New and Improved Border FAQ's
DISCLAIMER: Although I believe this information was correct when I wrote it, and may still be correct when you cross the border, you have to watch out for what I call the "Red Clown Nose Contin...
Forum Discussion
TEMPORARY IMPORT PERMITS (TIPs)
also called Temporary Vehicle Permits
GENERAL:
NOTICE! The following includes the June, 2011 changes.
There will be a vehicle background search of both US and Canadian databases to ensure that the vehicle isn't stolen or doesn't have other flags on it. This will be a computer-based search and shouldn't take more than 5 minutes.
There are two different types of TIP's that we are concerned about; 6 month TIPs and 10 Year TIPs. The 10 year TIP is discussed below. The 6 month TIP is for non-RV's. If you have a cargo trailer, boat under 14' on a trailer, ATV, scooter, or motorcycle 250cc or under; they will be included in the vehicle TIP. If you have a truck and a motorcycle over 250cc it will take 2 people to get across the border legally (although some border officials ignore the motorcycle) because you can only have one 6 month vehicle permit and one 10 year TIP at a time.
Both the 6 month and the 10 year Temporary Import Permits (TIPs) are issued by the Banjercito, not the Migración office. To get a permit you must have a FMM (and copies) so go to the Migración office first. You will also need the following (with copies);
*There is no federal regulation requiring you to show proof of insurance, but there are big signs in the Banjercito office stating that it is required. Even so, I've never been asked to show proof of insurance but I always have it available, just in case.
There is a surety bond of about $200-400 for each vehicle (Does not apply to RV/Motorhomes). This can be paid either in cash or by credit card and will be based on the value of the vehicle(s). This bond will be returned when you re-cross the border back into the U.S. If you paid by credit card, your card will be reimbursed within 3 working days; if you paid cash, you will get it back immediately. This has been the experience of everyone that I've heard from, without exception.
Here's an example: You are single and drive a class A with a pickup in tow. On that pickup you have a 250 cc dirt bike or OTR. On the pickup rack you have a kayak.
With this scenerio, the single guy has no problems. He will get a 10 year RV TIP for the Class A, and a 6 month vehicle TIP for the pickup. All of the other stuff is considered recreational equipment and doesn't require separate TIP's. They might show up on the pickup's TIP, but in the past they were just ignored most of the time.
Now if you increase the cc of the dirt bike to over 250 cc, the single guy is in trouble, he needs two 6 month vehicle TIP's. Which is a no-no. So, he's going to have to have someone else with him to get the second vehicle TIP; and that someone has to be on the registration of either the pickup or the bike.
BOAT TIPS
Trailered boats over 14 ft. are subject to the same Temporary Vehicle Permit process as other vehicles. There is a 10 year permit available, similar to the RV permit and available from the same sources, including the Banjercito website. I believe one person can have both a 10 year RV and a 10 year boat TIP at the same time. But I'm not sure on this one.
For years, the boat TIP was not asked for in Baja or Sonora. However, I’ve got first-hand information that some COTP’s (Captain of the Port) have been asking for them as a condition of issuing a “Harbor Permit”. I’m not sure how widespread this is in Baja or what ports are involved, but I do know it happened in Bahia Kino, Sonora; and a couple of ports in Baja Sur.
Mainland Mexico
NOTICE!!
The June 2011 also changed or eliminated some of these zones and TIP's may or may not now be needed in the various zones.
Federal Temporary Import Permits (TIP) (not the "Sonora Only" permit discussed below) are required everywhere in Mexico except where listed below.
Baja and Northern Sonora
TIP’s are not required anywhere on the Baja peninsula and the northern part of Sonora over to and including Puerto Peñasco (Rocky Point).This is the "exclusion zone" or "hassle free zone".
Sonora
Here is where the confusion starts! Besides the exclusion zone (see above), there are two other exception areas in Sonora. They are known as the "Sonora Free Zone" and the "Sonora Only Zone". The names aren't the only confusion factors as will be pointed out below
SONORA FREE ZONE; This zone extends down to Empalme, not counting the exclusion zone. Inside this zone, you are supposed to be able to travel freely with just your FM-T. No vehicle permits are required.
