If you plan to cross the Mexican border you should ask, what documents are needed to pass south into Mexico.

It depends on your purpose, destination, and length of stay but the following items may be required: FMM (Tourist Permit), TIP (Temporary Import Permit) if you driving your vehicle south. All tourists are required to register with Mexican immigration and purchase an FMM. If you are heading to Mexico for business the process is slightly different. If you drive beyond the Free Zone, you will need a Temporary Import Permit, also known as a TIP. You can apply for both of these documents online here.

Documents You Need to Cross the Mexican Border

Clients ask, “What documents do you need to cross the Mexican border?” The answer always depends on what you’re doing in Mexico, how long you will stay and where are you going.

Tourist Permit (FMM)

This card is also known as an FMM. This FMM is available from Mexican consulates, border crossing, tourism offices, and airports. The fee for the tourist card is included in the price of a plane ticket for travelers arriving by air. Click the link above for FMM to pre-fill your FMM online but you must stop at the border to check-in. For FMM less than 7 days there is no charge. If you frequent Mexico, a 180 permit is recommended. With the 180-day permit you can make multiple re-entries.

Documents for Mexico – Business Travel

Upon arrival in Mexico, business travelers must complete and submit a form (Form FM-N) authorizing the conduct of business. This does not include employment. The term is 30-days.

Travelers entering Mexico for purposes other than tourism or business, or for stays of longer than 180 days require a visa. U.S. or Canadian citizens planning to work or live in Mexico should apply for the appropriate Mexican visa. Applications are at the Mexican Embassy in Washington, D.C., or the nearest Mexican consulate in the United States.

Documents for Mexico – Vehicle Permits

Tourists who travel beyond the border zone with their vehicle must obtain a temporary import permit. To acquire a permit, stop at the customs office at the border and submit the following:

Evidence of citizenship
The original title for the vehicle
Vehicle registration certificate
Your driver’s license
A lienholder permission letter (if leased or you make payments on a loan)
Mexican car insurance
A processing fee

Mexican law also requires the posting of a bond at a Banjercito office. This bond guarantees the export of the car from Mexico within a time period determined. For this purpose, American Express, Visa or MasterCard credit cardholders will provide credit card information. Some may opt to make a cash deposit of between $200 and $400, depending on the make/model/year of the vehicle. To recover the bond or avoid credit card charges return to the Customs office before leaving Mexico. And remember, vehicle permits cannot be obtained at checkpoints in the interior of Mexico.

To acquire the documents you need to cross the Mexican border, don’t go to individuals outside vehicle permit offices. These outfits offering to generate the permits without waiting in line may not be who they appear. Government outfits do not necessarily mean it’s legit. Reports of fraudulent or counterfeit permits adjacent to the vehicle import permit office in Nuevo Laredo and other border areas. Failure to obtain proper permits before entering Mexico may result in detention, fine or vehicle seizure. For further information, contact Mexican Customs about appropriate vehicle permits. To get Mexico Insurance for your car click here.