CUSTOMS & IMMIGRATION AT A LAND BORDER INTO MEXICALI

Entry into México

VISA TO México

If you enter by land and plan to stay more than 7 days in any part of México, you should stop at the immigration office next to the border entrance in Los Algodones to obtain an entry permit, or Forma Migratoria Multiple (FMM), to present at immigration checkpoints, this is a simple declaration of your intention to vacation in México for no more than 180 days. Current Price is $32.00. At Immigration, they’ll attach a departure card to your passport to hand back when you leave the country.

CUSTOMS

Tourists are allowed to enter México with their personal items and other items necessary for their trip. Anything extra and high value items, should be declared upon entry at the border.

Minors will need to be accompanied by their parents or have a notarized letter authorizing the minor to enter México and present it with their valid passport.

Traveling by car into México

With the exception of travel to the Baja Peninsula, tourists wishing to travel beyond the border zone with their car must obtain a temporary import permit (TIP). Requirements: Vehicle registration or title, Valid driver license (U.S. or Canada), Proof of citizenship and Mexican auto insurance.

Who May Drive Your Foreign Plated Car in Mexico? Vehicles with Temporary Import Permits may be driven in Mexico by the importer, their spouse, their parents, grandparents, brothers or sisters, children, grandchildren even though they are not foreigners or by a foreigner who is a Tourist or Temporary Resident without the permit holder in the vehicle. Or, by a Mexican National when, whichever of the prior persons authorized to drive are in the vehicle. This means if the car permit is in the name of a person with a valid FMM tourist card or Temporary Resident, that person's spouse even if a Permanent Resident or a Mexican national can drive the foreign plated vehicle without the person in whose name is the car permit being in the vehicle. It also means a Mexican national such as a maid, gardener, mechanic, bellhop, etc can not drive your vehicle without the TIP holder in the car. In the case, if caught, cars have been confiscated plus fines.

TRAFFIC TICKETS

Cost varies by city and are in Mexican Pesos.

Running a red light, not having or using a seat belt, using a mobile phone while driving, driving without a valid license (Current USA & Canadian Drivers Accepted in México), or valid registration, drinking alcoholic beverages in the streets, sidewalks or on public property, exceeding the speed limit, driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs (DUI) you may also be detained.

Speed limits are 55 mph on highways and 25 mph in city limits.

Duty free into México

Per person

40 packs of cigarettes or 200 grams of tobacco---Taxable for extra is 573.48%

6 liters of alcoholic beverages or wine---Extra taxed at 90%

Household items with permit is charged 16% tax

Declare all money, checks or other negotiable

instruments totaling more than $10,000.00.

If you don’t declare:

Expect items to be confiscated with fines!!!

rESTRICTED iTEMS into México

RESTRICTED ITEMS into México BORDERS

Firearms & ammo, narcotics and illegal drugs (marijuana is strickly prohibited), cans of gas, protected and endangered species of flora & wildlife, certain fruits and vegetables, images of children represented in degrading and violent ways and used clothing or shoes not part of your personal luggage.

TRAVELING WITH PRESCRIPTION MEDICATION into México

Prescription medications should be in their original containers with the doctor’s prescription printed on the container or a copy of your prescription.

Bringing Pets into México

Effective 12/16/2019: A health certificate for dogs and cats is no longer needed to enter México. Dogs and cats may be taken to the border without health certificate documentation, they will be inspected by SENASICA upon arrival.