Driving to Mexico

Steps to take when driving your vehicle into Mexico:

First you must get your personal Visa (tourist card or other work or residency permt) and pass through Customs (see Immigration and Customs).

To temporarily import your foreign vehicle you must have these in your name:

Title to your vehicle
Drivers License
Passport
Credit Card that was not issued in Mexico
A photocopy of each of the above documents

Go to the Banjercito office in the border crossing station and present your papers and copies. They will charge a small bond (under $20 U.S.) to your credit card, then give you your papers and apply a hologram to your windshield. Do not lose your papers or you could be subject to a fine. If you do not have a credit card you must pay a large premium for a bond or make a cash deposit in the amount of your car's value.

Remember to turn these papers and the hologram on your windshield in as you leave the country. The Mexican computer system is now working, if you did not return your visa on a previous vehicle they may not let you enter with a new one. It is recommended that you keep a copy of your cancelled car papers and have them with you when you apply for new ones.

Insurance

Insurance is not required to drive in Mexico but is always a good idea. Your foreign insurance is not valid in Mexico unless specifically stated on the policy. Purchase your Mexican insurance policy before you come, there are a variety of insurance providers on both sides of most major border crossings.

Boats

You can also bring your boat, motor and trailer. For boats over 4 meters (14 1/2 feet) you will need to take the titles and copies of these documents with you to the Banjercito office and have them added to your vehicle's permit.

The official Mexican guide recommends you stop at Sanborn’s, AAA or the Mexican consulate to be sure you have the correct documentation for your vehicle.

Much of this page is translated by John Murphy from Guia Oficial Programa Paisano October 1998 Ed.