travel to mexico via car

Traveling To Mexico By Car: Your Complete Guide

About the author

Alex Gomez, the founder of Mexico Travel Buddy, combines his firsthand, on-the-ground experiences in Mexico with a personal connection to the country, fostered through his Mexican wife and numerous explorations. More info

If you’ve thought about taking a road trip to one of the greatest countries in the world, you may be wondering what exactly is required to travel to Mexico by vehicle.

This article covers everything you need to know about traveling to Mexico by car. Jump to whichever section you find most relevant using the following table of contents.

When you’re ready, you will also need to purchase a Mexican car insurance policy – check out my comprehensive guide on that topic.

Required Documents To Travel To Mexico By Car

Driving to Mexico from the U.S. is quite simple. However, you need to ensure you have a few things before crossing the border by land. Make sure you have these essentials, or you won’t be crossing the border anytime soon.

• Valid Passport Card or Book (passport card is more convenient)

Entry Permit (FMM)

• Mexican Vehicle Insurance (if your current policy doesn’t cover you in Mexico)

Valid Proof Of Vehicle Registration

• Temporary Vehicle Importation Permit (purchase online at Banjercito.com or at the border)

Crossing The Border Into Mexico By Car

Upon arrival at the U.S. – Mexico border, you will need to choose the appropriate lane for your situation. If you have more than $75 worth of merchandise, but no more than $1,000 per person, then you must proceed to the “Declaration Lane.” Here you will fill out a declaration form regarding the merchandise you are bringing across the border.

If you have nothing to declare besides your personal items, choose the “Nothing To Declare” lane.

Regardless of which lane you choose, if you get the green light, you are good to proceed. However, if you get a red light, you must head to the secondary inspection area.

See also: Mexican Car Insurance: Everything You Need To Know

Here, CBP will inspect your vehicle and likely ask a few more questions about your travel plans. No need to panic here, they are just doing their job, and you will be on your way within a few minutes as long as you have nothing to hide.

If CBP finds something in your vehicle that should have been declared but wasn’t, you risk a fine or even jail time. So please don’t risk it.

Do You Need A Passport To Go To Mexico By Car

U.S. citizens must present a valid passport book or card and their Entry Permit (FMM) upon entry into Mexico.

A passport card is more convenient due to its RFID chip technology. If you have one of these cards, you can drive through a designated Ready Lane at the border and save some time (find out more info here ).

How To Use The Ready Lane

Once you have located the Ready Lane, get out your passport card and get ready to scan. When you pull up, display each card to the “Point Cards Here” sign on the in-lane reader.

Once you are finished, proceed forward as directed by a CBP officer and wait for further instructions.

See also: 13 Safest Cities In Mexico Worth Visiting – Insider Insights

In addition to your passport, you will need your entry permit, otherwise known as Forma Migratoria Multiple. Although they may not check for this form at the time of your border crossing, it is still a legal requirement to have this form on you when visiting Mexico as a foreigner.

You can get your Entry Permit at the Mexican Immigration office at the border, usually within minutes, and it only requires a valid passport to receive. If you prefer being ready ahead of time, you may fill a form out online instead .

You must ensure the vehicle you’re driving to Mexico with has a valid registration. If you are caught in Mexico without registration or even expired tags, you risk having your vehicle confiscated by Mexican authorities . Furthermore, you may end up with additional fines and potentially incarceration.

Why even risk the hassle of any of these potential outcomes? Confirm your registration is good, and you will be good. Simple.

When Is A Temporary Vehicle Importation Permit Required

A temporary vehicle permit is not required if you are traveling within the “Free Zone” (no further than 25 miles past the border or 60 miles in Sonora) or when driving in the Baja Peninsula . A TIP is good for up to 6 months on a foreign vehicle for private use.

If you plan on traveling outside of the Free Zone, a Temporary Vehicle Permit is required .

See also: What You Need To Legally Fish In Mexico: A Complete Guide

Where To Get A Temporary Vehicle Importation Permit

You may request a temporary vehicle permit online or in person at Banjercito . When requesting your permit online, I recommend you do this 7 to 14 days in advance of your planned trip.

If you prefer to get your temporary vehicle permit in person, you may do so at a Banjercito office at the Mexico border, or you can schedule an appointment at certain Mexican Consulates in the U.S. Click HERE to schedule an appointment at your nearest consulate.

Documents Required To Receive a Temporary Vehicle Importation Permit

If you need a TIP, make sure you have the required documents to prove legal ownership of the vehicle being temporarily imported.

Mexicans with legal residency outside of Mexico must have the following documents to receive their Temporary Vehicle Permit:

• Permanent Resident Card
• Passport (Not Mexican)
• Passport Card

Requirements For A Financed Vehicle To Receive Your TIP

If your vehicle is still financed and you do not have the title in hand, you will need to request a letter of permission from your lender. Generally, the lender will need a copy of your Mexican insurance policy for your vehicle. Your policy will need to show coverage for the entire time you plan on being in Mexico with your vehicle.

Note that if you owe more on your vehicle than it is actually worth, your lender may require a more expensive insurance policy to be purchased in order to cover the total loan amount.

Cost Of A Temporary Vehicle Importation Permit

Do you need mexico car insurance to drive in mexico.

Only third-party liability (TPL) insurance is required by law in Mexico when operating any vehicle on a federal roadway; any other insurance is optional. If you are pulled over without proper insurance coverage or involved in an accident, you may be fined up to $500,000 ! Not only that, but you may be thrown in jail.

Most U.S. insurance policies will not cover you or your vehicle while in Mexico, so check with your current insurance provider.

Where To Buy Mexico Vehicle Insurance

You may purchase a Mexican insurance policy at the border or conveniently online at BajaBound.com . I highly recommend you purchase your Mexico insurance policy before leaving on your trip so there is no hassle at the border and you are stress-free.

SO PLEASE , get a dang insurance policy so you are covered in Mexico. I don’t care where you get your policy. Ensure you have a policy to avoid any potential fines or imprisonment. It’s not something worth risking, at least not in my opinion.

You will need to purchase a Mexican insurance policy for the time you will be traveling in Mexico. I don’t want you to worry; getting a Mexican insurance policy is generally quick and easy. You can even ask your current insurer if they have a policy you can purchase for use in Mexico.

Otherwise, I would personally get insurance through BajaBound Mexican Insurance . They are the easiest way to get Mexican auto insurance, and you can have a quote supplied instantly after submitting the required information.

They have been in business for over 20 years and are also rated A+ by the Better Business Bureau the last time I checked. As well they offer 24/7 customer service and have some of the best rates you will find, even for the budget traveler. I took these screenshots to show you how simple getting insurance on BajaBound is.

If you don’t get your insurance through BajaBound, at least check out their site ; they also have some excellent information regarding traveling to Mexico.

Don’t forget to also visit my article on Mexican Car Insurance for more in-depth information.

Driving A Rental Vehicle To Mexico

If you plan on taking a rental vehicle to Mexico, you will first need to find a rental company that allows their vehicles to travel out of the country to Mexico. Also, you will need the rental company to provide a letter of permission stating you can drive the vehicle to Mexico.

Only a few rental car companies will even consider allowing you to take their vehicle out of the country and into Mexico. Budget rental car company will allow you to take their vehicle into Mexico but you must sign up for a corporate account; so if you’re not traveling for work, good luck.

Enterprise , however, will let anyone drive their vehicles to Mexico. The only catch is that only certain branches will offer this service. Contact whichever branch you are renting from to confirm they allow travel to Mexico.

If you can’t find a branch locally that offers this, you may have better luck contacting a branch closer to the U.S. – Mexico border. Moreover, you will have to purchase Mexican auto insurance through them as part of the fee.

Is There A Fee To Enter Mexico By Land

The fee to enter Mexico by land or air is approximately $25.00 . When you purchase your Entry Permit (FMM), this is the entry form you are paying for that allows you entry into Mexico and is valid for up to 180 days once stamped. If you are staying in Mexico for 7 days or less, there is no fee.

Is It Safe To Travel To Mexico By Car

Generally, traveling to Mexico by car is considered safe. However, I recommend you avoid driving at night if you can to avoid potential crime , animal crossings, and large potholes in the roadway.

When driving in Mexico, it’s important you keep some pesos on you for toll fees. Also, carry some extra pesos if you need to stop somewhere to purchase anything. If you stop in a smaller town, they may have out-of-date ATMs or even no ATMs, so it’s best to be prepared and have some extra cash on you.

Prohibited And Restricted Items Not To Bring Back To The U.S.

The items that CBP prevents you from bringing back into the U.S. may injure community health, public safety, American workers, children, domestic plant and animal life or those that would defeat our national interests.

If an item is prohibited , it is forbidden by law to enter the U.S. with them. Some examples of prohibited items are dangerous toys, bush meat, or a vehicle without proper safety standards.

If an item is restricted , you need proper licenses or permits from a federal agency before the item is allowed into the U.S. Some examples of restricted items would be certain fruits and vegetables, animal by-products, and firearms.

Driving to Mexico can be quite an experience, especially if it is your first time. Being prepared and knowing what to expect will save you a lot of time and hassle when you get to the border.

It’s not as bad as you may think, though. Over 19 million people travel to Mexico by land every single year. So there is no reason to feel alone or even crazy about driving to Mexico because it’s very common.

Alex Gomez, the founder of Mexico Travel Buddy, combines his firsthand, on-the-ground experiences in Mexico with a personal connection to the country, fostered through his Mexican wife and numerous explorations. As a professional writer and avid travel enthusiast, his favorite destination remains anywhere within Mexico's diverse landscapes. His extensive travels have equipped him with a treasure trove of tips, tricks, and insights, which he enthusiastically shares with his audience. Alex's stories and photos on the website not only showcase his love for Mexico but also offer readers a deeply authentic and engaging perspective.

Read more by Alex Gomez

Leave a Comment Cancel reply

Welcome to mexico travel buddy.

We are excited to help you make the most out of your travels to Mexico, in a safe and joyful manner!

We share our personal experiences and expert advice so you can travel Mexico like a local.

Find out more about our journey and our love for Mexico.

Follow us on our socials!

Looking for something or somewhere specific? We might just have it!

Travel Like A Local Where's Your Next Stop?

Recent Posts

San Ignacio Mexico Travel Guide

March 30, 2024

Everything You Need to Know About Punta Baja: The Sleepy Seaside Camp of Your Dreams

Pescadero Mexico Travel Guide

Mulege Baja California Travel Guide

Before You Go to Mexico

More than 20 million Americans travel to Mexico every year, and a large portion choose to drive. When traveling to a foreign country, it's important to know the legal requirements for entering and leaving, so you can avoid expensive, inconvenient situations that could delay or disrupt your trip.

If you're driving to Mexico, crossing the Mexican border by car, and planning to use your vehicle in Mexico, here's what you need to know before you go, when you cross the border, and what you'll need and can expect upon returning to the U.S.

Requirements for Entering Mexico

Travelers must have a valid passport to visit Mexico. Alternatively, a passport card (not valid for air travel) can be used ONLY if you will be staying in the border zones. A passport card cannot be used for travel to the interior of Mexico , even by land, no matter what the U.S. government website says.

Keep a copy of all your documents in your hotel to facilitate replacement, should they be lost or stolen. If you are asked for your documents by Mexican officials, they want to see the originals, not copies. If all you have are copies, you will be detained until your "condition of stay" status is verified. (No, they will not let you go back to your hotel to get them.)

It's not a bad idea to visit the Embassy of Mexico website , in case there have been any recent changes to the requirements. You can also call the Embassy at (202)736-1000 or visit any Mexican Consulate in the U.S.

Note: The application process for a U.S. passport can easily take ten weeks or more, so don't wait until the last minute to submit your application. There is an expedited process available for an additional charge, but even that can take two weeks or more. Find more information on obtaining a passport at the www.travel.state.gov website .

Citizens of the U.S. and Canada do not require a tourist visa when visiting Mexico as tourists, journalists, students, or on business, provided their stay does not exceed 180 days. For stays longer than 180 days , you must apply for a Mexican Resident visa .

Tourist Permit (Mexico Migratory Form or FMM)

The Mexico Multiple Migratory Form or Forma Migratoria Múltiple (FMM) is a tourist permit and is not the same as a visa. All non-Mexican visitors are required to obtain an FMM .

Although the paper FMM has been phased out at Mexican airports, they are still issuing paper FMMs at the land borders. So, you need to plan on stopping to ensure your paperwork is in order when you cross the border.

The FMM is free if your stay in Mexico is less than seven days. Beyond that, an FMM can be issued for up to 180 days for a cost of $687 pesos (about $39 USD, May 2023). However, the official granting the FMM can assign any expiration date (less than 180 days) at their discretion.

The agents you see at the Mexico border crossing are customs officials (Aduanas) and not immigration. They should not ask to see your FMM because it is not their job, and they are not allowed to check your immigration status.

Thus, you must stop and go into the immigration office (INM) to get your FMM, or get it stamped if you purchased it online. If you bought your FMM online, bring your printed receipt with you or you will have to pay again.

If there is no Immigration location at the border, go to the "something to declare" area and let the agents know you need an FMM.

There can be serious consequences for not having an FMM when you travel to Mexico, including:

• Insurance claims may not be honored.
• You could be placed in immigration detention for up to 90 days and ultimately be deported back to your country of origin.
• In the event of an emergency requiring you to fly out of México, you could face delays.

While you are out and about in México, you are required to carry your passport and FMM with you. If you are a legal resident of México, you should have your resident's card. Copies are not good enough. Remember, if you are asked for your documents by Mexican officials, they want to see the originals, not copies.

Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) (U.S. Citizens Only)

You are not required to enroll in STEP , but it makes it easy for you to get messages if there is a security issue in the area in Mexico where you'll be traveling. It also makes it easier for the State Department to find you in the event of an emergency.

Requirements for Driving in Mexico

In addition to the items mentioned above, you will need the following if driving a vehicle in Mexico.

Temporary Vehicle Importation Permit (TIP)

If you plan to ONLY drive within Mexico's free or border zone there is no requirement for a TIP. However, if you are traveling beyond the free zone, you MUST get a TIP to temporarily 'import' your vehicle into Mexico. This is not something you want to skip! If you are caught in a TIP required area without one, your vehicle will be impounded. Oftentimes the fines and fees to get your vehicle back will be more than it is worth.

Even if Mexican border agents do not confirm you have a TIP, there are various checkpoints within the interior of Mexico where this is one of the first things they'll check.

The cost of a TIP is currently $59 (May 2023). There is an additional refundable deposit of $200 to $400, depending upon your vehicle's age. Your deposit will be refunded, when you cancel your permit , before its expiration date, at the border upon leaving Mexico. TIPs are valid for up to 180 days (usually the length of time given on your FMM or on your Temporary resident's card) and allow for multiple entries and exits.

You will need the valid original registration and possibly your original title to get a TIP. You need to have a document that shows you as the owner of the vehicle. If your registration does not have this designation, then you will need your title.

Read our Vehicle Import Permit FAQs if you have questions. Apply for your TIP online now through the Banjercito Website .

Letter of Permission for Financed, Borrowed, Rented Vehicles

If you are not the owner of the vehicle you will need a notarized letter of permission from the lienholder, rental company, or owner giving you permission to take the vehicle to México. You will need this to get a TIP, but it is also legally required to drive the vehicle in Mexico.

Vehicle Title**

Although it is not required (unless needed for obtaining your TIP), it is a good idea to have your vehicle's original title with you while in México. If your vehicle is impounded or in an accident, you will need the original title to get it out of impound.

** Canadians need their certificate of registration. México knows that Canada does not issue titles.

Driver's License

U.S. and Canadian driver's licenses are recognized in Mexico, so you do not need an international driver's license. Always carry your original valid license with you when driving in Mexico , not a copy.

