automexinsurance.com - 1-23-2006 at 01:19 PM
Crossing the border is extremely simple, there are no immigration checks entering Mexico for travel in the border region. However, if you go into the
interior of the country you will encounter vehicle importation and immigration checkpoints, but none of this happens on the trip to San Felipe. You
will seldom be asked to pull over for an inspection by the Customs authorities, the exception being vehicles that seem to be heavily loaded or hauling
electric appliances. Do not bring your gun (or ammunition!) into Mexico - the Mexican government is very strict about bringing firearms into the
country. If you are caught with a gun, your vehicle and everything in it will be confiscated and you will go to jail.
Buy Mexican insurance for your vehicle (there are links in our Business Section - Auto Insurance, for on-line purchases) by the day or year for your
visit. At the very minimum, purchase liability coverage.
You can buy your policy here: http://www.automexinsurance.com
There are good deals on liquor and tobacco products. You are allowed legally to bring only 2 cartons of cigarettes and 3 liters of liquor (per person)
into Mexico. If you have purchased more than that be prepared to pay duty on the rest if you are stopped. Remember that you are only allowed to bring
one liter of alcohol back into the US when you return.
You don't need a visa to enter Mexico if you are going no further south than San Felipe and staying less than seven days. If you are staying longer or
heading further south you can get your visa at the border, at the immigration office here in San Felipe (recommended), or at the airport in San
Felipe. If you are staying longer than six months or own property in Mexico you need to get an FM 3, the Mexican equivalent of a green card.