Category Archives: Vehicle Permits

All About Mexico Vehicle Permits

Permisos de vehículos para México

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ICI Mexico permit map

¿Necesito un vehículo permiso para México?

Si usted está conduciendo en la frontera con México, como Tijuana, Mexicali, Cuidad Juárez, Piedras Negras, Nuevo Laredo o Matamoros, entonces no necesita permiso para su vehículo. Esto se considera una zona libre o Frontera. Generalmente, la zona se extiende aproximadamente de 20-26 kilómetros (aproximadamente 12-16 millas) hasta llegar a una ubicación de la Aduana/Banjercito (puerto o cabina)

¿Qué hay sobre los permisos para Sonora, Puerto Peñasco o Baja?

Usted no necesita un permiso de vehículo si viaja específicamente en Baja, o en algunas zonas de Sonora, como Puerto Peñasco. Por favor ver el mapa de arriba y comprobar en banjercito (enlace más abajo) para asegurarse de que toda la información está actualizada.

¿Puedo obtener mi permiso de vehículo antes de salir de casa?

Sí. Usted puede solicitar en línea a través de Banjercito. Sin embargo, todavía necesitará parar en uno de los lugares contemplados (seguir leyendo para conocer más sobre esto). Lo que usted esta haciendo, es limitar la cantidad de tiempo de espera en línea, puesto que ya se han presentado la mayor parte de su información antes de ingresar a México vía Banjercito. Debe esperar 10 días hábiles para procesar esta solicitud antes de la emisión del permiso.

¿Cuántos días antes puedo solicitar este permiso?

Esto se conoce técnicamente como un permiso de importación temporal, recuerde que es un permiso temporal. Proporciona un tiempo adecuado para entrar al país con su vehículo registrado Estados Unidos o Canadá, previo a devolver el vehículo a su lugar de registro (Estados Unidos o Canadá) en general, puede solicitar desde 180 hasta 386 días, dependiendo del tipo de Visa. También puede solicitar un menor número de días, si lo desea. Algunos solicitan 180 días con la intención de salir, para luego regresar otra vez, antes de la fecha de vencimiento de su permiso, evitando de esta manera este proceso otra vez. (Importante: Vea los procedimientos de cancelación abajo)

Puertos de entrada a México de Texas

Tamaulipas

  • Nuevo Laredo (Patio Fiscal) 8:00-16:00 lunes a sábado cerrado el domingo
  • Nuevo Laredo (Puente Internacional I y II) 24 horas, 7 días de la semana
  • Reynosa 24 hrs, 7 días de la semana
  • Nuevo Amanecer 8:00 – 12 h, 7 días de la semana
  • Ciudad Camargo 8:00-18:00 – 7 días de la semana
  • San Jerónimo 24 hrs, 7 días de la semana
  • Matamoros Pta. Dos 6:00-22:00 lunes a domingo
  • Puente Nuevo 24 horas – 7 días de la semana
  • Puente Ignacio Zaragoza 8:00-21:00 – lunes a viernes 9:00-19:00-sábado y el domingo
  • Puente Telecaster 9:00-18:00 lunes a viernes sábado de 9:00-16:00 el domingo cerrado 

Chihuahua

  • CD. Juárez (km. 30) 24 hrs-7 días a la semana
  • Palomas 8:00 – 12 h, 7 días a la semana
  • Pte . Ojinaga int. 24 horas, 7 días a la semana
  • Piedras Negras (km. 54.3) 24 hrs-7 días a la semana
  • Acuña 24 hrs, 7 días a la semana
  • San Jerónimo 6:00-22:00 – 7 días a la semana  

Puertos de entrada a México de Arizona

Sonora

  • San Luis Río Colorado 8:00 – 12 h, 7 días a la semana
  • San Emeterio (Sonoyta) 8:00 – 12 h, 7 días a la semana
  • Nogales (Km 21) 24 hrs-7 días a la semana
  • Naco-Anexo jueves de 16:00-22:00 y 10:00-22:00 viernes a domingo
  • Agua Prieta 24 hrs, 7 días a la semana
  • Cananea 8:00-18:00 lunes a viernes y 8:00-16:00 el sábado y el domingo

Puertos de entrada a México de California

Baja California Sur

  • La Paz (Pichilingue) 7:00-15:00 lunes, miércoles, el viernes
    7:00-18:00 el martes y el jueves
    7:00-15:00; 18:30-22:30 el sábado
    8:30-4:30 el domingo

Baja California Norte (puntos de la frontera con California)

    • Tijuana 7:00-23:00 – 7 días a la semana
    • Otay Mesa 8:00-21:00 – 7 días a la semana
    • Tecate 8:00-20:00 lunes a viernes y 8:00-16:00 el sábado y el domingo

  • Mexicali 6:00-22:00 – 7 días a la semana
  • Mexicali – anexo 8:00-16:00 lunes-el viernes, sábado de 10:00-14:00, cerrado el domingo.

