Traveling to mexico what can i bring

Generally, officials will just want to have a look in the car and trunk and will ask you a few more questions about your trip. Be sure to smile and politely answer questions and comply with what they ask you to do. This will take about a minute or so unless they find something that should have been declared. If this happens, you will be at risk of paying the duty, having the items confiscated or possibly going to jail. This is one of the first steps in a major expansion of the southbound and northbound border crossings at San Ysidro.

The project is schedule to be fully completed in and will help reduce wait times at the border and improve border security. The new crossing from San Ysidro into Tijuana is relatively easy to negotiate. See our Driving Directions page for detailed photos and maps for crossing the border with nothing to declare and directions to stop at immigration if you have an FMM that needs to be stamped or have anything to declare.

The multiple new lanes allow more cars to be processed for quicker entry. The temporary awkward routing moves as best as could be expected and as will be required until the U. All minors traveling to Mexico must have valid proof of citizenship. Mexico requires that children over the age of 2 travel with an FMM tourist permit.

In order to obtain an FMM, they must have a valid passport or passport card passport cards may only be used for crossing the border by land. The U. Minors 16 years of age or older must present a passport or passport card passport cards may only be used for crossing the border by land. Mexican law used to require that minors traveling to Mexico have a notarized letter from any guardian not traveling with the minor, granting permission for the minor to travel to Mexico.

That law has been temporarily suspended so that a notarized letter is no longer required. However, Mexican immigration does require the following form be completed online by the guardians before the minor travels. The permits are good for multiple entry so may take your car in and out of Mexico as many times as you want during the six month period. You must also pay a deposit which will be refunded after the six month period when you have returned your permit.

To obtain a vehicle permit, the owner of the vehicle must be present and you will need to have copies of the following information:.

You must bring your vehicle, vehicle permit and sticker with you in order to return. You cannot obtain a vehicle permit at the San Ysidro border crossing. Tecate, Otay Mesa, Mexicali and Nogales at km 21 are the best places to get a permit.

You can also go online to Banjercito to get a temporary vehicle permit by mail time permitting or to pre-register online and save time when picking up at Banjercito later.

In order to get a temporary import permit to take your car to mainland Mexico, Banjercito requires that you obtain an official letter of permission granting you authorization to take the vehicle to Mexico. You should call your lien holder far in advance as the letter can take anywhere from one day to three weeks to obtain, depending on the company.

Also be aware that many companies will not allow you to travel in Mexico for more than 30 days at a time with your financed vehicle.

If you are just traveling in Baja, you do not need permission from your lien holder. If you will only be driving on the Baja peninsula, this is not necessary. Any items in excess must be declared and have duties paid. Two musical instruments and the accessories for the instruments A camping tent Camping equipment A toolset Up to three dogs or cats, may be brought to Mexico as well as their accessories, provided that the corresponding zoo sanitary import certificate issued by SAGARPA is presented to the customs officials.

Make sure you get travel insurance that includes coverage for medical evacuation and hospital stays. Medical tourism is common, particularly in Tijuana and towns bordering the United States.

Canadian travellers have had serious health complications following cosmetic or other elective surgeries abroad. Receiving Medical Care in Other Countries. If you are considering surrogacy, seek advice from legal professionals knowledgeable in Canadian and Mexican laws and citizenship procedures. Bring along an adequate supply and a copy of the prescription. Ensure that both the generic and trade names of the drug are stated. Federal Commission for protection against sanitary risk in Spanish.

When travelling to Mexico City, you may experience health problems caused by high altitude or by air pollution, which is at its peak during the winter months.

The decision to travel is the sole responsibility of the traveller. The traveller is also responsible for his or her own personal safety. Be prepared. Do not expect medical services to be the same as in Canada. Pack a travel health kit , especially if you will be travelling away from major city centres. Penalties for breaking the law in Mexico can be more severe than in Canada, even for similar offences. Foreign nationals are often held in pre-trial detention and there can be lengthy delays before a trial.

Many petty crimes such as public urination, failure to pay a bill or disorderly behaviour can result in a hour detention by police. Paying a fine can secure an early release from detention. Penalties for possession, use or trafficking of illegal drugs are severe. Convicted offenders can expect lengthy jail sentences. The Mexican government strictly enforces its laws concerning possession, importation and trafficking of firearms. Anyone entering Mexico with a firearm or ammunition without prior written authorization from Mexican authorities is subject to imprisonment.

Goods you cannot bring into Mexico — Mexican Government in Spanish. Mexican law does not prohibit sexual acts between individuals of the same sex. However, homosexuality is not widely accepted in Mexican society, particularly in the rural areas. Transgender and gender non-conforming individuals are disproportionately targeted for violence and can face discrimination.

If you are a Canadian citizen, but also a citizen of Mexico, our ability to offer you consular services may be limited while you're there. General information for travellers with dual citizenship. The names on your identity documents must be identical to those on your birth certificate to obtain official Mexican documents, such as marriage certificates, immigration documents or passports.