If you do not have a valid non-Mexican driver's license, your Mexico insurance policy will be rendered invalid.

If you plan to rent a car in Mexico, you will need your driver's license.

Note: A driver's license CANNOT be used to get across the border to go to México, because a passport is needed to get an FMM .

Mexican Vehicle Insurance

Regardless of what your U.S. or Canadian insurer may tell you, Mexico does not recognize your foreign-issued liability insurance. Only Mexican auto liability insurance meets Mexico's legal requirements . Additionally, most comprehensive and collision coverage won't be valid in Mexico.

The U.S. State Department strongly recommends U.S. drivers purchase a full coverage Mexico vehicle insurance policy that also includes the cost of bail, in case you are determined to be at-fault in a vehicle accident while in Mexico.

Mexpro suggests you purchase your Mexican insurance only from an A-Rated Mexico insurer, as they can be trusted to take care of your vehicle, its occupants, and third parties if you need to file a claim. All Mexpro policies include our exclusive MexVisit® travel assistance product , that includes bail bond, auto and personal legal assistance, medical, and roadside assistance coverage.

Crossing the Mexico Border

When you cross the Mexican border by car, the Mexican border agent will likely not ask for your passport , FMM , driver's license , proof of insurance , or TIP . Even though they do not, you are required to have these items.

You must get your FMM at Mexico Immigration at the border, or get it stamped if you purchased it online. Do not leave the border without it.

You will be asked for your passport every time you exchange U.S. dollars for pesos, likely when you check into your hotel, and on many other occasions while visiting Mexico.

If your vehicle gets pulled over at checkpoints within the interior of Mexico, you will most likely be asked for your FMM and TIP, if required. Sometimes an FMM can be used to get discounts at hotels and restaurants.

If you are walking across the border, be sure to have your passport, and get your FMM (or get it stamped if you purchased it online).

Returning to the U.S. from Mexico

If you have a TIP and are not planning to use it again, or if it is nearing its expiration and you will not be coming to Mexico before its expiration, you must cancel it at a Banjercito location at the border .

Find which border crossings have Banjercito locations in: Arizona , California , New Mexico , and Texas .

To return to the U.S. you will be required to show U.S. Customs & Border Patrol (CBP) agents at the border a valid passport, a passport card (valid for land travel only), a green card, or another acceptable form of WHTI-compliant identification.

If you do not have one of these forms of identification , whether you did not bring one with you or if you lost your passport, they will still let you in (they have to), but you could be sent to secondary inspection and/or your return will be delayed while they verify who you are.

The border agent will ask what you are bringing from México. Simply tell him or her what you have with you. You are allowed to bring up to $800 USD duty free to the U.S.

Occasionally CBP officers may perform random searches of your person or vehicle to check that you've adhered to the legal requirements for entry into the U.S. If you allow them access and comply with their requests (and are legal) you should be on your way in 30 minutes or so.

If you have further questions on border crossing, please read these articles on our blog or search our website for a specific topic .

Purchased With Us Before?

Already Have Your Password?

Driving in Mexico: What You Need to Know

 TripSavvy /  Ellen Lindner

Driving across the southern border of the United States into Mexico is relatively easy no matter where you decide to cross. However, the documents you'll need to bring with you vary depending on whether you plan to drive your own vehicle or you want to rent one.

Requirements also vary if you will be staying a short time in the border or "safe" zone. Prepare for your trip by reviewing the rules of the road, which include what you'll need to know to cross the border into or from Mexico and how to drive safely in Mexico.

Driving Requirements

Whether you're renting a car in Mexico or driving your own across the border, there are several documents that are needed to operate a motor vehicle in Mexico.

Checklist for Driving into Mexico

• Identification: American citizens driving a car into Mexico, will need identification such as a passport or passport card.
• Driver's License: Either your American license or an international driving permit is acceptable.
• Mexican Immigration Card: ALL foreign citizens traveling to Mexico for purposes of tourism or a short visit of less than 180 days must fill out an Official Entry Immigration Form (FMM) prior to their arrival to Mexico. You can save time by filling out the Immigration Form(s) online . All you need is your passport, address or name of the hotel where you are staying. Otherwise, you'll have to fill it out at the border. However, the Mexican government is beginning to p hase out this requirement, beginning in Cancun .
• Car Insurance Policy
• Proof of Registration
• Temporary Vehicle Importation Permit: To drive your car into Mexico, outside the border area or free zone, you'll need a permit which you can get on arrival at the border or purchase online 7 to 60 days prior to your trip. You will need several documents to acquire a Mexico vehicle permit including proof of car ownership, proof of American registration, an affidavit from any lien holders authorizing temporary importation, a valid American driver's license, and proof of citizenship (like a passport or passport card).

Renting a Car

If you're renting a car in Mexico, you will need to have a valid U.S. driver's license, proof of civil liability car insurance, and a valid credit card to reserve the rental and cover incidental costs. Debit cards are not accepted. In order to rent a car in Mexico, you must be at least 25 years old and have held your license for a minimum of two years, though some rental agreements require drivers to have held a license for a minimum of five years.

When renting a car in Mexico, your credit card may provide insurance, but you should buy Mexican car insurance anyway. If you get in a car accident and don't have Mexico car insurance, you might not be able to leave the country until the damage has been paid for. However, if your credit card provided insurance, the company should reimburse you when you get home regardless of whether you purchased additional insurance. Read your credit card's coverage benefits and limitations before leaving home to decide on the right option for you.

When you rent a car in Mexico, look the car over before you sign the rental agreement, and have the agent write down every scratch or non-working part on the vehicle or you'll have to pay for those scratches and parts when you return the car. It's worth taking photos of every single scratch on the car before you get in to use as proof in case the companies try to claim you caused the damage.

Mexican Car Insurance

The rumors about possibly going to jail if you have a car wreck in Mexico are true, but having Mexican insurance helps reduce that possibility. The minimum required insurance coverage to drive in Mexico is civil liability insurance, which covers you in case you cause injury or damage to another driver or vehicle. Your American liability insurance is not valid in Mexico for bodily injury, but some American insurance policies will cover you for physical damage—check with your carrier to make sure.

If you want some flexibility on the date you'll take your car out of Mexico, consider a six-month policy. Check with Mexinsure or Mexpro , which both allow travelers to purchase policies before leaving home. Alternatively, sites like RentalCars  let you buy travel insurance from the major providers and compare prices so you can score the best deal. 

You can also buy Mexican car insurance in several American border towns—there will generally be several stores or just storefronts selling Mexican car insurance near the Mexican border (except in Deming, New Mexico).

Tourist Cards and Vehicle Permits

The two other primary documents all drivers will need in Mexico are a tourist card and a vehicle permit.

Get a tourist card (an arrival/departure card) at the border with a U.S. driver's license and proof of citizenship. Fill out a simple form at the border immigration office or online declaring information (your purpose in Mexico, for instance), and then hang onto the card! It's good for up to 180 days, and you should carry it with you at all times while you're in the country. That is, unless you're flying into Cancun where the tourist card requirement has been scrapped. 

As of 2022, the vehicle permit costs around $21, and you must pay with a credit card; if you don't have a credit card, you'll have to pay a bond and a processing fee. Keep the permit on your windshield while you're in Mexico. You can purchase the Temporary Vehicle Importation Permit from the Banjercito website .

Crossing the Mexico Border From the U.S.

At the border of the United States and Mexico, you'll drive through one of several lanes, the number of which depends on how much traffic the border crossing handles. Traffic lights hanging above the lanes will then direct traffic into the country or into the inspection area.

If the light turns green when you're under it, proceed directly into Mexico. However, if the traffic light is red, you'll be directed to an area where you'll park, and a Mexican customs official may ask you some questions or search you and your car. Fortunately, as long as your papers, like your Mexico vehicle permit and tourist card, are in order, and you are carrying nothing illegal like switchblades or illicit drugs, you'll be fine and allowed to proceed into Mexico. If you are bringing gifts or new merchandise with tags, you may be questioned about bringing these items in for resale.

What It's Like Driving in Mexico

The country's laid-back attitude is evident in the citizens' casual driving habits and logical driving patterns. While the way Mexican drivers operate on the roads may seem a bit extreme to U.S. citizens, they make perfect sense once you've got the hang of them, and as a result, large cities like Mexico City are no worse to drive around than Phoenix or Atlanta, at rush hour.

Areas to avoid do exist, like the Toluca Highway—Carretera Nacional 134 in Guerrero, locally called carretera de la muerte (Highway of Death)—which is known for random encounters with Bandidos (bandits).

Note: It's not worth taking risks and driving dangerously just because that's what the locals seem to be doing—they have far more experience than you do, and what looks like a danger to you may be well-rehearsed and safe for the locals.

Rules of the Road

If you've never driven in Mexico before, there are several rules of the road you need to be aware of to avoid accidents, emergencies, and getting stranded south of the border. While there are a number of rules that differ from driving laws in the United States, the top tips for safely driving in Mexico are:

• Avoid driving at night: Road fatalities are far higher at night in Mexico than by day, so avoid this if at all possible. There are a lot of animals (alive and dead), pedestrians, and plenty of vehicles without taillights on the road at night, which increases your risk of an accident. Additionally, there are very few overhead lights on most Mexican roads, meaning you won't be able to see broken glass, potholes, or topes (frequent speed bumps).
• Don't panic if you break down at night: If you break down in a remote area at night, you'll most likely be stuck where you are until morning. To survive the night, simply wind up your windows, lock your doors, and try to sleep in your backseat until dawn. It's very rare that something will happen to you on the side of the road in most parts of the country.
• Wait for the Green Angels if you break down in the daytime: Los Ángeles Verdes (The Green Angels) will come to your aid in a short time if you break down on a roadway in Mexico in the daytime. The Green Angels are a fleet of green trucks with government-paid bilingual crews cruising the roads every day carrying tools and spare parts, looking for motorists in trouble. They'll even go to an auto supply store to buy a part for you if necessary. If you need them, call the 24-hour toll-free number for the Green Angels at 078 or, in some states, 01-800-987-8224, or pull over to the side of the road and put your car's hood up. Angeles Verdes patrol 206 Mexican roads.
• Stay on the main roads when driving alone: While Bandidos are few and far between, road conditions can be very iffy off the beaten track, so it's best to avoid the backstreets if you're alone and not a confident driver. Mexico also has a number of toll roads known as cuota roads that are kept in excellent condition but can be relatively expensive to use. You'll speed right along to your destination on these well-maintained highways, but you'll miss the local cafes and the charm of the countryside if you stay exclusively on them.
• Turn signals mean "you can pass:" Unlike in the United States, where turn signals are used to indicate the intention to turn, in Mexico, they are used to indicate that the driver behind you is clear to pass. However, they can also be used to indicate turns, so make sure you look out for intersections up ahead before deciding to take the invitation to pass when the driver in front of you turns on their signal.
• Drive on the shoulder to accommodate oncoming traffic: If you see an oncoming vehicle trying to pass another in your lane of the road, you're expected to drive on the shoulder while they pass. You can also pass cars on the right shoulder, but make sure to be quick about it as Mexican drivers use every inch of the road in order to keep traffic flowing.
• Don't drive under the influence: Ever. You don't want to make friends in a sweaty jail cell or accidentally kill someone or yourself, so driving while drunk or under the influence of any substance is simply not worth the risk. If you're intoxicated and need to get to a hotel, take a taxi and come back for your car the following day when you've sobered up.
• Do not try to bribe police officers: If you're pulled over and think you're being asked for a bribe, ask to be taken to the jefe   (chief)—if the officer just wants money from you, he will probably back off at that request. It's also worth mentioning that you should never be the person who suggests paying a bribe, as this could land you in a lot of trouble.
• In Case of Emergency: dial 911. (Yes, it's the same as the U.S.)

Crossing the Border Into the U.S. From Mexico

At the Mexico-U.S. border, you'll drive through one of several lanes (the number of lanes depends on how much traffic the border crossing handles). A customs official will probably be standing at the side of the road and will motion for you to stop; he'll ask if you've anything to declare. Tell the truth because you and your car might be searched, and if you've lied, you may go straight to jail and lose your car.

It's said that U.S. customs officials are notoriously more difficult than their Mexican counterparts because there  is  a good deal of smuggling traffic crossing into the U.S. from Mexico. Stay calm, polite, and cooperative, and you'll pass through with few problems. Sadly, if you're Mexican, you can prepare for a greater interrogation at the border. 

U.S. Customs

Avoid any problems with U.S. customs at the Mexico border by declaring exactly what you have brought back from Mexico with you and don't bring back anything illegal.

• There is a $200 exemption for gifts and personal articles you've purchased in Mexico; anything over that amount will be taxed
• One liter of alcoholic beverage per person over 21 is okay—more will be taxed, and the state of Texas taxes all alcohol brought back from Mexico
• No steroids are allowed, and you must have a prescription (American) for any medicines brought across the border
• No illegal drugs; if you have the slightest amount, you can be fined and sent to jail, and your car may even be confiscated
• No switchblade knives
• So many fruits from Mexico are prohibited in the U.S. that you may as well not bring any back
• No guns of any kind are allowed, and even ammo is prohibited at the border; however, you can get documentation showing that you legally purchased a firearm you're carrying in the U.S.
• Fish you caught in Mexico are permitted across the border
• No clothing, purses, wallets, or shoes/boots made of endangered species, like sea turtles, are allowed
• If in doubt, leave it behind

What Documents Do I Need for Mexico Travel?

How to Cross the Border From San Diego to Tijuana, Mexico

Top 9 Mexico Travel Myths Debunked

Rocky Point: A Complete Guide

Driving in Paris, France

Driving in Arizona

Driving in Cancun

Tijuana, Mexico Visitor's Guide

Travel Documents You Need to Visit Mexico

Driving in Los Angeles

Driving in Peru

Driving in Finland

Renting a Car in Mexico

Do I need a passport to travel to Mexico?

Driving in Italy

Travel to Mexican Border Towns From the American Southwest

Sinaloa News

• Mexican States
• Real Estate
• Expat Crime
• Expat in mexico
• Mexico HIstory
• Food & Drink
• Advertise with us
• Letters to the Editor
• Privacy Policy

Aguascalientes News

Baja California News

Baja California Sur News

Campeche News

Chiapas News

Chihuahua News

Coahuila News

Colima News

Durango News

Estado de Mexico News

Guanajuato News

Guerrero News

Hidalgo News

Jalisco News

Michoacan News

Morelos News

Nayarit News

Nuevo León News

Oaxaca News

Puebla News

Queretaro News

Quintana Roo News

San Luis Potosí News

Sonora News

Tabasco News

Tamaulipas News

Tlaxcala News

Veracruz News

Yucatan News

Zacatecas News

• Tequila makes you lose weight and rejuvenates you, says science
• AMLO decrees 15 official celebrations of Mexico for 2021
• Speeding driver crashes at Mazatlan’s Golden Zone notorious mega speedbump
• Real Estate Development in Mazatlan is expected to last four years

What you need to know if you’re traveling to México by car?

Are you planning to travel by car this summer to México? You’ll need to process your permit for the temporary importation of a foreign vehicle if you plan on driving farther than the designated free zone — 12 to 16 miles from the U.S.-México border.

In México, there is a free zone that extends through the states of Baja California , and Baja California Sur , where motorists can travel without a permit.

In Sonora , motorists can also travel freely through the northwest of the state. A permit is needed if driving further south once reaching the town of Empalme.

The State of Quintana Roo is considered a free state

If you plan to travel beyond these zones, it is necessary to obtain a permit.

Both for Mexican citizens living in the U.S., and tourists traveling to México, there are three ways to obtain the permit: in the Banjercito modules at the border; in 11 of the Mexican consulates located in the states of Arizona, California, Illinois, Texas, Colorado, and New Mexico; and online.

