CUSTOMS & IMMIGRATION INFORMATION
CALIFORNIA
BORDERS
TEXAS
BORDERS
MEXICO CUSTOMS & IMMIGRATION
BORDER RULES
USA CUSTOMS & IMMIGRATION
BORDER RULES
INFORMATION CENTER
State Ministry of Tourism Mexicali
Blvd. Benito Juarez y Calle Francisco Montejano #1,
Mexicali, Baja California
011 52 (686) 566-1277
FOR VISITOR ASSISTANCE
DIAL 078
ENTRY
INTO
MEXICO
TRAFFIC
TICKETS
CUSTOMS
RESTRICTED
ITEMS
DUTY FREE
PETS
TRAVELING
WITH
MEDICATION
VISA TO MEXICO
If you enter by land and plan to stay more than 7 days in any part of Mexico, you should stop at the immigration office next to the border entrance into Mexico 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 Mexico for no more than 180 days. At Immigration, they’ll attach a departure card to your passport to hand back when you leave the country.
Minors will need to be accompanied by their parents or have a notarized letter authorizing the minor to enter Mexico and present it with their valid passport.
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.
Requirements: Vehicle registration or title, Valid driver license (U.S. or Canada), Proof of citizenship and Mexican auto insurance.
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 or 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.
CUSTOMS
Tourists are allowed to enter Mexico 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.
The Secretary of Interior (Secretaría de Gobernación, SEGOB) oversees federal police forces and they also oversee the Mexican Immigration Service (INAMI), whose officers have the right to detain suspected undocumented aliens. They have an office just across the border if you need a permit to travel further into Mexico or you just want your passport stamped as a souvenir. There is no need for this if you are only going to a border town.
RESTRICTED ITEMS
MEXICO BORDERS
Firearms & ammo, narcotics and illegal drugs, 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.
DUTY FREE
TOTAL ITEMS 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!!!
PETS
Must have an International Certificate of Good Health (Form 77-043)
& Proof of vaccination against rabies and distemper.
TRAVELING WITH
PRESCRIPTION MEDICATION
Prescription medications should be in their original containers
with the doctor’s prescription printed on the container
or a copy of your prescription.
JUST IN CASE
The U.S. Embassy is in Mexico City
Open From Mon-Fri,
8:30 AM-5:30 PM
From Mexico: 01-55- 5080-2000
From U.S.: 011-52-55-5080-2000
For after-hour emergencies, Call the Embassy and
press “0”
U.S. Consulate Tijuana, B.C.
011-52 (664) 977-2000
ENTRY
INTO USA
ACCEPTED
FORMS of ID’S
CUSTOMS
RESTRICTED
ITEMS
DUTY FREE
PETS
TRAVELING
WITH
MEDICATION
Returning to the United States from Mexico through a land port of entry:
You must present a Passport (expired passports are accepted also). If you don’t, for a U.S. Citizen a U.S. birth certificate plus a driver’s license might work, but expect long delays while they verify your citizenship.
WHAT TO EXPECT
When you approach the officials at the border, they will interview you one by one, examine your ID and ask what you purchased (keep receipts handy). You may be chosen for an inspection for any reason including being selected for a random search.
CBP has the Authority to Search all persons, baggage and merchandise arriving in, or departing from The United States and are subject to inspection, search and detention.
You should expect to be treated in a courteous, dignified and professional manner, if you have any concerns you can always ask to speak to a CBP supervisor.
ACCEPTED FORMS of ID’S
Passport or Passport Card(expired passports are accepted also), Enhanced Driver's License, Enhanced Tribal Card or Trusted Traveler Cards (Global Entry GE, Sentri, Nexus or FAST), . If you don’t have one of these: for a U.S. Citizen a U.S. birth certificate plus a driver’s license might work, but expect long delays while they verify your citizenship.
U.S. CUSTOMS
Failure to declare any item, regardless of origin, may cause travel delays and result in fines up to $1,000.
Residents of the U.S. are required to declare ALL purchases made in Mexico. Total Tax free limit $800 value within 30 days.
Prescriptions: Not more than a 90 day supply. FDA regulated medications are not allowed without a written prescription.
RESTRICTED ITEMS
Firearms & ammo, narcotics and illegal drugs, protected and endangered species of flora & wildlife, certain fruits and vegetables, animal products and some animals.
