Crossing the Mexico Border

Crossing the Mexican border seems daunting but if you take it one step at a time you can easily cross without feeling threatened!

Many people go into Mexico for many different reasons. Mexico is a hot tourist spot where people love to go to in order to have a great time, enjoy the beach and soak in the sun’s hot rays. For those United States citizens, crossing over the Mexican border means crossing an international barrier that leaves their freedoms as US citizens behind. The entire process can seem very difficult and very daunting for some, but if you just follow a few basic guidelines, crossing the Mexican border can become a routine activity.

Here are a few hints on what to do…and what not to do when crossing the border!

• Never bring a firearm across the border! Don’t even attempt to do this unless you are of military need to take one with you. If you try to cross the border with firearm tucked away you risk spending time in a Mexican prison and you most likely won’t get into the country. If you absolutely have to bring a gun into Mexico you should contact the Mexican Consulate near you to figure out the best way for you to do this. If you don’t contact them first you will be asking for a world of trouble!
• Have your vehicle titles with you! If you are driving across the border in a personal car make sure you have the vehicle titles in the car as proof that it is yours. You may get turned around at the border if you fail to present these titles, which wouldn’t be a good thing! If you do not have title because you pay a lienholder, in Texas you will be required to carry a letter from the lienholder granting permission. Your lienholder will likely need to see your insurance policy prior to sending you this "permission letter." If you cross into Baja from California, they currently do not require proof of vehicle ownership or title.
• Although not required until 2008 or beyond, it's a good idea to bring your passport. Currently all that is required is your drivers license or ID stating citizenship, but rules in the works will cause this to change. Be proactive and order your passport soon!

Crossing the border to Mexico can be as easy as 1-2-3…Here’s how!

1. Get a copy/ original copy of these forms: Immigration form, leasing contract (vehicle) and driver’s license. Also make sure you have an international credit card because you will probably need it.
2. Present the above documents to the Vehicular Control Module in the Customs department in order to get a Mexican driving permit. All the documents must be in the name of the driver in order for the permit to go through.
3. Your credit card will get charged for around $10 USD by the Bonding Company just for allowing your vehicle into the country.

There you have it, as easy as 1-2-3! When you are getting ready to leave the country, the customs officials will cancel your permit as you cross back over the border and you are free to go! Make sure before you get to Mexico and drive, you secure the proper auto insurance. Crossing the Mexican border really isn’t that daunting, it just takes the right amount of knowledge!

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