 
Entering Mexico
Filling out
forms at the border
You need to show documents to prove who you are and where you are from. The
best form of identification is a passport and we strongly recommend this route
especially after 9 11,
Passport
This is the best identification and poses the least hassle for borders and
spot road checks. If you have a passport you are unlikely to need or show any
other document to prove identity or nationality. This is a big plus when you are
driving as you may be stopped frequently by the Federal Police or Military at
road checks.
Birth Certificate or Naturalization Papers
These are not the best documents and require other identification to validate
their authenticity. Birth certificates should be the original with a raised
seal. These will be accepted in conjunction with official picture ID such as a
drivers license. If the name on the birth certificate differs from the current
name, additional official documents should be carried i.e.. marriage
certificate, name change documents. Photocopies are not accepted.
It is advisable to have children officially listed on your passport or have
their own passport. Minors traveling alone or with only one parent should carry
a notarized letter from the absent parent authorizing the visit. While in
practice, we have never in our personal 16 years of experience ever been asked
for this letter, we would not want to be turned away and have our trip spoiled.
 Dogs and cats are allowed into Mexico and we have never been asked for
documentation when we crossed the border. Technically speaking you are to have
an international certificate from a vet stating the pet is in good health and
that all shots are up-to-date. Other pets such as birds or ferrets need special
consideration and you are to make inquiries at your local Mexican Consulate.
(On the way back to the US you must provide papers that document that the animal
has had rabies protection for at least 30 days and that the inoculation has not
expired. As a matter of course before a long trip we had our dog CRASH an additional note from our vet at home stating
he is healthy and happy.)
Border Crossing CD Juarez
You are required to get a tourist card if you are either:
a) planning to visit Mexico for more than 72 hours
or
b) straying from the "tourist zones" along the border.
While you can pick up the cards at
official Mexican tourist offices before you enter Mexico, there is no real
advantage in doing so. They must be stamped and processed at the border. The
cost for a card is approximately 200 pesos
(payable at banks throughout Mexico before you leave the country) and is usually
good for 180 days. You can re-enter on the same tourist card.
You should return it on your final exit from the country.
Vehicle Permits (required
everywhere except the Baja)
Temporary permits are required to bring in foreign plated vehicles into Mexico
in an effort to halt illegal importation (untaxed entry of vehicles.) The
procedure is both time consuming and very strict so should be taken quite
seriously. Note: one driver is allowed to bring in one vehicle. A passenger
would be required to be the signatory and bring in a tow car, motorcycle or ATV.
You must have
a) proof of citizenship
b) vehicles title or registration
c) credit card and charge of
approximately 300 pesos
You are not allowed to temporarily import a borrowed vehicle - you must
prove ownership through title. If you are leasing, making loan payments or the
vehicle has a lien on it, you must get a letter from the lien holder stating that
you are allowed to bring in the vehicle for a specific period of time. The
letter should either be notarized or at the very least very official looking.
While there are alternate procedures, a valid credit card will ensure a much
more speedy documentation process. You will be charged 180m pesos per vehicle.
An Immigration Officer will attach a hologram sticker to the drivers upper
windshield. This must remain for the entire trip AND BE DETACHED BY AN OFFICIAL
AS YOU LAST LEAVE THE COUNTRY. Failure to return the hologram could have serious
consequences when you next return with your vehicle.
Generally you will not be asked to show your insurance documents. You would
be crazy to drive anywhere, especially in Mexico without it. Remember Canadian or
American insurance doesn't give you any coverage south of the border!
Click here for more information about Mexican insurance.
You need to get a boat permit for boats that have fishing tackle aboard. Ask
for a permit at any port city.
DO NOT BRING EITHER GUNS OR DRUGS INTO MEXICO. Mucho problemo! Don't try it -
think about it or even toy with the idea. If caught you most likely will end up
in prison for a very long time.
You are allowed to bring into Mexico:
a) 2 cartons of cigarettes or 50 cigars or a kilo of tobacco (2.2lbs)
b) 1 litre of wine or hard liquor
c) 12 rolls of film
d) a computer
e) camera equipment
Be reasonable and don't bring in quantities of anything that might look like
you are planning to resell them. You really don't have to load up on food
anymore as there are enough Supermercado with a good supply and variety of
food.
When you cross most borders you will be asked to push a button. If you hit
green you will continue to pass through. If you hit a red signal your luggage
will be searched. Additionally if you look suspicious or a guard has the desire
- you can be searched regardless of the light.
You will be required to show proof of citizenship and identity when entering
the US. Pets require paperwork etc.
US citizens are allowed to bring home:
a) after 30 days $800 US (November 2002) in purchases duty free. Over the $00 limit will be
taxed at 10% for the following $1000 worth of purchases.
b) 200 cigarettes or 100 cigars or 2 kilos (4.4lbs) of tobacco
c) 1 liter of alcohol - wine or spirits
Canadian citizens are allowed to bring home:
a) after 24 hours $50 CAN in purchases duty free; after 48 hours - $300 CAN
duty free; or after 7 days - $750 duty free.
b) 200 cigarettes or 50 cigars or 1 kilos of chewing tobacco
c) 1.5 liter of alcohol - wine or spirits
Don't forget to turn in your Car decal before leaving the country!
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