Whether you are heading to Mexico with your boat in tow or floating in from the U.S. there are some things you need to know and have on hand before you go.
Before You Go
Before you leave for Mexico with your boat, gather the following.
- A copy of your passport for you and your passengers, and a US passport, passport card, enhanced driver's licence or trusted traveler card for every person for re-entry to the US by land (CBP).
- The boat's and trailer's title or registration, and the vehicle's: the Consulate General of Mexico in Montreal lists the title or registration in your name among the documents for a temporary vehicle import permit.
- A copy of your Mexican watercraft insurance policy. Mexico's navigation law requires vessels to carry civil-liability insurance (Ley de Navegación y Comercio Marítimos, art. 176). Baja Bound's watercraft policy is liability cover: it pays for damage or injury you cause to others, and physical damage and theft of your own boat are not covered, nor are passenger medical payments (Baja Bound watercraft page). For what the policy leaves out, see our boat insurance overview.
Crossing into Mexico with Boat in Tow (land crossing)
If you plan to tow your boat across the border, you will go through immigration for your FMM visitor permit (INM) and customs for any temporary import permit. See what you need before you drive into Mexico for the vehicle and permit side, and bring your boat and trailer title information with you. The tow vehicle needs Mexican third-party liability insurance on federal roads (Ley de Caminos, Puentes y Autotransporte Federal, art. 63 Bis), and Baja Bound's FAQ says: "While being towed, you may cover your boat for liability-only or full coverage. Once the boat has been disconnected from the trailer, the coverage ceases."
Crossing into Mexico by Sea
If you plan to arrive in Mexico by sea with your watercraft, check the current entry, permit and deposit requirements with the Mexican authorities before you leave.
Coming and Going – Requirements to operate your boat in Mexico
If you plan to visit more than one port in Mexico, check with the Harbor Master at each port about arrival and departure clearance, and with your nearest Mexican Consulate about any other permit that applies to your route.
Boat in Mexican waters? Quote your vessel with Baja Bound.