US Customs Reentry

So, you have visited Mexico but now it is time to go back. As a United States citizen this can be a fairly easy process, but only if you follow the strict guidelines set by both countries. There are pretty stringent rule on reentry, declaration procedures returning high value property/ possessions. Here are some of the more important issues when dealing with US customs reentry:

Having the right documents for reentry is crucial to the overall procedure. If you are going to slide past customs easily you will need to have usable photo identifications and a proof of citizenship in the United States. Since the new laws will require by 2008 all travelers to have a passport, this shouldn’t be an issue with most people. A passport includes photo I.D, proof of citizenship and other pertinent information regarding the traveler. It also is a wise idea to carry either a driver’s license or a birth certificate, just in case you lose or misplace your passport. Some of the documentation that you can’t bring includes a laminated birth certificate and a voter registration card. US customs reentry requires correct and accurate documentation, so the acute traveler will be prepared!

Declared items are another issue that often comes up in the US customs reentry. Declared items will include anything that you have on you for property and any purchases that you may have made in Mexico. The best idea is to keep all of your receipts and have proofs of purchases because otherwise you may be risking the things you bought on vacation! US customs wants to make sure that you got goods legally and safely.

When it comes to bringing things back to the United States it is important to be aware of the duty free personal exemption limits. These limits restrict a person from bringing back more then $800 worth of goods (bought in Mexico) on their person. Anything more and you will be required to pay back the right amount in duty. Here are a few ways you can ‘beat the system’ and be ready to go:

1. The goods you bought can be used for personal/ house usage. If some of the things you bought can be used for these purposes then you will probably be all right.
2. The items you bought have been declared to the customs official. If you are upon reentry to the US and a customs official declares them then you will be fine.
3. You aren’t bringing back anything that may be questionable or illegal. The most frequent purchase that sets people back are Mexican cigars- you can’t bring them back to the States!

Those crossing into Mexico must be aware of the limits and the restrictions that are held by the US customs on what they can bring back. There are limits, not only monetary but legally as well. Being aware of the US customs reentry laws is the first step toward taking advantage of all the neat things that are there for you!

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