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Tips for Travelers to Mexico
Entering into Mexico, US or Canadian citizens
must carry proof of citizenship in the form of a
birth certificate or passport. For those staying
more than 72 hours or going beyond the border
towns, a Mexican Tourist Entry Card, also known
as the DNI form (available at MX Consulates, MX
Government Tourism Offices, and border
immigration offices), is required along with a
Visitor Fee of MXPeso$178.00 (subject to change)
or its equivalent in US currency. After paying
at any Mexican bank, the form has to be stamped
by immigration officials at an international
bridge. The DNI entitles unlimited visits up to
6 months. Mexican immigration authorities will
request proof of necessary fees being paid
before leaving Mexico.
Other international travelers should have a
passport and appropriate visas for either
entering Mexico or returning to the USA.
Resident aliens must have their card with them
at all times. Foreign students must present a
valid passport, F-1 visa, I-94 and I-20.
When driving beyond the border towns, an
automobile permit is required and can be
obtained after one’s DNI-Tourist Entry Card has
been stamped by Mexican immigration. Original
title of vehicle ownership or lien holder
authorization letter is required for the US$15
(paid with a US credit card) auto permit which
must be displayed on the windshield and
presented at the Federal Inspection Points
enroute to the Mexican interior. Mexican auto
insurance coverage is highly recommended for
interior travel and is available in Brownsville.
When arranging this insurance make sure about
its provisions for roadside assistance and help
phone numbers. Auto accidents are considered
criminal by Mexican statute and may result with
an impounded vehicle.
US citizens may bring from Mexico up $400 in
retail purchase value each, duty-free every 30
days. Many Mexican made items may qualify for
exemption; check with the US Customs Service for
specific details. Federal law permits one liter
of duty-free alcoholic beverages brought back by
each adult US citizen every 30 days. Additional
quantities are subject to duty and tax while
Texas taxes all alcoholic beverages brought from
Mexico at the port of entry. US law authorizes
customs’ inspectors to examine luggage, cargo,
and travelers crossing into the US.
Valuable personal items should be registered
with US Customs before entering Mexico to avoid
possible duty on the return. Individuals
requiring medicines that contain prescribed
narcotics should have only the quantity needed
for the duration of travel and the doctor’s
prescription with them while traveling in
Mexico. Pets need to be certified healthy with
specific documents and within specific times of
crossing. Kennel boarding facilities are
available in Brownsville.
Unauthorized possession or importation of any
type of firearm is a felony in Mexico. Fines and
confiscation are the minimum result; jail time
of up to 8 years is possible. Ignorance of the
law is not an acceptable defense. The weapons
ban includes rifles, pistols, shotguns, black
powder handguns and rifles, reloading
components, and any kind of ammunition. Other
prohibited import items include drugs or
narcotics, certain trademarked articles, most
fruits, vegetables, plants, animals, birds,
meats, and products from hides, shells,
feathers, or teeth of endangered species. Game
legally taken in Mexico may be brought into
Texas only if accompanied by an official US
Customs statement that it originated in Mexico.
More import and export information is available
from the US Fish & Wildlife Service at
800-358-2104. Fish caught in Mexico only need to
be declared at the port of entry.
Customs-related questions or comments should be
directed to Passenger Programs’ Director, US
CUSTOMS SERVICE, 1300 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW,
Room 5.4D, Washington, DC 20229.
Mexicans visiting the USA must have a visa
(first time travelers will have to pay a $45
visa application fee at a US consulate or
embassy; information, call 01900-849-3737 in
Mexico). When traveling beyond Texas border
cities, visitors must pay an Immigration User
Fee of $6 to the US INS at the international
bridges. Mexican visitors driving in the USA are
required to have US liability insurance.
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