Costo de su permiso de vehículo

Aproximadamente 56 dólares por vehículo. Para el costo y el tipo de cambio actual (Pesos a USD$), vaya a Banjercito (darle unos momentos para cargar), ya dentro del sitio, usted puede elegir su idioma de preferencia, Español o Inglés (Inglés) en la esquina superior derecha de esta página.

Si eres un Ciudadano mexicano viviendo legalmente en los Estados Unidos o Canadá y luego debe proporcionar uno de los siguientes documentos:

  • Residente permanente tarjeta (extranjero residente).

  • Certificado de naturalización.

  • Pasaporte (no mexicano).

  • Tarjeta de pasaporte.

Si usted es un extranjero a México, entonces usted tendrá que proporcionar un pasaporte o tarjeta de pasaporte y el documento oficial expedido por el Instituto Nacional de Migración (Instituto Nacional de inmigración).

Depósito de una garantía para su permiso de vehículo

Las siguientes cantidades se aplican como un depósito o “Garantía” para el gobierno de México para la importación temporal de su vehículo a México y se basa en el año de su vehículo. Se puede utilizar una tarjeta de débito o crédito, emitidos a su nombre. Este depósito se devolverá a su cuenta después de que el permiso del vehículo se cancele y debe darse previo a la fecha de vencimiento de su permiso. Algo importante para recordar si utiliza una tarjeta de débito.

Año modelo del vehículo
2007 y más adelante $ 400 USD
2001 hasta 2006 $ 300 USD
2000 y anteriores $ 200 USD

Cancelación de su permiso

ESTO ES IMPORTANTE. Usted debe cancelar su permiso antes de la fecha de caducidad de su período. No hacerlo implicará un largo proceso para cancelar el permiso ya EXPIRADO. Tome nuestra palabra y no lo tome a la ligera. Usted perderá su depósito (garantía) y la posibilidad de que no se le permita regresar a México hasta haber arreglado la situación (extraído de su sistema)

¿Por qué México nos hace hacer esto?

Esto se conoce técnicamente como un permiso de importación temporal. La razón de por qué México requiere esto es simple, el costo de un coche nuevo o usado en México es caro. Realmente es más caro que los Estados Unidos o Canadá. Los ciudadanos mexicanos tienen que pagar IVA (impuesto) por una compra de vehículos y muchos no pueden pagarlo. En consecuencia, muchos mexicanos simplemente no pagan el impuesto de un vehículo importado, además sirve para tratar de eliminar la entrada de vehiculos no permitidos a territorio nacional. ¡México pierde entonces sobre el impuesto de importación que asciende a millones de personas! Si usted no puede devolver o cancelar su permiso antes de su fecha de vencimiento, automáticamente perderá el depósito que pagó basado en el valor de su vehículo mencionado.

Y recuerde, para todas sus necesidades acerca de seguros, como, póliza de turista para auto, Motocicletas, Botes y Seguro Medico Internacional, favor de llamar al 1-800-434-3966 O mandenos un correo electrónico a ici@mxici.com o bien visitenos en mxici.com para tramitarle su póliza de una forma rápida. Agradecemos su preferencia, denos un Like us en Facebook, y digale a sus amistades!

Vehicle Permits for Mexico

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ICI Mexico permit map

Do I need a vehicle permit for Mexico?

If you’re driving to a Mexican Border town, such as Tijuana, Mexicali, Cuidad Juarez, Piedras Negras, Nuevo Laredo, or Matamoros then you do not need a vehicle permit. This is considered a Free Zone or Frontera. Generally, the Free Zone extends approximately 20-26 kilometers (roughly 12-16 miles) until you reach an Aduana/Banjercito location (port or booth)

What about Permits for Sonora or Puerto Penasco, or Baja.

You also don’t need a Vehicle Permit if you are specifically traveling anywhere in Baja, or certain areas of Sonora, such as Puerto Penasco. Please view the map above, and check banjercito (link below) to make certain that all information is up to date.

