Question about Mexico customs?

Question

When I get into Mexico and go through customs is it true there a light system that I go through? If I get a red light does this mean they go through my entire checked luggage?

Answer 1

There is a red light/green light the moment you enter Mexico. There is one for vehicles and one for pedestrians. It is possible that they will go through every last thing - unpack the vehicle - open suitcases - it depends. Some times they just open the doors and look in. Depends on how much stuff you have with you.

You reach the red light/green light again at the 30 mile checkpoint. Same scenario. Just pray you get green! Even then they may manually pull you over. This happens more with vehicles that are overloaded where it seems like people might be bringing things in to sell.

Answer 2

Yes Sue, they do. Exactly as Charlie said. At the airport, and driving below about 30 miles into Mexico. Not at the border though. The red light is rather random. It will be green sometimes 10 times in a row, then red for the next 3 people, then green 4 more times, then one red.......

Answer 3

That light is set to go off at certain intervals, like every 10th person, and yes they go through everthing.   I have a friend who travels several times a yr. back and forth to Mexico and has been "lucky" time after time and got the red light.

Answer 4

yes...at the airport...red light/green light...red light=you get searched...everything

Answer 5

I've never seen this system to ENTER the country, only to LEAVE Mexico.  

Do they actually check your luggage entering the country?