Crossing the Border
To cross the border into Baja California, travelers must have the following documentation:
Valid Passport: A passport is required for all travelers entering Mexico.
Visa: Citizens of the United States, Canada, and many other countries do not require a visa for short visits (up to 180 days) for tourism or business purposes.
Tourist Card (FMM): All visitors must obtain a tourist card upon entry. This can be done at the border crossing, online, or at an immigration office in Mexico.
Upon crossing the border, you will go through customs and immigration checks. Be prepared for the following procedures:
Inspection: Customs officers may inspect your vehicle and belongings to ensure compliance with Mexican regulations.
Declarations: Declare goods exceeding duty-free allowances, such as alcohol, tobacco, and high-value items.
Permits: Ensure you have all required permits and documentation, including your tourist card and, if applicable, your vehicle permit.
All border crossings are crowded, and finding a place to park while you obtain your FMM card can take time and effort. Many people find parking on the US side easier and walk across the border to get their FMM card.
There is a parking lot at the Andrade, CA (Yuma, AZ) border crossing ($7), so you can park and walk across the border to obtain your FMM. At Calexico/Mexicali East, parking is available immediately after crossing the border at the Migracion office on your right.
As of this writing, there are six official border crossings in Baja from the USA:
- San Ysidro, San Diego, CA – 24 hours daily
- Otay Mesa, San Diego, CA – 24 hours daily
- Calexico, CA (Mexicali West)– 24 hours daily
- Calexico, CA (Mexicali East) – need to check hours
- Tecate, CA – need to check hours
- Andrade, CA – need to check hours
The app Border Wait Time (available for Android and iOS) provides border operating hours and current wait times. It also includes Canadian border crossing times.
Mexican Auto Insurance
Why You Need Mexican Car Insurance
Two of the most important things to know are:
1. Your U.S. or Canadian auto insurance policy will not cover you in Mexico. Mexican law requires that drivers carry liability insurance from a Mexican insurer. This is to ensure that if you are involved in an accident, you can cover the costs of damages or injuries to others.
2. Mexican Auto insurance is required BEFORE crossing the border.
How to Purchase Mexican Car Insurance
Buying Mexican car insurance is relatively straightforward, and there
are several ways to do it.
Online
Many providers offer the convenience of purchasing policies online. This allows you to compare rates and coverage options and choose the best plan for your needs from the comfort of your home.
At the Border
You can also buy Mexican car insurance from kiosks or agents at the border. This can be a good option if you prefer to arrange your insurance in person and get immediate coverage.
Through Your Auto Insurance Provider
Some U.S. and Canadian insurance companies have partnerships with Mexican insurers and can help you purchase a policy before you travel.
Reputable Mexican insurance vendors are based in the US, or you can obtain the policy online here. If you must cancel your trip, confirm the insurance company’s cancellation policy to avoid being stuck with a non-usable policy.