Can I get my vehicle Permit before I leave home?

Yes. You may apply for it online through this link, Banjercito. You will, however, still need to stop at one of their locations as provided below.   What your doing is limiting the amount of time your waiting in line, since you will have already presented most of your information prior to entering Mexico via Banjercito. You must allow them 10 business days to process this application prior to their issuing you the permit.

How many days may I request for this Permit?

This is technically referred to as a Temporary Importation Permit, emphasis on Temporary. Provides the time you are allowed to be in the country with your U.S. or Canadian registered vehicle, prior to returning the vehicle back to its place of Registration (U.S. or Canada) Generally, can request from 180-386 days dependent upon the type of Visa. You may also request a lower number of days, if you wish. Some request 180 days with the intent of exiting and then returning again prior to their permits expiration date, thus avoiding this process again. (See important cancelation procedures below)

Ports of Entry to Mexico from Texas

Tamaulipas

  • Nuevo Laredo (Patio Fiscal) 8am-4pm Monday-Saturday Closed Sunday
  • Nuevo Laredo (Puente Internacional I & II) 24 hrs – 7 days a week
  • Reynosa 24 hrs – 7 days a week
  • Nuevo Amanecer 8am-12am – 7 days a week
  • Ciudad Camargo 8am-6pm – 7 days a week
  • San Jeronimo 24 hrs – 7 days a week
  • Matamoros Pta. Dos 6am-10pm Monday-Sunday
  • Puente Nuevo 24 hrs – 7 days a week
  • Puente Ignacio Zaragoza 8am-9pm – Monday-Friday 9am-7pm – Saturday and Sunday
  • Puente TLC 9am-6pm Monday-Friday 9am-4pm Saturday Closed Sunday  

Chihuahua

  • Cd. Juarez (Km. 30) 24 hrs – 7 days a week
  • Palomas 8am-12am – 7 days a week
  • Pte. Int. Ojinaga 24 hrs – 7 days a week
  • Piedras Negras (Km. 54.3) 24 hrs – 7 days a week
  • Acuña 24 hrs – 7 days a week
  • San Jeronimo 6am-10pm – 7 days a week  

Ports of Entry to Mexico from Arizona

Sonora

  • San Luis Rio Colorado 8am-12am – 7 days a week
  • San Emeterio (Sonoyta) 8am-12am – 7 days a week
  • Nogales (Km 21) 24 hrs – 7 days a week
  • Naco – Anexo 4pm-10pm Thursday and 10am-10pm Friday-Sunday
  • Agua Prieta 24 hrs – 7 days a week
  • Cananea 8am-6pm Monday-Friday and 8am-4pm Saturday & Sunday

Ports of Entry to Mexico from California

Baja California Sur

  • La Paz (Pichilingue) 7am- 3pm Monday, Wednesday, Friday
    7am-6pm Tuesday and Thursday
    7am-3pm; 6:30pm-10:30pm Saturday
    8:30-4:30 Sunday

Baja California Norte (California Border Points)

    • Tijuana 7am-11pm – 7 days a week
    • Otay Mesa 8am-9pm – 7 days a week
    • Tecate 8am-8pm Monday-Friday and 8am-4pm Saturday and Sunday

  • Mexicali 6am-10pm – 7 days a week
  • Mexicali – Annex 8am-4pm Monday -Friday, 10am-2pm Saturday, Closed on Sunday.

Cost of your Vehicle Permit

Roughly $56 USD$ for a vehicle. Click here for the cost and the current exchange rate (Pesos to USD$) via Banjercito (give it a few moments to load) When you land on this page, you may choose your language of preference, Español or Inglés (English) in the upper right hand corner of this page.

If you are a Mexican citizen legally living in the U.S. or Canada then you must provide one of the following documents:

  • Permanent Resident Card (Resident Alien).

  • Certificate of Naturalization.

  • Passport (not Mexican).

  • Passport Card.

If you are a foreigner to Mexico, then you will need to provide a valid passport or Passport Card and the official document issued by the Instituto Nacional de Migración (National Immigration Institute).

Guaranteed Deposit for your Vehicle Permit

The following amounts are applied as a “Guarantee” or deposit to the Mexican Gov’t for the temporary importation of your vehicle into Mexico, and is based upon the year of your vehicle.  You may use a Debit or Credit Card, issued in your name. This deposit will be returned to your account after the Vehicle Permit is cancelled, and must occur prior to your vehicle permits expiration date. Something to remember if using a Debit Card.