This last option, however, despite being promoted as one of the simplest methods, has turned out to be a tedious one for many since the site itself is not accessible to everyone. According to officials, if you do not have an updated device, you could experience some difficulty accessing the site, making it almost impossible to carry out the procedure online.

Although the  site to process your permit  has been functioning for more than 10 years, the interest in this service has been growing gradually, more so in the last year due to the pandemic.

And more so now that a digital permit is accepted by Mexican authorities, no longer obligating travelers to obtain a physical permit.

“Before you had to put a home, apartment, or business address, where once the procedure was approved, the documents were sent by normal mail. Now, the same data is entered, but an email is requested, making the entire process digital,” said Beatríz Cano Flores, the Banjercito official who operates out of the Consulate General of México in Phoenix. Banjercito is the Mexican government entity that grants permits for the importation of foreign vehicles.

However, as with any government procedure, if you choose to process online, it is advisable to do it at least 10 days in advance for two reasons: It takes time for Mexican border officials to review the documentation you’ve submitted, and you could very well not be able to access the site at all, which would require you to prepare for an in-person visit.

Processing online can be ‘cumbersome’

Mexicans legally residing in the United States typically head back to their hometowns in México using their own vehicles during three important seasons: during the Catholic celebration of Holy Week, summer vacation, and the holiday season — the latter being the busiest.

“In 2019, 575,691 permits were requested at the national level, something that dropped to 408,512 in 2020 during the most active part of the COVID-19 pandemic. In Arizona, approximately 3,000 permits are requested per year, and in 2020 less than 2,000 were requested,” Cano Flores said.

According to Cano Flores, the permit is valid for a period of six months. Paisanos, those who are “legal residents of the United States and citizens who have maintained their Mexican nationality,” can use their permit all at once or in intervals of months or weeks at a time within a year of having obtained it, as long as they do not exceed those 180 days.

Foreigners are granted a six-month permit as well, but this must be used up all at once — they would either have to stay in México for the duration of the permit or cancel it upon their early return to the U.S.

If you try to process the permit in person at any of the consulate general offices in the U.S. or Banjercito offices in México, it should take an average time of six minutes, Cano Flores said. But the entire process has been known to take up to 20 hours or more during the busy travel seasons.

It is estimated that with the new digital option, the online process can take less than 10 minutes, allowing at least 10 days before you travel to get approval via email.

“The novelty is that now the information on the importation of vehicles can be shown to the Mexican authority on any electronic device, without having to stick a sticker on the windshield of the car,” said Cano Flores, adding that the applicant can choose to print out the permit, but is not required to.

“The process is easy. Some people complain that the site is low or that they cannot access the website, which often has more to do with the incompatibility of their own operating systems (Android or iOS) that makes it a bit cumbersome,” Cano Flores said.

If you want to process the permit through the site, you will have to try several times since  the page sometimes does not respond . Cano Flores recommended trying to access it from multiple devices.

“If someone is having problems accessing the site, the recommendation is to clear ‘cookies’ and ‘cache’ from the browser, since apparently the page was or is undergoing maintenance and causing issues for many,” said Julio Ortiz, director of Lead One, a software consulting company in Phoenix.

Aside from going through these possible workarounds, the only other option is to obtain a permit in person.

However, if you are able to access the site, you will need to fill out the application and submit the required documents online, which the agency will need to verify before approving your permit.  Click here to see what documentation is required.

Once the corresponding documentation has been uploaded and verified, Banjercito will send you the temporary importation permit via email, which you must keep with you at all times when driving in México.

How to process in person

The online option didn’t work out? You can always head to a consulate general office or a Banjercito branch once you’ve crossed the border.

If you plan on obtaining your permit in the U.S. at a consulate general office, you must  make an appointment through their website . Additionally, be sure to print out the appointment confirmation and carry it with you. No appointment is needed to process at a Banjercito location in Mexican territory.

If you plan on only visiting the state of Sonora, you can choose to obtain the Only Sonora permit, which is less expensive but confines you to state lines. This is the only kind of temporary importation permit that the Consulate General of México in Phoenix processes.

If you wish to travel to other states, you can either make an appointment within the U.S. at other consulate offices — located in California, Texas, and New Mexico, to name a few — or head out to the Banjercito ones upon crossing the U.S.-México border.

Source: azcentral.com

Mexico Daily Post

• Downloads of Mexican app “Bridgefy” increase after Myanmar coup
• Mazatlan businessman will be part of the entrepreneurs in Shark Tank
• Tourists “forget” about pandemic and throw a party on the streets of Los Cabos
• Mark your calendars for Mazatlan’s International Motorcycle Week dates confirmed April 20 to 24

RELATED ARTICLES MORE FROM AUTHOR

The top destinations and cities to explore in mexico, how much money do i need to go to mazatlán to see the solar eclipse, hurricane aletta would hit 11 states of mexico in 2024: arrival date and category.

• KAYAK for Business NEW

Mexico Travel Restrictions

Traveler's COVID-19 vaccination status

Traveling from the United States to Mexico

Open for vaccinated visitors

COVID-19 testing

Not required

Not required for vaccinated visitors

Restaurants

Not required in enclosed environments and public transportation.

Mexico entry details and exceptions

Ready to travel, find flights to mexico, find stays in mexico, explore more countries on travel restrictions map, destinations you can travel to now, dominican republic, netherlands, philippines, puerto rico, switzerland, united arab emirates, united kingdom, know when to go.

Sign up for email alerts as countries begin to open - choose the destinations you're interested in so you're in the know.

Can I travel to Mexico from the United States?

Most visitors from the United States, regardless of vaccination status, can enter Mexico.

Can I travel to Mexico if I am vaccinated?

Fully vaccinated visitors from the United States can enter Mexico without restrictions.

Can I travel to Mexico without being vaccinated?

Unvaccinated visitors from the United States can enter Mexico without restrictions.

Do I need a COVID test to enter Mexico?

Visitors from the United States are not required to present a negative COVID-19 PCR test or antigen result upon entering Mexico.

Can I travel to Mexico without quarantine?

Travelers from the United States are not required to quarantine.

Do I need to wear a mask in Mexico?

Mask usage in Mexico is not required in enclosed environments and public transportation.

Are the restaurants and bars open in Mexico?

Restaurants in Mexico are open. Bars in Mexico are .

Crossing the U.S. – Mexico Border by Car

Many travelers choose to visit Mexico by land, especially those coming from the United States. Most of these passengers cross the border by car .

If you’re planning on traveling to Mexico by car, you must be aware of what you need to cross the Mexican border.

This guide provides everything you need to know about driving to Mexico. Here you’ll learn about:

• Required documents
• The Hassle-free zone
• Preparing for your journey
• Other bordering countries

What Documents Do I Need to Travel to Mexico by Car?

Before driving into Mexico, you need to have the following paperwork prepared:

Personal documents

• Valid passport : Ensure that your passport is valid for at least 6 months from your expected travel date.
• Driver’s license : You must have a valid U.S. or international driver's license to drive a car across the Mexican border.
• Tourist Card (FMM) : The Mexico FMM is easily obtainable online. The tourist card grants you a temporary stay in Mexico.

Temporary Vehicle Importation Permit (TIP)

For areas outside the “free zone” (see below) you'll need this permit. You can obtain a TIP either at the border or online .

Proof of vehicle registration

You must have a vehicle registration that certifies that your vehicle can be driven on public roads and that you’re the legal owner.

Car insurance

Mexican law requires you to have auto insurance from a company licensed to operate in Mexico .

Hassle-free Zone for Cars Driving to Mexico

The “hassle-free zone” or “Sonora free zone” refers to an area near the U.S. – Mexico border where travelers can drive without obtaining a vehicle import permit .

This zone typically extends about 20 to 30 kilometers from the border . However, if you plan on driving deeper into Mexico, you will need a Vehicle Import Permit.

Note : Although the hassle-free zone means you will not need an import permit, you must still meet all other entry requirements for Mexico . This includes having a valid FMM Tourist Card.

Prepare For Your Drive into Mexico

Step 1: gather your documents and plan your route.

Collect essential papers like your driver's license, passport, and car papers. Decide where and how long you'll be in Mexico, as this information will be required to obtain other important documents.

Step 2: Get Mexican car insurance

You need special car insurance for Mexico . If you own the car, ask your insurance agent. If renting, most rental places offer this insurance.

Step 3: Apply for TIP and FMM Cards

Going more than 12 miles into Mexico? You'll need a TIP and FMM card.

• TIP card (Temporary Vehicle Importation Permit) : Apply online about 2 months to 1 week before going. Some Mexican Consulates in the U.S. allow you to apply 6 months early. You can also get one at the border.
• FMM card : You’ll have to show this card at checkpoints in Mexico.

Step 4: Prepare for the drive into Mexico

Learn about Mexico's driving rules, road signs, and any travel warnings. Pack an emergency kit and a list of contacts. If it's your car, check if it's in good shape for the journey.

Driving to Mexico From Other Bordering Countries

Although many travelers cross Mexico’s northern border with the U.S., it’s also common to drive from neighboring countries into the South of Mexico.

Both Belize and Guatemala have established border procedures with Mexico, and it’s possible to cross the Mexican border from either nation.

Before setting out, drivers should thoroughly research visa requirements, vehicle documentation, and the unique road conditions of each transiting country.

Related News

Visitax Mexico: Tourism Tax for Quintana Roo

Digital Nomad Visa for Mexico: Everything You Need to Know

Visiting Mexico with a Criminal Record

An official website of the United States government

Here’s how you know

Official websites use .gov A .gov website belongs to an official government organization in the United States.

Secure .gov websites use HTTPS A lock ( Lock A locked padlock ) or https:// means you’ve safely connected to the .gov website. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites.

• For U.S. Citizens/Lawful Permanent Residents

Are You Planning a Trip to Mexico from the United States?

Warning: it's Illegal to Carry Firearms or Ammo into Mexico.

For border crossing information, tune into the port of entry's Loop Radio on 1620 AM. Report drug and alien smuggling. Call (956) 542-5811 in the U.S., 001800-0105237 from Mexico.

Prohibited/Permissible Items

• All articles acquired in Mexico must be declared.
• $800 exemption for gifts and personal articles, including one liter of alcoholic beverages per person over 21 every 30 days.
• Cuban cigars are prohibited.
• Check with U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) about importing any medications prior to crossing into Mexico.
• CBP has a zero-tolerance policy on illegal drugs. Any type, in any amount may result in serious fines, seizure of vehicle, federal record and/or imprisonment.
• Switchblade knives, sea turtle boots or any other articles of endangered species (i.e. spotted cats, coral, crocodile, elephant, etc) are prohibited.

Prohibited/Permissible Agricultural Items

• Most fruits are prohibited (No oranges or apples)
• Do not take U.S. fruits and meats to Mexico-You cannot bring them back.
• Before you go to Mexico, ask a CBP Officer for a list of items you can bring back.
• Fines of $50 to $1,000 may result if you fail to declared agricultural items.

Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission

• You must be 21 years of age to possess alcoholic beverages, if you are not 21, the alcohol will automatically be confiscated.
• One liter of alcohol and one case of beer may be imported per person every 30 days.
• No ID=no liquor. You must prove that you are 21 or older. If you show false or altered personal identification, the ID will be confiscated and you will be prosecuted.
• If you are 18 or over one carton of cigarettes may be imported.
• It is illegal in Texas to consume or possess with intent to consume alcoholic beverages in a public place on Sundays between 2:15 a.m. and noon or on any other day between 2:15 a.m. and 7 a.m.
• You are required to pay state tax on all alcoholic beverages and all cigarettes imported into Texas.

• Share full article

Advertisement

Supported by

Is It Safe to Travel to Mexico? Here’s What You Need to Know.

A spate of incidents, including a kidnapping and the death of two Americans near the border, have prompted travel warnings from the U.S. government.

By Elisabeth Malkin and Isabella Kwai

Two Americans found dead after they were attacked and kidnapped near the border. Airports shuttered amid gang violence in Sinaloa. Turmoil among taxi drivers in Cancún.

A number of recent security incidents have raised concerns about the risks of traveling to Mexico, where more than 20 million tourists flew last year to visit the country’s beaches, cities and archaeological sites, or to obtain health care .

Ahead of the spring break holiday, a popular time for American tourists to visit the country, the U.S. Embassy issued a travel alert , urging visitors to exercise caution by avoiding dangerous situations and drinking responsibly, among other recommendations. “Crime, including violent crime, can occur anywhere in Mexico, including in popular tourist destinations,” the alert said. And the State Department has warned tourists to steer clear of six states, including the state of Tamaulipas, where the recent kidnapping occurred — and to exercise increased precautions in other popular destinations like Playa del Carmen, Cancún, Tulum and Mexico City.

An overwhelming majority of visitors enjoy a safe vacation in Mexico, and tourists are largely sheltered from the violence that grips local communities. But the attack and kidnapping of four Americans in the border city of Matamoros, two of whom were later found dead, along with recent disorder in Cancún and violence in early January that forced the closure of three airports in northwest Mexico, is prompting questions about whether the country’s broader unrest is spilling into other destinations.

What happened on the border?

On March 3, four Americans from South Carolina traveling in a white minivan crossed the border from Brownsville, Texas, into the city of Matamoros, in the Mexican state of Tamaulipas. One of the Americans was scheduled for cosmetic surgery.

Soon after the Americans crossed the border, gunmen fired on their vehicle and then abducted the group in a pickup truck. Officials later said that two of the group were found dead at a rural location alongside the other two, who had survived.

The Americans were attacked as a result of “confusion,” according to Irving Barrios, the state prosecutor in Tamaulipas. Matamoros has a long history of violence and highway shootouts, though that reputation has partially subsided in recent years. Then, in late February, one gang moved into the city to wrest control of drug sales from another, said Eduardo Guerrero, the director of Lantia Intelligence , a security consulting company in Mexico City.

“There are places in the country where the situation can change abruptly from one week to another,” he said. While the motives in the attack remain unclear, the Americans had “very bad luck,” Mr. Guerrero said, because they likely stumbled into a battle between the two gangs.

What happened earlier this year in Cancún?

Uber has been challenging the taxi unions for the right to operate in Cancún and won a court decision in its favor on Jan. 11. The ruling infuriated the powerful unions, which are believed to have links to local organized crime figures and former governors. Taxi drivers then began harassing and threatening Uber drivers.

The conflict generated widespread attention after a video of taxi drivers forcing a Russian-speaking family out of their rideshare car went viral, and after unions blocked the main road leading to Cancún’s hotel zone. That prompted the U.S. Embassy in Mexico to issue a security alert .

Mr. Guerrero said that the authorities will try to negotiate some kind of compromise, but there was a probability of more violence ahead.

Have authorities curbed violence that might affect tourists?

As a rule, criminals in Mexico are careful not to kill tourists, Mr. Guerrero explained, because doing so “can set in motion a persecution that can last years,” the consequences of which can be “very dissuasive,” he said.

But the rule doesn’t always hold. And in two popular destinations for foreign tourists — Los Cabos , at the tip of the Baja California peninsula, and the Caribbean coast — local and state officials have recently sought help from the United States to take on organized crime that threatened to drive off tourists.

A spasm of violence at the end of 2021 and early 2022 rattled the tourist industry along the Riviera Maya, the 80-mile strip of Caribbean resorts south of Cancún. Two visitors were killed in crossfire between local gangs in Tulum; a gunfight on a beach in Puerto Morelos sent tourists running for cover into a nearby hotel; a hit man gained entry to a luxury hotel in Playa del Carmen and killed two Canadian tourists believed to have links to organized crime.

