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Mexico Border Crossing and U.S. Customs

If you have never visited Mexico before, crossing the border for the first time can be a bit intimidating.  Hopefully the information below will assist making your first border crossing into Mexico a little less uncomfortable. After all, knowledge is power. The information on this page is very important.


FIRST AND MOST IMPORTANT– NEVER TAKE FIREARMS OR AMMUNITION ACROSS THE BORDER! Simply put if firearms or ammunition is found on your person or in your vehicle YOU WILL BE detained, arrested and imprisoned! This is extremely serious and this warning should be heeded…


Crossing Into Mexico; BORDER HOURS:
The border is open from 6:00am – Midnight.
VEHICLE ENTRY INSPECTIONS - WHAT TO EXPECT:
Customs officers may ask what you have in your vehicle, where you are going and why you are going there. They may pass you through, or do a quick visual search of your vehicle. If you're in an RV, towing recreational vehicle(s), or just have a 'large' car, expect to get pulled over and given the once-over. Don't take any offense – be curious and cooperative at all times. Basically they are looking for taxable merchandise. You must declare everything you are bringing into México if asked.


When you pull into customs (looks like a toll booth) there will be a traffic-light signal that will activate when your car pulls through the lane.



  • Green Light: Drive right on through (WARNING: If you have a truck or van or a large car / RV etc. and the Mexican Police  think you may have taxable items, then they may tell you to pull over anyway!)

  • Red Light: Pull your vehicle over to the parking spaces in the center for inspection of your vehicle's contents.

Carry all vehicle titles/registration paperwork and documentation, or you may be turned back at the border by Mexican Customs (this includes boats, jet skis, water bikes, ATCs,dune buggies, quads, motorcycles, etc.)

FALSE DECLARATIONS LEAD TO SEVERE PENALTIES!!

If merchandise is found which was not declared, you will have to pay a fine and forfeit the right to the tax exemption and pay a 32.8% tax on all merchandise.

CUSTOMS PROCEDURES

All foreigners and Mexicans coming from another country are international passengers and have the right to bring the following items, tax free:

  • Items for personal use such as clothing, shoes and toiletries in reasonable amounts according to the length of their trip.

  • One photographic, video, or motion picture camera, including a power source, except professional equipment. Up to 12 rolls of film, or videotapes.
    Books and magazines.

  • One used sports article or piece of equipment for individual use which can be transported   by one person.

  • Up to 20 packs of cigarettes or 50 cigars.

  • A maximum of 3 liters (approx. 3 quarts) of wine or alcohol if the passenger is an adult.

  • Medicine for personal use. (with your prescription).

  • Suitcases or bags to transport the items.


If you are legally a resident of another country in addition to the items listed, you may bring into Mexico, tax free:

  • Binoculars

  • A photographic camera

  • A portable television

  • A radio/tape recorder with a maximum of 20 records or tapes.

  • A typewriter or portable computer

  • Up to five used toys (if the passenger is a minor)

  • Fishing Tackle

  • A pair of skis

  • Two Tennis rackets

  • A non-motorized boat up to 5 1/2 meters in length or a surfboard, with or without a sail

  • Camping equipment and a tent.


If you are traveling by RV, camper, trailer or motor home you may also bring in:

  • A video cassette recorder (VCR)

  • A bicycle (with or without a motor)

  • Household linens and kitchen utensils

  • Living room and bedroom furniture


IMPORTING ADDITIONAL MERCHANDISE

You may import additional merchandise valued at up to $1,000.00 by paying a corresponding tax without the intervention of a customs broker. (Contact Mexican Customs for the list)
In addition, you may impose without the services of a customs broker, one computer system as long as its value, added to the above merchandise, (of $1,000.00) does not exceed $4,000.00 U .S. Currency.

To pay the tax, multiply the value of your excess merchandise by 20.84% (if the product originated in the U.S. or Canada).

This information, supplied by Paisano Information at the Mexican Border, is subject to change.
It is forbidden to introduce drugs, firearms and explosives into Mexico. If you do so, you will be subject to penalties and imprisonment.


VISAS and AUTO PERMITS:  Are not required if you are vacationing in Rocky Point, Mexico. You are considered a tourist and are within what’s known as the 'Free Zone' of Puerto Peñasco/Sonoyta or generally within the 'Border Zone' - usually up to 20 km into Mexico.

