Crossing the Border into Mexico from the Southwest United States

Documents, Shopping, Customs and More

Documents for Tourist Travel Across the Mexican Border

As of June 1, 2009, any U.S. citizen returning to the United States from Mexico through a land port of entry must present a U.S. passport or a U.S. birth certificate plus valid government issued identification such as a driver's license. Passports and passport cards will become the only accepted form of ID as of June 1, 2009. Alternately, passport cards will be available starting in spring 2008 for U.S. citizens wo don't travel by air or sea and just cross the border occasionally. The cost will be $45 versus $97 for a passport.

With the exception of travel to the Baja Peninsula, tourists wishing to travel beyond the border zone with their car must obtain a temporary import permit or risk having their car confiscated by Mexican customs officials.

I recommend carrying a copy of your passport so that you have your passport number with you even if you are crossing the border with your passport. If you stay overnight, it may be wise to keep your passport in a hotel safe and carry to copy with you in your purse or wallet.

If you plan to stay awhile in Mexico, Kathleen, our Student Travel Writer and Guide, has some great tips for planning your trip to Mexico.

When You Go Across the Border

After reading all of this you may not want to go across the border, but if you don't you will miss a taste of border town Mexico that is colorful and fun. If you stay in the main tourist areas, visit in the daytime, and cross back into the United States before late evening, you should have a great time. Of course, watch the news and State Department warnings and follow the rules.

Don't judge the border towns by U.S. standards. You will see a different standard of living. Expect that and enjoy the fact that you are in a foreign country, just steps away from your own.

Be cautious about eating and drinking. If you eat in a restaurant, make sure that you stick to cooked foods. Avoid fruits and vegetables and dishes made with cream and milk (it may or may not be pasteurized). Avoid ice in your beverages. A soda, beer or glass of wine would be a good choice for something to drink with your meal. If you want to go one step further and prevent "Montezuma's Revenge," or Traveler's Diarrhea our About.com Symptom Checker has some good advice.

When shopping in markets or small shops, offer half the marked or quoted price and negotiate from there. It is expected that you will bargain. Be cautious about quality. What may appear to be gold or silver might just disappoint you as soon as you cross back over the border!

Know and follow the Customs limits and declare what you have purchased. There are limits on cigarettes and alcohol. Make sure you check the rules before you go shopping. Student Travel has more on this subject. (Don't bring back a sea turtle purse, for example!)

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