Crossing the Border and Customs Information

• In a "nutshell"
• Do's & Don'ts
• Driving into Mexico
• Mexico Customs at the Border
• Returning to the U.S. (Customs)
• !! Last Update 2004!!

In a "nutshell" for Rocky Point.

• You need an ID, drivers license. Kids, copy of birth cert. Dogs, proof of recent shots.
• You need liability insurance on your vehicle.
• It's a good idea to have proof of ownership on any vehicle you take down.
• The roads are fine. Don't drive at night if you can help it.
• A simple "Ola Amigo" or "Gracias Senior" at the border goes a long way.
• The border is closed between 12 midnight and 6 am. (can you say back-seat border camping!?)
• "Vasquez Liquors" in Sonoita (pronounced San-oh-eeta) is a must stop!
• The food stand in front of Vasques is about the only one in Mexico I'd trust, it's great!
• As you enter Rocky Point, watch out for the stop-lights. It's easy to miss them (due to how they're placed) until it's too late.
• Be careful eating/drinking dairy, water, ice, salads, fruit.
• Guns, public nudity, and dope are the 3 biggest no-no's in Mexico. (can you say "guilty, until proven innocent" and "jailtime", YIKES)
• Enjoy the seafood, mexican food, beer, margaritas on the rocks.
• Any effort to speak Spanish will bring you a world of positive hospitality.
• 35 years ago my dad told me "Remember - you're visiting down here, these are wonderful Mexican people who deserve your respect".
       Not a problem in 100+ trips ! :-)
  
  
  
  

  The Do's and Don'ts

  To first time visitors to our neighbors to the south the first contact they have is with the Mexican Border Police. This can be a rather uncomfortable experience for those not knowing what to expect at the border. We hope to relieve some of that anxiety with the following info. This is aimed to enlighten and with that knowledge, help you enjoy your visit south of the border.

  OK! This page is fairly long, use the links at the top of the page to get you to exactly what you desire and then off to Rocky Point for a great trip!

  The first thing I you need to know is "NEVER TAKE A FIREARM ACROSS THE BORDER!!!!!!!" (There are exceptions to this but contact a Mexican Consulate to determine the current exceptions). We just got a couple of Americans back from Mexican prisons that were sent there because the had unloaded firearms in their vehicles when they crossed into Mexico. One of them was a 60+ year old grandfather going to buy medicine at a Mexican Pharmacia that had put his unloaded rifle in the trunk of his car while his grand daughter was visiting to keep it out of the house! He spent 3 months in a Mexican prison and only got out because of a lot of U.S. political pressure.

  The second thing you need to know is regarding vehicle titles. For "Rocky Point" only, we've never found it to be an issue, but it would be highly adviseable to carry certified proof of ownership on any/all vehicles. There will be more later in this page if you are planning to go farther south than Rocky Point but everybody needs to know the following....

  If you are crossing the border to visit the "Free Zone" (Rocky Point included), you must have the titles to any vehicles you are crossing with. This includes boats, jetskis, waterbikes, ATCs, dunebuggies, etc. If you are not able to provide legal documentation of the vehicles you may be turned back at the border.
  
  
  

  
  

  Driving To Mexico

  
  
  Information courtesy Government of Mexico, Ministry of Finance

  Whether you're visiting family or friends, or just want to drive through the beautiful countryside Mexico has to offer. it is important for you to remember the following steps when crossing! the border between the United States and Mexico.
  If your travel is within the Border Zone or free Trade Zone (Including the Baja California Peninsula and the Sonora free Trade Zone) there are no procedures to comply with. However, if you wish to pass these zones, the following procedures will apply.
  
  STEP ONE
  Obtain the original and one photocopy of the following documents:

  • The appropriate immigration form. The vehicle State Registration Certificate or a document that certifies the legal ownership of the vehicle.

  • The leasing contract (if the vehicle is leased or rented) which must be in the name of the person importing the car if the vehicle belongs to a company, present the document that certifies the employee works for the company.

  • A valid drivers license, issued outside Mexico.