A Visa is required IF you are going beyond Puerto Penasco (Rocky Point). You will need proof of citizenship such as a U.S. passport, birth certificate, voter's registration etc. (a driver's license is NOT proof of citizenship.) VISAS - are obtained at the first building on the right after you clear the border check station at Lukeville. Always carry Mexican auto insurance on your vehicle (Keep a copy in a safe place - away from your car) It’s the law. See our Mexican Insurance page for more details and recommended companies to deal with.


PETS: You are only allowed to bring domestic dogs & Cats. You must show a valid U.S. Veterinarian Health Certificate Form & Rabies Certificate # 77043 (not more than 6 months old). DO NOT BRING your pet bird, turtle, fish etc. into Mexico as they will be subject to quarantine at your expense.


RETURNING TO THE U.S. BORDER


BORDER HOURS: The border is open from 6:00am – Midnight

Check out times for most hotels, condos and rental homes check out is 11:00 am, so there can be long lines crossing back into the United States. Either leave earlier than everyone else or go into town for a while to avoid the crowds at the border. Whatever you decide give yourself plenty of time to get to the border before 12 midnight. Also keep in mind traffic is backed up for hours at the border during holidays, high season and spring break.   


BORDER Wait Times: [ Click Here ] for actual border wait times to re-enter into the United States from Rocky Point, Mexico into Lukeville, AZ.


RE-ENTRY TO THE U.S.


Searches:
U.S. Customs Agents have the right and authority to search your vehicle.  If you're driving a high profile vehicle such as a van, an RV, a truck, or an SUV, you are more likely to be searched.


Citizenship:
Although rarely asked for proof, you are “technically” required to have proof of citizenship so be sure in case you are asked that everyone in your vehicle can prove U.S. Citizenship – NOTE: a US driver's license is NOT proof of citizenship. You should carry a U.S. passport, a birth certificate, or a voter's registration card -- as well as a photo ID, such as your driver's license.


Returning To the U.S.

When you re-enter, you'll be asked what you purchased by a U.S. Customs agent and asked to declare everything you are bringing back from Mexico. Anybody who says 'nothing' is almost automatically searched. Avoid customs penalties by declaring all articles acquired in Mexico and in your possession at the time of your return.

This includes:

  • Articles that you purchased (in regular and duty-free shops)
  • Gifts presented to you
  • Items you have been requested to bring home for another person.
  • Any articles you intend to sell or use in your business.

If in doubt about whether an article should be declared, always declare it first and then direct your question to the Customs inspector.

WARNING! If you understate the value of an article you declare, you may have to pay a penalty in addition to payment of duty. If you fail to declare an article acquired in Mexico, not only is the article subject to seizure, but you will be liable for a personal penalty.


Big Purchases:
Have receipts for any big ticket, high dollar items.


Liquor and Tobacco
You are allowed to enter free of duty any purchases with a combined value of up $400 per 30 day time period. You must be 21 or over to bring liquor or tobacco into the United States, duty-free, the following:

  • 1 liter of wine or hard liquor
  • 200 cigarettes, OR 100 cigars (but not from Cuba), OR 3 pounds of smoking tobacco
  • $100 worth of gifts

IMPORTANT NOTICE ABOUT CIGARS: It is illegal to bring Cuban Cigars into the United States. If caught by U.S. Customs they will confiscate them and you could be fined.


PRESCRIPTION DRUGS:
Generally speaking if you have a U.S. prescription for any prescription drugs you pick up in Mexico, there are certain limitations on quantity you can bring back “legally”.  


WHAT IS ILLEGAL TO BRING BACK TO THE U.S.

  • Desert/Marine Wildlife or Plants
  • Freon-12
  • Cuban Cigars
  • Coral/Whale skeleton parts
  • Plants of any kind
  • Fruits/Vegetables
  • Pork products
  • Eggs
  • Potatoes
  • Avocados (with seeds/pits) or mangos
  • Pork/Ham
  • Birds
  • Fireworks
  • Firearms - Weapons

BORDER PATROL STOPS.


United States Border Patrol :
After you have entered into the United States, it is not unusual to come upon a U.S. Border Patrol Stop. The Border Patrol stops are usually several miles in, after crossing over the border into the United States. This stop is targeted towards finding illegal immigrants, contraband, illegal items ,narcotics and drugs so they do have the right to search your vehicle - plus they can ask you to provide proof of citizenship again even though you already did this crossing into the U.S. at the Mexican border.

The location and times of these stops vary, so be prepared to get stopped...

 

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