Vehicle Year Model  
2007 and later 400 USD $
2001 until 2006 300 USD $
2000 and earlier 200 USD $

Cancelation of your Permit

THIS IS IMPORTANT. You must, YOU MUST, turn in your vehicle permit PRIOR to it’s expiration…period. Failure to do so will entail a long drawn out process to cancel the permit AFTER it has expired. Take our word for it and just don’t do it. You will lose your deposit (Guarantee, above), and suffer the possibility of not being allowed to return to Mexico until straightened out (removed from their system)

Why does Mexico make us do this?

The reason why Mexico requires this is simple, The cost of a new or used car in Mexico is expensive. Actually more expensive than the U.S. or Canada. Mexican citizens have to pay IVA (tax) on a vehicles purchase, and most cannot afford it. Consequently, many Mexicans just don’t pay the tax on an imported vehicle. Mexico then loses on the Importation Tax which amounts to millions! If you fail to return or cancel your vehciles permit prior to it’s expiration date, you will automatically forfeit the deposit that you paid based upon your vehicle value listed above.

Remember, for all of your Mexico Tourist Auto, Homeowners, Motorcycles, Boats and International Health Insurance needs, please call us at 1-800-434-3966 OR Email us at ici@mxici.com or visit us at mxici.com to immediately issue your own policy. We appreciate your business, Like us on Facebook, and tell your friends!

Pope to Mexico! What you need to visit Mexico.

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It’s somewhat official! Pope Francis intends on visiting Mexico, preferably in the coming new year.

It was also mentioned, though not confirmed by the EL Paso Times newspaper, that Cd. Juarez may be on the Popes itinerary.

Our local Catholic Bishop, Mark J. Seitz, is said to be “cautiously optimistic” about a visit to Cd. Juarez.

What a marvelous opportunity to witness this world event. If you plan on seeing the Pope while he is in Mexico, then you have to plan for your visit to Mexico.

If you are traveling by car, and the border area is on his itinerary, then the requirements are very simple.

* Everyone must posses a valid Passport from their country of citizenship to return through U.S.
* The driver or operator of the vehicle must posses a valid Drivers License from their home country
* You must posses an auto insurance policy from a legally licensed and authorized Mexico insurance company (Mexico does not recognize U.S. auto insurance)

If you intend on viewing Pope Francis if he travels to Chihuahua, CHIH. then you will be traveling into what is termed the interior of Mexico. The requirements are the same above with a few additional requirements:

* Everyone must posses a valid Passport from their country of citizenship to return through U.S.
* The driver or operator of the vehicle must posses a valid Drivers License from their home country
* You must posses an auto insurance policy from a legally licensed and authorized Mexico insurance company (Mexico does not recognize U.S. auto insurance)
* You must purchase a vehicle permit at roughly the 26 kilometer checkpoint if traveling from Cd. Juarez to Chihuahua.

Upon returning to the U.S. from Chihuahua you must, and this is really important, you must have the vehicle permit removed, no exceptions. If you do not, then your name is not removed from their entry computer system and the next time you travel into Mexico, it could cause you real headaches.

We would be delighted to answer your questions, comments or concerns.

Remember, for all of your Mexico Tourist Auto, Homeowners, Motorcycles, Boats and International Health Insurance needs, please call us at 1-800-434-3966 OR Email us at ici@mxici.com or visit us at mxici.com to issue your own policy. We appreciate your business!

Ex Pats to Mexico, links to Dept Motor Vehicles, Texas, New Mexico, & Arizona

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To all of our many U.S. and Canadian friends living in Mexico, Saludos!!!

Over the years we have all struggled to meet the various motor vehicle legal requirements of two countries who don’t always seem to have your interest at heart. You jump through hoop after hoop trying to make absolute certain that all of your t’s are crossed and your i’s dotted when satisfying the paperwork needed to travel, live, register vehicles, purchase insurance, etc. when living part or full time outside of your Home country.

From not being able to satisfy your Lien Holders (financial institutions whom you make car payments to) insurance requirements to trying to nationalize a U.S. registered vehicle in Mexico. The prior wants you to carry full coverage in the U.S. even when your car is garaged in Mexico and your U.S. insurance doesn’t even cover in you Mexico!!! How stupid is that? Some have acquiesced to allowing proof of full coverage through a Mexican insurance company, but most have not. Then there are the myriad of requirements to nationalizing your U.S. vehicle to a Mexican vehicle. Though admittingly, the recent changes in becoming a Mexican Resident has become somewhat more easier than before.