The federal government sent National Guard units to patrol the beaches, and Quintana Roo state authorities asked U.S. law enforcement agencies, including the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Drug Enforcement Administration, to provide intelligence, Mr. Guerrero said. Local authorities, flush with tourism revenues, invested in the police, which is typically the weakest link in Mexican law enforcement.

The joint approach led to a lull in gangland gun battles in Quintana Roo’s tourist areas, and experts say that drug sales to meet foreign demand no longer take place on the street, although they are continuing more discreetly.

The success in tamping down drug violence in Quintana Roo follows a similar improvement in Los Cabos a couple of years ago when U.S. authorities also collaborated with local officials in the state of Baja California Sur. The murder rate soared in Los Cabos in 2017 amid cartel wars, and although tourists were not targeted, that year police chased gunmen into the lobby of a luxury hotel in San José del Cabo, and a cooler containing two heads was left in a tourist area.

What about tourist areas in other states?

Even in states where crime is very high, tourist areas have generally been spared. San Miguel de Allende, a haven for U.S. retirees, is an island of relative peace in a state, Guanajuato, that has been riddled with cartel violence .

The Pacific Coast state of Jalisco, home to the resort of Puerto Vallarta, picturesque tequila country and the cultural and gastronomic attractions of the state capital, Guadalajara , is also the center of operations of the extremely violent Jalisco New Generation Cartel . The cartel’s focus of violence is in the countryside; Puerto Vallarta and the beaches to its north, including the exclusive peninsula of Punta Mita and the surfers’ hangout of Sayulita, are all booming — and, despite drug sales, the cartel’s control seems to limit open conflict.

Mexico City has become a magnet for digital nomads and shorter term visitors , and concerns about violence there have receded. The city’s police force has been successful in reducing violent crime, particularly homicides, and the number of killings has been cut almost in half over the past three years.

Are there any other safety concerns?

Street crime is still a problem almost everywhere, especially in bigger cities and crowded spaces. Kidnapping and carjacking are a risk in certain regions and many businesses that cater to tourists operate under extortion threats. While tourists may not be aware of underlying criminal forces, their power sometimes spills out into the open in spectacular shows of violence.

The attack in Matamoros is only the most recent example. Mexican border cities, which have long endured waves of violence, are not typically tourist destinations, although Americans often cross the border to visit family, seek out cheaper health care or dine at restaurants.

Three airports in the state of Sinaloa, including the beach destination Mazatlán, were closed on Jan. 5 amid gang violence after Mexican security forces arrested Ovidio Guzmán López, a son of Joaquín Guzmán Loera, the crime lord known as El Chapo, who is serving a life sentence in the United States. A stray bullet fired by cartel gunmen shooting at a Mexican military plane as it landed at the airport in the state capital, Culiacán, clipped an Aeromexico plane preparing to take off for Mexico City. Nobody was hurt and the plane returned to the terminal.

In August, gunmen positioned burning cars and buses to block roads around Guadalajara in response to a military raid on a meeting of criminal bosses. In October, a local politician was shot and killed in an upscale steakhouse in suburban Guadalajara as terrified diners crawled to safety.

Pierre de Hail, the president of Janus Group Mexico, a risk management company in Monterrey, is skeptical that security has improved. “There is too much random risk,” he said. “It’s all about being in the wrong place at the wrong time.”

What precautions should tourists take?

Mr. de Hail recommends researching the resort and news from the area you’re visiting. The U.S. State Department provides state-by-state information about travel risks in Mexico. As of early March, the department had issued its strongest possible warning — Level 4: Do Not Travel — for six states, including Tamaulipas and Sinaloa. Quintana Roo and Baja California Sur are at Level 2, indicating that visitors should exercise increased caution. (By comparison, the same Level 2 advisory is applied to France and Spain.)

The Matamoros incident shows how violence can flare up in places that have been quiet recently. Mr. Guerrero suggests searching on the internet before traveling for news of recent outbreaks.

Mr. de Hail also suggests buying travel insurance in case of a medical emergency or theft, and recommends that tourists keep a low profile to avoid attracting attention, he said, warning that it is easy to misread situations.

As anywhere, common sense should prevail, Mr. de Hail said: Don’t wear expensive watches or jewelry, and avoid dark and deserted places. He recommends making a copy of your passport, remaining alert while walking home at night and not leaving your drinks unattended. “I have had numerous cases of people asking for help because they were extorted coming back from bars,” he said.

He added: “If you’re staying in a place that has a report of strikes or demonstrations, don’t go there. You’re a fish out of water.”

Follow New York Times Travel on Instagram , Twitter and Facebook . And sign up for our weekly Travel Dispatch newsletter to receive expert tips on traveling smarter and inspiration for your next vacation. Dreaming up a future getaway or just armchair traveling? Check out our 52 Places to Go in 2023 .

Isabella Kwai is a breaking news reporter in the London bureau. She joined The Times in 2017 as part of the Australia bureau. More about Isabella Kwai

Open Up Your World

Considering a trip, or just some armchair traveling here are some ideas..

52 Places:  Why do we travel? For food, culture, adventure, natural beauty? Our 2024 list has all those elements, and more .

Mumbai:  Spend 36 hours in this fast-changing Indian city  by exploring ancient caves, catching a concert in a former textile mill and feasting on mangoes.

Kyoto:  The Japanese city’s dry gardens offer spots for quiet contemplation  in an increasingly overtouristed destination.

Iceland:  The country markets itself as a destination to see the northern lights. But they can be elusive, as one writer recently found .

Texas:  Canoeing the Rio Grande near Big Bend National Park can be magical. But as the river dries, it’s getting harder to find where a boat will actually float .

You can also search using these:

Discover Mexico A-Z

• News & Offers
• Mexico Guides
• Mexico Features
• Free eBooks

• Free Guides

Travel Experiences

Trip planning, travel destinations, destination highlights, mexico lifestyles, living & lifestyle, lifestyle planning, real estate, healthcare & wellbeing, leisure assistance, lifestyle assistance, insurance coverages, property assistance, about mexperience, mexico essentials, discover more, documents required for travel and entry to mexico.

A reminder about the documentation that is required for travel and entry to Mexico whether you are visiting or resident here

We have been receiving emails from readers asking about acceptable documentation required for entry to Mexico.  This article summarizes the rules and provides links to additional helpful information.

Arrivals to Mexico by air

If you are visiting Mexico and arriving by airplane, you must carry a current passport.  Note that Passport Cards are not valid for air travel.   We also recommend that your passport is valid for at least six months from the date of your arrival in Mexico.  If your passport is expired the airlines will not allow you to board the aircraft.

Arrivals to Mexico by land:

If you are visiting Mexico by land (crossing the border from the US into Mexico) you can use a passport or, if you’re a US citizen, a Passport Card.

Legal residents of Mexico

If you are a legal foreign resident of Mexico, you will need your current passport and residency card (or visa sticker) to enter Mexico.  See also: Procedures for entering and leaving Mexico and Expiring and expired residency permits

If you arrive in Mexico with a recently-issued residency visa sticker, you will need to exchange this sticker for a residency card within 30 calendar days of your arrival to Mexico.

Further information

Additional information about arriving to and leaving Mexico that you may find helpful:

Entering or returning to the USA from Mexico

If you are entering or returning to the USA from Mexico, you will need a form of documentation described on this page of the CBP website .  If you are not an American or Canadian citizen, you will require a valid passport and a visa or visa waiver (ESTA) or ‘green card’ (legal residency card) to enter the USA from Mexico.

Mexico visa requirements

Many people don’t need to pre-apply for a visa to visit Mexico, but some do.  Read  Do I need a visa to visit Mexico?  for details.

Entry procedures at the Mexican border

To learn about the procedures at the Mexican border see Procedures for entering and leaving Mexico

Obtaining legal residency in Mexico

For information about long-term residency, including permits for living, retirement, and working in Mexico, see our article about the principal routes to obtain residency in Mexico .

Mexico in your inbox

Our free newsletter about Mexico brings you a monthly round-up of recently published stories and opportunities, as well as gems from our archives.

Mexico Visas

Do I Need a Visa to Visit Mexico?

Do you need a visa to visit Mexico? This article explains who —and who does not— need to apply...

Procedures for Entering and Leaving Mexico

There are some straightforward paperwork procedures to engage with when you arrive to, and depart from, Mexico. This...

Entry Requirements

Mexico Entry Requirements—For Leisure, Business or Residency

This guide explains what you need to know about entry requirements when you are visiting Mexico for leisure, for...

Residency Stickers

Exchanging a Mexico Residency Visa for a Card

When your Mexico residency application is granted, a visa sticker is placed in your passport. This sticker needs to be...

Residency Cards

Mexico Residency: Renewing an Expired Residency Card

This article describes the process that exists for renewal of expired residency cards, whether you are in Mexico or...

Visas & Immigration

Mexico Visas & Immigration

Guides and articles about Mexican visas, legal residency, and immigration

Please SAVE the PDF for your personal use.

Download again

My File Downloaded - Close this box

We’re sorry, this site is currently experiencing technical difficulties. Please try again in a few moments. Exception: request blocked

Mexico Travel Guide

Sun-soaked beaches, tasty tacos, and mariachi beats; Mexico is a fiesta-filled paradise of spicy flavors and caliente vibes!

Best time to visit Mexico

Travel insurance for mexico, best places to visit in mexico, 10 best things to do in tulum, mexico, 10 best things to do in bacalar (mexico’s blue lagoon), 9 best things to do in valladolid, mexico, 8 unmissable things to do in holbox, mexico, map of mexico, weather in mexico.

Mexico’s weather is beautiful, tropical, and warm most of the year. The dry season falls between November and April, with clear blue skies, perfect for beach enthusiasts. The wet season runs from May to October, bringing occasional rain and lush, vibrant landscapes.

How to Travel Safe

How to travel cheap.

• Find Hotels via Booking.com
• Find Hostels via Hostelworld
• Find a Rental Car via Sunny Cars
• Find Flights to Mexico via Skyscanner
• Get a Travel Insurance via Heymondo
• Book Tours & Attractions via GetYourGuide
• Book a Bus/Train/Transfer via 12Go
• Get a Visa via iVisa
• How to pack light for your trip
• How to plan your trip our tips

Why is Mexico worth visiting?

Packed full of diverse landscapes, pristine beaches, ancient ruins, and lively cities, Mexico deserves a prime spot on every traveler’s bucket list. Beyond the breathtaking scenery, Mexico boasts some of the most vibrant food and culture—making it an absolute must-see destination!

Is Mexico cheap to visit?

Your budget will thank you in Mexico! Luxurious options are available, with plenty of expensive resorts and eateries. However, you can also indulge in mouthwatering street quesadillas, explore historic sites, stay in boho hostels, and relax on pristine beaches—all without breaking the bank. 

Can I drink tap water in Mexico?

Tap water isn’t safe to drink in Mexico. Bring a reusable water bottle with a built-in filter system to guarantee that your water is always safe to drink while being eco-friendly and reducing single-use plastic. 

Do I need a visa for traveling in Mexico?

Good news! Most countries can travel to Mexico without getting a visa before they travel. You’ll get a stamp on arrival with the length of stay, usually between 90 and 180 days, making it easy to travel to this beautiful country. 

Tip: Check your country’s entry requirements before you travel. 

What language do they speak in Mexico?

The official language spoken in Mexico is Spanish, with a slightly unique dialect known as Mexican Spanish, but the differences are small. Although Mexico is a popular travel spot, many locals don’t speak English, so learning a few phrases can help, and Google Translate will be your best friend!

Do I need travel insurance for Mexico?

Travel the breathtaking country of Mexico worry-free by purchasing travel insurance before your trip. This will protect you against unplanned events like medical emergencies, delayed flights, or lost luggage.

Is Mexico safe?

Despite media representation, most criminal activities happen away from tourism, and an emphasis has been put on protecting travelers. Like any destination, always keep valuables out of site, stay in well-traveled areas, and avoid walking alone at night.

What power plug type does Mexico have?

Mexico uses two plug types: Type A with two flat parallel pins and Type B with two flat parallel pins and a grounding pin. Keep your devices connected by purchasing a travel adapter before your travel, and let the exploration begin!

Why do people love Mexico?

From the vibrant street food to breathtaking diversity, Mexico is loved by so many. Whether you’re looking to relax on pristine beaches, explore UNESCO World Heritage sites , or jump into crystal blue cenotes, this country offers so many unforgettable experiences! 

Travel to Mexico 

Imagine a country where ancient ruins whisper tales of the past, vibrant markets tease your senses, sparkling turquoise blue waves crash into palm-tree-lined beaches, and lively fiestas paint the streets with colors. Mexico is a paradise for travelers seeking a perfect blend of culture , adventure, and relaxation. 

How to plan your trip to Mexico

Looking to plan the ultimate adventure? Follow our Mexico travel guides ! Whether you’re backpacking around the Yucatán Peninsula , visiting the surfer’s paradise of Baja California, exploring the underwater world of cenotes, or catching rays on the white sand beaches of Isla Holbox , there are so many extraordinary things to do in Mexico . 

To really experience this fantastic country, we recommend renting a car and spending at least two weeks exploring and eating lots of delicious Mexican food—yum!

Organizing your dream vacation in Mexico ? With two distinct seasons and cultural celebrations, find out when the best time to visit Mexico is based on your preferences. 

Dry Season (November-April): The weather in Mexico during the dry season is usually around 28°C, making it the coolest and clearest time to visit. Although these months see the most crowds and high prices, the dry season is the perfect time to explore ancient ruins, lounge on the sandy shores, and indulge in water activities, particularly in coastal towns like Holbox and Tulum . 

Wet Season (May-October): For those seeking more tropical vibes, outstanding surf, and lush landscapes, the wet season is the best time to holiday in Mexico . While brief afternoon showers are expected, these typically only last for a short time, and you’ll often see beautiful sunshine the rest of the day. This is also an amazing time to visit for those backpacking on a budget, as it’s considered the low season, so prices tend to be lower, and crowds are few and far between. 

Tip: Hurricane season coincides with these months, particularly in September and October, so always keep an eye out for any warnings and follow the advice of local authorities. 

Best time to visit Mexico for festivals: If you’re after something a little different and want to experience the truly unique festival of Día de Muertos (Day of the Dead), where streets come alive with colorful processions, traditional costumes, and a profound sense of remembrance, head to Mexico for the 1st and 2nd of November; the atmosphere is like no other! 

Coastlines and beaches in Mexico

With over 5,000 miles of coastline, Mexico has countless breathtaking and diverse beaches. To the east, you’ll find the picture-perfect beaches of the Gulf of Mexico, while to the west is the untamed and surfer-friendly Pacific Ocean.

From Cancun to Tulum , the Caribbean coastline invites you to indulge in paradise. With its crystalline turquoise waters and pristine white beaches, these destinations redefine luxury. Cancun, a buzzing resort city, offers vibrant nightlife and water activities, while Tulum’s bohemian charm and ancient Mayan ruins provide a serene escape.

Nearby, nestled off the Yucatán Peninsula , is the untouched beauty of Isla Holbox , a car-free haven and a sanctuary for those seeking tranquility amid nature’s wonders. Accessible by ferry, this island paradise offers miles of unspoiled beaches where soft white sand meets the clear, shallow waters of the Gulf of Mexico.

Heading west, the Pacific coastline unveils a different kind of beauty. Puerto Vallarta enchants with its colorful streets, colonial architecture, and long sandy beaches, while the nearby Riviera Nayarit beckons with secluded coves and lush landscapes. Sayulita is a must-visit if you’re in the area; a colorful, bohemian beach town home to incredible surf and stunning deserted beaches. 

The Baja California Peninsula is the place to go for those seeking a tranquil retreat and home to out-of-this-world gems From Cabo San Lucas, with the iconic Arch of Cabo San Lucas, to La Paz, known for Balandra Bay, with half-moon-shaped coves offering panoramic views; two spots not to be missed. 

