 |
 |
The best thing to do is to get a U.S. Passport and use that for your identification to enter Mexico and to return to the U.S. It will serve as photo identification and as your proof of citizenship. If you don't have one, get one. If you can't get one in time for your planned trip, start the process anyway and it will be ready for next time.
Note that the US State Department has just started accepting applications for the new Passport Card. It's more portable and cheaper than a passport book and is valid for land and sea border crossings between the US, Canada, Mexico, Bahamas and Carribean. It is not valid for air travel.
The short story is that for a US citizen to cross the border into Mexico, keep to the Tijuana-Ensenada tourist routes, and stay less than 72 hours, you need only your identification and proof of citizenship. A passport is great. Otherwise, your driver's license together with either a birth certificate or certificate of naturalization will do the job. A Tourist Card (also called an FMT) is needed if you want to you stay in Mexico longer than 72 hours or travel more widely.
To get a Tourist Card, you may contact one of the Mexican Tourism Offices, a Mexican Consulate, or the Immigration Office at the border crossing. Sometimes they are also available at your local Auto Club office. The fee is about 30.00 and you will need to show proof of citizenship such as a passport or birth certificate and Photo Id. The card is good for 6 months.
On returning to the U.S. you will need to show proof of citizenship/residence. Your passport is best, but the following are also accepted:
You are allowed to bring with you your luggage which may include all the kinds of personal items that are consistent with the length of your stay. You can bring one photo camera, one video camera, one cel phone, one laptop computer, up to four fishing rods, a surf board, a tent, and camping equipment. Adults may bring up to 20 packs of cigarettes or 25 cigars, and up to 3 liters of alcoholic beverages.
In addition, you may bring one exempted item with a value of $300 if entering by air or by sea or $50 if entering by land. You should be prepared to prove the value with a receipt.
Importing guns for hunting requires a special permit. You may bring your own medications, but should have your prescription for psychotropic drugs. In general, you can avoid trouble by being conservative and not bringing the kinds of things that look like you intend to sell them. Electronics are the most common trouble.
You can see the Customs Declaration Form on the Mexican Customs websiteIf you're limiting your stay in Mexico to 72 hours and staying within the border zone or on the Tijuana-Ensenada tourist route, then there are no special requirements. If you're staying longer or driving farther into Mexico, then you'll need an importation permit for your car. You will need the following (original plus two photocopies) all issued to the same person. (That person must be present)
Go to the customs office at the border and present your documents at the "Modulo de Control Vehicular". You will pay a non-refundable certificate fee as well as a refundable bond deposit. The bond is $400 for most cars but as low as $200 for cars older than 1994.
Your permit allows you to drive your car in Mexico for 180 days. You are allowed to cross the border as many times as you like during this period without a new certificate. You are NOT allowed to sell your car in Mexico. When you leave Mexico (assuming you won't be reentering using the same permit) you must present the permit for cancellation (you must have the car with you!). At this time your deposit will be credited back to your credit card.
|
|
| Home |
Driving |
Ensenada Hotels |
What To Do |
Cruises |
Other Stuff |