We aren’t going to solve all of the problems associated with living in Mexico, while still dealing with U.S. Gov’t entities, but we’ll try to knock some of these out. Most of you living in Mexico are probably familiar with what we are posting, but some may not.

For those still determined, out of necessity or just want, to keep their U.S. vehicles registered in the U.S., here are a few web sites that may help you. Following are the site links to the Motor Vehicle Departments of all the border States except California as I have never heard of one California citizen wishing to remain in the DMV system in California. So, below is Arizona, New Mexico, and Texas. These sites also deal with Titles, Registration, and renewing your drivers licenses!

Arizona DMV
New Mexico DMV
Texas DMV

We wish you the best and appreciate any feed back you may have in this and other areas of importance that might benefit others, like yourselves, with all of the other requirements of foreign residency in Mexico.

For all of your Mexico Tourist Auto, Mexico Homeowners, Mexico Homeowners, Mexico Tourist Boats and International Health Insurance needs, please call us at 1-800-434-3966 OR Email us at ici@mxici.com or visit us at mxici.com to issue your own policy. We appreciate your business!

What happens if we cannot turn in our Mexican Temporary Import Permit or TIP?

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Unfortunately, that is one of the pitfalls of operating a foreign vehicle in Mexico. There are obviously circumstances that occur where this might affect your ability to turn in the TIP.

One such scenario includes the possibility of your vehicle being stolen while in Mexico. If that occurs, then you obviously no longer posses the TIP, as it is with the car. That is why it is important, I would suggest critical, that you do a few logical things to help you in as many differing scenarios as possible.

For example, use your Smart phone, I Phone or whatever phone you posses that has photographic capabilities to photograph:

  1. All of the necessary documents needed to personally travel in Mexico. Your Visas and U.S. Passport for example.
  2. The same for all of your Vehicle documents, including a copy of your Temporary Vehicle Importation Permit or TIP as it is called.
  3. A copy of your Mexico Tourist Auto insurance

I would send this file (copies of documents) to your E Mail account as well. If you lose the phone, or the vehicle containing all of the paperwork, you still would have access to the documents.

If your vehicle is stolen, then you will need to contact the local police and request a physical hard copy of the Theft Report. If the vehicle is suffers a total loss, you will still need a Police Report, and hopefully you can have them or your Mexico insurance adjustor to scrap off the vehicle permit. Do not lose the TIP. You MUST still visit the Aduana / Banjercito office that issues these TIP, hopefully the same one you acquired your TIP at.

You must then provide them with a copy of the Police Report, copies of the aforementioned documents, and an Adjustors Report. When you go through the process of turning in your TIP, make absolutely certain that you get an original receipt from the Aduana / Banjercito office that you turned in (cancelled) your TIP.

If you don’t turn it in, you will forfeit your “Bond” you most likely paid with your credit card, the amount which is determined by your vehicles manufactured date:

Vehicle Year Model
2007 and later 400 USD $
2001 until 2006 300 USD $
2000 and earlier 200 USD $

You are also subject to possible fines, and permanent duties that Aduana might levy. There is also the probability that you will not be allowed to apply for a TIP on a future vehicle you may want to take again into Mexico, until you get the current one “cancelled”.

You may think, that Aduana will not know from one Port to another if you have an outstanding non cancelled TIP. Wrong! They, like every other nation, are networked nationwide. They go by your Passport, which is unique only to you.

If, for whatever reason you have not achieved any resolution to this requirement, or if you have forgotten to “cancel” the TIP and are in the U.S. you should be able to get the needed help by calling:

Within Mexico  01 – 800 – 463 – 6728 Don’t forget the 0 before the 1. Must use a Mexican phone to call this #

From the U.S.    1 – 877 – 448 – 8728 Be sure to follow the prompts, for TIP, 7, 2, 2, 1, 1

We hope this helps you! Please feel free to call us with any questions you may have regarding this process.

For all of your Mexico Auto, Homeowners, Motorcycles, Boats and International Health Insurance needs, please call us at 1-800-434-3966 OR Email us at ici@mxici.com or visit us at mxici.com to issue your own policy. We appreciate your business!

What is needed to apply for a Vehicle Permit in Mexico?

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According to the Official site for Aduana/Banjercito, the following Fee, and deposit for your vehicles Temporary Import Permit (TIP) is as follows:

$ 48.84 USD$ is the cost of the Temporary Import Permit or TIP for short.

