Can one cross the border into Mexico from US in a rental truck?

Question

U-Haul

Answer 1

You would have to ask U Haul about that.  But, I just want to be sure you know, you cannot move household items into Mexico unless you have an FM3 visa...and then you have 6 months from the date you recieve your visa to move your belongings.

Answer 2

UHaul doesn't seem to... even car companies are leery of border crossings and limit how far south you can go, in addition to requiring $30-40 a day in additional insurance... With all the crime, I can't blame them...

For the latest entry requirements, contact the Embassy of Mexico web site at http://portal.sre.gob.mx/usa/ or contact the Embassy of Mexico at 1911 Pennsylvania Avenue NW, Washington, DC  20006, telephone [phone] or any Mexican consulate in the United States for the most current information.

Land or sea travelers must have a valid U.S. passport (or U.S. citizenship documents such as a certified copy (not a simple photocopy or facsimile) of a U.S. birth certificate, a Naturalization Certificate, a Consular Report of Birth Abroad, or a Certificate of Citizenship are acceptable along with photo identification, such as a state or military issued ID).

Tourists wishing to travel beyond the border zone with their vehicle must obtain a temporary import permit or risk having their vehicle confiscated by Mexican customs officials.  At present the only exceptions to the requirement are travel in the Baja Peninsula and in the state of Sonora only for vehicles entering through the Nogales port of entry.  Travelers are advised that the “Sonora Only” exception through the Nogales port of entry will expire at the end of 2007.  To acquire a permit, one must submit evidence of citizenship, title for the vehicle, a vehicle registration certificate, a driver's license, and a processing fee to either a Banjercito (Mexican Army Bank) branch located at a Mexican Customs (Aduanas) office at the port of entry, or at one of the Mexican Consulates located in the U.S.  Mexican law also requires the posting of a bond at a Banjercito office to guarantee the export of the car from Mexico within a time period determined at the time of the application.  For this purpose, American Express, Visa or MasterCard credit card holders will be asked to provide credit card information; others will need to make a cash deposit of between $200 and $400, depending on the make/model/year of the vehicle.  In order to recover this bond or avoid credit card charges, travelers must go to any Mexican Customs office immediately prior to departing Mexico.  Despite any advice, official or unofficial, to the contrary, vehicle permits cannot be obtained at checkpoints in the interior of Mexico.

Travelers should avoid individuals outside vehicle permit offices offering to obtain the permits without waiting in line, even if they appear to be government officials.  There have been reports of fraudulent or counterfeit permits being issued adjacent to the vehicle import permit office in Nuevo Laredo and other border areas.  If the proper permit is not obtained before entering Mexico and cannot be obtained at the Banjercito branch at the port of entry, do not proceed to the interior.  Travelers without the proper permit may be incarcerated, fined and/or have their vehicle seized at immigration/customs checkpoints.  For further information, contact Mexican Customs about appropriate vehicle permits.