Facilitate U.S. Inspection Returning From Mexico

Tips for Making U.S. Entry by Car Easier and Faster

Jun 1, 2009

The probability of a time-consuming inspection at the Mexico/U.S. border is higher with increased security. Proper preparation will reduce those odds and ease the stress.

Driving to Mexico is easy and an excellent way to enjoy that country's culture and countless tourist attractions. Returning to the U.S., however, can be frustrating when drivers encounter long lines of cars and the possibility of a lengthy inspection.

Mexico/U.S. Border Inspections Have Been Stepped Up

Since the September 11, 2001, attacks, security at all U.S. ports of entry has been expanded. Increasing violence related to illegal drug transportation to the U.S., and concurrent movement south of illegal guns and money, have elevated security measures even further. As a result, traffic delays have increased on both sides of the border, in some cases adding as much as 2 hours to the drive back into the U.S.

In addition to lengthy queues, drivers also face increased scrutiny once they reach the U.S. customs booth, and the added time required for a detailed inspection can sour an otherwise pleasant return. Tourists that plan ahead and take a few simple preparatory steps, however, can facilitate this part of the return and cut the time of an inspection.

How to Speed Up Border Crossing Questions and Inspection

Poorly organized drivers returning from Mexico are far more likely to trigger a time-consuming inspection than those who are well-prepared. Planning ahead and attention to some key issues can cut the time spent with U.S. border agents:

Keep Required Documentation Handy When Entering The U.S. from Mexico

Passports for the driver and all passengers should be in hand when your car is called to the agent's booth. This is not the time to try to remember where you last saw them.

Itemize All Purchases in Mexico and Have Them Accessible

Set up a list or notebook page for purchases when you begin your trip, not on the way home. Add items to the list as you acquire them, with a description of each, where you bought it and the cost in U.S. dollars. Convert peso cost to dollars at the time of entry. Put your receipts in an envelope and keep it with your list. While in Mexico, carry a small notebook so that you can create a receipt for vendors who don't provide them. Before starting your drive to the border, total the dollar cost.

To the extent possible, store all of your purchases in one box or area of the car. If that isn't possible, note the location (e.g., "Mary's suitcase") on your purchases list.

Don't Bring Prohibited Items Back Into The U.S. from Mexico

Familiarize yourself with prohibited items before you inadvertently purchase them or pack them for return. The list of such items is subject to change, and may contain some things you might think were acceptable. For example, currently prohibited items include uncooked eggs, egg cartons, pork products and most fruits and vegetables. Colima (sour) limes are acceptable, but Bearrs limes are not. Shrimp is permitted, but sausage is not. Hard-boiled Mexican eggs are fine, but not the carton they came in.

Note that products on the prohibited list, such as oranges, are prohibited regardless of where they originated. In other words, if you take a California grapefruit with you into Mexico, it becomes a Mexican grapefruit and is denied a return. Itemize all food and plant items, and volunteer your list to the agent. To minimize your time at the border, re-enter with no fruits, vegetables, meat or plants.

Provide Ready Access to Coolers and Storage Areas When Entering The U.S. by Car

In order to expedite your crossing time, insure that any coolers are easy to locate, open and inspect. Similarly, storage areas and other components of your vehicle should be equally accessible. If you have storage containers, don't wire them shut. If possible, don't restrict entry to your trunk area with ropes or straps. Unlock containers and roof-top carriers while you are waiting in line.

A liitle pre-planning and organization can smooth your way through the U.S. border inspection area and end your Mexican vacation on a cheerful note, rather than a glum one.

The copyright of the article Facilitate U.S. Inspection Returning From Mexico in Mexican Travel is owned by Bob Bowers. Permission to republish Facilitate U.S. Inspection Returning From Mexico in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.