Important Information for Persons Traveling Through Mexico to Central American Countries
Mexican authorities require that all international transit of persons and merchandise through Mexico, destined for Central America, be handled only at the Los Indios bridge located south of Harlingen, Texas on Route 509. Persons transporting these goods through Mexico are referred to as "transmigrantes". Every transmigrante must obtain the services of a Mexican customs broker to prepare the documents required by Mexican Customs for their entry into Mexico.
Transmigrantes must declare everything they are bringing or any undeclared items will be confiscated. Please be aware that, if a transmigrante fails to declare all items and/or attempts to import prohibited items, Mexican Customs officials have the discretion to impose large fines and confiscate everything, even items already declared, including vehicle(s).
Although items for international transit are not taxed, transmigrantes will have to pay a fee to the customs broker for their professional services. The customs broker is responsible for informing the transmigrante about items that are prohibited for international transit.
Crossing into Mexico by a bridge other than Los Indios is considered importation of goods and everything will be taxed. When the transmigrante who entered at other than the Los Indios bridge leaves Mexico through Chiapas, he must then also pay export taxes. The earlier "import" tax is not returned.
Transmigrantes on their way to Central America have ten days to leave Mexico through Chiapas. Mexican Customs now has a barcode system that controls the entry and exit of transmigrantes.
Americans who intend to transit Mexico are cautioned that some unscrupulous vendors on the U.S. side, known as "grupos," purport to be Mexican customs brokers but are not. These enterprises are neither licensed nor regulated by the state of Texas. "Grupos" have been known to charge large fees but do not provide the required services that only bona fide Mexican customs brokers can, thus leaving the American bilked and his goods confiscated.
Currently, there are only two Mexican customs brokers who say they handle transmigrantes. The Consulate, however, cannot vouch for these businesses.
The Consulate urges U.S. citizen transmigrantes to carefully review the documents prepared by the customs broker for accuracy prior to crossing into Mexico (the services of a translator may be necessary for this purpose). It cannot be stressed enough that travelers should be scrupulously careful not to take any prohibited items into Mexico -- including such commonly donated items as used clothing, shoes, and toys. A partial list of prohibited items follows. Travelers wishing to transit Mexico are advised to contact the U.S. Consulate in Matamoros for further information prior to departing the U.S. (011-52)-868-812-4402 ext. 275 or 280.
Prohibited Items for International Transit under Mexican Customs Laws
Include:
- Used clothing - except a reasonable amount for personal use by the traveler
- Shoes - except for use by the traveler, and not in an excessive amount
- Diapers
- Textiles, fabric and sewing accessories
- Suitcases - other than a reasonable number for the traveler
- Narcotics and certain other drugs without a prescription by a Mexican Doctor
- Beer and cigarettes
- Coffee in any form
- Live poultry
- Dried beans
- Used tires for any kind of vehicle; new or used rims or their accessories
- Environmentally hazardous materials, pesticides, fertilizers, and toxic substances
- Arms, weapons, ammunition or explosives
- Televisions, stereos, VCRs, tape recorders, radios or radio devices
- Toys, plush animals or bicycles
- Hand tools such as screwdrivers, drills
- Plywood
The above list is not comprehensive, and is subject to change by Mexican Customs authorities at any time. Travelers are advised to seek current guidance from their Mexican Customs broker before entering Mexico. Travelers must declare all items in their possession, including those items for personal use.
Travelers are reminded that the laws of Mexico apply to all persons who have entered Mexico and must be respected. Bribery, or attempted bribery, of government officials in Mexico is a crime. Travelers are advised that Mexican authorities strictly enforce their laws.
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