Driving from Phoenix to Mexico: Documentation & Requirements

An exciting south-of-the-border road trip may be closer than you think! If you are lucky enough to call Phoenix, Arizona home, you can reach a port of entry to Mexico in roughly three hours by car. Driving from Phoenix to Mexico can be a beautiful way to soak in exotic scenery and explore charming cities such as Yuma, Los Algodones, and Nogales. Whether you plan on visiting Mexico for a family reunion or simply kick back on a sandy beach in Mazatlan, an Arizona/Mexico road trip requires some planning. Access Insurance Agency of Arizona, LLC (Access Auto) understands the importance of securing the proper documents and reviewing auto insurance for Mexico travel requirements before your departure. Take some time before your journey to obtain any necessary paperwork and appropriate car insurance coverage to avoid any potential legal consequences later on.  

Essential documents for crossing the border 

Don’t be caught in a lurch when crossing at Lukeville, Agua Prieta or any other crossing. As per the U.S. Department of State, you will need to have the following documents ready: 

• A valid passport or green card. 
• A Tourist Permit, or Forma Migratoria Multiple (FMM) card if you plan on traveling more than 12 miles into Mexico 
• A valid driver’s license or international driving permit. 
• Your vehicle’s registration and title (must be in the driver’s name or accompanied by a notarized letter if borrowing/renting a car). 
• A Temporary Vehicle Import Permit (TVIP card) for travel beyond the border zone. 

Be aware that if your travel plans extend beyond the border zone (or more than 12 miles into Mexico) you will be tasked with obtaining both TVIP and FMM cards, according to the Department of State.  

According to ConsulMex, you can apply for a TVIP card online no earlier than 60 days, but no less than seven days before your trip. You can also apply for a TVIP card up to six months before your trip at certain Mexican Consulates in the United States or obtain your card directly at the border crossing before entering Mexico. The U.S. Department of State advises that entering Mexico with an expired U.S. vehicle registration may lead to the confiscation of the vehicle by Mexican authorities. 

Insurance requirements for driving in Mexico 

Mexican Auto Insurance 

Wondering about Mexico car insurance? It is important to note that most likely your U.S Texas car insurance policy will not be valid in Mexico. Driving to Mexico will require that you obtain Mexican auto insurance, either from a Mexican insurance company or a U.S. insurance company that works with Mexican insurers.  

 As per Mexican law, your coverage must include both bodily injury, death, and property liability coverage. It is recommended by most insurance companies to secure a limit of at least $300,000.  

You will also have options to acquire additional coverages such as: 

• Comprehensive Coverage 
• Collison Coverage 
• Legal Assistance 
• Roadside Assistance  

Depending on where you plan on driving in Mexico, and the extent of your trip, you may opt to acquire a higher coverage limit.  

Arizona-Mexico border crossings 

Depending on the specifics of your trip, you can drive from Phoenix to the Mexican border in a variety of ways. Some of the more popular border crossing points include: 

• Nogales, AZ to Nogales, Sonora - This is one of the more traveled routes and serves as a primary entry point for travel throughout Mexico. The trip should take roughly 2 hours and 45 minutes and will require a temporary import permit for your vehicle. 
• San Luis, AZ to San Luis Río Colorado, Sonora - This border crossing features a SENTRI lane, an expedited lane for members of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security's Trusted Traveler program. It is estimated to take approximately 3.5 hours. 
• Lukeville, AZ to Sonoyta, Sonora - This is considered one of the main routes for travelers heading to Rocky Point. With no traffic, it should be a 2.5-hour journey from Phoenix.  

If you are curious about border wait times feel free to check the U.S. Customs and Border Protection estimates.  

Customs & Border Inspections 

Please be aware that your passenger vehicle may be routinely inspected at the border. If your vehicle is selected, be sure to follow the CBP officer's instructions. Agents may search any individual, the inside of the vehicle, and all passenger belongings. U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) dictates that searches be conducted in a manner that is “safe, secure, humane, dignified and professional.” The CBP officer may ask to search a traveler's mobile phone, computer, camera, or other electronic devices during the inspection process. The purpose of these searches is to potentially identify and combat terrorist activity, child pornography, drug smuggling, human smuggling, bulk cash smuggling, human trafficking, export control violations, intellectual property rights violations, and visa fraud, among other violations.  

Driving safely in Mexico 

Driving in Mexico can be an illuminating experience. Pre-planning your route and entering the border with sufficient cash or pesos can make your South of the Border trip more seamless: 

 Review the following tips for driving in Mexico: 

• Familiarize yourself with Mexican driving laws and customs - Many drivers don't use turn signals. If someone signals left, it usually means they are letting you pass. Also, it is quite common for Mexican drivers to shift lanes without notice, and it is illegal in Mexico (unless noted) to turn right on a red light. 
• Review your driving route ahead of time - Stay abreast of possible delays due to construction, holidays (also known as puentes), and weather. Try to plan your gas station stops before you begin your travels. 
• Plan to drive on major highways during the daytime – This is suggested not because of criminal activity, but because many highways are not properly illuminated, and in rural areas, you could come face to face with livestock, or a particularly large speed bump, known as a tope in Mexico.  
• Secure sufficient cash or purchase a pass for tolls - Toll roads are usually the fastest way to arrive at your destination. Since many times toll scanners may be down, it can be more efficient to carry local currency, called pesos, to pay.  
• Choose to drive via toll roads (autopistas) or free roads (libres) - Often autopistas may be better maintained, with clear signage and safe shoulders, but libres may offer more scenic views and local color. 

Returning to Arizona 

As per the CBP, you will be required to show a valid U.S. passport, green card, or other acceptable Ready Lane document. Ready Lanes are specified processing lanes for both vehicle passengers and pedestrians traveling with Ready Lane-eligible travel cards, such as U.S. Passport Cards, Enhanced Driver’s Licenses, and Enhanced Tribal Cards. etc. If you are a frequent border crosser it may be useful to consider a Ready Lane eligible ID. Please be aware that even in a Ready Lane your vehicle can be directed to a CBP officer for inspection.  

Please note as per U.S. Customs and Border Protection at the time of publishing: 

• All articles acquired in Mexico must be declared 
• There is a $800 exemption for gifts and personal articles, including one liter of alcoholic. 
• Beverages per person over 21 every 30 days 
• Cuban cigars are prohibited from importation. 
• No illegal drugs can be brought back from Mexico and any amount or type found in 
•  your vehicle may result in serious fines, seizure of the vehicle, federal record, and/or imprisonment. 
• The importation of switchblade knives, sea turtle boots, or any other articles of endangered species (i.e. spotted cats, coral, crocodile, elephant, etc.) is prohibited. 

 If you are importing any medications, please speak to a U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) before crossing into Mexico. 

From the sweeping desert landscapes of Sonora to the buzzing metropolitan capital of Mexico City, America’s southern neighbor is simply begging to be explored. Whether you live in Tucson or Phoenix, you may be surprised to learn just how accessible Mexico is by car! Although driving from Phoenix to Mexico necessitates some planning, securing the correct documents and insurance is well worth the effort.  

Access Insurance Agency of Arizona, LLC encourages you to plan ahead and check in on your US insurance before your getaway. Reach out to one of our fully Spanish-bilingual agents today at 602-922-3595 to receive a free quote! 

Disclaimer: 

This material is for general informational purposes only. Products, services, and discounts referenced herein are not available in all states or in all companies. All statements are subject to the terms, exclusions, and conditions of the applicable policy. In all instances, current policy contract language prevails. Coverage is subject to individual policyholders meeting the insurer's underwriting qualifications and state availability. Other terms, conditions and exclusions may apply.