Requirements for American Tourists Crossing into Mexico by Land: What You Need to Know
By Rocio Morales |
You’ve planned that great driving vacation into Mexico for months and you are pretty sure you’ve got all the items checked off your list. But wait – with everything happening between the U.S. and Mexico lately – is it really still OK to pack up the car and hit some sunny beaches in our neighbor to the south? Tariffs and migrants – it’s been in the news a lot so it is understandable if you feel a bit confused.
We’ve got good news to share with you! It is still perfectly fine to drive into Mexico and hit the sun and fun – just make sure you have the documents you need to cross the border. These are the same documents that have been required all along, but it is a good idea to make sure everything is in order, so you won’t have any snags as you drive into the beautiful Baja sun.
Keep reading this guide to clear up any doubts and ensure that you have no issues when dealing with Mexican authorities during your trip. Don’t forget – in order to drive in Mexico you will need required Mexico car insurance. Your friends at Sanborn’s Mexico Auto Insurance have been helping people just like you drive into Mexico for more than 75 years!
Crossing into Mexico by Land: Essential Requirements for U.S. Travelers
Experiencing driving through Mexico is unforgettable. In our neighboring country, you will find many experiences, whether that is delicious regional cuisine, incredible sites like beaches and vineyards, history and much more. The best part is that after reading this article, you will discover that crossing the border only requires a few documents.
New Enforcement of Entry Documentation: What You Need to Know
The documents for entering Mexico by land have not changed. However, there is now greater enforcement by the authorities to request that American tourists complete the FMM (Forma Migratoria Multiple) before reaching the port of entry into Mexico. It’s preferable to do this online because not all border crossings are big, staffed offices. Especially if you are only staying for a short trip (less than 7 days). Immigration officers at the border are only able to process long-term permits, which cost $861 per person. To avoid that, if you are staying less than 7 days it is best to get your permit online, print it out, and just stop at the border for a quick stamp, it will also help you get across the border faster!
Essential Travel Documents for U.S. Tourists
These are the documents that Mexican immigration will request from you in order to enter Mexico, as long as your stay does not exceed 180 days:
- Valid passport book or passport card
- FMM (also known as the “Mexican Tourist Card”)
- Driver’s license (any foreign license written in Spanish or English is accepted for entering Mexico)
- TIP (Temporary Vehicle Import Permit) if you’re going beyond the Free Zone
- Current vehicle registration documents. Border officials will verify your vehicle’s VIN and ownership. If you’re not the registered owner, carry a notarized permission letter. Ensure you have the original, unexpired U.S. vehicle registration; an expired registration or lack thereof can lead to vehicle confiscation, even in the Free Zone!
- Mexican auto insurance. This is one of the most important requirements for American tourists crossing into Mexico by land. You’ll need it to get your temporary import permit. Remember that your U.S. car insurance is not valid.
Passports and Alternative Forms of ID
A passport book is the requirement and identification you’ll need to enter most other countries in the world. But if you’re traveling by land, things are easier and more cost-effective because you have the option of just presenting a passport card, which is valid for Mexico, Canada, and the Caribbean. However, you won’t be able to use a passport card if at any point during your trip you’ll be taking a flight back to the U.S.
Note: Make sure to have a passport (or passport card) that is valid for the entirety of your stay in Mexico. You can check out the quick guide we’ve prepared for you to find out how to renew your passport online.
The FMM Tourist Permit: When and How to Get It
This is the latest update on the requirements for American tourists crossing into Mexico by land!
In addition to presenting a passport, Mexican authorities will ask for your previously processed Forma Migratoria Multiple (FMM) to enter the neighboring country. You can get it online and you have up to 30 days to make it valid at the port of entry where you plan to cross the border.
Follow the next steps to get your FMM online:
- Visit gob.mx/fmme and select your preferred language.
- Choose “by land” and accept the terms.
- Enter your travel details and personal information.
- Make the payment for the FMME -Visitor Without Permission for Non-Remunerated Activities (DNR) online with a credit or debit card (Visa or Mastercard) on the Mexican National Migration Institute Services Portal. The current cost is $861 MXN, around $43 USD, but there is no fee if your trip is less than 7 days.
- Print your electronic FMM.
- Present it at the border with your passport.
- An officer will stamp your FMM and grant up to 180 days of stay.
Authorities in the Tijuana-Ensenada corridor in Baja California and the Sonoyta-Puerto Peñasco (Rocky Point) corridor in Sonora say they are ready to welcome tourists as the warm summer months begin.
Special Documentation for Minors and Families
When traveling with infants under 2, you don’t need to pay FMM fees. But if an American child is traveling with only one parent or guardian, or alone, you may need a notarized letter of consent at the border.
In addition, when returning to the United States, depending on your family’s situation, you will need to carry the following documents to confirm that all are permanent residents:
- Children under 16 years old: Passport, birth certificate, naturalization certificate, or certificate of citizenship.
- Adults: Passport, passport card, Trusted Traveler Program card (such as NEXUS or Global Entry), or an Enhanced Driver’s License. Resident aliens should have their green card handy.
Note: Voter’s registration cards, military IDs, driver’s licenses, and social security cards are not valid for proving citizenship.
Driving to Mexico: Vehicle and Insurance Requirements
Another essential requirement for American tourists crossing the border by land is Mexican auto insurance. This is because American policies are not valid once you enter Mexican territory, especially if your destination is beyond the free zone.
While the minimum coverage requirements may vary depending on where you are going, we recommend getting a plan with at least $300,000 of protection.
The FMM requirement for American tourists in Mexico is unrelated to the requirement to purchase Mexican car insurance if traveling by vehicle and whether or not you have the FMM will not have any bearing on the processing of a claim. Coverage is independent of FMM status.
You can also get Mexican coverage for golf carts, ATVs, and RVs, and this is the best recommendation so that you can enjoy the greatest protection wherever you go!
Border Restrictions: What You Can and Cannot Bring
When traveling to Mexico by car, it’s crucial to know that specific items are not allowed, including firearms, illegal drugs, and significant amounts of alcohol and tobacco products. It’s also important to avoid bringing plants, fruits, and vegetables to prevent the spread of pests and diseases, although certain types of nuts are permitted.
Hit the Road with Confidence—Get Your Mexico Auto Insurance Today!
Now that you’re up to date on the requirements for American tourists crossing into Mexico by land, it’s time to pack your bags and dive into the paradise of tacos, beaches, and historic sites! Visit Mexico without complications and with the protection that only Sanborn’s Mexico Insurance can provide.
Start a Mexican car insurance quote online, stop by one of our offices on your way to the border or just give us a call at 800-222-0158 for a quick service. Rest assured, we have you covered!
