A trip south of the border sounds like an exciting adventure. Whether you’re crossing the Mexico border by car or in an RV, there are a few important things that you need to know. Getting your ducks in a row can help ensure that you have all the necessary documents and items to ensure a smooth trip to Mexico.

Today, we’re sharing nine important things you should know about crossing the Mexico border. Let’s get started!

9 things you need to know about crossing the Mexican border by car or RV

1. Choose your lane wisely

When you’re approaching the border, there will be several options for lanes. Some are commercial lanes, and others are for passenger vehicles. In addition, there will also be lanes for those needing to declare items of value that they’ve purchased along the way. If you bring items back home less than the $300 duty-free limit per person, you don’t need to declare most of these items. However, you’ll need to stop and pay the duty if you exceed this limit.

If you’re driving to Mexico in an RV they should advise you on which lane to follow, which is usually the normal car lane. In our four times crossing the Mexico border, we were consistently advised to avoid the camion or commercial lanes.

2. You need a valid passport or passport card

Anyone planning to drive across the border will need a passport. The only exceptions to this rule are children under the age of 16. Children under 16 years old can use a birth certificate, naturalization papers, or citizenship certificates.

Getting a passport or passport card can be a daunting and time-consuming task. You must complete paperwork, take your picture, and ship it off for process by the U.S. Department of State Passport Services. Processing times can take anywhere from a few weeks to a few months. Make sure you start this process as early as possible to eliminate any potential issues with your trip.

3. Have a valid vehicle registration in your vehicle

You should always drive with the most current vehicle registration in your vehicle. However, if you plan to  cross the Mexican border in your vehicle, you’ll want to double-check to ensure you have it. If not, you could find yourself in a serious situation if Mexican authorities ask to see a current registration. The authorities could confiscate your vehicle and detain you until the matter gets sorted out.

4. Mexican liability insurance is required

Crossing the Mexican border in your vehicle means you’ll need Mexican liability insurance. While many US-based auto insurance companies offer this coverage, it’s not included with every policy. If caught driving in Mexico or you get into an accident without Mexican auto insurance, you could find yourself in serious legal troubles. Driving uninsured in Mexico is a serious offense and the consequences can be severe.

5. You cannot take certain things across the border

While many travelers have a long list of items they don’t want to forget to bring, there are some items you’ll want to ensure you don’t bring to the border. The U.S. Customs and Border Protection has a long list of items on its website that you should check before you head to the border. 

The most important things you want to leave at home are firearms, some fruits and vegetables, and any illegal drug paraphernalia. Ignorance of the rules and regulations will not get you out of trouble. You are responsible for reviewing the list of prohibited items and the requirements for bringing certain items when crossing the border.

6. There’s no paperwork needed for pets

There’s no paperwork needed when crossing the border with cats or dogs. However, it’s a good idea to always travel with an up-to-date rabies certificate, your pet’s vaccination records, and any other important medical records. You never know when they might come in handy.

7. You will need pesos to pay for tolls

While many toll booth stations near the border will accept American dollars, you’ll want to have pesos the further you get away from the border. It’s always good to have some pesos on hand for tolls, but also for paying for food and other items along the way. 

You never know who will and won’t accept American dollars, and you don’t want to pay a ton of fees by using your debit or credit card. Luckily, there are plenty of exchange centers along the most popular routes.

8. Stays longer than seven days require a permit

If you’re staying for less than seven days, you will need a short-term permit (FMM). However, if you’re staying between eight and 180 days, you must purchase and be approved for a special FMM permit. The Mexican authorities issue these permits at the Instituto Nacional de Migración (INM) which are usually located at the border crossing or within a 10 – 15 minute drive from the border.

It is up to you to remember to stop here and get this visa. If you continue driving and are pulled over without this, you can be in serious trouble.

9. Avoid crossing during the rush

Unless you like waiting in unpredictably long lines of traffic, avoid crossing during peak times. The border crossings typically experience the busiest times during the morning and afternoons. Arriving early in the morning or later in the evening can minimize your wait times. You can visit the U.S. Customs and Border Protection website to check the current estimated wait times for the various border crossings.

Crossing the Mexico border doesn’t have to be stressful