Mexico is the 5th most visited country in the entire world. Even with 39 million visitors each year, there is a great amount of fear when overlanders cross the border by land. Once you have accomplished this task, you’ll realize not only is it the easiest border crossing in all of the America’s, but it is far from scary.
Pictured about is my exact route through mainland Mexico.
Let’s start with the basics to cross the border from USA to Mexico.
Required Documents
- Valid Passport
- Original vehicle registration
- Drivers license
- Mexican Auto Insurance
*One must own their vehicle outright, no loan, no debt* Any vehicle with a car payment must have written permission from the owner of the loan*
Insurance
Purchase insurance online prior to entering Mexico. It is fast, easy, with online payment, and insurance documents emailed immediately. Recommend purchasing insurance at least 24 hours prior to entering Mexico. This way when you cross the border, the insurance policy is active and allows time to print a physical, black and white copy. No color copies, they are often considered fake or forged.
Here are a few popular companies:
- CHUBB personally have used twice, fast, easy, and 3 package options
- Baja Bound is popular
- Sanborn’s Mexican Auto Insurance is also a frequent recommendation
*Mexican authorities only accept insurance from Mexican companies. US Insurance won’t cover damage to others or their property. When at fault in an accident, you can go to jail and will be required to pay for the damages out of your pocket.*
How to Obtain FMM and TIP
FMM: you can apply online 30 days prior to entry, however not recommended.
What is an FMM? Forma Migratoria Múltiple, otherwise commonly called a tourist card or tourist visa. FMM is mandatory, no one is going to guide you or advise you to obtain this. FMM must be kept on your person at all times in Mexico. Along with your passport stamp, this document is proof you are legally in the country.
Entire Process:
- When you enter the border crossing, enter the Immigration building. It will be a building on the right. Once inside, look for the sign INM (Instituto Nacional de Migración). Wait in line, when it is your turn, present your passport. The agent will ask how long you plan to visit: maximum is 180 days (6 months).
- Complete said form, return to the line and pay. Provide passport, it will be stamped and returned with a FMM. The amount of days issues will be handwritten on the FMM. Cost is roughly 35 USD, recently I read an increased to $43 USD. Most, if not all crossings now only accept debit or credit cards. No more cash payments at the borders. This does not apply to visits in TIP free zones, visits under 7 days are free.
- Go to the next window, the Banjercito and obtain the Temporary Import Permit, TIP.
- Documents Required: Original registration, drivers license, and passport.
- They will process all the information. Sign all required documents.
- Pay. The total cost to import your vehicle depends on the year and type. *Only credit or debit cards with the printed numbers are accepted. If you have an Apple card without number on it, they will not accept it.
- Cross the border and welcome to Mexico !!!
- When you exit Mexico the cost to import will be returned on your original payment.
Border Crossing Tips
- Cross the border early so you have time to drive at least 2 hours from the border to camp.
- Enter with a full tank of gas, less stops, avoid higher prices close to the border.
- Be sure your maps are available offline.
- Have plenty of water and driving snacks.
- Use the bathroom before you leave the border.
- Avoid entering Mexico during ‘rush hour’ times. Keep in mind, thousands of people commute across these government lines each day for work, family or to simply shop. Avoid entering Mexico on a Friday or Saturday. I have found the best times to enter Mexico are Sundays, and Tuesday – Thursday from 10 am – 2 pm.
What border is the safest?
Here is where my opinion differ from most. A lot of traveler drive hundreds of miles out of there way along the US border [arguably more dangerous] to reach a ‘safer’ border.
In my opinion, all border towns, no matter where they are in the world present a level of heightened concern. It boils down to opportunity, criminals have always and will always be in places where the opportunity to gain is the highest.
As a solo woman, I have crossed in Tijuana, Tecate, Ciudad Juarez, Santa Teresa, and Chetumal several times. In my experience, the fastest and easiest to enter Baja is Tijuana and the fastest and easiest to enter mainland Mexico is Santa Teresa.
Highly recommend Santa Teresa over Ciudad Juarez, as Santa Teresa has the Banjercito on site. Where as Juarez does not. Last time I crossed in Santa Teresa was a Sunday morning, 3 cars, 15 minute process and done. No one looked at or in my truck or camper.
Rest assured, crossing the border into Mexico is easier than crossing into Canada.
about Ash
Hey there! My name is Ashley and I have a wild plan to overland around the world with my four-legged bestie, Porter da explorer.
This once-in-a-lifetime adventure is not only fulfilling my dreams, but also paying homage to my late father. His free spirit of exploration continues to guide me every mile of the way.