How far can you drive into Mexico without a permit?
Driving to Mexico
Crossing any international border requires a passport. A driver's license alone will not suffice, not even a Real ID license. But driving to Mexico, unlike flying there, does not require a passport book.
To drive into Mexico from the U.S., you're required to bring the appropriate identification, a couple permits (depending on how far into Mexico you're going), and your proof of Mexico auto insurance. If your car is financed, you'll also need a letter of permission from your lender.
Foreign-plated vehicles can be driven beyond the 25km border zone and outside of the defined Free Zones by visitors and temporary residents for a defined period by using a Temporary Import Permit (TIP) that is associated with the vehicle. The vehicle must be driven out of Mexico before this permit expires.
The Ojinaga - Presidio
This border crossing has about one million vehicles every year coming through here. The landscape is mostly flat, but the path does have some curves. It's not as busy as other crossings so it can be a bit safer for those who are looking to avoid crowds while still getting across safely.
All U.S. citizens need U.S. passport books if re-entering by air. Land and sea border crossings accept additional travel documents, such as U.S. Passport cards and Trusted Traveler cards.
Entry, Exit and Visa Requirements
A valid passport book is required to enter Mexico by air, and those attempting to enter at an airport with a U.S. passport card only may be denied admission.
- Valid passport: Ensure that your passport is valid for at least 6 months from your expected travel date.
- Driver's license: You must have a valid U.S. or international driver's license to drive a car across the Mexican border.
- Tourist Card (FMM): The Mexico FMM is easily obtainable online.
When entering the United States, U.S. citizens are required to show passport, U.S. passport card, Trusted Traveler Program card (NEXUS, SENTRI, Global Entry or FAST) or an Enhanced Driver's License.
One of the primary databases they use is one the FBI uses, called the National Crime Information Center (NCIC). This database is an index of criminal justice information, such as criminal record history. Additionally, the immigration officers have access to: The Terrorist Screening Database the FBI uses.
How can I legally take my car to Mexico?
- A U.S. Passport (or Green Card)
- A U.S. Driver's License (or International Driving Permit)
- Proof of car registration.
- A Temporary Vehicle Importation Permit (TVIP)
- Title for the vehicle or a letter from your creditor indicating you have permission to bring it into Mexico.
- Temporary Vehicle Import Permit (TIP) - apply online here. ...
- Obtain Mexican Car Insurance.
- License/registration of the vehicle.
- Copy of your Drivers License.
- VIN (Vehicle Id number)
- Tobacco: 200 cigarettes or 50 cigars or 200g of tobacco (over 18s only)
- Vaping products: a reasonable amount for personal use.
- Alcohol: 3 liters of wine or alcoholic beverages (over 18s only)
- Perfume, eau-de cologne: a reasonable amount for personal use.
- Colima state due to crime and kidnapping.
- Guerrero state due to crime.
- Michoacan state due to crime and kidnapping.
- Sinaloa state due to crime and kidnapping.
- Tamaulipas state due to crime and kidnapping.
- Zacatecas state due to crime and kidnapping.
Mexico has a high risk of violent crime, including murder, armed robbery, sexual assault and kidnapping. Don't travel at night outside major cities. Kidnapping and extortion are serious risks. Don't draw attention to your money or business affairs.
Citizens: You only have to answer questions establishing your identity and citizenship (in addition to customs-related questions). Refusal to answer other questions may cause delay, but officials may not deny you entry into the U.S. if you have established your identity and citizenship.
When traveling in Mexico, the law requires that foreign visitors carry a passport and entry permit. You may be asked to present these documents at any point. If you do not present these documents, immigration authorities may lawfully detain you for up to 60 days while they review your immigration status.
The US passport is recognized by all countries in the world, and while the majority of nations accept US passports for entry, there are a few exceptions and limitations. Some countries that have restrictions on US passport holders are North Korea, Iran, Syria, Yemen, and Libya.
Q: Can I use my REAL ID card to cross the border into Canada and Mexico and for international travel? No. REAL ID cards cannot be used for border crossings into Canada, Mexico or other international travel.
Can you cross the Mexican border with a birth certificate? Birth certificates are only acceptable as forms of identification for minors traveling to Mexico by road or closed-loop cruises.
Can I use my birth certificate to come back from Mexico?
In a nutshell, U.S. and Canadian citizens older than 16 years old have to show a passport, passport card or another accepted document to cross back into the U.S. Children under 16 may show an original or copy of their birth certificate, a Consular Report of Birth Abroad, a Naturalization Certificate, a Canadian ...
If you enter or leave Mexico, you must declare any sum of money equaling US$10,000 or more that you bring in cash, checks, money orders, other cashable documents or a combination of them.
When a person is caught illegally crossing the border—lawfully known as an improper entry—the first offense may include: Civil penalty fine of $50 to $250. Imprisonment for up to six months. Both fines and imprisonment.
In addition to a valid passport, you will need a free, short-term permit known as an FMM, acquired from the Mexican authorities at the Mexican port of entry or online.
When you enter the border crossing, the travelers must carry their passport for Tijuana or a valid picture I.D. with them even if they are traveling by car. To re-enter the United States, U.S. citizens must have a good, unexpired passport or an Enhanced Driver's License.