  • Major international credit card, also issued outside Mexico (American Express, Diners Club, Mastercard or Visa), in the name of the owner of the vehicle. If you do not posses an international credit card, you will be asked to post a bond, payable to the Federal Treasury, issued by an authorized bonding company in Mexico. As an alternative to posting a bond, you may make a cash deposit at Banco del Ejercito in an amount equal to the value of your vehicle according to the "Table of Vehicle values for bonding companies." (see table).

  STEP TWO
  Once you have the originals and photocopies of these documents, present them to the Vehicular Control Module located in Customs to process the Importation Permit. All documents and the credit card must be in the name of the owner who must also be in the vehicle when crossing the border.
  
  STEP THREE
  Your international credit card will be charged an amount in national currency equivalent to US $10 at the Banco del Ejercito.
  If you do not have an international credit card, the Banco del Ejercito will accept a cash deposit in an amount equal to the value of your vehicle shown in the "Table of vehicle values for bonding companies."( See table ) Your deposit plus any interest it may earn will be returned to you when you leave Mexico. Or,you many choose to obtain a bond through an authorized Mexican bonding company located at all the border crossings. the authorized bonding companies will require a refundable deposit equal to the value of the vehicle. according to the table. The Bonding company will also assess taxes and processing costs for this service.
  
  STEP FOUR
  Upon your departure from Mexico, and if the vehicle is not going to be driven back into Mexico, the permit for temporary importation must be canceled at Customs.
  
  
  That's all there is to it. Follow these simple steps and you will have no problems whatsoever. However, please remember, if your car is found in Mexico beyond the authorized time, or without the appropriate documents it will be immediately confiscated.
  
  For more information contact your nearest office of the Mexican Consulate.
  
  Table of vehicle values for bonding companies.

  AMOUNT OF BOND IN AMERICAN DOLLARS
  Type of Vehicle	l993 Thru 1992	1991 Thru 1989	1988 Thru 1986	1985 Thru 1980	Earlier Models
  1	10,000	7,000	3,000	1,500	500
  2	7,500	4,000	1,500	1,000	500
  3	6,000	3,000	1,000	750	500
  4	20,000	12,000	5,000	3,000	1,000

  
  
  1 Pick up trucks, Vans (any model).
  2. Large and Luxury Vehicles, such as Lincoln, Buick,
  Grand Marquis, New Yorker, Cadillac and similar.
  3 Medium and Compact Vehicles, such as Nissan, VW,
  Honda, Mitsubishi, Ford, Chevrolet and similar.
  4. European and Sports Vehicles, such as Mercedes Benz, BMW,
  Alpha Romeo, Porsche, Jaguar, Corvette, Trans Am and similar.
  
  
  
  
  

  Mexico Customs (entering Mexico)

  
  
  Mexico Customs Inspection.

  
  There are two options for inspection:

  1. Fiscal Traffic Light- if when you activate the traffic light at the border, the green light comes on (PASE) there will be no inspection. If the red light comes on (ALTO) there will be an inspection. If there is no fiscal traffic light or it is out of order, there will be no inspection.

  2. Integral Inspection - this is the voluntary request for the examination of the articles and merchandise which you have declared in the customs tax.

  FALSE DECLARATIONS LEAD TO SEVERE PENALTIES!!
  
  If merchandise is found which was not declared and you requested the fiscal traffic light, you will have to pay a fine of four times the commercial value of the articles. If you chose the integral inspection, the fine will be one and one half times the value. In both cases you will forfeit the right to the tax exemption and pay a 32.8% tax on all merchandise.
  
  CUSTOMS PROCEDURES

  All foreigners and Mexicans coming from another country are international passengers and have the right to bring the following items, tax free:

  • Items for personal use such as clothing, shoes and toiletries in reasonable amounts according to the length of their trip.

  • One photographic, video, or motion picture camera, including a power source, except professional equipment. Up to 12 rolls of film, or videotapes.

  • Books and magazines

  • One used sports article or piece of equipment for individual use which can be transported by one person.

  • Up to 20 packs of cigarettes or 50 cigars.

  • A maximum of 3 liters (approx. 3 quarts) of wine or alcohol if the passenger is an adult.

  • Medicine for personal use. (with your prescription).

