What to expect from customs in Mexico?

Question

I'm traveling from the US to Mexico this summer. I've never been to Mexico before, and I dont know what to expect from Customs. Does anyone know what is involved in this process? Or have you been through, and you'd like to share? I'm trying to get prepared for my trip, and I want to make sure I know what to expect. Thank you!

Answer 1

On the plane you will be given a customs and immigration forms to fill out, stating the purpose of your visit, also if you are importing anything or carrying large sums of cash, where you will be staying, etc.

Have these and your passport in hand when you get off the plane.

Follow the herd.

Get in line; usually there is one line that "feeds" several passport officials in elevated booths.  You go up either as a family group or an individual basis, depending on whom you are traveling with.  You give them the card (they will rip off half and give it back to you; don't lose it) then they look at and stamp your passport.

NOW you go collect your luggage and again stand in line.  Press a button and pray for the green light.  If it comes on green, your bags are scanned through an x-ray machine and you collect them at the other side and are free to leave the airport (with the exception of the timeshare hawkers accosting you at this point)

If the light is red you are pulled to one side and your bags are gone through.  Most often it is green; I have never been stopped and searched but I usually see someone who is being detained.

On your way back:

Again the card, this time asking what you bought and are bringing back in, amount paid, how many in your party, etc.  Again have your passport in hand.  Get off the plane, follow the herd, stand in line, when you are called up surrender the card and your passport to the US Customs agent.  They look at what you bought, rip the card in half, and give you the stub and your passport back.  Then you claim your bags and again show the bottom half of that import card; you may have to re-check your bags at this point if you are making a connecting flight.  You will have to go through the metal detectors and send carry on luggage through the x-ray machines again before re-boarding.  At least we always do at DFW.  

Be aware if you bring stuff in your carry-on, of TSA's new 3-1-1 rule; no items over 3 ounces, must all fit in 1 quart-sized ziplock bag, and 1 bag per person.  No limit (except common sense) on what you put in checked baggage.

http://www.tsa.gov/311/index.shtm

My brother-in-law swears it is always a good idea to put your shoes on top in your bags in case they are searched.

Answer 2

If you are flying you will press a button as you hit customs.  A red light means they will go thru your bags.  A green light and you pass on thru.

If you are driving there is a customs stop around KM21 and a declare lane if you have anything to declare.  If not drive thru and you may or may not be asked to stop.

Answer 3

I have flown into Mexico City twice and into Guadalajara twice and gone through their customs at the airport. As the plane approaches the airport for landing the flight attendants aboard will likely issue you both an immigration form as well as a customs declaration form. Upon landing, you will first past through immigration to get your immigration form approved for your visit to Mexico and then you will proceed to the baggage claim. As a poster already explained, after you claim your bags you will go to a customs inspection point where you will submit your customs declaration form and then press a button that will randomly cause either a red or a green light to turn on. If the green light turns on you will simply be allowed to pass without further inspection, but if the red light turns on you will be asked to open your bags for inspection. Make sure you have receipts for any new items you are bringing to Mexico as gifts as well as prescriptions for any medications you take. Even if you buy new things for your own use on your trip (a new swimsuit to take with you, etc.) make sure to make them look used, such as taking the tags off new clothing and taking the packaging off of any personal hygiene items. You don't want it to look like you are importing new things in order to re-sell them. The first time I flew into Mexico City I got the red light, and the agents simply opened by bags briefly and looked around in them and then let me go on.  I have not had any negative experiences in passing through Mexican customs on any of my own travels. Another note to be aware of if you are travelling by air to and from Mexico: When you are checking in for your return flight at the Mexican airport, there will be security agents opening and reviewing your bags right before you check your luggage with the airline. Later, when you are at the gate and on your way to board the aircraft, security agents will also open and inspect your carry-on luggage. Both of these things are standard procedure and should not cause you alarm. Have a good trip and don't worry too much about going through customs. I remember I was a little concerned the first time I flew into the country (like I said I even got red-lighted!) but in the end I realized it wasn't much to worry about.

Answer 4

Expect the unexpected. Don't bring any drugs. If you are crossing Mexican state lines there may be inspections for weapons. Just go, have a good time and don't worry until you have to.

Answer 5

It is a confusing process, a little different from the US.  They may open your luggage, so it is best than rather than put locks on it (which customs may break), place ties (the kind used to hold electrical wires together) and bring a few more for your return.

Be aware that the same used in the US apply over there, so do not bring anything that would be illegal to carry into the US.

Have fun!