Step-By-Step Guide for an RV Border Crossing to Mexico
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Last updated on March 31, 2026
If it’s you’re first time attempting to RV Mexico, an RV border crossing to Mexico probably seems intimidating. I know we were incredibly nervous about the experience before our first trip to Mexico in 2020. Thankfully, the process is much easier than you think if you have what you need and know what to expect.
We’ve now crossed the border to Mexico three separate times at different locations. This post will share what going through a border crossing to Mexico is like in your RV, van or vehicle to help you feel more prepared and confident with the process.
Table of Contents
1. Get Prepared Before Your Border Crossing to Mexico
Preparation is key when it comes to any RV border crossing, not just to Mexico. However, if you’re planning to drive your own RV or other vehicle south of the border, then you’ll want to make sure you have all of the necessary items and documents. We go through the 10 things you need for an RV border crossing to Mexico here, but here are a few key items you need.
- Valid passport book or passport card
- Valid driver’s license
- Copy of your vehicle’s registration
- Credit card that matches the vehicle owner and registration
- Mexican liability insurance.
Mexico liability insurance
If you are driving an RV, fifth wheel, or van you will need to purchase special Mexican Liability Insurance before crossing. This insurance is in addition to your general collision and liability coverage provided by your insurance company at home. Mexico requires at least $300,000 in liability insurance by law, although you can purchase more if desired.
Several insurance providers offer full liability and collision coverage or basic liability coverage for one or more vehicles for 6 months or 12 months at a time. We used Mexpro on our first trip and paid around $300 for our RV and scooter and added a “Mexico rider” from our normal provider which covered us for collision and basic liability south of the border. On our trip to Baja, we used Baja Bound which offered shorter policy terms and is a popular choice if you’re only exploring the Baja Peninsula.
Your passport, vehicle registration, license, and liability insurance are the only items that are required of you before your cross. The rest will happen once you get to the border crossing station or just after crossing.
Want to follow in our footsteps RVing in Mexico? We have two amazing digital travel guides that simplify planning an RV road trip to Mexico. These guides are over 80 pages and share EVERYTHING you need to know about RV Mexico life including communication tips, a complete itinerary, camping recommendations, safety tips, foods to eat, and more.
Make sure you don’t have any of the restricted items on board with you, most importantly firearms and ammunition or medical or recreational cannabis products. This is a serious offense and even if done by accident, could end you up in jail.
Going Through a Border Crossing to Mexico
Every border crossing operates a bit differently. It’s a good idea to research the particular border crossing beforehand in a Facebook Group like RVing Mexico to make sure you understand the process for your exact location.
Some border crossings, like Colombia Bridge in Laredo, Texas, will have important services together at the border crossing location. Making the process much easier. Most other border crossings will require you to drive to separate locations to complete this process.
Before crossing, check the opening and closing times. We suggest arriving right at the opening to ensure you have ample drive time to your destination It can take 1 – 3 hours to cross and complete paperwork.
Arrive at the Mexico border crossing station
Since every border works a bit differently the process can look different depending on where you cross. Most have several lanes for entry with an electronic sign that will flash either a red or green light. If the light shows red and the alarm goes off, it means proceeding to have the vehicle inspected. If it flashes green, it means you can cross without further inspection.
The Colombia Bridge crossing at Laredo has the inspection point and offices on-site in one location. This makes it much easier but be prepared for a more rigorous crossing process including driving your RV through an X-ray machine. Ysidro border crossing in Tijuana also has an X-ray machine. Although, it’s not always operating.
Some crossings will allow you to drive through the border without needing to stop or talk to an agent until you reach an inspection area which can be several minutes up the road. If that’s the case make sure you follow signs for auto, RV, or bus, not NOT a trailer or camion through the border crossing station, and then stop at Banjercito or Aduana down the road to complete the necessary paperwork.
A small toll payment will be required before crossing in or out of Mexico. Have pesos on hand before crossing. Toll roads in Mexico, which will be the road you drive on after crossing accept cash (effectivo) only. There are ATMs you can visit to withdraw cash from once in Mexico, but it’s suggested to have at least $5,000 pesos on you when you cross.
Stop at the Banjercito Immediately After Crossing
Before crossing look on Google Maps to find the closest “Aduana or Banjercito”. This entity processes tourism permits, called the FMM (explained more below), which allows you to visit the country legally. Some border crossings to Mexico have the Banjercito at the crossing station, making it super easy to stop in and get what you need.
