Prepare before crossing

Entering Mexico from the United States

A border plan for Canadians driving south: choose the crossing for your full itinerary, locate the offices you need and leave time for people, vehicles and paperwork.

Open the full crossing directory Canadian border checklist

Three tasks to prepare separately

People & immigration

Know where to complete the entry process for everyone travelling. If you hold Mexican residency or are completing a residency process, confirm how you should enter for that status.

Vehicle & permits

Check permit requirements for your whole route, including any ferry journey, and for each vehicle or trailer. Confirm documents and service locations before travel.

Insurance

Review your Mexico vehicle coverage before the crossing. Check names, VINs, plates, travel dates, insured units, deductibles and assistance numbers against the policy.

Read the Canadian insurance guide →

Match the crossing to your destination

Use our full .com directory to compare entry points, then confirm the current details with the responsible border, immigration and vehicle-permit authorities. A crossing being open does not mean every office you need has the same hours.

Baja approaches: research San Ysidro–Tijuana, Otay Mesa, Tecate or Calexico–Mexicali according to your route and vehicle.
Sonora and the western mainland: compare your approach through Arizona and the road beyond the crossing. Our Nogales planning guide gives a useful starting point.
Interior and eastern destinations: compare New Mexico and Texas entry options with the onward Mexican route and first overnight stop.

Driving through Nogales: trip-planning guide →

This page replaces the earlier directory of unverified hours and phone numbers. Crossing guidance is a planning reference; check current operations for your travel day.

Questions to settle before you leave

What entry process applies to each traveller’s citizenship and immigration status?
Does your vehicle need a permit for the complete itinerary?
Where are the relevant immigration and vehicle-permit offices, and when are they open?
What original documents and copies are required for your ownership, financing or lease situation?
How are your RV, camper conversion, trailer and towed vehicle classified?
What exit or permit-cancellation process will you need on the return journey?
Where can you stop for the night if the crossing takes longer than expected?

Open the vehicle-permit preparation checklist →

Keep the border day manageable

Prepare your folder before joining a line. Carry copies separately and save essential details offline. Do not depend on good mobile reception at the offices. Set your first Mexican overnight stop with enough margin for formalities, fuel, meals and delays.

If instructions are unclear, ask which office or procedure applies to your actual immigration status and vehicle. Resolve discrepancies before continuing your journey.

Detailed resources

Back to trip planning · Choose routes and overnight stops