Whether you’re seeking a peaceful off-grid retreat, a crazy surf adventure, or boho beach vibes, Mexico has a stretch of sand perfectly suited to meet your vacation needs.

Food, culture and religion in Mexico

Mexico is a sensory fiesta of food, culture, and religion , painting a vivid portrait of a nation steeped in tradition. 

Food: Amidst the bustling streets and lively markets, the aromas of flavorsome dishes fill the air, like tamales, tacos, tortas ahogadas, and zesty salsas, enticing locals and visitors alike; you’ll never be short of options and new delicious things to try. 

Religion: The iconic churches and cathedrals scattered across the country, such as the Metropolitan Cathedral in Mexico City and the Basilica of Our Lady of Guadalupe, stand as architectural marvels, with around 85% of the population following the Catholic faith. Religion isn’t just a set of beliefs in Mexico; it shapes the bright festivals like Día de Muertos, celebrating the beauty of life.

Culture: From the vibrant hues of traditional folk art and the rhythm of mariachi bands to the centuries-old rituals woven into everyday life, Mexico’s cultural heritage is palpable. Wander through the awe-inspiring Mayan ruins of Chichen Itza or the charming colonial architecture of cities like Oaxaca. The country is filled with magnificent history! 

Why you should travel to Mexico

Embarking on a Mexican adventure is a journey that promises memories of a lifetime! Picture yourself on sun-soaked beaches, where you can leisurely sip on a margarita and soak up the laid-back vibes. The country’s culinary scene is a festival for your taste buds – think sizzling street tacos, zesty salsas, and refreshing guacamole. 

Delve into Mexico’s rich history by exploring one of the many UNESCO World Heritage sites or stroll through charming colonial streets where every building has a story to tell. And let’s not forget the breathtaking landscapes – from the turquoise waters of Holbox to the lush jungles and cenotes hiding ancient secrets. These are just a few of the best places in Mexico waiting to be discovered! 

Mexico has it all: mouth-watering food, cultural treasures, and breathtaking natural beauty. With unreal experiences awaiting every type of traveler, traveling Mexico deserves a prominent spot on your bucket list.

Safety and travel advice in Mexico

With its diverse landscapes and colorful cities, Mexico is a fantastic destination. But like any country, being well-informed is crucial for a safe trip. The following information provides a breakdown of essential safety tips to help visitors maximize their travels. 

Crime and safety in Mexico : Mexico has a reputation for crime. Still, it’s important to note that most travelers have a safe visit to the country, and many of the issues reported in the media tend to be off the beaten track. Stick to well-traveled, well-lit areas, keep valuables secure and out of sight, and always be vigilant of your surroundings. Engaging with the local culture is encouraged, but exercise the same caution you would in any unfamiliar destination.

Learn more about travel safety .

Natural Disasters: Mexico is susceptible to natural disasters, particularly hurricanes, volcanic eruptions, and earthquakes. Stay informed about weather conditions, register with your embassy to receive emergency updates during your trip, and always follow the local authority’s advice. 

Driving in Mexico: If you’re planning to rent a car or motorbike in Mexico, ensure you hire from a reputable rental agency, follow traffic rules, and be cautious of poorly maintained roads. If you take a taxi, use licensed vehicles from authorized taxi ranks or through your hotel, and ensure the meter is turned on before setting off. 

Tip: We recommend renting a car through Sunny Cars , as your insurance is included. 

Travel Insurance: Make sure to purchase comprehensive travel insurance before you embark on your travels in Mexico . This will protect you from unforeseen issues – for example, flight cancellations due to poor weather, lost baggage, or a hiking injury.

Find the best travel insurances .

Driving to Mexico in 2024: Everything You Need to Know

Planning to drive to Mexico from the U.S. or Canada?

You’ve landed on the right guide because I live in Mexico , and am going to help you navigate the ins and outs of driving to Mexico.

After reading this article you’ll have all the Mexico border crossing requirements you need to drive into Mexico like a pro, and answers to common FAQs, like Do I need Mexican car insurance to drive to Mexico?

🚗💨 Mexico Car Insurance: Do You Need it?

This is the #1 question readers ask about crossing the U.S.-Mexico border — and the answer is YES . The company I recommended is Baja Bound because they have affordable policies you can buy online right now.

They also have actual humans who answer the phones — a rarity these days — snd an impressive 4.5 out of 5 Star rating on Yelp. ▶︎ Get your FREE quote from Baja Bound .

Besides insurance, there are several documents you need, and you’re going to learn about them all in this article.

You’ll also find out about rental cars to drive to Mexico, and get 10 tips for driving in Mexico so you’re comfortable when crossing the Mexican border by car.

Driving to Mexico Guide

Mexico border crossing requirements.

Beside needing car insurance to drive to Mexico , you’re probably wondering What documents are required to drive to Mexico?

There are 5 other things (6 items in total) you need in order to drive across the United States-Mexico border.

🚙 What do I need to travel to Mexico by car?

• Valid U.S. Passport (or U.S. Green Card)
• Mexico auto insurance policy
• Valid U.S. Driver’s License (or International Driving Permit)
• Vehicle registration documents
• Temporary Vehicle Importation Permit (TVIP)
• Mexico Tourist Card ( Forma Migratoria Múltiple , or FMM )

We’re going to look at what each document means below, but keep in mind this list is always subject to change.

Don’t forget to look over the U.S. State Department site here to make sure there haven’t been any recent changes this article doesn’t reflect.

🇨🇦 Driving to Mexico from Canada

As a U.S. citizen, I only feel confident speaking on driving from the United States to Mexico. If you’re from Canada, head here for information from the Canadian government about driving from Canada to Mexico.

1. Valid U.S. Passport or Green Card

Do you need a passport to drive to Mexico? is one of the most important questions you need answered when driving to Mexico.

The answer is yes , you need a valid passport or passport card, or a valid Green Card.

Because Mexico generally gives tourists 180-days (or 6 months) on the FMM tourist visa, your Passport or Green Card should be valid for six months past your border crossing date.

This means that if you cross on January 1, your U.S. Passport must be valid until July 1.

🎫 How to Get a U.S. Passport

United States citizens can apply at one of more than 7,000 locations, which include post offices, libraries, and clerks of court.

Passports take about two months to process, but if you need yours expedited, that will cost more, so apply ASAP. ▶︎ Learn more here .

2. Mexico Driving Insurance

You probably want to know, Does my US insurance work in Mexico?

No — Your U.S. car insurance or Canadian car insurance is not valid for driving in Mexico . You need a dedicated Mexican auto insurance policy to cross the border from the U.S. to Mexico.

You can buy your Mexican Automobile Liability Insurance online right now from Baja Bound . They are one of the most trusted names in Mexico insurance, with some of the best ratings I’ve ever seen for an insurance company.

CAN I BUY MEXICO CAR INSURANCE AT THE BORDER?

No — You can not buy insurance at the U.S.-Mexico border.

In fact, if you don’t show up with your insurance policy paperwork in hand, you won’t be allowed to drive to Mexico.

The good news? You can get your policy right now by answering just a few questions.

3. Valid U.S. Driver’s License

If you have a valid driver’s license for any U.S. state, you can legally drive across the border to Mexico.

Like your passport, your driver’s license should be valid for at least another six months, just to be safe so you have no issues crossing the border into Mexicop by car .

🧰 BONUS: Emergency Roadside Kit

You’re not legally required to have an emergency kit in your car, but it’s something you’ll want for driving in Mexico.

This 90-piece Car Emergency Safety Kit has everything you need, including a portable air compressor, jumper cables, headlamp and more, for under $90 USD.

4. Vehicle Registration Document

You will need to present your valid car registration paperwork to the agents when you cross the U.S. Mexico border.

If you don’t have this on you, or if yours is expired, you won’t be allowed to continue driving into Mexico.

5. Temporary Vehicle Importation Permit

You can get your Temporary Vehicle Importation Permit Card, or TVIP car permit for Mexico, at the border as you’re crossing, or in advance of your Mexico trip.

To save time at the border, which can often have long wait times, you’ll want to get one in advance.

Some Mexico Consulates and Embassies in the United States offer TVIP services, so contact your nearest office to see if they offer it.

You can apply for TVIP Mexican vehicle permits 60 days before your trip, but have to get it more than seven days before you’re heading to Mexico.

6. Mexico Tourist Card (FMM Tourist Visa)

The Forma Migratoria Múltiple , or FMM , is your Mexico travel visa. Every traveler needs to have an FMM while in the country, as it proves you’re in Mexico legally.

Make sure you have your FMM on you at all times, should a police officer or Immigration officer stop you.

In some cases, you can get your FMM here in advance of traveling to Mexico. You can also easily get one at the border, which is what most people do.

Getting this is much quicker than getting a TVIP Mexico car permit, and takes only a few minutes. The FMM costs $595 MXN pesos ($30 USD).

🚨 Warning: Don’t lose your FMM

When you’re crossing the Mexico-U.S. border back into the United States, you will have to give back your FMM. Driving to Mexico Tips: The FMM is sometimes called the FMT, but it’s the same form.

If you lose your FMM (or FMT), there is a fine of about $600 MXN pesos ($30 USD) you’ll have to pay, and some paperwork to fill out, to get a new one before you can leave Mexico.

🎫 Note: In recent years, the FMM is has been replaced by a passport stamp, so it’s much easier to not lose.

Driving Across the Mexico Border

After you have all your paperwork in order, and you’ve purchased your Mexico car insurance from Baja Bound , it’s time to hit the road.

Keep in mind you can not buy insurance at the Mexico border, and need to arrive with your policy paperwork in hand.

According to the U.S. Department of Transportation, about 73 million personal vehicles did a U.S.-Mexico border crossing in 2019, so there may be long wait times, especially on weekends.

You’ll want to show up in good spirits, because this isn’t the place to lose your temper.

Driving from California to Mexico

The state of California connects to the Baja California Peninsula in Mexico, and you can do land crossings from California to Mexico in several places.

The most commonly-used is the San Ysidro Crossing (El Chaparral), but there’s also the Otay Mesa Crossing .

With so many travelers driving to Mexico from Los Angeles and driving to Mexico from San Diego, this is a popular route. Coming from these two cities, you’ll want to use the San Ysidro Crossing, which goes from San Diego to Tijuana.

🚙💨 Driving to Mexico Tips: Download the BorderTraffic app to see real-time videos of the San Ysidro and Otay Mesa Crossings.

The app helps you gauge what your wait time might be; on average, each car takes about one minute to get through. App Store | Google Play

Driving from Texas to Mexico

When driving to Mexico from Texas, you’ll want to check this list of U.S.-Mexico border crossings .

There are more than 20 different locations when coming by car, including the popular El Paso Crossing from El Paso, Texas to Ciudad Juárez, Mexico.

Driving to Puerto Penasco Mexico

Puerto Peñasco (Rocky Point) is a Mexico resort city and fishing town on the Gulf of California in Sonora state. This is the closest beach to Arizona, and sometimes even called Arizona’s Beach.

If you’re only visiting Sonora Mexico, opt for the Sonora Only Program (also called the Only Sonora Program). This is a Mexico vehicle permit program for Sonora travel, which does include Rocky Point.

Which Lane to Use When Driving to Mexico

As you’re approaching the Mexico border crossing, you may get a bit confused because some crossings have so numerous lanes to choose from.

It can feel hectic with signs and cars all over the place, so take a moment to learn about the different lanes at the US-Mexico border.

Nothing to Declare Lanes vs Declaration Lanes

Choosing between the Nothing to Declare Lane (Nada que Declarar) or Declaration Lane (Carril de Declaración) depends on what you have in your vehicle.

If you’re just traveling as a tourist on a road trip to Mexico, you’ll more than likely use the Nothing to Declare Lane.

Baja Bound has this great guide on what to know about declarations when traveling to Mexico.

After reading, you can buy your Mexico car insurance policy from their site , as they are one of the most trusted names in Mexican driving insurance.

Random Searches: Red Light, Green Light

Even travelers with nothing to declare (in the proper Nothing to Declare Lane) may still get randomly selected for secondary inspection.

As you’re getting to the actual border crossing point, you’ll see a stop light that gives each car a red or green light.

If you get the red light here, you have been randomly selected for a secondary inspection. Getting the green light means you’re good to go.

Do note that officers from Customs are allowed to request a secondary inspection on any car they choose, even if you had a green light.

Secondary Inspection for Random Searches

Don’t panic if you’re randomly selected; it happens.

With these inspections, Customs officers will check in your car and trunk to see that you don’t have items you should have declared. If you don’t, you’ll be on your way to Mexico in minutes.

Renting a Car and Driving to Mexico

Wondering, Can I rent a car and drive to Mexico from the U.S.?

The answer is, yes , but there are a lot of restrictions and it’s not a straightforward process. In fact, getting a rental car to go to Mexico can be difficult, and after reading this, you might not even want to.

Most major American car rental companies , like Avis, Budget, Dollar, Enterprise, Fox Rent a Car, Hertz, National and Thrifty, allow renters to drive from the U.S. to Mexico.

However, not all locations for each company allow you to take rental cars to cross the border.

Renting a Car in Mexico: Everything You Need to Know

You’ll want to start the search for a rental car to drive across the border by calling each individual location the rental company has.

While you have someone on the phone, get a rundown of all the rules and regulations they have for driving to Mexico.

No two rental companies seem to have the same rules for customers who want to rent a car to drive to Mexico.

For example, Budget Rent A Car only allows their corporate clients to rent a car for this purpose; this isn’t a universal rule, but it isn’t uncommon.

Are there one way car rentals for Mexico?

Some travelers want a one way rental, where you pick up the car in the United States, then drive across the border, and ultimately leave the car at another location in Mexico.

Your best bet is to call individual car rental offices and ask, but for the most part, they rarely allow it.

There is one loophole you can try, but it only really makes sense if the company has a Tijuana Airport car rental office.

Tijuana International Airport has the Cross Border Xpress Skybridge , a U.S.-Mexico border you can walk across.

If the company allows it, you’ll leave the rental car at one of their Tijuana Mexico locations, and then walk across the Skybridge into San Diego.

10 Useful Tips for Driving in Mexico

1. Avoid driving at night in Mexico

When you’ve lived in Mexico as long as I have, you realize many people simply avoid driving at night, if possible.

If you do drive at night, remember many rural roads aren’t well lit at night, so stick to only main roads and paid highways, called cuota roads, during nighttime hours.

2. Always use the cuota roads (Toll roads in Mexico)

In Mexico, there are libre roads, or free roads, and cuota roads, or paid toll roads.

For longer drives between states, always opt for the cuota roads. While the toll roads do cost more, they are better maintained and generally considered safer for drivers.

Driving to Mexico Tips: When driving in Mexico, make sure to always have small bills and coins on you to pay for the tolls. Some take U.S. dollars, but it’s still better to have pesos.

3. Beware of topes (Speed bumps)

Mexico roads are notorious for an abundance of topes (speed bumps).

While some roads have bright yellow road signs that do alert you to the topes , keep your eyes on the road at all times, as some topes don’t have a sign — and can cause serious damage to your car.

4. Download an offline map for driving in Mexico

Your cell signal may go in and out as you’re driving in Mexico, especially when venturing to more rural parts of the country — so you’ll want to download an offline map from Google Maps or Maps.Me .

📲 For the best possible cell signal, get a Mexico SIM Card .

5. Mexico speed limit signs are in kilometers per hour

Mexico street signs are not in not miles per hour; they are in kilometers per hour . For those who are curious, 1 mile is 1.6 kilometers.

Rather than having to do math as you’re driving in Mexico, just make sure the number on the speed limit sign matches the number on your speedometer.