DUTY FREE
TOTAL ITEMS Per person
Residents of the U.S. are required to declare ALL purchases made in Mexico.
Total Tax free limit $800 value within 30 days. This includes:
Alcohol (21 or older): Walking Across or California Residents up to 1 Liter. Driving Across up to 60 Liters
Tobacco: 1 carton per person. Note: Cuban Cigars are now legal to purchase in Mexico and import through U.S. Customs only for personal use.
Prescriptions: Not more than a 90 day supply. FDA regulated medications are not allowed without a written prescription.
Note:
Most medications in Mexico and in the United States are produced by the same pharmaceutical companies.
PETS
Proof of vaccination against rabies and distemper.
TRAVELING WITH PRESCRIPTION MEDICATION
Prescription medications should be in their original containers with the doctor’s prescription printed on the container or a copy of your prescription.
When buying medication make sure there is no restriction for purchases over the counter. To buy controlled medication you need the original signature issued by a doctor which must include the seal from State Health Authorities and a serial number.
MEXICO CUSTOMS & IMMIGRATION
BORDER RULES
USA CUSTOMS & IMMIGRATION
BORDER RULES
JUST IN CASE
US Consulate General
In Matamoros, Tamaulipas
MX 011 52 (868) 206-1076
US (844) 528-6611
Emergency after hours call:
011 52 (868) 208-2000
U.S. Embassy Mexico City
Mon-Fri, 8:30 AM-5:30 PM
MX 011-52-555-080-2000
For after-hour emergencies,
Call the Embassy and press “0”
FOR VISITOR ASSISTANCE
DIAL 078
ENTRY
INTO
MEXICO
Tolls
for
Crossing
CUSTOMS
DUTY FREE
RESTRICTED
ITEMS
PETS
TRAVELING
WITH
MEDICATION
TRAFFIC
TICKETS
ENTRY INTO MEXICO
VISA TO MEXICO
If you enter by land and plan to stay more than 7 days in any part of Mexico, you should stop at the immigration office next to the border entrance in Nuevo Progreso 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 Mexico for no more than 180 days. At Immigration, they’ll attach a departure card to your passport to hand back when you leave the country.
U.S. citizens can visit within the frontera area (a 26-mile border area of Mexico) for up to 72 hours without a permit. It is always a good idea to carry proof of citizenship such as a birth certificate, a valid state driver’s license, a valid state non-driver identification card, or valid United States passport. Naturalized U.S. citizens must carry their proof of citizenship
Minors will need to be accompanied by their parents or have a notarized letter authorizing the minor to enter Mexico and present it with their valid passport.
Note: Vehicles with temporary Plates must prove ownership and that the car will return to the United States.
Tourists wishing to travel beyond the border zone with their car must
obtain a temporary import permit.
Requirements:
Vehicle registration or title, Valid driver license (U.S. or Canada), Proof of citizenship and Mexican auto insurance.
Progreso International Bridge
Toll Prices for crossing the Bridge helps with maintenance.
Walking In: $1.00 per person
Walking Out: $.30 per person
Driving In: $3.00 per vehicle
Driving Out: $1.60 or 30 pesos.
CUSTOMS
Tourists are allowed to enter Mexico with their personal items and other items necessary for their trip. Value, up to $300/person, max $3000 per family Anything extra and items valued at $150 or higher, should be declared upon entry at the border.
Per person
10 packs of cigarettes or 200 grams of
tobacco. Taxable for extra is 573.48%
3 liters of alcoholic beverages or wine.
Extra taxed at 90%
Household items, Tools and Construction Materials with
permit is charged 16% tax,
Declare all money, checks or other negotiable instruments
totaling more than $10,000.00.
RESTRICTED ITEMS MEXICO BORDERS
Firearms & ammo, narcotics and illegal drugs, 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.
PETS
Effective 12/16/2019: A health certificate for dogs and cats is no longer needed to enter Mexico. Dogs and cats may be taken to the border without health certificate documentation, they will be inspected by SENASICA upon arrival.
TRAVELING WITH
PRESCRIPTION MEDICATION
Prescription medications should be in their original containers
with the doctor’s prescription printed on the container
or a copy of your prescription.
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
or 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.
