one must submit evidence of citizenship, title for the vehicle, a vehicle registration certificate, a driver's license, and a processing fee to either a Banjercito (Mexican Army Bank) branch located at a Mexican Customs (Aduanas) office at the port of entry, or at one of the Mexican Consulates located in the U.S. Mexican law also requires the posting of a bond at a Banjercito office to guarantee the export of the car from Mexico within a time period determined at the time of the application. For this purpose, American Express, Visa or Master Card credit card holders will be asked to provide credit card information; others will need to make a cash deposit of between $200 and $400, depending on the make/model/year of the vehicle. In order to recover this bond or avoid credit card charges, travelers must go to any Mexican Customs office immediately prior to departing Mexico. Despite any advice, official or unofficial, to the contrary, vehicle permits cannot be obtained at checkpoints in the interior of Mexico. For complete information on obtaining a Mexican Vehicle Permit Click Here
Mexican Vehicle Insurance
Mexican Vehicle Insurance is required for all vehicles, including rental vehicles. Mexican Vehicle Insurance is sold in most cities and towns on both sides of the border or buy it Online Now!. U.S. automobile liability insurance is not valid in Mexico, nor is most collision and comprehensive coverage issued by U.S. companies. Motor vehicle insurance is considered invalid in Mexico if the driver is found to be under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
Bringing Prescription Drugs into Mexico
You are allowed to bring prescription drugs into Mexico provided that you have the accompanying documentation which proves a medical need. If you or a member of your family are taking prescription drugs, be sure to take the prescription/doctor's note with you, which includes the patient's name and the name of the medication(s) to prove medical need of the drugs you are carrying in case your luggage gets inspected.
For further information on Mexico Entry Requirements or on what you can bring into Mexico - see Aduanas.com
Disclaimer: This information is provided as a service. MexicoVehicleInsurance.com its agents and affiliations assume no liability for any reliance on information provided. Policies and information change constantly. For up to date information consult with your local Consulate or Embassy. No attorney - client relationship is intended or created by this information
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Mexico Travel Information H3
U.S. Citizens entering or leaving Mexico by land are not required to have a U.S. passport to cross the border until June 1st, 2009.
Information on required documents for entering and leaving Mexico, such as visas, permits, tourist cards and Mexican Vehicle permits.
If you are planning to drive in Mexico there are things you will need to know. Find information such as Mexico Maps, toll roads, traffic tickets and more.