There has been a lot of discussion about passport requirements for crossing back into the United States. According to the U.S. Deparmtment of State and Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) the passport requirement in effect is for air travellers only. The vehicle crossing requirement for passport WILL NOT TAKE EFFECT UNTIL JUNE OF 2009.

Crossing the border is real simple. In California you simply drive across. In Texas, you need to show proof of financial responsibility (Mexico insurance) but here in California there are no stops going southbound.

U.S. citizens must carry proof of citizenship when crossing into Mexico. Recent laws initiated by the Federal Officials of the National Immigration Institute, require a drivers license, passport, birth certificate, voter registration card, or any other document that proves United States citizenship.

On returning from Mexico, you will wait in line at a customs checkpoint located at the border where you will state your nationality and declare any Mexican purchases.

If you go beyond the border cities or intend to stay in Mexico for longer than 72 hours you need to acquire a Mexico tourist card. The free tourist cards are available from Mexican immigration authorities at the border and also at Mexican consulates and Mexican government tourist offices in the U.S. A birth certificate or other proof of U.S. citizenship (voter registration, military ID, passport) is required to obtain the tourist card.

Canadian citizens who visit Mexico should have a passport or birth certificate. Other foreign nationals should have a passport and appropriate visas both for entering Mexico and returning to the U.S.

An automobile permit is required when driving into the interior of Mexico beyond the border cities (in Baja, Ensenada is considered a "border city." The permit, as of January 2006 is good for up to 180 days and may be obtained at the border. There is a $10 fee for this permit. (Don't forget to return the permit before you return from Mexico.)

According to Mexican civil statutes, it is unlawful to operate a motor vehicle in Mexico without auto mobile insurance issued by a Mexican insurance company. Although some companies offer an endorsement that covers your vehicle for Physical Damage or Medical Payments on U.S. policies in Mexico, Mexican authorities no longer recognize it, and their law is explicit: drivers must be covered by Mexican insurance. Auto accidents are considered criminal offenses in Mexico, and regardless of fault, involved vehicles are usually impounded. Be sure to inquire from your Mexico insurance provider about their vehicle impound recovery and "Legal Aid." At Mexico Insurance Services we offer Legal Aid on all Complete Coverage policies which includes vehicle impound recovery. Please also note that as with most insurance policies, if you are drunk or under the influence of drugs or alcohol your policy may be null and void as is the case with our policies.

Both Mexico and the U.S. enforce rather stringent regulations about animal pets, and many visitors to Mexico find it more convenient to leave pets at veterinary boarding facilities in Texas border cities. For pets taken into Mexico and returned to the U.S., owners must present a rabies vaccination certificate dated not less than one month nor more than 12 months previously, and International health Certificate (form 77-043) signed by a veterinarian stamped (fee $20) at the border or at the Mexican consulate where tourist cards are obtained.

Visitors to Mexico border cities dont need Mexican currency as the U.S. dollars are accepted almost everywhere. It is wise to be familiar with the current exchange rates and do the math yourself at the gas stations in case the attendant makes an honest mistake.

Each U.S. citizen may bring back Mexican purchases valued to $400 retail, duty free every 30 days. Federal duty fees will be assessed on the value of articles above the $400 exemption. Note that there are items "Made in Mexico," such as handicrafts and jewelry, that may qualify for exemption above the $400 limit.

Federal Law permits only one liter of duty-free alcoholic beverages to be brought back by each adult U.S. citizen each 30 days. Alcoholic beverages in excess of the limit are subject to duty and internal revenue tax.

Upon entering the U.S. from Mexico, certain articles are either prohibited or subject to various quarantines, limitations or special permit requirements. Those articles include all narcotics or drugs, weapons, certain trademarked articles, most fruits, vegetables, plants, animals, birds and meats, and products made from the hides, shells, feathers, or teeth of endangered species. If you are unsure of regulations governing the import of a wildlife product, check with local authorities of U.S. Embassy before making a purchase. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Division of Law Enforcement, P.O. box 28006, 23rd St., NW, Washington, DC 20037, can provide information.

Mexican authorities must be contacted for current regulations, hunting and fishing licenses, and procedures for taking in firearms and ammunition. Any game legally killed in Mexico may be brought back into Texas, but it must be accompanied by a statement, issued by U.S. Customs at the border, that the dead animal originated in Mexico. There are no restrictions on bringing fish caught in Mexico into Texas, but they must be declared at the Texas port of entry.

The above information is a general summary of travel regulations between the United States and Mexico as of November 2006. Mexico Insurance Services is not responsible for this information or any information that may have changed since publication. For updated information, please see the very informative Federal Travel Department website. Further resources on insurance can be found at

Further resources:

Travel Insurance Plan and Coverage - Exclusive site which gives you more information on Travel Insurance plan and Coverage.