There is a "Free Zone" in Mexico for tourists and its good to know what it is, and how it applies to anyone driving into Mexico.

The Mexican Free Zone is designed to attract tourists. Formerly the "hassle-free" or "liberated area" - officially it is called the "Free Trade Zone." This zone is about 15-20 miles into Mexico all along the Mexican border. Its intention is to reduce government requirements (Mexican government requirements) for tourists visiting and spending money in the area. Click here to see a complete checklist of Mexico border crossing requirements. In this free zone, customs import requirements, are essentially nonexistent. You always need to declare yourself at the border and get a temporary visa or FMM. It also does not, however, give you permission to do anything illegal, like bring a gun into Mexico.

The temporary import permit in Mexico is required when you drive a foreign car into Mexico but is it required in the Free Zone as well?

No, you do not need the TIP (Temporary Import Permit) for your vehicle in the free zone. But, if you travel beyond, you need one. Don't forget to return your TIP Sticker at the border when you return. If you forget, you forfeit your deposit and you won't be able to come back with another vehicle until it is returned. Click here to see a complete checklist of Mexico border crossing requirements. In this free zone, customs import requirements, are essentially nonexistent. You always need to declare yourself at the border and get a temporary visa or FMM. It also does not, however, give you permission to do anything illegal, like bring a gun into Mexico.

The Mexico Free Zone Map • No TIP Required in the Mexico Free Zone

The Free Zone Program

The Free Zones were created, in many countries, to promote commerce, increase the economics of the countries; generate tax benefits to acquire tourism and to globalize. This means that we have laws that regulate commercial issues; and others regulating tax issues; It also implies that instead of one concept we have two: Border Zone (Región Fronteriza) and Border Strip (Franja Fronteriza), and each one of them is applied to different Stated and/or Municipalities, and 5.- Some of the rules applicable to these regions are permanent and some others are temporary.

The Mexican Free Zone map details the areas specifically designated to attract tourists. Formerly the “hassle-free” or “liberated area” – officially it is called the “Free Trade Zone.” This zone is about 15-20 miles into Mexico all along the Mexican border. Its intention is to reduce government requirements (Mexican government requirements) for tourists visiting and spending money in the area. In this free zone map, customs import requirements, are essentially nonexistent. You always need to declare yourself at the border and get a temporary visa or FMM. It also does not, however, give you permission to do anything illegal, like bring a gun into Mexico.

Click here to see a complete checklist of Mexico border crossing requirements

Baja California – One Giant Free Zone

Baja took this to a whole new level by making the entire peninsula (Baja North and Baja South) a free zone. Technically, until and unless something changes, you can move freely about Baja as a tourist with little regard for vehicle permits. You still need an FFM. You can get one of those online here.

Puerto Penasco – Rocky Point – Sonora – Free Zone

The northwest portion of Sonora is also a Free zone, well beyond 20 miles. The official marker is the Mexican Federal Highway 15 and the 2 Highways

Do I need a TIP in Free Zone?

No, you do not need the TIP (Temporary Import Permit) for your vehicle in the free zone. But, if you travel beyond, you need one.

Don’t forget to return your TIP at the border when you return. If you forget, you forfeit your deposit and you won’t be able to come back with another vehicle until it is returned.

Do I need Immigration Documents (FMM) even for less than 72 hours?

According to the federal government of Mexico (INM), yes you do. Local authorities don’t like to enforce this as much as the Federal authorities do, but yes it’s a law on the books. Every visitor to Mexico must check-in, and declare their stay. You can apply ahead of time online using this link for the FMM application, but you still need to pay and get it stamped at the border crossing.

Do I need Mexican Car Insurance in the Free Zone?

Yes. If you plan to drive across the border, you need Mexico car insurance–even in the free zones. Many drivers mistakenly believe that their comprehensive car insurance policy in the U.S. will protect them in Mexico. While this is true when driving in Canada, Mexico and the U.S. insurance carriers do not have an international coverage agreement. So, if you are planning to trip to Mexico’s free zone, you’ll have to apply for Mexican car insurance–even if you only plan to be there for the day.

You can apply for a short-term Mexican car insurance policy but if you make frequent trips to the free zone or elsewhere in Mexico, it will save you money over time to get a long-term policy. Don’t risk driving anywhere in Mexico without a Mexican car insurance policy. You can be arrested and taken to jail if you get into a car accident and don’t have Mexican auto insurance. All drivers in Mexico must have auto insurance or proof that they can pay for repairs in full.

The Border Strip

There are two border strips in Mexico: southern (Guatemala border) and northern (US border). The border strip is 20km into Mexico from the south or north border. The area in orange is considered the northern border strip, which is part of the free zone.

People that live in the border strip receive extra benefits. Residents of the border strip can import up to $50 USD per day of alcohol and tobacco tax-free. Residents can import up to $150 per person/ day excluding alcohol, tobacco, and fuel. If you arrive in Mexico with more than two people in your car, you can import up to $400.00 per car/day of goods excluding tobacco, alcohol, and fuel.

MexInsurance.com® – providing quality Mexico Insurance online since 2003.