Moving To Mexico: What to Know Before Traveling

Taking a Mexican vacation is an amazing experience for people across the globe. There are so many things to do and even more to see, from coast to mountain, north to south, east to west, natural beauty is everywhere. Mexico has the best real estate, food, fun things to do, and shopping. However, visiting or moving to Mexico means you must meet the migratory requirements. A move to Mexico is easy, along with living here. The key is to be prepared. Here we have a list of what those things are so that you can be informed. Additionally, while you are in Mexico, make sure to look at the amazing real estate we have.

Visas

Be sure to check if a visa is necessary before entering Mexico. If you are a citizen of the countries below, a visa is not required.

North and South America: Argentina, Canada, Chile, Costa Rica, United States, Panama, Paraguay, Uruguay, and Venezuela.

Europe: All the countries of the European Union.

Oceania: Australia and New Zealand

Asia: Japan and Singapore

*** Foreign citizens, with legal residence in the United States, Canada, and Japan do not require a visa. ***

However, if you are visiting from a country that is not listed above, please process your visa at the closest Mexican embassy or consulate to you. Check the requirements for the visa you need and ensure that you have a valid passport.

Immigration Forms

All foreigners, regardless of origin are required to fill out an FMT format immigration form (tourist or business visitors); this visa has a cost of USD 20 and allows you to stay in the country for 180 days. However, you can acquire one at the border to Mexico, from travel agencies, and airlines.

Additionally, make sure that your form is stamped by an immigration officer, you must keep this form with you always; you will have to leave it with customs when you leave the country. If you forget to leave your form at customs it can cause problems if you try to reenter, as the records will have no way to show if you stayed longer than 180 days.

Customs

There are restrictions on items that can be brought into Mexico if you try to bring in more than you are allowed, you will have to pay fines and fees.
If you come by air or boat: You can bring items if they don’t exceed $500.

If you come in by car: You can bring up to $300 normally or $500 during Christmas Season.

Additionally, in the case of transporting cash, checks, or any other document worth more than $10, 000 or it is equivalent has to be declared to the immigration authorities with the appropriate format for entry and departure. Failure to do so entails severe penalties.

Personal Luggage and Equipment Without Paying Taxes

Two cameras.
Up to three cell phones, wireless internet devices, and one GPS.
One laptop, one portable printer, a DVD player, and a projector.
Two sets of personal sports equipment: Four fishing rods, three sliders with or without sails, and their accessories.
Trophies or awards; provided they can be easily and safely packed away.
A portable music recorder, DVD player, and a set of speakers and their accessories.
Five DVDs, ten albums, thirty CDs, three software packages, and five storage devices. (External Hard drives?).
Five toys, including collectibles. Or a video game console, and five games.
Your medication but be sure to bring the corresponding prescriptions for them.
A pair of binoculars and a telescope.
Two musical instruments and their accessories.
A tent and other camping items.
Walkers, wheelchairs, crutches, canes, etc.
A set of hand tools including a drill, pliers, wrenches, screwdrivers, cables, etc.

Bringing Your Car

To import your car into Mexico, you must fill in the “Temporary Import Vehicle Permit” online or at the borders. The permit, like your visa, will be good for up to 180 days.

However, you will need to have car insurance covered. Inquire with your insurance company about coverage in Mexico. If it is not included, make sure to purchase car and travel insurance and carry your policy in case of emergency.

Bringing Your Pet

If you are going to live in Mexico for the long term and are a pet owner, you will likely want to bring your furry companion. Mexico is an extremely pet-friendly country, however, it’s important to be aware of any changes in the laws regarding your pets to ensure that you don’t have any issues.

When arriving with your pet, your first stop will be the Mexican Agricultural Office
At SAGARPA, you will need to present a current Certificate of Health for your pet that was signed by your vet
Proof of a rabies vaccination
Proof that your pet is free from parasites and has been treated in the last 6 months (Internal and External)

However, happens if you arrive and something is missing? Not to worry. With a short quarantine, SAGARPA can help you find a vet that will come to the airport to examine your pet and issue a valid Health Certificate.

Health Certificate Requirements:

Be written on a computer. Handwritten documents will be rejected.
It cannot include any abbreviations:
- Dates: “Jan”, “Mon”, etc will be rejected.
- States: Must be written out a fully two-letter abbreviation. (ex: NY)
- Ages: “mo” or “yes” will be rejected.
Mexico will reject VS Form 7001 health certificates if they are not signed and sealed by a Veterinary Services veterinarian.

Easy Aminals to Bring are dogs and cats. Greyhounds, sports dogs, and birds have stricter regulations. Additionally, ferrets require a specialized form. Other animals may have restrictions and exotics may be banned entirely. It is important to do the appropriate research even with the bill of health.

However, some Airlines have stricter rules on what animals you can and can not bring. As an example, many airlines will not allow you to put your animal into checked baggage and will require you to buy its seat if it cannot fit under the seat. Some have banned pugs, bulldogs, and other snub-nosed animals entirely, and many do not allow animals at all. Be sure to contact your airline for all the needed information and restrictions.

Bringing Your Goods

The saying goes “you can´t take it with you”, but if you are moving to Mexico and want to bring some household goods with you, this adage doesn’t always hold. Living in Mexico is easy. Additionally, here are a few things that you will need to know if you buy real estate and want to move some of your possessions to Mexico with you to live comfortably.

What You Can Bring With You

If you meet all the migratory standards for importing household goods to Mexico, you may bring personal effects and furniture, clothing, books, art and décor, tools of your trade, or scientific instruments. All goods must be for your personal use and must be used for at least 6 months.

What You Cannot Bring With You

Regardless of migratory status, you may not bring newly purchased items, live plants, firearms or ammunition, explosives of any kind, pornographic material, and drugs excluding personal prescriptions, cars, motorcycles, or boats.

Additionally, some things, like new items, vehicles, and boats, may be imported to Mexico but will require legalization and/or duty to be paid at the time of entering the country.

The MexHome Promise

After relocating and deciding to move to Mexico, look at putting down roots. There are incredible real estate opportunities in Mexico. From start to finish, we are here. We are experts who are professionals in every aspect of the home-buying process. We can not wait to help match you with your dream home and embark on this adventure with you. However, at MexHome, we uncomplicate the buying process turning your dreams into a tropical reality. For more information about real estate in Mexico and how to live here, get in contact with us today.