Entering into Mexico, US or Canadian citizens must carry proof of citizenship in the form of a birth certificate, voter registration card, or passport.
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.
Driving beyond the border towns or staying longer than 72 hours:
For those staying more than 72 hours or going beyond the border towns, a Mexican Tourist Entry Card, also known as the DNI form, is required, along with a Visitor Fee of $178 (Mexican Pesos, amount subject to change) or its equivalent in US funds. The DNI entitles unlimited visits up to 6 months. Mexican immigration authorities will request proof of necessary fees being paid before leaving Mexico.
DNI Forms are available at Mexican Consulates, Mexican Government Tourism Offices and border immigration offices and many local Convention & Visitor Bureaus along the US/Mexican border.
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. Title of vehicle ownership or lien-holder authorization letter is required for the $15.00 (US dollars, paid with a US credit card) auto permits which must be displayed on the windshield and presented at the Federal Inspection Points enroute to the Mexican interior.
Automobile Insurance:
Although Mexican auto insurance coverage is not mandatory, it is highly recommended for interior travel and is available in all US border towns. 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.
Customs Service:
US law authorizes customs' inspectors to examine luggage, cargo and travelers crossing into the US.
All articles acquired in Mexico must be declared.
$400 exemption for gifts and personal articles.
1 liter of alcoholic beverage per person (over age 21 only) each 30 days. Federal law permits one liter duty free 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.
Steroids are prohibited...check with Customs about any medication.
No illegal drugs in any amount. May result in serious fines, loss of vehicle and/or imprisonment.
No switchblade knives, sea turtle boots or any article made of endangered species, i.e. crocodile, elephant.
Most fruits are prohibited (no oranges, apples, etc.). Do not take US fruits & meats to Mexico. You can't bring them back. Before you go to Mexico, ask USDA for a list of items you can bring back. Fines ranging from $50 to $100 may result if you fail to declare agricultural items.
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.
Game legally taken in Mexico may be brought into Texas only if accompanied by an official US Customms statement that it originated in mexico. Fish caught in Mexico only need to be declared at the port of entry.
MEXICO BORDER CROSSING INFORMATION