As you might imagine, the street signs and highway signs in Mexico are also in Spanish. Here are a few you’ll want to know:

• Alto (stop)
• Retorno (turn-around, which is where you make legal U-turns)
• Entrada (entrance)
• Salida (exit)
• Restringido  (restricted area)
• Prohibido (entry prohibited)

6. Don’t use your cell phone while driving in Mexico

Not only is it unsafe to use your phone while driving, it’s also illegal in Mexico. In fact, even just holding your phone is an easy way for you to get pulled over. Make sure you pack your hands-free cell phone holder for Mexico.

🇲🇽 Mexico Fun Fact : It’s also illegal to put on make-up or shave while driving — just some of the weird laws Mexico has.

7. Window cleaners may approach you at stop lights

When you’re at stop lights in Mexico, you may be approached by someone offering to clean the car windshield.

There’s no set amount to pay, but $10-20 pesos ($0.50-1 USD) is a good amount — and well worth it for a nice, clean windshield.

8. Mexico gas stations are not self-serve

When you stop for gas, an attendant will pump it for you and take the payment. Many attendants don’t work for the gas station, and live off tips.

When they finish, it’s customary to tip them $10-20 Mexican pesos ($0.50-1 USD), or more if you ask them to perform a service like checking your tires.

9. Mexico traffic lights have an extra step

In Mexico, many stop lights go from green to yellow, to flashing yellow for a few seconds, to finally, a red light.

🚦 Note: This doesn’t mean you should speed up to get through a yellow light. You are still legally required to stop at yellow lights, just like in the United States.

10. Yes, Mexico cops do take bribes

If the cops pull you over — and they usually only will if you give them a reason to — they may expect a cash “payment” in exchange for not ticketing you.

The best ways to insure this doesn’t happen to you is to 1) not speed, 2) not be on your phone, and 3) not break any other Mexico driving laws.

🚔 Please Note: I’m not in any way defending that this happens, but I am saying the easiest way to make the problem go away is by paying them.

The worst thing you can do is argue because they can take you to jail — and is that where you want to spend your Mexico trip?

🎫 Article 152 & Tarjeton Turistico

About 10 years ago, the Mexican government implemented Article 152, though efforts fell flat.

The Tarjetón Turístico tourist card was intended to end police bribes on tourists, so it’s sad the program failed, but if you see anything about Mexico Article 152 online, it’s no longer operational.

Driving to Mexico: Frequently Asked Questions

Do i need insurance to drive to mexico.

Yes — According to Mexican law, no foreign insurance policies transfer to Mexico. You do need Mexico driver’s insurance to drive in Mexico.

You need at least Personal Liability Insurance (sometimes called TPL insurance, or PLI insurance) to fulfill any legal and financial requirements in the event of an accident.

What’s the best Mexico driving insurance?

The best company is Baja Bound because they have cheap Mexico car insurance policies you can buy online. ▶︎ Get your FREE quote now!

They have amazing customer service (with real people who answer the phones), so if you have questions just contact them here .

🤔 What if I have insurance through my credit card?

Even if you think you do (or if you actually do), many car rental companies in Mexico won’t accept it.

Some U.S. credit cards provide Collision Damage Waiver (CDW insurance) for card holders. This is not the equivalent of Personal Liability Insurance, which you’re required to have by law, as it doesn’t cover any liability.

🤔 Does my health insurance cover me when driving in Mexico?

Maybe, but likely not — It never hurts to call your provider and ask, but for the most part, you’ll need a separate Mexican insurance policy for traveling.

Luckily, these aren’t very expensive, and you can use this link to read all about the best Mexico travel insurance providers . 

Is it safe to drive in Mexico?

Millions of Americans drive across the border into Mexico each year. For the vast majority of drivers, it’s safe to drive in Mexico.

The one obvious caveat is that you’ll be driving in a foreign country, with driving laws differing from your home country. Check out the 10 Mexico driving tips in this article that will help you get comfortable.

Besides driving laws in Mexico, keep in mind the speed signs are in kilometers per hour, not miles per hour — so make sure your speedometer matches what’s on the posted speed limit signs.

Street signs and highway signs are also in Spanish, like these .

Is it safe to drive through Mexico?

Beyond Is it safe to drive to Mexico? , you’ll want to know if it’s safe to drive within the country itself. For the vast majority of drivers, it’s safe to drive through Mexico.

You can check for current travel advisories on the U.S. State Department site here , and also download the iOverlander app (available for Apple and Android). This free app is one of the best resources for driving in Mexico.

It connects you to other drivers in Mexico, mostly those who are in the country at the same time as you, to share tips on road safety, accidents, road blocks, construction delays, and much more.

Is van life in Mexico safe?

For the vast majority of drivers, Mexico van life is a safe experience.

In full disclosure, I have never done any Mexico van life travel. However, check out the podcast episodes linked below where I interview two woman about their experiences with travel in Mexico by car or van.

Rather than me commenting on Mexico van life safety as someone who’s never done it, I will defer to Louisa and Kelli, who are both longtime van-lifers that collectively spent about one year doing Mexico van travel.

• Episode 44 : Louisa talks van life in Mexico
• Episode 48 : Kelli talks Mexico van life

I learned about the iOverlander app just mentioned from two different women who have done van life travel in Mexico. They both say it’s one of the best resources to connect with other Mexico van lifers and drivers.

Can you drive to Mexico?

Yes — As long as you have the six things mentioned on this list , traveling to Mexico by car or any other vehicle is legal for U.S. citizens and Green Card holders.

For those in California, Texas, New Mexico and Arizona, driving to and driving through Mexico is common.

Can you drive to Mexico right now?

Yes — Though the land borders were closed to recreational travel for about 1.5 years, they fully re-opened on November 8, 2021.

At this time, there are no border restrictions in place and you do not need to show proof of vaccination to enter Mexico. 

Can you drive to Mexico with dogs and cats?

Yes — Driving to Mexico with pets is easy, as long as your dogs and/or cats are healthy.

Since 2019, you no longer need any documentation to drive into Mexico with pets. You might consider bringing your pet’s vaccination records, which isn’t required, but may come in handy.

🐾 Driving to Mexico Tips: Mexico only recognizes dogs and cats as pets. Animals such as horses fall under the designation of livestock, not pets.  

🐶🐱 Will my pets be quarantined when entering Mexico?

No — As long as your pet shows no signs of ectoparasites or ticks, they will not be placed in quarantine when you travel to Mexico by car.

What’s the driving age in Mexico?

Once a person reaches 18-years-old, they can have a full Mexico driver’s license.

The age to get a learner’s permit is 15, but the driver is only allowed on the road with parental supervision. At 16, they can get a provisional license, if a parent signs for them

What are the best U.S. Mexico Border Crossings to use?

There are these 48 U.S.-Mexico border crossings , so the best border to cross from the United States to Mexico will depend on where you’re coming from.

The two busiest are the San Ysidro Crossing from San Diego to Tijuana, and the El Paso Crossing in El Paso, Texas.

Can I drive my financed vehicle in Mexico?

If you have a leased car, you should double check with your financing company to see if they have special requirements for driving to Mexico.

Some lien holders require that clients have an official permission letter to carry during your entire trip to Mexico. 

Is there a separate driving in Mexico license?

There is no additional drivers license in Mexico you need to get, as your U.S. or Canadian license is valid (as long as it’s not expired).

If you’re from another country, and your country uses this alphabet (the Roman alphabet), your license is also valid.

What is an International Driving Permit? 

Drivers from countries that use non-Roman alphabets like Japan, China, Russia, Thailand, Israel, etc. which use the other alphabets need to get an International Driving Permit, or IDP.

An IDO will essentially translate your license into the Roman alphabet. ▶︎ Need an IDP for Mexico? Apply here .

Final Thoughts on Driving to Mexico

The US-Mexico land border is the busiest land crossing in the world.

The two countries share a 1,954-mile-long land border (3,144 km), stretching from the Pacific Ocean to the Gulf of Mexico, with about 25 places to do a land crossing.

The United States Department of Transportation reported that about 73 million personal vehicles (carrying about 137 million people) drove across the border in 2019 alone. That number has only increased since.

🚗💨 Do I need Mexico Car Insurance?

This is the #1 question readers ask about crossing the U.S.-Mexico border by car — and the answer is YES . I recommended Baja Bound for insurance because of their affordable policies and great customer service.

Driving to Mexico is a very popular way to visit the country, especially in Baja California on the West Coast.

If you’re headed to Mexico’s Baja Peninsula, don’t miss Ensenada , Valle de Guadalupe (Mexico Wine Country) and Rosarito , all located about 1-2 hours from the U.S. border.

If you love road trips, you can drive all the way to Cabo San Lucas , but it will take about 22 hours from San Diego.

Mexico Travel Planning Guide

Should i buy mexico travel insurance.

YES — With basic coverage averaging just $5-10 USD per day, enjoy peace of mind with a plan from Travel Insurance Master , one of the biggest names in travel insurance. ( Read more )

Can you drink the water in Mexico?

No — You’ll want to buy this Water-To-Go Bottle , which filters your drinking water so you don’t get sick from drinking water in Mexico.

Also, it helps keep you hydrated while traveling Mexico. ( Read more )

Is it safe to rent a car in Mexico?

Yes — Renting a car in Mexico is one of the best ways to see the country! I always rent with Discover Cars , which checks international companies and local Mexican companies, so you get the best rates. ( Read more )

Will my phone work in Mexico?

Maybe — It depends on your company, so check with your provider. If you don’t have free Mexico service, buy a Telcel SIM Card . As Mexico’s largest carrier, Telcel has the best coverage of any Mexico SIM Cards. ( Read more )

What’s the best way to book my Mexico accommodations?

For Mexico hotels, Booking.com is the best site , but for hostels, use Hostel World . If you’re considering a Mexico Airbnb, don’t forget to check VRBO , which is often cheaper than Airbnb.

What do I pack for Mexico?

Head to the Ultimate Mexico Packing List + FREE Checklist Download to get all the info you need on packing for Mexico.

What’s the best site to buy Mexico flights?

For finding cheap Mexico flights, I recommend using Skyscanner .

Do I need a visa for Mexico?

Likely Not — U.S., Canadian and European Passport holders don’t need a visa for Mexico; but check here to see if you need a Mexico travel visa. Most travelers will get a 180-Day FMM Tourist Visa passport stamp a upon arrival.

Situation in Haiti April 5, 2024

U.s. citizens in haiti, update january 10, 2024, information for u.s. citizens in the middle east.

• Travel Advisories |
• Contact Us |
• MyTravelGov |

Find U.S. Embassies & Consulates

Travel.state.gov, congressional liaison, special issuance agency, u.s. passports, international travel, intercountry adoption, international parental child abduction, records and authentications, popular links, travel advisories, mytravelgov, stay connected, legal resources, legal information, info for u.s. law enforcement, replace or certify documents.

Share this page:

Mexico Travel Advisory

Travel advisory august 22, 2023, see state summaries.

Reissued after periodic review with general security updates, and the removal of obsolete COVID-19 page links.

Country Summary: Violent crime – such as homicide, kidnapping, carjacking, and robbery – is widespread and common in Mexico. The U.S. government has limited ability to provide emergency services to U.S. citizens in many areas of Mexico, as travel by U.S. government employees to certain areas is prohibited or restricted. In many states, local emergency services are limited outside the state capital or major cities.

U.S. citizens are advised to adhere to restrictions on U.S. government employee travel. State-specific restrictions are included in the individual state advisories below. U.S. government employees may not travel between cities after dark, may not hail taxis on the street, and must rely on dispatched vehicles, including app-based services like Uber, and regulated taxi stands. U.S. government employees should avoid traveling alone, especially in remote areas. U.S. government employees may not drive from the U.S.-Mexico border to or from the interior parts of Mexico, except daytime travel within Baja California and between Nogales and Hermosillo on Mexican Federal Highway 15D, and between Nuevo Laredo and Monterrey on Highway 85D.

Read the  country information page  for additional information on travel to Mexico.

Do Not Travel To:

• Colima state  due to  crime  and  kidnapping .
• Guerrero state  due to  crime .
• Michoacan state  due to  crime  and  kidnapping .
• Sinaloa state due to  crime  and  kidnapping
• Tamaulipas state  due to  crime  and  kidnapping.
• Zacatecas  state due to  crime  and  kidnapping .

Reconsider Travel To:

• Baja California  state due to  crime  and  kidnapping .
• Chihuahua state  due to  crime  and  kidnapping .
• Durango state  due to  crime .
• Guanajuato state  due to  crime and kidnapping .
• Jalisco state  due to  crime  and  kidnapping .
• Morelos state  due to  crime .
• Sonora state  due to  crime  and  kidnapping .

Exercise Increased Caution When Traveling To:

• Aguascalientes  state due to  crime .
• Baja California Sur state  due to  crime .
• Chiapas state  due to  crime .
• Coahuila state  due to  crime .
• Hidalgo state  due to  crime .
• Mexico City  due to  crime .
• Mexico State  due to  crime .
• Nayarit state  due to  crime.
• Nuevo Leon  state due to  crime  and  kidnapping .
• Oaxaca state  due to  crime .
• Puebla state  due to  crime  and  kidnapping .
• Queretaro state  due to  crime .
• Quintana Roo state  due to  crime .
• San Luis Potosi state  due to  crime and kidnapping .
• Tabasco state  due to  crime .
• Tlaxcala state due to  crime .
• Veracruz state  due to  crime .

Exercise Normal Precautions When Traveling To:

• Campeche state
• Yucatan state

Visit our website for  Travel to High-Risk Areas .

If you decide to travel to Mexico:

• Keep traveling companions and family back home informed of your travel plans. If separating from your travel group, send a friend your GPS location. If taking a taxi alone, take a photo of the taxi number and/or license plate and text it to a friend.
• Use toll roads when possible and avoid driving alone or at night. In many states, police presence and emergency services are extremely limited outside the state capital or major cities.
• Exercise increased caution when visiting local bars, nightclubs, and casinos.
• Do not display signs of wealth, such as wearing expensive watches or jewelry.
• Be extra vigilant when visiting banks or ATMs.
• Enroll in the  Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP)  to receive Alerts and make it easier to locate you in an emergency.
• Follow the Department of State on  Facebook  and  Twitter .
• Follow the U.S. Embassy on Facebook and Twitter .
• Review the  Country Security Report  for Mexico.
• Mariners planning travel to Mexico should check for U.S. maritime  advisories  and  alerts , which include instructions on reporting suspicious activities and attacks to Mexican naval authorities.
• Prepare a contingency plan for emergency situations. Review the  Traveler’s Checklist .
• Visit the CDC page for the latest travel health information related to your travel. 

Aguascalientes state – Exercise Increased Caution

Exercise increased caution due to crime.

Criminal activity and violence may occur throughout the state.

There are no restrictions on travel for U.S. government employees in Aguascalientes state.

Baja California state – Reconsider Travel

Reconsider travel due to crime and kidnapping.

Transnational criminal organizations compete in the border area to establish narco-trafficking and human smuggling routes. Violent crime and gang activity are common. Travelers should remain on main highways and avoid remote locations. Of particular concern is the high number of homicides in the non-tourist areas of Tijuana. Most homicides appeared to be targeted; however, criminal organization assassinations and territorial disputes can result in bystanders being injured or killed. U.S. citizens and LPRs have been victims of kidnapping.

