Category Archives: Mexico

All About Mexico

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!

How do I obtain a Vehicle Permit for Mexico.

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1. First, you must provide an original Vehicle Title or Registered Receipt.

2. If your vehicle is being financed, leased, rented, or is a company car, you must provide a notarized “Letter of Permission” from the owner (Lien Holder) on their respective companies letterhead. Most institutions are well aware of what is needed. If not, let us know and we will provide further details.

3. You must provide a VALID Drivers License with photo of applicant. Note: they do NOT accept Mexican Drivers Licenses. Must be foreign to Mexico.

4. Pay a “Importation Fee” of $ 48.84 USD. The fee can be purchased, at same price, at Mexican Consulate, Online, or while crossing at border.

We recommend you purchase your Vehicle Permit on the link below. The English tab is on the upper right side of their site.

www.banjercito.com.mx/registroVehiculos/

This will save you time, and help you to become an informed traveler.

5. A “Guarantee Deposit” for the return of the vehicle to the US, will be applied to all vehicles. The amount of the guarantee will be determined by the year of the vehicle.

The guarantee will be refunded upon cancellation of the permit at Banjercito offices, prior to the expiration date of the permit. The refund will be made in the same form as the deposit was made, i.e. Credit Card, or Debit Card. HINT: Do not allow the Card you used to purchase the “Permit” expire, as it could hinder you from receiving your refund! After all, this is bureaucracy at its best!

a. 2007 – newer $400.00 USD$

b. 2001 – 2006 $300.00 USD$

c. 2000 – older $200.00 USD$

6. If the vehicle is not returned to the US prior to the expiration date of
the permit or the permit is not cancelled upon exiting Mexico, the guarantee deposit will be forfeited.

NOTE: NO VEHICLE IMPORT PERMIT IS NECESSARY TO DRIVE IN THE ENTIRE BAJA PENINSULA OR ROCKY POINT.

We recommend you begin the registration process through the Banjercito link from 10-14 days prior to your departure. Happy travels!

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

Is there any way to avoid long waiting times at U.S. International Ports? YES, the Ready Lane Pass!

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YES, there is!

There are a number of ways to circumvent the long lines at the U.S. Port of Entry’s. However, most of them are practical only if you travel regularly, especially to and from Mexico.

There is the SENTRI Pass, which is discussed in a previous post to this Blog. That pass is primarily used by those who frequently (generally weekly or daily) cross the U.S. / Mexico border, and is designed to allow you to spend the least amount of time commuting. After all, at most of the busier, larger ports, it is not unusual to spend 1-2 + hours waiting to re-enter the U.S. FYI, these procedures are only applicable for travel from Mexico to the U.S. and not from travel southbound to Mexico.

Recently, another way to save time at these Ports is to use what is called the “Ready Lane” pass. The “Ready Lane” is a dedicated primary vehicle lane for travelers entering the U.S. at land border ports of entry. Not as fast as the SENTRI Pass, but a lot faster than the normal lanes.

Please click on the following links which will provide you with an enormous amount of information as to all of the available programs. I prefer the information contained in the 1st link as being most helpful, but the 2nd one has some other content that might assist you with your Mexico travels.

http://www.getyouhome.gov/html/rfid/RFID_FAQ.html

https://help.cbp.gov/app/answers/detail/a_id/1211/~/ready-lane-document-requirements

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!