Mexico Travel Regulations
Photo illustration by Todd Serpa.
Mexico regulations change frequently, so visitors are advised to check beforehand with the Mexican consulate about proper entrance and exit documentation.
Entrance and Exit
U.S. citizens visiting Mexico are required to present a Mexican tourist card, which can be obtained for approximately $20 from Mexican immigration authorities at border crossings. To qualify for the card, a passport is recommended, but travelers may also present a birth certificate (original) or a voter registration card and photo identification. A Naturalization Certificate or a Certificate of Citizenship is also acceptable. Minors require notarized consent from parent(s) if traveling alone, with one parent, or in someone else’s custody
Canadian citizens visiting Mexico from Texas must present a valid passport or birth certificate (original) and photo identification. Other foreign nationals should call their nearest Mexican consulate to verify whether an appropriate visa or residency card is required in addition to their valid passport.
When returning to Texas from Mexico, visitors are required to stop at U.S. Customs to state their nationality and declare Mexican purchases
Visitors who are planning to travel by car should take note of the section below, “Driving Into Mexico”.
United States Customs Limits
Upon return to the United States, each U.S. citizen may declare $400 worth of Mexican purchases duty-free every 30 days (subject to limitations on liquors, cigarettes, and cigars) and an additional $50 worth of purchases on any one reentry within that 30 days. Assessments of federal duty fees will be applied to articles above the $400 exemption. Payment of duty (in U.S. currency only) is required at the time of your arrival into the United States, made in any of the following ways: personal check drawn on a U.S. bank or trust company and money orders or traveler’s checks if they do not exceed the amount of the duty by more than $50
Federal law permits one liter of duty-free alcoholic beverages to be brought back by each U.S. adult citizen 21 years and older every 30 days. Alcoholic beverages in excess of the limit are subject to duty and Internal Revenue tax. Texas citizens must pay a state tax on all alcoholic beverages brought in from Mexico. U.S. citizens outside Texas must also abide by Texas restrictions if they plan to consume, while in Texas, any of the alcohol they bring back. Before entering Mexico, visitors should ask for a free U.S. Customs pamphlet on paying duties.
Mexican Currency
Visitors to Mexican border cities rarely need Mexican currency (pesos). U.S. dollars are accepted at the current exchange rate, although Mexican banks, large hotels and motels, and tourist services can provide currency exchange if needed. It is usually better to exchange your money before you go into Mexico.
Driving Into Mexico
Driving into the 13-mile free trade zone on the border, into the area where Mexican authorities have established the migratory and customs inspection point, or into the Baja California Peninsula does not require any documentation. In the event of a traffic violation, however, officials will require a valid driver’s license and a vehicle title and registration in the driver’s name. It is recommended, but not required, that travelers have these documents on hand. If the car is leased, rented, or a company car, documentation is required that shows authorization for the driver
Automobile permits are required for driving into Mexico beyond the 13-mile free trade zone on the border or to areas of Mexico other than the Baja California Peninsula. A $25 fee is assessed for going past the 13-mile free trade zone. Permits may be obtained at the border once the tourist card has been stamped by Mexican immigration officials. The following documents will be required to obtain an automobile permit:
- a valid driver’s license,
- vehicle title in the driver’s name,
- if the car is leased, documentation that shows authorization for the driver; if there is a lienholder, you must have a letter from the lienholder saying it is permissible to take the car into Mexico for a specific period of time,
- tourist card from the immigration authorities. Once you have items 1-4, you will be eligible to fill out at the border
- a temporary import application and
- a declaration promising to return the vehicle to the United States within the authorized period of the permit.
To ensure that the vehicle will return within the authorized period, the driver has three options:
- Pay the amount of $12, plus tax, using an international credit card issued abroad in the driver’s name (Visa, MasterCard, American Express, etc.).
- If you do not have an international credit card, you must obtain a surety bond for the total value of the vehicle in favor of the Tesorería de la Federación (Treasury of the Federation) issued by an authorized bonding company in Mexico.
- Obtain a certificate of deposit in a Mexican bank for an amount equal to the value of the vehicle.
The CD will have a duration for at least the authorized term of stay granted on the tourist card. The original and a copy of (2) or (3)must be submitted to the Mexican authorities
Because the duration of permits is subject to change, U.S. citizens should check with the Mexican consulate before departure to determine current duration.
If the driver of the vehicle is not the owner, the owner must be in the car. This means you can’t use your relative’s or friend’s car unless he or she is with you. When reentering the United States, surrender your permission form at point-of-entry and officials there will remove the vehicle sticker. For more information on traveling by car into Mexico, call 800-482-9832
Mexican Auto Insurance
Mexico does not recognize auto insurance policies issued by U.S. insurance companies. It is important, therefore, to buy liability coverage from an authorized Mexican casualty insurance company before driving any distance into Mexico. These companies can also provide physical damage insurance for your car.