  • Suitcases or bags to transport the items.
    

  
  If you are legally a resident of another country in addition to the items listed, you may bring into Mexico, tax free:

  • Binoculars

  • A photographic camera

  • A portable television

  • A radio/tape recorder with a maximum of 20 records or tapes.

  • A typewriter or portable computer

  • Up to five used toys (if the passenger is a minor)

  • Fishing Tackle

  • A pair of skis

  • Two Tennis rackets

  • A non-motorized boat up to 5 1/2 meters in length or a surfboard, with or without a sail

  • Camping equipment and a tent.

  If you are traveling by camper, trailer or motorhome you may also bring in:

  • A video cassette recorder(VCR)

  • A bicycle (with or without a motor)

  • Household linens and kitchen utensils

  • Livingroom and bedroom furniture

  IMPORTING ADDITIONAL MERCHANDISE

  You may import additional merchandise valued at up to $1,000.00 by paying a corresponding tax without the intervention of a customs broker. (Contact Mexican Customs for the list)
  In addition, you may impose without the services of a customs broker, one computer system as long as its value, added to the above merchandise, (of $1,000.00) does not exceed $4,000.00 U .S. Currency.
  To pay the tax, multiply the value of your excess merchandise by 20.84% (if the product originated in the U.S. or Canada).
  This information, supplied by Paisano Information at the Mexican Border, is subject to change.
  It is forbidden to introduce drugs, fire arms and explosives into Mexico. If you do so, you will be subject to penalties and imprisonment.
  VISAS - are obtained at the first building on the right after you clear the border check station at Lukeville. A Visa is required IF you are going beyond Puerto Penasco (Rocky Point). You will need
  proof of citizenship such as a U.S. passport, birth certificate, voter's registration etc. (a driver's license is NOT proof of citizenship.)
  
  PETS - if you take your dog or cat into Mexico, you are required to have:
  1) A U.S. veterinarian's certificate Form 77-043 and
  2) A rabies inoculation permit valid within the past 6 months.
  
  DO NOT BRING your pet bird, turtle, fish etc. into Mexico as they will be subject to quarantine at your expense.
  
  
  
  

  
  

  Returning To The U.S.

  
  
  U.S. CUSTOMS HINTS

  
  PLAY IT SAFE ! Avoid customs penalties by declaring all articles acquired in Mexico and in your possession at the time of your return.

  This includes:

  • Articles that you purchased (in regular and duty-free shops)

  • Gifts presented to you

  • Items you have been requested to bring home for another person.

  • Any articles you intend to sell or use in your business.

  If in doubt about whether an article should be declared, always declare it first and then direct your question to the Customs inspector.

  WARNING! If you understate the value of an article you declare, you may have to pay a penalty in addition to payment of duty. If you fail to declare an article acquired in Mexico, not only is the article subject to seizure, but you will be liable for a personal penalty.

  YOU ARE ENTITLED TO A $400.00 EXEMPTION IN A 30 DAY PERIOD.
  Articles totaling $400.00 may be entered free of duty, subject to the limitations on liquors, cigarettes,
  and cigars.

  • Cigars & Cigarettes: not more than 100 cigars or 200 cigarettes (one carton)

  • Liquor: One liter (39.8 fl. oz.) or one 6-pack of beer per person 21 years of age or older

  • Medicines: If you've purchased medicine in Mexico which requires a prescription in the U.S., you must carry your U.S. prescription with you.

  
  KNOW BEFORE YOU GO!

  You cannot bring the following items back across the border into the U.S.:

  • NO BIRDS - If you have a pet bird, leave it in the U.S. If you bring your bird into Puerto Penasco, you would have to exit Mexico through San Luis, a the bird would be quarantined for 30 days at your expense.

  • NO NATURAL WILDLIFE

  • NO WHALE BONES OR CORAL

  • NO HOUSEPLANTS

  • NO FRUITS OR VEGETABLES

  • NO PORK/HAM

  • NO UNCOOKED EGGS

  • NO UNCOOKED POTATOES

  • NO AVACADOS (unless the seeds are removed)

  • NO FIREWORKS!