Car Permits

This service is provided to foreigners and foreign legal Mexican Residents who wish to enter Mexican territory with a vehicle from abroad with foreign license plates. (Other than Mexican license plates)

Only Sonora Car Permits

This service is provided to foreigners and foreign legal Mexican residents wishing only to the state of Sonora, with a vehicle from abroad.

Boat Permits

This service is provided to foreigners and Mexicans who wish to enter Mexican territory a vessel of foreign origin.

Mobile Home Permits

This service is provided to foreigners and foreign legal Mexican residents who wish to enter Mexican territory with a mobile home from abroad.

In addition to the aforementioned TIP, there is yet another charge that is determined by your vehicles year model. This is a “Bond” that is charged against your Credit, Debit (VISA or MasterCard) or if preferred, cash ($) This charge will be converted into pesos at the current exchange rate. Below is the table that reflects the amount of the applicable bond. This amount will be returned or credited, in the manner in which the bond was paid, upon your cancellation of the permit. Note: Turning in or cancelling of your vehicles TIP needs to occur prior to the expiration of the permits date, because if not, you will forfeit the bond. Your refund will be applied to the same card used for your Bonds payment, the next business day.

Amount to be paid in Mexican Pesos based on applicable exchange rate

Vehicle Year Model
2007 and later 400 USD $
2001 until 2006 300 USD $
2000 and earlier 200 USD $

Again, a very important item to remember is this. You must turn in your Vehicle Permit/paperwork prior to it’s expiration date. If you do not, you will forfeit the Bond, and you will not be allowed to import a vehicle in the future into Mexico. In the old days, it wasn’t as much a problem because not every Aduana/Banjercito office was networked nationally…they are now!

Please feel free to call us with any questions you may have regarding this process.

For all of your Mexico Auto, Homeowners, Motorcycles, Boats and International Health Insurance needs, please call us at 1-800-434-3966 OR Email us at ici@mxici.com or visit us at mxici.com to issue your own policy. We appreciate your business!

When do I need a Vehicle Permit to travel into Mexico?

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Technically, it is referred to as a Temporary Import Permit, but from here forward, will be referred to as Vehicle Permit. You are temporarily importing the vehicle into the Republic of Mexico, for your personal use when traveling into the interior of mainland Mexico.

There is NO need for a Vehicle Permit if you are traveling anywhere in Baja California.
NO Vehicle Permit is needed if traveling to what is referred to as the “Frontera” or immediate border that contacts Mexico to the U.S mainland of Mexico (NOT Baja California) This area generally covers all mainland Mexican border cities and towns, such as Cd. Juarez, Nuevo Laredo, Matamoras, customarily up to 26 kilometers…You only need a Vehicle Permit along the Frontera if your stay is going to be longer than 72 consecutive hours.

You will need a Vehicle Permit when traveling into the interior of mainland Mexico, generally just outside of each Mexican border city, heading into the interior of mainland Mexico. Left click your mouse onto the Map of Mexico below. Note: This is informational only, and subject to change, as everything is. It is your responsibility to verify requirements prior to your trip.

WARNING: if you proceed past the last Port of Entry outside of the Free Zone or Frontera, as mentioned above or denoted on the map, without applying and acquiring the Vehicle Permit, your vehicle will be subject to confiscation, which is NOT a covered condition on your Mexican Tourist Auto Policy.

Vehicle Permit Expirations are determined by the type of visit you are making in Mexico. As a tourist/visitor to Mexico, they are good for up to 180 days. It is important that you know when your Permit is scheduled to expire, and that you not be in the mainland interior of Mexico with an expired permit. You are also required, by Mexican law, to turn in your Vehicle Permit prior to its expiration date, and prior to reentering the U.S. You can do this at any Port of Entry while exiting Mexico, but the Port that issued your Permit is best. Failure to follow this requirement could lead to fines, revocation of the importation bond you purchased when getting your Vehicle Permit, and quite probably a huge inconvenience if you ever visit the interior of Mexico in the future. Advice: DON”T DO IT!

If you leave Mexico to reenter the U.S. prior to your Permits expiration with plans to reenter Mexico in the future, you (the owner) should stop at the Aduana (Banjercito) offices at the border to request a permit to exit and return multiple times, or have Aduana remove the import-sticker. Most people accustomed to frequenting Mexico do not do this, as it is an inconvenience. However, and I saw this on another blog, and it is correct, if your permitted vehicle is stolen, totaled, or sold while in the U.S. then you have lost the opportunity to properly turn in your Mexico Vehicle Permit, and brother, you are already in the system! Your Bond is forfeited, and your right to import another future vehicle is jeopardized and possibly permanently terminated.