JUST IN CASE
The U.S. Embassy is in Mexico City
Open From Mon-Fri,
8:30 AM-5:30 PM
From Mexico: 01-55- 5080-2000
From U.S.: 011-52-55-5080-2000
For after-hour emergencies,
Call the Embassy and
press “0”
US Consulate General
In Matamoros, Tamaulipas
MX 011 52 (868) 206-1076
US (844) 528-6611
ENTRY
INTO USA
ACCEPTED
FORMS of ID’S
CUSTOMS
RESTRICTED
ITEMS
DUTY FREE
PETS
TRAVELING
WITH
MEDICATION
Returning to the United States from Mexico through a land port of entry:
ACCEPTED FORMS of ID’S
Passport or Passport Card(expired passports are accepted also), Enhanced Driver's License, Enhanced Tribal Card or Trusted Traveler Cards (Global Entry GE, Sentri, Nexus or FAST), . If you don’t have one of these: for a U.S. Citizen a U.S. birth certificate plus a driver’s license might work, but expect long delays while they verify your citizenship.
WHAT TO EXPECT
When you approach the officials at the border, they will interview you one by one,
examine your ID and ask what you purchased (keep receipts handy). You may be chosen for an inspection
for any reason including being selected for a random search.
CBP has the Authority to Search all persons, baggage and merchandise arriving in or departing
from The United States and are subject to inspection, search and detention.
You should expect to be treated in a courteous, dignified and professional manner,
if you have any concerns you can always ask to speak to a
CBP supervisor.
ACCEPTED FORMS of ID’S
Passport or Passport Cards, Sentri, TTP, Nexus, Enhanced Drivers License,
Enhanced Permanent Resident Card or other trusted traveler Id’s.
Non-US Citizens will also need:
Visa or Resident Card. (Expect delays,
for entry into the USA without
the required documentation while Custom
Officials verify your citizenship
using another official form of ID,
such as a Birth Certificate
along with a Driver License)
U.S. CUSTOMS
Failure to declare any item, regardless of origin,
may cause travel delays and result in fines up to $1,000.
Residents of the U.S. are required to declare
ALL purchases made in Mexico. Total Tax free limit $800 value within 30 days.
Prescriptions: Not more than a 90 day supply.
FDA regulated medications are not allowed without a written prescription.
RESTRICTED ITEMS
Firearms & ammo, narcotics and illegal drugs,
protected and endangered species of flora & wildlife,
certain fruits and vegetables, animal products and some animals.
Bringing food and other items back from your travels could impact the health and safety of American agriculture and natural resources. The Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) works to keep potentially harmful pests and diseases that can hitchhike on food and other agricultural products out of the United States. For example, travelers cannot bring in most fresh fruits and vegetables because they can carry plant pests or diseases. Just one pest could devastate multiple agricultural industries.
DUTY FREE
TOTAL ITEMS Per person
Residents of the U.S. are required to
declare any purchases made in Mexico.
Total Tax free limit $800 value within 30 days.
This does not include alcohol or tobacco, for Texas state tax on these items see chart to the right .
This does not include alcohol or tobacco,
tax on these items are as follows:
TAX RATES TABLE
(Including $ 3.00 administrative fees)
DISTILLED SPIRITS:
Miniatures to Half Pints $ 3.25
(up to 200 ml)
Pint to Fifth (200 - 500 ml) $ 3.50
Quart (1 liter) $ 3.75
1/2 Gallon (1.75 liter) $ 4.25
1 Gallon (3.8 liter) $ 5.50
BEER
6) 12 ounce containers $ 3.25
24) 12 ounce containers $ 3.50
MALT LIQUOR
24) 12 ounce containers $ 3.50
WINE
Fifth (750 ml) $ 3.25
Gallon (3.8 liter) $ 3.75
CIGARETTES
Pack $ 1.50
Carton (10 packs) $15.00
PETS
Proof of vaccination against rabies and distemper.
TRAVELING WITH PRESCRIPTION MEDICATION
Prescription medications should be in their original containers with the doctor’s prescription printed on the container or a copy of your prescription.
When buying medication make sure there is no restriction for purchases over the counter. To buy controlled medication you need the original signature issued by a doctor which must include the seal from State Health Authorities and a serial number.
CUSTOMS & IMMIGRATION
INFORMATION
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