Others require you to drive about ten to fifteen minutes up the road and can easily be missed if you don’t keep an eye out or have Google Maps directing you there after crossing!
Get Your Tourist Permit Forma Migratoria Multiple (FMM) at IMF
All visitors regardless of where you are traveling to in Mexico will need to get an FMM, which is your tourist permit. You can complete the FMM application at the Mexican Immigration Office (IMF) office after crossing the border or you can complete and pay for the form online before crossing (no more than 30 days before crossing).
The tourist visa is only as good as the number of days you specify on the visa. Which at maximum, is 180 days. The IMF office has the right to grant you fewer days if desired. So while you can request 180 days know that you could be awarded less.
No matter when or how you fill out the form you will need to stop at the IMF office after crossing the border to get the visa stamped and approved. Previously Mexico used an official FMM form to issue tourist permits. As of 2023, they are phasing those forms out and stamping passports instead. You may not get the FMM form as it appears in this photo.
Temporary Import Permit (TIP)
If you are traveling in the Baja California peninsula or staying in the “Free Trade Zone” only, you will not need to import your vehicle. All you will need is your FMM. If you are traveling beyond the “Free Trade Zone” you will need to get a temporary import permit (TIP) for your vehicle. This is issued at the “Banjercito or Aduana” and can only be processed AFTER your FMM has been approved.
You will first apply for your TIP at the Banjercito. You will need your vehicle’s registration, license, passport, and liability insurance to apply. They may request a copy of the title or written approval letter from your lender if your RV or vehicle is financed.
You will then pay for the TIP at a separate counter with American Dollars, Pesos, or a credit card (Visa or Mastercard only) at the Banjercito. Important note: The name on the card must match the name on the registered vehicle. The agent will require copies of your application paperwork and FMM. There is a photocopy station at every office but you can only pay with pesos.
If you have a tow vehicle you will need to register your RV and car or scooter. Our scooter’s TIP was $400 and was valid as long as the visa was issued. It was refunded to us upon exit. The RV permit was $50 US dollars and is good for 10 years. The total cost for the permit is charged in pesos, so the actual cost will be dependent on currency conversion rates at the time of crossing. Expect to pay anywhere from $375 – $450 USD depending on the strength of the Mexican peso.
Previously the TIP was issued as a sticker, but now they are done electronically. You will get a 1 page printed certificate showing you paid for the TIP and an email with the formal certificate for your records. You MUST return your TIP for any secondary tow vehicles upon exit of the country. There is a return box at border crossings for this, but agents at the border will not remind you if you forget. Once returned the deposit will be refunded to the card that was originally charged within 7 days or less.
Have two or three copies of your completed paperwork including your passports and driver’s licenses. Store them in a safe place in your vehicle with a digital copy in the cloud. Worried you won’t be able to remember all of this? Grab a FREE border crossing checklist to keep track of your important documents and steps for crossing.
Hopefully, this guide has shown you that the process of crossing the RV border crossing to isn’t as bad as it may seem. I promise any hassle involved is more than made up for once you start exploring. If you’re looking for ideas on where to go or what to do, here are 15 of the safest places to visit in Mexico. And don’t forget to check out our Youtube channel for more travel inspiration.
Frequently Asked Questions about an RV Border Crossing to Mexico
Can you bring pets into Mexico in an RV or motorhome?
Pets are welcome in Mexico without additional paperwork other than up-to-date vaccination records. A health certificate for any pets is no longer required as of December 16, 2019. The border agent may request the pets be removed from the vehicle. So have access to a carrier or leash.
How long does it take for an RV border crossing to Mexico?
The time it takes for an RV border crossing to Mexico varies. It can be as quick as 1 hour with inspections, or up to 3 depending on how long the wait is at the crossing station. Having what you need will speed the process up, and it’s always a good idea to check the wait at the specific station before arriving.
Is there anything I cannot bring to Mexico in my RV?
There is a long list of restricted items that you absolutely cannot bring into Mexico. Including, but not limited to firearms and ammunition, cannabis products (even if you have a license for medical or recreational use), and certain foods like fresh meat and produce. You should check the list before crossing but know that you are subject to criminal charges if you are found with certain items, even if it was by accident.
