Lake Chapala Ajijic Mexico Information

Crossing The Border

If you are going to live at Lake Chapala or visit Lake Chapala then you need to know what to expect when crossing the border. No matter what border you cross at, the rules are the same, although this does not mean they are enforced the same at each border. Welcome to Mexico, where logic goes out the window. Assuming you are crossing by car there are a number of things you must have with you when you reach the border. Before leaving home make 3 copies of your drivers license, Mexican car insurance papers, car ownership, passport and all credit cards, debit cards and any other card where if lost would present problems for you.

If your car has a lien on it you must have a notorized statement from the finance company saying that they agree to you taking the car into Mexico. All documents you present at the immigration window must be originals. When photocopying your passport make sure to copy every page including front and back covers. Your will also have to pay for your FMT (Tourist Visa) approximately $15 to $20 US. When you reach the border point you will be presenting these papers at a number of different windows. They will be checked and some papers will be kept. Make sure you receive all your originals back. You will need them. Carry a copy of all your document in the car with the exception of credit cards. Never carry your originals. Leave them at home in a safe place.

You now have your sticker for your car importation. The paper it comes with will instruct you as to where to afix it on your window. It can vary. Keep the paperwork that the sticker came with and make photo copies of it and keep them in your house in a safe place. Carry a copy in the car with your other documentation. Once you put the sticker on, you are now on your way. Somewhere down the road will be checkpoint Charlie….aka an inspection station. Here you will be stopped and you will see lights ahead. If you get a green light continue on. If you get a red light you will be pulled to the side and your car may be inspected. Don’t panic. They are looking for people not bringing in normal household items. If you have dogs in the car you will most like be waived on. They normally do not want to search a car with a dog in it. Should they decided to look through the car, be nice, polite and helpful. They will ask you questions and if you don’t speak Spanish don’t worry. At most the worst that can happen is you may be charged 17% duty on some items. Most likely it will be a small amount to satisify the guards. Do not bring in the usual banned items. This will end you in a lot of trouble. At this point you have officially crossed the border. Welcome to Mexico.