U.S. government employees must adhere to the noted restrictions:

• Mexicali Valley:  U.S. government employees should avoid the Mexicali Valley due to the heightened possibility of violence between rival cartel factions.  The boundaries of the restricted area are: to the east, the Baja California/Arizona and Baja California/Sonora borders; to the south, from La Ventana (on Highway 5) due east to the Colorado River; to the west, Highway 5; and to the north, Boulevard Lazaro Cardenas/Highway 92/Highway 1 to Carretera Aeropuerto, from the intersection of Highway 1 and Carretera Aeropuerto due north to the Baja California/California border, and from that point eastward along the Baja California/California border.
• Travelers may use Highways 2 and 2D to transit between Mexicali, Los Algodones, and San Luis Rio Colorado during daylight hours. Travelers may also use Highways 1 and 8 to transit to and from the Mexicali Airport during daylight hours.  Travel on Highway 5 is permissible during daylight hours.

There are no other travel restrictions for U.S. government employees in Baja California state. These include high-traffic tourism areas of border and coastal communities, such as  Tijuana ,  Ensenada , and  Rosarito .

Baja California Sur state – Exercise Increased Caution

There are no restrictions on travel for U.S. government employees in Baja California Sur state.

Campeche state – Exercise Normal Precautions

Exercise normal precautions.

There are no restrictions on travel for U.S. government employees in Campeche state.

Chiapas state – Exercise Increased Caution

There are no restrictions on travel for U.S. government employees in Chiapas state.

Chihuahua state – Reconsider Travel

Violent crime and gang activity are common. Most homicides are targeted assassinations against members of criminal organizations. Battles for territory between criminal groups have resulted in violent crime in areas frequented by U.S. citizens and U.S. government employees, including restaurants and malls during daylight hours. Bystanders have been injured or killed in shooting incidents. U.S. citizens and LPRs have been victims of kidnapping.

U.S. government employee travel is limited to the following areas with the noted restrictions:

• Ciudad Juarez:  U.S. government employees may travel to the area of Ciudad Juarez bounded to the east by Bulevar Independencia; to the south by De los Montes Urales/Avenida Manuel J Clouthier/Carretera de Juárez; to the west by Via Juan Gabriel/Avenida de los Insurgentes/Calle Miguel Ahumada/Francisco Javier Mina/Melchor Ocampo; and to the north by the U.S.-Mexico border.  Direct travel to the Ciudad Juarez airport (officially called the Abraham González International Airport) and the factories located along Bulevar Independencia and Las Torres is permitted.  Travel to San Jerónimo is permitted only through the United States via the Santa Teresa U.S. Port of Entry; travel via Anapra is prohibited.

U.S. government employees may only travel from Ciudad Juarez to the city of Chihuahua during daylight hours via Federal Highway 45, with stops permitted only at the Guardia Nacional División Caminos station, the Umbral del Milenio overlook area, the border inspection station at KM 35, and the shops and restaurants on Federal Highway 45 in the city of Ahumada.

• U.S. government employees may travel between Ciudad Juarez and Ascension via Highway 2.
• Nuevo Casas Grandes Area (including Nuevo Casas Grandes, Casas Grandes, Mata Ortiz, Colonia Juárez, Colonia LeBaron, Paquimé and San Buenaventura):  U.S. government employees may travel to the Nuevo Casas Grandes area during daylight hours via Mexico Federal Highway 2, and subsequently Federal Highway 10, to Nuevo Casas Grandes.  Employees are permitted to stay overnight in the cities of Nuevo Casas Grandes and Casas Grandes only.
• City of Chihuahua:  U.S. government employees may travel at any time to the area of the city of Chihuahua bounded to the north by Avenida Transformación; to the east by Avenida Tecnológico/Manuel Gómez Morín/Highway 16/Blvd.José Fuentes Mares; to the west by the city boundary; and to the south by Periférico Francisco R. Almada.
• U.S. government employees may travel on Highways 45, 16, and 45D through the city of Chihuahua and to the Chihuahua airport (officially called the General Roberto Fierro Villalobos International Airport). 
• U.S. government employees may travel to Santa Eulalia to the east of the city of Chihuahua, as well as to Juan Aldama via Highway 16 to the northeast.
• U.S. government employees may travel south of the city of Chihuahua on Highway 45 to the southern boundary of Parral, including each town directly connected to Highway 45, including Lázaro Cárdenas, Pedro Meoqui, Santa Cruz de Rosales, Delicias, Camargo, Ciudad Jiménez, and Parral itself.
• U.S. government employees may only travel on official business from the city of Chihuahua on Highway 16 to Ciudad Cuauhtémoc bounded by Highway 21 to the north and east, Highway 5 to the west, and Bulevar Jorge Castillo Cabrera to the south. 
• Ojinaga:  U.S. government employees must travel to Ojinaga via U.S. Highway 67 and enter through the U.S. Port of Entry in Presidio, Texas.
• Palomas:  U.S. government employees may travel to Palomas via U.S. highways through the U.S. Port of Entry in Columbus, New Mexico, or via Highway 2 in Mexico.

U.S. government employees may not travel to other areas of Chihuahua, including  Copper Canyon .

Coahuila state – Exercise Increased Caution

Violent crime and gang activity occur in parts of Coahuila state. 

U.S. government employees must adhere to the following travel restrictions:

• Zaragoza, Morelos, Allende, Nava, Jimenez, Villa Union, Guerrero, and Hidalgo municipalities : U.S. government employees may not travel to these municipalities.
• Piedras Negras and Ciudad Acuña:  U.S. government employees must travel directly from the United States and observe a curfew from midnight to 6:00 a.m. in both cities.

There are no other restrictions on travel for U.S. government employees in Coahuila state.

Colima state – Do Not Travel

Do not travel due to crime and kidnapping.  

Violent crime and gang activity are widespread. Most homicides are targeted assassinations against members of criminal organizations. Shooting incidents between criminal groups have injured or killed bystanders. U.S. citizens and LPRs have been victims of kidnapping.  

Travel for U.S. government employees is limited to the following areas with noted restrictions: 

• Manzanillo:   U.S. government employee travel is limited to the tourist and port areas of Manzanillo.  
• Employees traveling to Manzanillo from Guadalajara must use Federal Toll Road 54D during daylight hours.  

U.S. government employees may not travel to other areas of Colima state. 

Durango state – Reconsider Travel

Reconsider travel due to crime.

Violent crime and gang activity are common in parts of Durango state.

• West and south of Federal Highway 45:  U.S. government employees may not travel to this region of Durango state.

There are no other restrictions on travel for U.S. government employees in Durango state.

Guanajuato state – Reconsider Travel

Gang violence, often associated with the theft of petroleum and natural gas from the state oil company and other suppliers, occurs in Guanajuato, primarily in the south and central areas of the state.  Of particular concern is the high number of murders in the southern region of the state associated with cartel-related violence. U.S. citizens and LPRs have been victims of kidnapping.

• Areas south of Federal Highway 45D:  U.S. government employees may not travel to the area south of and including Federal Highway 45D, Celaya, Salamanca, and Irapuato.

There are no other restrictions on travel for U.S. government employees in Guanajuato state, which includes tourist areas in:  San Miguel de Allende ,  Guanajuato City , and  surrounding areas.

Guerrero state – Do Not Travel

Do not travel due to crime.

Crime and violence are widespread. Armed groups operate independently of the government in many areas of Guerrero. Members of these groups frequently maintain roadblocks and may use violence towards travelers. U.S. citizens and LPRs have been victims of kidnapping in previous years.

Travel for U.S. government employees is limited to the following area with the noted restrictions:

• Taxco:  U.S. government employees must use Federal Highway 95D, which passes through Cuernavaca, Morelos, and stay within downtown tourist areas of Taxco. Employees may visit Grutas de Cacahuamilpa National Park during the day with a licensed tour operator.

U.S. government employees may not travel to other areas of the state of Guerrero, including to tourist areas in  Acapulco ,  Zihuatanejo , and  Ixtapa .

Hidalgo state – Exercise Increased Caution

There are no restrictions on travel for U.S. government employees in Hidalgo state.

Jalisco state – Reconsider Travel

Violent crime and gang activity are common in parts of Jalisco state. In Guadalajara, territorial battles between criminal groups take place in tourist areas. Shooting incidents between criminal groups have injured or killed innocent bystanders. U.S. citizens and LPRs have been victims of kidnapping.

• Jalisco-Michoacan border and Federal Highway 110:  U.S. government employees may not travel to the area between Federal Highway 110 and the Jalisco-Michoacan border, nor travel on Federal Highway 110 between Tuxpan, Jalisco, and the Michoacan border.
• Federal Highway 80:  U.S. government employees may not travel on Federal Highway 80 south of Cocula.

There are no other restrictions on travel for U.S government employees in Jalisco state which includes tourist areas in:  Guadalajara Metropolitan Area ,  Puerto Vallarta (including neighboring Riviera Nayarit) ,  Chapala , and  Ajijic .

Mexico City (Ciudad de Mexico) – Exercise Increased Caution

Both violent and non-violent crime occur throughout Mexico City. Use additional caution, particularly at night, outside of the frequented tourist areas where police and security patrol more routinely. Petty crime occurs frequently in both tourist and non-tourist areas.

There are no restrictions on travel for U.S. government employees in Mexico City.

Mexico State (Estado de Mexico) – Exercise Increased Caution

Both violent and non-violent crime occur throughout Mexico State. Use additional caution in areas outside of the frequented tourist areas, although petty crime occurs frequently in tourist areas as well.

There are no restrictions on travel for U.S. government employees in Mexico State.

Michoacan state – Do Not Travel

Do not travel due to crime and kidnapping.

Crime and violence are widespread in Michoacan state. U.S. citizens and LPRs have been victims of kidnapping.

Travel for U.S. government employees is limited to the following areas with the noted restrictions:

• Federal Highway 15D:   U.S. government employees may travel on Federal Highway 15D to transit the state between Mexico City and Guadalajara.
• Morelia:  U.S. government employees may travel by air and by land using Federal Highways 43 or 48D from Federal Highway 15D.
• Lazaro Cardenas:  U.S. government employees must travel by air only and limit activities to the city center or port areas.

U.S. government employees may not travel to other areas of the state of Michoacan, including the portions of the  Monarch Butterfly Reserve  located in Michoacan.

Morelos state – Reconsider Travel

Violent crime and gang activity are common in parts of Morelos state.

There are no restrictions on travel for U.S. government employees in Morelos state.

Nayarit state – Exercise Increased Caution

Criminal activity and violence may occur throughout Nayarit state.

There are no restrictions on travel for U.S government employees in Nayarit state.

Nuevo Leon state – Exercise Increased Caution

Exercise increased caution due to crime and kidnapping.

Criminal activity and violence may occur throughout the state. U.S. citizens and LPRs have been victims of kidnapping.

There are no restrictions on travel for U.S. government employees in Nuevo Leon state.

Oaxaca state – Exercise Increased Caution

Criminal activity and violence occur throughout the state.

U.S. travelers are reminded that U.S. government employees must adhere to the following travel restrictions:

• Isthmus region:  U.S. government employees may not travel to the area of Oaxaca bounded by Federal Highway 185D to the west, Federal Highway 190 to the north, and the Oaxaca-Chiapas border to the east.  This includes the cities of Juchitan de Zaragoza, Salina Cruz, and San Blas Atempa.  
• Federal Highway 200 northwest of Pinotepa:  U.S. government employees may not use Federal Highway 200 between Pinotepa and the Oaxaca-Guerrero border.

There are no restrictions on travel for U.S. government employees to other parts of Oaxaca state, which include tourist areas in:  Oaxaca City ,  Monte Alban ,  Puerto Escondido,  and  Huatulco .

Puebla state – Exercise Increased Caution

There are no restrictions on travel for U.S. government employees in Puebla state.

Queretaro state – Exercise Increased Caution

There are no restrictions on travel for U.S. government employees in Queretaro state.

Quintana Roo state – Exercise Increased Caution

Criminal activity and violence may occur in any location, at any time, including in popular tourist destinations.  Travelers should maintain a high level of situational awareness, avoid areas where illicit activities occur, and promptly depart from potentially dangerous situations. 

While not directed at tourists, shootings between rival gangs have injured innocent bystanders.  Additionally, U.S. citizens have been the victims of both non-violent and violent crimes in tourist and non-tourist areas.

There are no restrictions on travel for U.S. government employees in Quintana Roo state. However, personnel are advised to exercise increased situational awareness after dark in downtown areas of Cancun, Tulum, and Playa del Carmen, and to remain in well-lit pedestrian streets and tourist zones.

San Luis Potosi state – Exercise Increased Caution

Criminal activity and violence may occur throughout the state.  U.S. citizens and LPRs have been victims of kidnapping.

There are no restrictions on travel for U.S. government employees in San Luis Potosi state.

Sinaloa state – Do Not Travel

Violent crime is widespread. Criminal organizations are based in and operating in Sinaloa. U.S. citizens and LPRs have been victims of kidnapping.

• Mazatlan:  U.S. government employees may travel to Mazatlan by air or sea only, are limited to the Zona Dorada and historic town center, and must travel via direct routes between these destinations and the airport and sea terminal.
• Los Mochis and Topolobampo:  U.S. government employees may travel to Los Mochis and Topolobampo by air or sea only, are restricted to the city and the port, and must travel via direct routes between these destinations and the airport.

U.S. government employees may not travel to other areas of Sinaloa state.

Sonora state – Reconsider Travel

Sonora is a key location used by the international drug trade and human trafficking networks. Violent crime is widespread. U.S. citizens and LPRs have been victims of kidnapping. Travelers should maintain a heightened level of awareness of their surroundings in all their travels in Sonora.  Security incidents may occur in any area of Sonora.

• Travel between Hermosillo and Nogales:  U.S. government employees may travel between the U.S. Ports of Entry in Nogales and Hermosillo during daylight hours via Federal Highway 15 only. U.S. government employees may not use ANY taxi services, public buses, nor ride-share applications due to a lack of secure vetting and/or dispatching procedures. Travelers should exercise caution and avoid unnecessary stops as security incidents, including sporadic, armed carjackings, and shootings have been reported along this highway during daylight hours. Travelers should have a full tank of gas and inform friends or family members of their planned travel.
• Nogales:  U.S. government employees may not travel in the triangular area north of Avenida Tecnologico, west of Bulevar Luis Donaldo Colosio (Periferico), nor east of Federal Highway 15D (Corredor Fiscal). U.S. government employees also may not travel in the residential and business areas to east of the railroad tracks along Plutarco Elias Calle (HWY 15) and Calle Ruiz Cortino, including the business area around the Morley pedestrian gate port-of-entry. U.S. government employees may not use ANY taxi services, public buses, nor ride-share applications in Nogales due to a lack of secure vetting and/or dispatching procedures and the danger of kidnapping and other violent crimes.  
• Puerto Peñasco:  U.S. government employees may travel between Puerto Peñasco and the Lukeville-Sonoyta U.S. Port of Entry during daylight hours via Federal Highway 8 only. They may not travel on any other route to Puerto Peñasco. U.S. government employees may not use ANY taxi services, public buses, nor ride-share applications in Puerto Peñasco. due to a lack of secure vetting and/or dispatching procedures and the danger of kidnapping and other violent crimes.
• Triangular region near Mariposa U.S. Port of Entry:  U.S. government employees may not travel into or through the triangular region west of the Mariposa U.S. Port of Entry, east of Sonoyta, and north of Altar municipality.
• San Luis Rio Colorado, Cananea, and Agua Prieta : U.S. government employees may travel directly from the nearest U.S. Port of Entry to San Luis Rio Colorado, Cananea (via Douglas Port of Entry), and Agua Prieta, but may not go beyond the city limits. Travel is limited to daylight hours only. Travel between Nogales and Cananea via Imuris is not permitted. U.S. government employees may not use ANY taxi services, public buses, nor ride-share applications in these cities due to a lack of secure vetting and/or dispatching procedures and the danger of kidnapping and other violent crimes.
• Eastern and southern Sonora (including San Carlos Nuevo Guaymas and Alamos):  U.S. government employees may not travel to areas of Sonora east of Federal Highway 17, the road between Moctezuma and Sahuaripa, and State Highway 20 between Sahuaripa and the intersection with Federal Highway 16. U.S. government employees may travel to San Carlos Nuevo Guaymas and Alamos; travel to Alamos is only permitted by air and within city limits.  U.S. government employees may not travel to areas of Sonora south of Federal Highway 16 and east of Federal Highway 15 (south of Hermosillo), as well as all points south of Guaymas, including Empalme, Guaymas, Obregon, and Navojoa.  U.S. government employees may not use ANY taxi services, public buses, nor ride-share applications in these areas due to a lack of secure vetting and/or dispatching procedures and the danger of kidnapping and other violent crimes.