SONORA ONLY ZONE; This covers all of Sonora not covered by the above. This Temporary Vehicle Permit is issued by the State of Sonora and not the Federal Government. Another little glitch here is that you can't get this sticker at the border crossings; you have to get it at Empalmé (although I've heard rumors that they are also available at the KM 21 checkpoint).
10 YEAR RV PERMITS:
Something introduced in December 2005 is the 10-year RV permit. Units that qualify for this permit are Class A, B, C, and the RV portion of Fifth Wheels. The travel trailer portion of a tow-and-trailer setup also qualifies for a 10 year permit. However, truck campers and the tow vehicles for travel trailers and 5ers don't qualify. As stated, these are good for 10 years and, for the qualified RV, this is the only thing offered. The 6 month Temporary Vehicle Permit is no longer available for these RV's.
You can only have one each of the 10 year and the 6 month permit. This means that if you are driving a truck camper and towing another vehicle, you will need two people to get both of them into Mexico. And the person applying for the TIP has to be listed on the registration.
Banjercito Website
Banjercito website is a website for getting your TIP’s (Temporary Import Permit) on-line. You can get TIP’s for your vehicle, motorhome, or boat.
The site allows you to select your language (Spanish or English) and then proceed to the selected TIP. You can use this site to either “pre-register” (do all the paperwork on line and pick up the TIP at the border crossing) or actually get your TIP in advance. However, some restrictions apply.
To get the TIP you have to complete the application procedure up to 60 days prior to your trip, and a minimum of 1 month. This is to allow time for processing and mailing. The cost is $49.50 U.S. and you can pay with most major credit cards.
It is recommended that you visit the site before you want to actually use it, and read the “pre-register” pages, especially the “Required Documents” page so you can gather everything you need ahead of time. Even if you don’t use the site to get the TIP, this information is also what you need to get it at the border. Just break off before you submit any data, unless you want to pick up the TIP at the border.
The trick here is to know that the English translation of "Otre" is "Other". By picking this option you can then fill in your information.
it's finally becoming a usable tool.
Grade: “B” for effort, “C” for usability!
On edit; The reports I've received from people that have actually used this site has been mostly positive and the turn-around time has been excellent. People have reported getting the TIP by private messenger within a couple of days of submittal.
Second edit; I'll be using this site for my vehicles shortly and will give everyone a 'blow by blow' description of how it goes. I've also corrected the link
The latest info on delivery time is as follows; (from slowlyiturn)
We applied for our holograms on Oct 7th. Received the trailer one on Oct 21st by courier-DHL. The truck hologram came on Nov 9th-same courier service. We then sent digital scans back to Banjercito of our documents and we're ready to go,but not until Dec 29th. At the other end of the spectrum is 'slowlyiturn' who got his in 6 days!
CANCELING A 10 YEAR TIP:
A 10 year TIP can only be cancelled two ways,
WARNING: Some of this no longer applies. See this Link for the latest info.
I'll rewrite this page to incorporate this and all the other recent changes soon.
1. At the border; in person (with the vehicle). Take your paperwork and the vehicle with the hologram (do NOT remove the hologram yourself) to a banjercito near or at the border that issues/cancels TIP's. They will scan and remove the hologram, check your VIN and your passport, take your paperwork, and issue you a RETORNO DEFINITIVO receipt. Don't lose this.
2. Not at the border. If you need to cancel a 10 year TIP and you don't want to go all the way back to the border, or don't have a hologram to turn in, (Vehicle sold/traded in/scrapped/stolen, or you replaced your windshield without first removing the hologram) you can either fill out a form or write a letter explaining your circumstances, include the supporting documentation, and send the whole thing to Mexico City. If you still have the hologram, you can remove it yourself by using a hair dryer on the outside and peeling it off from the inside. You should be able to get it off in one or two pieces. Lay them out on a sheet of paper (they should stick) and send it, the original paperwork, and all the supporting documents listed on the form to the below address. I have the form available in English and Spanish. It includes a list of supporting documents needed. These forms can be downloaded from my website, Turtleandtoad.com
The address to submit this stuff to is;
Return to Index
also called Temporary Vehicle Permits
GENERAL:
NOTICE! The following includes the June, 2011 changes.