Middle names are often left off Canadian identity documents. This caused significant difficulties to many Canadians. If you plan on residing in Mexico or dealing with the Mexican Civil Registry, obtain a Canadian passport that will meet Mexican requirements.

Authorities can ask you to show identification and a proof of your legal status in Mexico. They can demand to see your tourist card at any time. You must carry the original at all times. If you plan on buying property, or making other investments in Mexico, seek legal advice in Canada and in Mexico. Do so before making commitments. Related disputes could take time and be costly to resolve.

Timeshare representatives may be very persistent. They use pressure tactics and offer free tours, meals, gifts or alcoholic beverages. It is illegal for timeshare companies to ask you to sign a waiver that prevents you from cancelling a contract. You are legally entitled to cancel a timeshare contract without penalty within 5 working days. Contracts must be cancelled in writing directly with the timeshare company.

Rental agreements between two individuals in Mexico are considered a private matter and are not regulated by the government.

If you encounter difficulties with a rental agreement, you must obtain the services of a Mexican lawyer. More about the International Driving Permit. You can obtain insurance at the Mexican border. You should obtain full coverage, including coverage for legal assistance. Automobile insurance is much more expensive in Mexico than in Canada.

You could be taken into custody until responsibility for the accident is determined and all penalties are paid. These regulations are strictly enforced. An exemption may be obtained for cars with foreign plates by requesting a tourist pass. It is granted either for two periods of seven days or one period of 14 days within a six-month period. Without a permit, you may be fined and have your vehicle seized. If you do, your vehicle may be seized and you may be subject to a fine and deportation.

In some parts of Mexico, particularly tourist destinations, hotels and other service providers may advertise prices in USD. There is a limit to the amount of U. Failure to make this declaration is against Mexican law and often results in detention.

Mexico is subject to various natural disasters such as hurricanes, earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, torrential rains, floods and mudslides. In the event of a natural disaster, official information is available from the Mexican government. Hurricanes usually occur from mid-May to the end of November. During this period, even small tropical storms can quickly develop into major hurricanes. The rainy season extends from June to November. Seasonal flooding and landslides can hamper overland travel and reduce the provision of essential services.

Roads may become impassable and bridges damaged. The Green Angels Angeles Verdes , a highway patrol service, provides free assistance on all major toll highways from 8 a. Due to the ongoing pandemic, the following Canadian government offices in Mexico are limiting in-person services:. Contact us by email or telephone before visiting our offices.

We provide emergency consular services on an appointment basis. For emergency consular assistance, call the Embassy of Canada to Mexico, in Mexico City, and follow the instructions. There are no significant safety and security concerns.

The overall safety and security situation is similar to that of Canada. You should take normal security precautions. There are identifiable safety and security concerns or the safety and security situation could change with little notice. You should exercise a high degree of caution at all times, monitor local media and follow the instructions of local authorities.

There are specific safety and security concerns that could put you at risk. You should reconsider your need to travel to the country, territory or region.

If you are already in the country, territory or region, you should reconsider whether or not you really need to be there. If not, you should consider leaving while it is still safe to do so. There is an extreme risk to your personal safety and security.

You should not travel to this country, territory or region. If you are already in the country, territory or region, you should consider leaving if it is safe to do so. The decision to travel is your choice and you are responsible for your personal safety abroad.

We take the safety and security of Canadians abroad very seriously and provide credible and timely information in our Travel Advice to enable you to make well-informed decisions regarding your travel abroad.

The content on this page is provided for information only. While we make every effort to give you correct information, it is provided on an "as is" basis without warranty of any kind, expressed or implied. The Government of Canada does not assume responsibility and will not be liable for any damages in connection to the information provided. If you need consular assistance while abroad, we will make every effort to help you. However, there may be constraints that will limit the ability of the Government of Canada to provide services.

Learn more about consular services. Regardless of your vaccination status: stay informed of COVID activity at your destination, which can vary significantly and change quickly from one country to another and within regions of the country use personal protective measures like wearing a mask, washing hands and maintaining physical distancing where possible follow any additional local public health measures while travelling avoid all cruise ship travel outside of Canada check Canadian travel requirements.

These could include: curfews, movement restrictions, or lockdowns the obligation to wear a face-covering or a surgical mask in some circumstances the obligation to present proof of vaccination or a COVID test result to access public services and spaces Foreign authorities might not recognize or accept proof of vaccination issued by Canadian provinces and territories. Merchandise allowed when arriving to Mexico Personal baggage Passengers are allowed to bring, free of duty, merchandise in their personal luggage when entering the country.

Duty-free allowance Duty-free allowance is a tax exemption granted by the Mexican Government to a national or foreign passenger for certain merchandise he is bringing in Mexico. NOTE: This information is for guidance purposes only. Rules and regulations to import weapons Importing weapons, ammunition, cartridges, explosives and related chemical substances to Mexico requires the appropriate permits.