U.S. government employees may travel to other parts of Sonora state in compliance with the above restrictions, including tourist areas in: Hermosillo , Bahia de Kino , and Puerto Penasco .

Tabasco state – Exercise Increased Caution

There are no restrictions on travel for U.S. government employees in Tabasco state.

Tamaulipas state – Do Not Travel

Organized crime activity – including gun battles, murder, armed robbery, carjacking, kidnapping, forced disappearances, extortion, and sexual assault – is common along the northern border and in Ciudad Victoria. Criminal groups target public and private passenger buses, as well as private automobiles traveling through Tamaulipas, often taking passengers and demanding ransom payments.

Heavily armed members of criminal groups often patrol areas of the state and operate with impunity particularly along the border region from Reynosa to Nuevo Laredo.  In these areas, local law enforcement has limited capacity to respond to incidents of crime. Law enforcement capacity is greater in the tri-city area of Tampico, Ciudad Madero, and Altamira, which has a lower rate of violent criminal activity compared to the rest of the state.

U.S. citizens and LPRs have been victims of kidnapping.

• Matamoros and Nuevo Laredo:  U.S. government employees may only travel within a limited radius around and between the U.S. Consulates in Nuevo Laredo and Matamoros, their homes, the respective U.S. Ports of Entry, and limited downtown sites, subject to an overnight curfew.
• Overland travel in Tamaulipas:  U.S. government employees may not travel between cities in Tamaulipas using interior Mexican highways. Travel between Nuevo Laredo and Monterrey is limited to Federal Highway 85D during daylight hours with prior authorization.

U.S. government employees may not travel to other parts of Tamaulipas state.

Tlaxcala state – Exercise Increased Caution

There are no restrictions on travel for U.S. government employees in Tlaxcala state.

Veracruz state – Exercise Increased Caution

Violent crime and gang activity occur with increasing frequency in Veracruz, particularly in the center and south near Cordoba and Coatzacoalcos. While most gang-related violence is targeted, violence perpetrated by criminal organizations can affect bystanders. Impromptu roadblocks requiring payment to pass are common.

There are no restrictions on travel for U.S. government employees in Veracruz state.

Yucatan state – Exercise Normal Precautions

There are no restrictions on travel for U.S. government employees in Yucatan state, which include tourist areas in:  Chichen Itza ,  Merida ,  Uxmal , and  Valladolid .

Zacatecas state – Do Not Travel

Violent crime, extortion, and gang activity are widespread in Zacatecas state. U.S. citizens and LPRs have been victims of kidnapping.

• Zacatecas City : U.S. government employee travel is limited to Zacatecas City proper, and employees may not travel overland to Zacatecas City.
• U.S. government employees may not travel to other areas of Zacatecas state.

Travel Advisory Levels

Assistance for u.s. citizens, search for travel advisories, external link.

You are about to leave travel.state.gov for an external website that is not maintained by the U.S. Department of State.

Links to external websites are provided as a convenience and should not be construed as an endorsement by the U.S. Department of State of the views or products contained therein. If you wish to remain on travel.state.gov, click the "cancel" message.

You are about to visit:

• How to get to Mexico

Book your individual trip , stress-free with local travel experts

• roughguides.com
• North America
• getting-there
• Travel guide
• Itineraries
• Local Experts
• Travel Advice
• Accommodation

Bordered by countries in both North and South America, there are many options for getting to Mexico. The quickest and easiest way to get to Mexico is to fly, though it is also possible to travel overland from the US via train, bus or car, or by water for cruise passengers.

Flights from the US and Canada

Flights from the uk and ireland, flights from australia, new zealand & south africa, train travel to mexico, bus travel in mexico, tips for driving in mexico, arriving by boat, tailor-made travel itineraries for mexico, created by local experts.

17 days  / from 1590 USD

The Magic of the Yucatan and Mexico City

Explore the magic of the Yucatan Peninsula: from colonial towns like Merida to Archaeological sites like Uxmal and Calakmul, close to the Guatemala border, to beaches in Bacalar and Tulum, this itinerary shows you the real Yucatan before heading out to explore Mexico City.

15 days  / from 1430 USD

Mexico City, Oaxaca & the Yucatan

Explore Central Mexico with its ever-busy capital Mexico City, visiting Teotihuacan and the famous museums in the city. Further on to Oaxaca City, the gateway to the Archaeological Site Monte Alban. Afterwards, continue to the white beaches of the Yucatan: Cancun and Isla Holbox await.

18 days  / from 1735 USD

Fascinating Mexico: From Guanajuato to the Yucatan

Discover Mexico from fascinating San Miguel de Allende over busy Mexico City all the way to the Yucatan Peninsula. This itinerary combines public transportation with domestic flights to ensure you can make the most of discovering fascinating Mexico within two weeks.

Tailor-made trips for   Mexico

Airfares to Mexico tend to be highest around Easter; from early June to mid-September; and at Christmas and New Year. Prices may drop during the “shoulder” seasons – mid-September to early November and mid-April to early June. The best Mexico travel deals are usually available during the low season (November to April, excluding Christmas and New Year). Find out more about about the best time to visit Mexico .

From most places in North America, flying is the most convenient way to travel to Mexico. Aeroméxico flies direct to dozens of destinations in Mexico, and can make connections to many others. The bigger US airlines – especially American Airlines, Delta , United and US Airways – have connections to Mexico City and the more popular resorts from all over the US. Budget Mexican airlines, such as Viva Aerobus, Volaris and Interjet, also run flights into Mexico from a handful of American cities. For the lowest-priced round trip to Mexico City or Cancún in high season, expect to pay around US$420–450 out of Dallas, US$450–500 from Miami, US$400–500 from Houston, US$550–650 from New York or US$400–500 from LA.

There are fewer direct scheduled flights from Canada to Mexico, although Air Canada flies to Mexico City from Toronto and Vancouver, and Aeroméxico flies there from Montréal. Air Canada also serves Cancún from Toronto and Montréal. However, the biggest choice of direct flights is offered by WestJet, which does not serve Mexico City, but does have flights to Cancún and several other beach resorts. Typical lowest high-season round-trip fares to Mexico City or Cancún cost around Can$530–600 from Toronto, Can$550–620 from Montreal or Can$700–800 from Vancouver.

BA has direct scheduled flights from London to Mexico City and Cancún; Virgin has direct flights to Cancún. There are also (generally cheaper) charter flights to Cancún from Gatwick, Birmingham and Manchester with Thomson. Flying from anywhere else in the UK or Ireland, or to any other destination in Mexico, you will have to change planes somewhere.

Even from London, although a direct flight is easiest, it can be cheaper to take an indirect flight with a European or US carrier. Prices for scheduled return flights from London to Mexico City start at around £550 off-season, but can cost around £900 in August.

There are no direct flights to Mexico from Australia, New Zealand or South Africa, so you will have to change planes somewhere en route.

From Australia, your widest choice of airlines is out of Sydney, where there are flights to Mexico with Delta via LA or Houston, with United via LA, with Air Canada via Vancouver, or with LAN via Santiago de Chile. United also serve Melbourne. Otherwise, you can fly with Qantas from almost any Australian airport to LA, continuing to Mexico with an American or Mexican airline. Prices start at around Aus$1500 for the round trip.

From New Zealand, your choice is very similar: Air Canada via Vancouver, an American airline via LA or Auckland to LA with Air New Zealand, continuing with a Mexican or American airline. From other New Zealand airports, you will probably need to change planes additionally at Auckland or Sydney. Prices start from around NZ$1700 return.

From South Africa, your most direct route is with Delta or United from Johannesburg via the US, or on SAA in combination with an American or Mexican airline. You can also fly with a European airline such as KLM, Lufthansa or British Airways via their hubs in Europe. From other South African airports, you’ll usually have to fly via Johannesburg. Fares start at around R14,000 return.

US passenger train services reach the border at El Paso, on the LA–Dallas line. El Paso is served by Amtrak’s Sunset Limited service from New Orleans, Houston, Tucson and LA. The Sunset Limited also picks up Amtrak’s Texas Eagle (from Chicago, St Louis, Little Rock and Dallas) overnight at San Antonio. The journey takes just over 16 hours from LA, 19.5 hours from Houston, or – including an eight-hour layover in San Antonio – 26.5 hours from Dallas and 48.5 hours from Chicago.

Arrivals on these services (around 8am from LA, 4.15pm from Chicago and New Orleans) give you time to cross the border, have something to eat in Ciudad Juárez and catch a bus on to Mexico City. Check current timetables with Amtrak .

US bus travel is pretty grim compared to the relative comfort of Amtrak, but you have a wider range of US border posts to choose from. Count on at least 52 hours’ journey time from New York to El Paso or 12 hours from San Francisco to Tijuana – and at least a further day’s travel from either point to Mexico City.

Greyhound runs regularly to all the major border crossings. Some of their buses will also take you over the frontier to a Mexican bus station, which saves a lot of hassle. Greyhound agents abroad should be able to reserve your through tickets with their Mexican counterparts, which is even more convenient but involves pre-planning. Additionally, many Mexican bus companies cross the border into the US, so that you can pick up a bus to Mexico City as far north as Houston or LA.

More countercultural, and arguably better value, are overland tours from San Francisco with Green Tortoise Adventure Travel . Converted school buses provide reasonably comfortable transport and sleeping space for up to 35 people.

Taking your own car into Mexico will obviously give you a great deal more freedom, but it’s an option fraught with complications. Aside from border formalities, you’ll also have to contend with the state of the roads, the style of driving and the quality of the fuel.

Licences and permits

Driving licences from the US, Canada, the UK, Ireland, Australia, New Zealand and most European countries are valid in Mexico, but it’s a good idea to arm yourself with an International Driving Licence – available from motoring organizations such as the AAA in the US, the CAA in Canada or the AA in Britain. If you fall foul of a Mexican traffic cop for any reason, show that first; if they abscond with it you at least still have your own licence.

As a rule, you can drive in Baja California, western Sonora and the Zona Libre (the border area extending roughly 25km into Mexico) without any special formalities. To drive elsewhere in Mexico, however, you must obtain a temporary importation permit at the border, or online at banjercito.com.mx (click on "Application for Temporary Import Permit for vehicles, boats and RVs").

To make sure you don’t sell the car in Mexico or a neighbouring country, you’ll also be required to post a cash bond, the amount of which will depend on the make and age of your vehicle, though it will be at least US$400 for a car less than five years old. This can be done in cash (US dollars only), or with the credit or debit card of the owner of the vehicle (who must be present), at Banjército, the Mexican army bank, which has offices at border posts specifically for the purpose. You’ll need to show registration and title documents for the car, plus your driver’s licence and passport, and you’ll probably be asked to supply two photocopies of these as well as your tourist card.

The permits are good for 180 days, during which time you can drive your car out of Mexico and return, but there are penalties in force if you exceed the limit, including forfeiture of your vehicle, and you must be sure to have your importation permit terminated when you finally do leave, or the authorities may assume your vehicle is still in the country; if you write it off while you are in Mexico, you will need to inform Mexican customs and obtain permission to leave without it.

US and Canadian auto insurance policies don’t cover Mexico, so you will need to take out a Mexican policy, available from numerous agencies on either side of every border post. Rates depend on the value of the vehicle and what kind of coverage you want. To arrange a policy before leaving the US, call Instant Mexico Insurance Services, International Gateway, Oscar Padilla Mexican Insurance or the acknowledged leader in the field, Sanborn’s Insurance .

To get discounts on insurance, it might be worth joining a travel club, such as Discover Baja Travel Club or Sanborn’s Sombrero Club. These clubs typically also offer discounts on accommodation and free travel advice.

The American and Canadian AAs produce road maps and route planners for travel to Mexico, and members may qualify for discounted insurance at affiliated border agencies, but their emergency/breakdown services do not cover you once you are inside Mexico.

If you want to sail to Mexico in your own boat, similar conditions apply to those in effect for motor vehicles.

Alternatively, you could take a cruise. Several lines offer cruises on the Pacific coast, most popularly between LA and Acapulco, stopping at Los Cabos, Mazatlán, Puerto Vallarta and Zihuatanejo. Others ply the Caribbean side out of Miami, taking in Cozumel, Playa del Carmen and other Mexican destinations.

The Rough Guides to Mexico and related travel guides

In-depth, easy-to-use travel guides filled with expert advice.

Travel advice for Mexico

From travel safety to visa requirements, discover the best tips for traveling to Mexico

• Visa and entry requirements Mexico
• Crime and personal safety tips Mexico
• Eating and drinking in Mexico
• Getting around Mexico: Transportation Tips
• Travel Tips Mexico for planning and on the go
• Best time to visit Mexico

Find even more inspiration here

• Travel Tips

written by Andy Turner

updated 26.04.2021

Ready to travel and discover Mexico?

Get support from our local experts for stress-free planning & worry-free travels.

• Where to stay
• Travel advice

The one thing you'll want to do is the only thing not to do while driving during solar eclipse

The 2024 solar eclipse will shroud much of the United States in darkness on Monday, leaving many people to wonder: Is it safe to drive during the celestial event?

We know Americans should wear certified eclipse glasses when looking directly at the eclipse. And millions of Americans are in the eclipse's path of totality , the moment that occurs when the moon completely blocks the sun's light from reaching us. During totality, the eclipse can be viewed with the naked eye.

The eclipse will begin in Texas at 1:27 p.m. CDT and end in Maine at 3:35 p.m. EDT, but the exact time of the eclipse varies by where you are in its path. If you plan to drive during this time, you may not only have to contend with traffic , but need to take steps to stay safe.

Here's what to know about driving during the eclipse.

Where to get free solar eclipse glasses: Libraries, Warby Parker and more giving glasses away

Is it safe to drive during an eclipse?

It's safe to drive during an eclipse as long as you don't look up at the sky. AAA is telling drivers to be focused on the road if they are operating a car during the total solar eclipse.

"Anyone operating a vehicle should not be attempting to look up at the sky during the eclipse – their eyes should be on the road," said Aixa Diaz, a spokeswoman from AAA.

The automobile insurance company is advising Americans who want to safely view the total eclipse to "find a safe place to park (not on the side of a road or highway) away from other traffic and then wear your eclipse glasses," Diaz said.

Do not wear eclipse glasses while driving

It should go without saying, but authorities are also reminding people to not drive while wearing eclipse glasses .

The Missouri and Texas departments of transportation are both advising drivers to not wear eclipse glasses during the natural phenomenon and to focus on the road.

"Do not wear eclipse glasses while driving," reads a list of safety tips from the Texas department. Thousands people are expected to drive to towns along the path of totality, including Dallas, ahead of the eclipse.

Several state transportation departments  released similar warnings  ahead of the 2017 total solar eclipse. Wyoming's, for example, warned people traveling to the state about how they wouldn't be able to see the road with solar eclipse glasses on.

"When the glasses are worn, a person shouldn’t be able to see anything except the solar eclipse, which is why it is unsafe for a person to wear them when driving," the warning reads.

"Eclipse glasses are for eclipse viewing, not driving. They shouldn’t be treated like normal sunglasses," Diaz said.