What can I bring into Mexico, and how do I do it?
As you approach Mexico by road, you will want to be aware of the lane that you are driving in before you cross. Which lane you will use depends upon what you are bringing into Mexico. Generally there are multiple lanes labeled "Nothing to Declare - Nada que Declarar" and one or two lanes to the far right labeled "Declaration Lane - Carril de Declaración."
Nothing to Declare Lane
This lane is used when you are bringing, as a tourist:- Your personal luggage
- Other merchandise up to the allowed exemption - US $75 per person. If you are traveling with others then the exemption is cumulative. For example two people will have a combined total exemption of US $150. Please bring receipts and invoices to take advantage of the exemption.
Items allowed in your personal luggage include:- Personal items, new or used such as clothes, shoes and toiletries in a quantity fitting to the length of your trip (obviously not for sale), including any wedding party attire.
- Two photographic or video cameras and charger, up to 12 rolls of film, blank tapes or videocassettes, two cellular phones or walkie-talkies, typewriter, electronic calendar, copier or printer and accessories, a projector, a laptop, notebook, omnibook, etc. (You may also want to be aware of the U.S. Customs reentry requirements regarding bringing a laptop and other high value items back into the U.S.).
- Two sports equipment items, for example two racquets. Four rods, three speedboats with or without sails and accessories, one stair stepper and bicycle.
- Portable radio recorder and/or player, digital sound reproducer, CD reproducer, DVD reproducer and speakers and accessories.
- Five laser discs, 10 DVDs, 30 CDs or cassette tapes. Five storage devices or memory cards.
- Books and magazines in a quantity that aren't obviously for sale.
- Five toys (may be collectible), video game console and videogames.
- Medicine for personal use, one blood pressure instrument, one glucose testing device. In the case of psychotropic drugs, make sure you bring the prescription. Note: Be careful not to bring a large quantity of your prescription medication. There have been many unfortunate Americans put in jail for violating the law concerning prescription drugs in Mexico.
- One set of binoculars, one telescope.
- The luggage necessary to transport personal items.
- 20 cartons of cigarettes, 25 cigars or 200 grams of tobacco if you are of age if bringing more than allowed, you must declare it and pay duties).
- Up to three liters of liquor and six liters of wine (if bringing more than allowed, you must declare it and pay duties).
- Strollers and baby walkers
- Two musical instruments and accessories.
- Tent and equipment for camping.
- Crutches, canes, walkers, and wheelchairs for personal use.
- Tool sets including hand drills, wire cutters, wrenches, screwdrivers, cables, etc.
- Bedding sets including one sheet set, one towel set, a set of table linens.
- Two dogs or cats and pet items. Visit Baja Bound's pet pages for more info on bringing your pet.
- Up to $10,000 in US currency or equivalent in other currencies, foreign or national checks, and/or other monetary instruments.
Red Light - Green Light
Even if you have nothing to declare, you still could be randomly selected for secondary inspection. As you are crossing the border, you will encounter a stop light that will either give you a red or green light. A red light means you must pull over into the customs facility for secondary inspection. A green means you may continue on your way although customs officials still have the authority to ask you to pull into secondary. The customs system is set up to register the weight of your vehicle and the size. Generally heavier or larger vehicles will get a red light, but all vehicles can potentially receive a red light as there is an element of randomness to the the system.- Helpful tip: If there is a vehicle in front of you as you cross, wait for your turn to pull into the area to receive a signal from the light. If you follow too close to the vehicle in front of you, it could trip the light red because of the combined weight of the vehicles. Or, it may not give you a light at all and an official could send you secondary inspection.
Secondary Inspection
If you are selected for secondary inspection, the officials will generally take a look in your trunk and glance inside the vehicle to see if you are bringing anything that should have been declared. The process takes only 30 seconds or so unless they find something undeclared. If you do not declare something that you should have, depending upon what the items are, you may have to pay the required duty, risk getting your merchandise confiscated, or go to jail.Be Aware of the Following:
- - Guns are illegal in Mexico. Do not attempt to cross the border with a gun and/or ammunition. You will be put in jail even if you were not aware of the Mexican law.
- - If you have more than $10,000 in US currency or equivalent or other monetary instruments you must declare this with Mexican customs, otherwise it is a crime.
- - You must declare if you are bringing any of the following: animals, agricultural products, medicine other than personal use.
Declaration Lane
Declaration form:
If you are bringing more than US $75 worth of merchandise per person, but not more than US $1000 (amounts over US $1000 require the use of a Mexican customhouse broker), you may declare it by driving into the customs facility thru the declaration lane (carril de declaración). There you will be able to fill out the proper documents (see example below). The duty is usually 25% of the value of the merchandise and may be paid in a nearby bank (sometimes located in the customs facility). Once your duty is paid, you are then required to press a button on a stop light. If you receive a red light, the officials will inspect your merchandise to make sure you paid the correct duty. If you receive a green, you may be on your way.
More Information
If you would like more information and you can read Spanish, visit the Mexican Customs website.Updated: August 11, 2008