There will be a vehicle background search of both US and Canadian databases to ensure that the vehicle isn't stolen or doesn't have other flags on it. This will be a computer-based search and shouldn't take more than 5 minutes.
There are two different types of TIP's that we are concerned about; 6 month TIPs and 10 Year TIPs. The 10 year TIP is discussed below. The 6 month TIP is for non-RV's. If you have a cargo trailer, boat under 14' on a trailer, ATV, scooter, or motorcycle 250cc or under; they will be included in the vehicle TIP. If you have a truck and a motorcycle over 250cc it will take 2 people to get across the border legally (although some border officials ignore the motorcycle) because you can only have one 6 month vehicle permit and one 10 year TIP at a time.
Both the 6 month and the 10 year Temporary Import Permits (TIPs) are issued by the Banjercito, not the Migración office. To get a permit you must have a FMM (and copies) so go to the Migración office first. You will also need the following (with copies);
- Proof of Citizenship
- Drivers license
- Registration
- Letter from lien holder
- Insurance* (The whole policy, not just a card)
- Credit Card (MasterCard, Visa, AmEx, & Diners Club are the only ones currently accepted).
*There is no federal regulation requiring you to show proof of insurance, but there are big signs in the Banjercito office stating that it is required. Even so, I've never been asked to show proof of insurance but I always have it available, just in case.
There is a surety bond of about $200-400 for each vehicle (Does not apply to RV/Motorhomes). This can be paid either in cash or by credit card and will be based on the value of the vehicle(s). This bond will be returned when you re-cross the border back into the U.S. If you paid by credit card, your card will be reimbursed within 3 working days; if you paid cash, you will get it back immediately. This has been the experience of everyone that I've heard from, without exception.
Here's an example: You are single and drive a class A with a pickup in tow. On that pickup you have a 250 cc dirt bike or OTR. On the pickup rack you have a kayak.
With this scenerio, the single guy has no problems. He will get a 10 year RV TIP for the Class A, and a 6 month vehicle TIP for the pickup. All of the other stuff is considered recreational equipment and doesn't require separate TIP's. They might show up on the pickup's TIP, but in the past they were just ignored most of the time.
Now if you increase the cc of the dirt bike to over 250 cc, the single guy is in trouble, he needs two 6 month vehicle TIP's. Which is a no-no. So, he's going to have to have someone else with him to get the second vehicle TIP; and that someone has to be on the registration of either the pickup or the bike.
BOAT TIPS
Trailered boats over 14 ft. are subject to the same Temporary Vehicle Permit process as other vehicles. There is a 10 year permit available, similar to the RV permit and available from the same sources, including the Banjercito website. I believe one person can have both a 10 year RV and a 10 year boat TIP at the same time. But I'm not sure on this one.
For years, the boat TIP was not asked for in Baja or Sonora. However, I’ve got first-hand information that some COTP’s (Captain of the Port) have been asking for them as a condition of issuing a “Harbor Permit”. I’m not sure how widespread this is in Baja or what ports are involved, but I do know it happened in Bahia Kino, Sonora; and a couple of ports in Baja Sur.
Mainland Mexico
NOTICE!!
The June 2011 also changed or eliminated some of these zones and TIP's may or may not now be needed in the various zones.
Federal Temporary Import Permits (TIP) (not the "Sonora Only" permit discussed below) are required everywhere in Mexico except where listed below.
Baja and Northern Sonora
TIP’s are not required anywhere on the Baja peninsula and the northern part of Sonora over to and including Puerto Peñasco (Rocky Point).This is the "exclusion zone" or "hassle free zone".
Sonora
Here is where the confusion starts! Besides the exclusion zone (see above), there are two other exception areas in Sonora. They are known as the "Sonora Free Zone" and the "Sonora Only Zone". The names aren't the only confusion factors as will be pointed out below
SONORA FREE ZONE; This zone extends down to Empalme, not counting the exclusion zone. Inside this zone, you are supposed to be able to travel freely with just your FM-T. No vehicle permits are required.
SONORA ONLY ZONE; This covers all of Sonora not covered by the above. This Temporary Vehicle Permit is issued by the State of Sonora and not the Federal Government. Another little glitch here is that you can't get this sticker at the border crossings; you have to get it at Empalmé (although I've heard rumors that they are also available at the KM 21 checkpoint).