All countries have their sovereign laws, and some might seem quirky, or unnecessary. The primary reason(s) behind Mexico’s vehicle laws is because for years hundreds of thousands of U.S. Registered vehicles were sold illegally in Mexico without the proper importation duties and taxes paid. This is how they combat that…

We are here to assist, advise, council, and educate our friends who travel, and not just sell them a piece of paper.

Now go enjoy your adventure! If you have any questions, please feel free to call or E Mail.

For all of your Mexico Auto, Homeowners, Motorcycles, Boats and International Health Insurance needs, please call us at 1-800-434-3966 OR Email us at ici@mxici.com or visit us at mxici.com to issue your own policy. We appreciate your business!

What documents are needed to travel in Mexico

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The process for entering into Mexico via Automobile (land), by sea, or air is as follows.

As of January 2007, the United States will require U.S. citizens to present a valid U.S. passport or other accepted identification when entering or departing the United States by air or sea travel to or from Mexico or Canada.

U.S. Citizens are required to show proof of citizenship when traveling to and from Mexico. Each visitor needs a valid picture I.D. and one of the following:

* a state-issued birth certificate with an affixed seal, or
* a naturalization certificate, with a laminated naturalization card, or
* a valid U.S. passport

If flying into Mexico, you will receive a Mexico Tourist Card and a Mexico Customs Declaration form to be completed prior to your reaching your destination. All visitors, including all minor infants and children, must be in possession of a Tourist Card. Don’t lose or misplace your Tourist card as it is needed for your return flight.

Minors – In addition to possessing one of the forms of documentation mentioned above, an unaccompanied U.S. or Canadian citizen under 18 years of age must have the following:

* If traveling alone, the minor must carry a notarized letter signed by both parents giving permission to do so.
* If traveling with one parent, he or she must have a notarized letter from the absent parent giving permission for the traveling parent to take the minor out of the country, or an original court order indicating that the traveling parent has full custody.
* If the minor is traveling with one parent, and the other is deceased, the deceased parent’s Death Certificate must be presented.

Listen, these procedures are not always followed verbatim, especially in Mexico. It is however, wise to posses everything in order to proceed with as little difficulty and sometimes irritation as possible.

Mexico Travel Documents To enter Mexico you will need the following:

As previously mentioned, a valid passport or your birth certificate with embossed seal and government issued photo ID, generally a valid Drivers License. It is a good idea to have at least 3 copies of these documents, allowing you to save some time at the Port of Entry, or in dealing with Aduana. They are the “Mexican Customs” located approximately 18 miles into the interior of all Mexican border cities and towns from Texas, New Mexico, Arizona, and California. That allows you to not stand in line so long, and to avoid paying for extra copies.

We suggest you keep an extra set of all your important documents, such as passports, vehicle registration, titles, etc. at home with one of your emergency contacts, if needed. In addition, if you have E Mail, you might want to scan a copy of your important documents and save them in your PC or cell.

Vehicle Permits

IMPORTANT NOTE:

You do not need a Vehicle Permit in the “Free Zones”. That is the Mexican states that border California, and most of Arizona. Along the Texas, New Mexico, border is considered “free” or Frontera as well. However, once you arrive at a Port of Entry generally between 18 to 26 kilometers, then you have to acquire the vehicle permit.

* If you are a Mexican Citizen, you need to prove your citizenship by providing a Passport, Proof of Work Authorization in the U.S., your Resident Alien Card, or Naturalization Certificate.
* If traveling beyond the frontera, or border, then you will also need to provide a copy of your Registration, or cars Title (if you have one, Canadians provide only Registration) A bill of sale is not valid proof of vehicle ownership.
* A credit card for the temporary importation of your vehicle, which includes the vehicles permit, good for up to 180 days. NOTE: You MUST return the permit if you are not going to re-enter Mexico prior to your vehicle permits expiration. Failure to do so will cost you the “bond” that has been charged to your credit/debit card.
*IMPORTANT: For financed, leased, rental or company owned vehicles, you must obtain a letter from the actual owner authorizing you to take the vehicle into Mexico, which will typically entail the purchase of a full coverage Mexico Tourist Auto policy. You should always purchase at least a 3rd party Mexico insurance policy from a legally licensed Mexican insurance company. That can be purchased in the U.S.

