Making a Smooth Entry Into Mexico

At the US-Mexico Border

When you are a visitor going to Mexico, you are likely to have some anxiety, particularly if it is your first time to cross the border. Mexico is just next to the US and so there is really nothing strange that should worry you. That said, there are some procedures to be observed at the border and it is good to be aware of them before hand so that you do not waste time getting processed.

The first thing to appreciate is that border crossing points are different in the size of human and vehicle traffic being processed. They also vary in how remote or otherwise each location is. When it comes to being busy, Tijuana border point of crossing tops the list. It is located on the southern side of San Diego, where people cross to get into Baja. Busy as this place is, visitors and other people crossing into Mexico get processed fast; in a matter of minutes.

Secure your Mexican auto insurance in advance

To make everything easy for you on the material day, it is best that you secure your Mexican auto insurance earlier so that you have less on your plate. It can be hectic for you, trying to buy insurance at the border when you have the car import permit to secure, and when the authorities want to check you out as part of their security procedures. Besides, crossing the border for the first time can be a bit disorienting and so you want to be as relaxed as possible.

Securing car insurance in advance should not be a problem as you can do it online. You can purchase it online from this URL. There are many Mexican auto insurance companies represented in the US.

How to ease your border crossing

 You need to be clear in your mind if you have goods to declare to customs or not. If you do not have any, just move to the left lane, as most tourists do. You will see a sign inscribed, “Nothing to Declare”.

• If you are aware you have items that require customs declaration, move straight to the lane on the right. You will see a sign that reads, “Declarations”. Ahead of you is a parking space on the inside of the border. You need to park your vehicle there as you declare your items. This is the same place you park as you file any immigration papers at those border offices.
  

  RV

• You need to realize also that if you are driving a Recreational Vehicle (RV) or a motor home you automatically fall into the category of the right lane. This is because the officials at the border like inspecting them most times.

If you have nothing to declare, do you just zoom off?

No, you do not just drive past without getting go ahead. When you get to the actual point of border crossing, you will notice some traffic lights signaling. Stop before the lights and watch. If they turn green, move on into your coveted land of Mexico. If, however, they turn red, look out for the border patrol officials. They will be beckoning you to the parking lot where declarations are made. You need not panic; rather, drive slowly to the parking area for inspection.

Do the border officials take long to clear you?

The inspection, which is usually done by English speaking officials, should be through in a few minutes. Most times, when you are driving an ordinary personal car like an SUV or such other family car, the lights will turn green for you.

After your smooth entry into Mexico, you will enjoy your stay more if you avoid rough driving and road drama even when you have Mexican vehicle insurance. As you are yet to learn and get accustomed to the road etiquette in the new place, it will serve you well to keep your speed moderate. That way, you will also be able to read the road signs and register your bearings without getting anxious.