10 YEAR RV PERMITS:
Something introduced in December 2005 is the 10-year RV permit. Units that qualify for this permit are Class A, B, C, and the RV portion of Fifth Wheels. The travel trailer portion of a tow-and-trailer setup also qualifies for a 10 year permit. However, truck campers and the tow vehicles for travel trailers and 5ers don't qualify. As stated, these are good for 10 years and, for the qualified RV, this is the only thing offered. The 6 month Temporary Vehicle Permit is no longer available for these RV's.
You can only have one each of the 10 year and the 6 month permit. This means that if you are driving a truck camper and towing another vehicle, you will need two people to get both of them into Mexico. And the person applying for the TIP has to be listed on the registration.
Banjercito Website
Banjercito website is a website for getting your TIP’s (Temporary Import Permit) on-line. You can get TIP’s for your vehicle, motorhome, or boat.
The site allows you to select your language (Spanish or English) and then proceed to the selected TIP. You can use this site to either “pre-register” (do all the paperwork on line and pick up the TIP at the border crossing) or actually get your TIP in advance. However, some restrictions apply.
To get the TIP you have to complete the application procedure up to 60 days prior to your trip, and a minimum of 1 month. This is to allow time for processing and mailing. The cost is $49.50 U.S. and you can pay with most major credit cards.
It is recommended that you visit the site before you want to actually use it, and read the “pre-register” pages, especially the “Required Documents” page so you can gather everything you need ahead of time. Even if you don’t use the site to get the TIP, this information is also what you need to get it at the border. Just break off before you submit any data, unless you want to pick up the TIP at the border.
The trick here is to know that the English translation of "Otre" is "Other". By picking this option you can then fill in your information.
it's finally becoming a usable tool.
Grade: “B” for effort, “C” for usability!
On edit; The reports I've received from people that have actually used this site has been mostly positive and the turn-around time has been excellent. People have reported getting the TIP by private messenger within a couple of days of submittal.
Second edit; I'll be using this site for my vehicles shortly and will give everyone a 'blow by blow' description of how it goes. I've also corrected the link
The latest info on delivery time is as follows; (from slowlyiturn)
We applied for our holograms on Oct 7th. Received the trailer one on Oct 21st by courier-DHL. The truck hologram came on Nov 9th-same courier service. We then sent digital scans back to Banjercito of our documents and we're ready to go,but not until Dec 29th. At the other end of the spectrum is 'slowlyiturn' who got his in 6 days!
CANCELING A 10 YEAR TIP:
A 10 year TIP can only be cancelled two ways,
WARNING: Some of this no longer applies. See this Link for the latest info.
I'll rewrite this page to incorporate this and all the other recent changes soon.
1. At the border; in person (with the vehicle). Take your paperwork and the vehicle with the hologram (do NOT remove the hologram yourself) to a banjercito near or at the border that issues/cancels TIP's. They will scan and remove the hologram, check your VIN and your passport, take your paperwork, and issue you a RETORNO DEFINITIVO receipt. Don't lose this.
2. Not at the border. If you need to cancel a 10 year TIP and you don't want to go all the way back to the border, or don't have a hologram to turn in, (Vehicle sold/traded in/scrapped/stolen, or you replaced your windshield without first removing the hologram) you can either fill out a form or write a letter explaining your circumstances, include the supporting documentation, and send the whole thing to Mexico City. If you still have the hologram, you can remove it yourself by using a hair dryer on the outside and peeling it off from the inside. You should be able to get it off in one or two pieces. Lay them out on a sheet of paper (they should stick) and send it, the original paperwork, and all the supporting documents listed on the form to the below address. I have the form available in English and Spanish. It includes a list of supporting documents needed. These forms can be downloaded from my website, Turtleandtoad.com
The address to submit this stuff to is;
- C.P. Sofía Leticia Alderete Flores
Administradora de Operación Aduanera “3”
Administración Central de Operación Aduanera
Administración General de Aduanas
Av. Hidalgo No. 77, Módulo IV, 1er piso, Col. Guerrero,
Delegación Cuauhtémoc, C.P. 06300, México D.F
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