As in all Gov’t sanctioned requirements, they can be changed by the Mexican, or U.S. Gov’t at any time.

Now go enjoy your adventure! If you have any questions, please feel free to call or E Mail.

For all of your Mexico Auto and International health insurance needs, please call us at 1-800-434-3966 OR Email us at ici@mxici.com or visit us at mxici.com to issue your own policy. We appreciate your business!

Puerto Peñasco or Rocky Point

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It’s Labor Day 2012!

What shall we do!

Let’s go to Rocky Point, a.k.a. Puerto Peñasco!

Just 65 miles South of the Arizona border with Northern Mexico, lies a beautiful fishing village bordering the Sea of Cortez in the gorgeous Sonoran Desert.

It is a wildly popular tourist destination for years. A peaceful place, with quiet pristine beaches, safe harbors, and tons of sport fishing and diving.

Rocky Point has experienced boom or bust mentality for nearly one hundred years. Initially settled in the early 1920’s it has experienced the ebb and tide of tourism and industry up till today, where once again it is experiencing a renaissance of interest.

This once tranquil are of desert next to the Sea of Cortez now hums with beautiful hotels, restaurants, camping and water sports of all kinds as well as night life of all kinds… It remains a jewel of Mexico, easy on the eyes and the pocketbook. Even more enticing, it is easy to get to.

The closest sea water (beach) for most of the Southwestern part of the U.S., it has become very popular with the residents of Arizona, New Mexico, West Texas, especially for families and college students. Traveling requirements to get there are simple, as the Mexican Gov’t has made this a “Free Zone”.

You will need:

Your valid Drivers License
Passport or Tourist Card (for everyone in the car, this is required for return to the U.S.)
If you stay in Sonoyta North to Arizona, you do NOT need a Vehicle Permit
Mexico Tourist Auto Policy

For all of your Mexico Auto and International health insurance needs, please call us at 1-800-434-3966 OR Email us at ici@mxici.com or visit us at www.mxici.com to issue your own policy. We appreciate your business!

Fast Pass Automobile Border Crossing Available for frequent Mexico travelers

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Now over 1 million members signed up for the “SENTRI, FAST, NEXUS and Global Entry Program under the Trusted Travelers Programs, according to U.S. Customs.

This program literally allows frequent travelers to Mexico, generally Students, Maquiladora Employees, and those who visit relatives or businesses regularly, to circumvent the normal transit times of an hour to three hours it normally takes to cross from Mexico back to the U.S. in their vehicle.

There are numerous advantages, as well as disadvantages to this program.

Primarily, you must apply, and pay for the privilege to acquire this “Fast Pass” as it is normally called. Background checks are performed, and if you qualify there are some realistically easy rules to follow. However, if you happen to break any of these rules, consequences are swift and sometimes severe. Failure to notify the U.S. Customs Agents what, if anything, you are bringing back from Mexico can quickly remove your privilege of literally saving hundreds of hours annually from your commute. Additionally, fines usually accompany those who break the rules. Most of the times, it seems to be those who cannot resist the temptation of bringing to the U.S. cheap produce like avocados, tomatoes, poultry, well you get the idea.

Cost for this permit runs higher on the Mexican side than the U.S. (generally $ 122.25 per person in U.S., about 2 times more in Mexico) Though I can’t understand “Why”, since the wait time is always from Mexico to the U.S. Maybe because of the loss of revenue generated by the collected tolls at these same bridges or ports?

Each person in the vehicle must posses this permit. Again, well worth it if you can afford it, especially if you cross the border frequently.

Here is a link to the U.S. site that allows you into the SENTRI Program.

http://search.cbp.gov/query.html?tx0=Sentri+program&ty0=w&op0=%2B&fl0=&tx1=%2Fcgov%2Ftravel%2F&op1=%2B&fl1=url%3A&ty1=w

Click on the SENTRI text. Go to the appropriate area of interest from there.

If that fails, go to: www.cbp.gov/ Follow instructions, remembering key word SENTRI.

If this is helpful, please allow us an opportunity for your Mexico Tourist Auto, and Int’l Health & Accident business. You can reach us, Insurance Consultants International, at (915) 591-8279 OR 800-434-3966, OR write us at ici@mxici.com. Our Web Site is www.mxici.com. Feel free to a call us at normal business hours, M.T. 8:30 to 5:30 M-F.

THANK YOU for your business! Insuring the World since 1989!