• STEP 1 - Mexico Insurance
• STEP 2 - Tourist Visa
• STEP 3 - Temporary Vehicle Importation Permit
• STEP 4 - Proof of Citizenship
  

• Purchase and Print your Mexico Insurance Policy online

U.S. automobile insurance is not valid in Mexico.  Even though some U.S. companies extend their coverage a certain number of miles from the border, if you have an accident only a Mexican automobile liability policy is acceptable by the Mexican authorities as evidence of financial responsibility.   

It is important to understand that under Mexican law an automobile accident is a criminal offense and authorities there operate on the Napoleonic Code, which presumes guilt until innocence is proven.   As a result, all parties involved in a motor vehicle accident in Mexico are detained for assessing responsibility.

Therefore, a Mexican insurance policy is recognized by the authorities as a guarantee of proper payment for damages according to the terms of the policy.  When presented, it can significantly reduce red tape and help to bring about an early release.  Note:  A Mexican insurance policy may not prevent a motorist from actually being detained if he or she is involved in an accident that results in injury or death.

All accidents or claims must be reported before leaving Mexico.

• Anyone visiting the Free Trade Zone for more than 72 hours (3 days).
• Anyone traveling into the Interior of Mexico regardless of length of stay.

You can get blank tourist visas in advance of your trip from Mexican consulates in the U.S. and Canada.  You can also get them from the Immigration (Emigracion) Office at border Points of Entry.  Present your proof of citizenship and a completed tourist visa form to the immigration (emigracion) agent for an official stamp before proceeding into Mexico.

To obtain the Temporary Vehicle Importation Permit, you must have:

• Valid drivers license.
• Vehicle's original title or original registration.
• If the vehicle is leased or is not owned by you, you must have a notarized letter from the leasing company and/or registered owner giving you permission to take the vehicle into Mexico.  Be sure it includes the VIN number.
• If there is a lien on the vehicle, a letter from the lien-holder authorizing use of the vehicle in Mexico.
• Major credit card in your name (on a U.S. or Canadian bank).  Use the card to pay the vehicle permit fee, approximately $11-$20.  Note: This card is also used to guarantee to the Mexican government that the vehicle will be returned to the U.S.  If you do not wish to use a credit card, you must post a bond equal to the value of your vehicle, a costly and involved procedure.
  
  

Anyone traveling into Mexico must have proof of citizenship in order to return to the United States. Acceptable proofs of citizenship for U.S. or Canadian citizens include:

• Current passport
• Original state-issued birth certificate
• Original Certificate of Naturalization
  
  As early as January 1, 2008 all persons including US citizens traveling by land between the United States and Mexico may be required to present a valid passport to enter the country.
  
  Drivers licenses, baptismal certificates and voter registration cards are not acceptable. Learn more about passport regulations here.