Mexico, Travellers information - Entry details

Some tips from Gerardo Ibarra:

We suggest crossing the border through toll bridges whenever possible, toll free crossings are usually extremely busy and it may take you a while to get through. Also suggest you go across very early in the morning and try to avoid peak traffic hours. No matter where you cross into Mexico, you will be required to stop at the Customs Office and obtain a temporary import permit for your bike. Customs offices are either located right after the point of entree, or a few Km. down the road.

To Obtain a Car / Motorcycle Permit :

STEP 1. Make sure your DNI Tourist Entry card has been stamped by Mexican immigration officials.

STEP 2. Present a valid proof of citizenship.

STEP 3. Present ownership documentation of the vehicle, such as a valid vehicle registration certificate or the original vehicle title.

STEP 4. Fill out the car permit form as instructed. The form essentially says you promise to cross back into the U.S. with the vehicle, as well as other legalities.

STEP 5. Pay for the car permit at the Banjercito. (This bank is usually located in the same building where you fill out the paperwork.) You must provide the car permit paperwork as well as copies of your documentation. The payment must be made with a U.S. credit card to avoid leaving a deposit, which can range from $50 to $600 depending on the year and make of the vehicle. All documentation and the credit card must be in the name of the vehicle owner, and the owner must be either a driver or passenger during the trip.

Important Things to Know

1. The temporary vehicle permit is valid for any type of vehicle weighing under three tons for periods up to six months (180 days).

2. The temporarily imported vehicle may be driven across the border multiple times during the authorized period.

3. Always carry the car permit when driving your car in Mexico. Do not leave this document in the vehicle; it is indispensable in the case of damage, theft, or accident.

4. The vehicle temporarily imported by the owner may be driven in Mexico by the spouse or adult children, as long as they have the same immigration status. Other persons may drive the vehicle as long as the owner is in the vehicle.

5. No Mexican driver's licence is needed to drive in Mexico, American driver's licence work just as well.

Vehicle and Travel insurance

Mexican vehicle insurance coverage is highly recommended for interior travel, since your US or Canada policy will not cover south of the US border incidents. It is available HERE. When arranging this insurance make sure about its provisions for roadside assistance and help phone numbers. Auto accidents are considered criminal by Mexican statute and may result with an impounded vehicle.
Additional travel, health and medical insurance is also recomended, the following is a good provider for this services: CLICK HERE.

IMPORTANT TIPS GOING INTO AND FROM MEXICO:

1.- Obey the law. Don't carry any illegal drugs, weapons, or even undocumented prescription drugs.

2.- Be careful when looking at the police on the border (both American and Mexican). If you stare at them too long or try to avoid them, it will almost always make you a suspect. Believe it or not, the best strategy is just to walk around like you don't give a damn.

3.- Act like a stupid American tourist. This is one of the best times to act like a complete fool. Wear a big sombrero and a "USA" shirt. Act dumb and ask "Which way to America?" The Customs authorities will usually laugh at you and let you slide right on through.

4.- Dress nice, but not too nice. Having a reasonably clean-cut appearance will help. Wear a fresh shirt, shave and clean your helmet as well as you bike.

5.- When possible, travel in a group. Lone males are always singled out by American authorities as opposed to those traveling in a group. Sometimes there is nothing you can do. Just go with the flow and everything will be all right.

6.- Don't make any sudden moves. US Customs once went haywire when I reached into my ankle pouch to grab my passport. It is not exactly a tense environment, but let them know what you are doing if it is something that is going to grab their attention.

7.- Don't think that "they only ask Hispanics for identification". First of all, there are thousands more Hispanics crossing the border than Caucasians. Hispanics are the fastest-growing minority in the US, and just because they might not speak English does not mean they are not American citizens. Just because you have blond hair, blue eyes, and a New York accent doesn't mean that they won't check you also.

8.- If you are driving, thoroughly clean your car before you go. Mexican police can arrest you even for just having a bullet in your car. More than 130 American citizens were arrested last year for bringing weapons and ammo into Mexico. Strangely enough, Mexicans are allowed to bring up to 3 weapons and a thousand rounds of ammo into the US. And when coming back, American police may very well find a scrap of marijuana from that joint you tried 8 years ago.

9.- Don't lie when asked the questions "Where have you been in Mexico?" and "How long were you in Mexico?" There is no reason to lie, but if you stumble your words or contradict yourself, it will usually constitute cause for a search.

When crossing into Mexico, make sure to get the proper documentation from the police. If you are remaining in Mexico for less than 72 hours and stay within 20 kilometers of the border, you don't need a tourist card. Just walk in.

Thousands of Americans cross into Mexico each day, it's not a big deal. Simply follow this advice and use common sense.