Sailing to Baja, Mexico & Mexico's Govt.Customs

[Venture21]

I am planning to sail South from Santa Barbara, California to Baja, Mexico.
Once I pull into a ports of call in Mexico what are the procedures for Customs Inspections and the like. I do know that firearms and drugs of any kind are not allowed. I also know that I must have a valid U.S. Passport and another form of I.D. like a drivers license along with boat ownership papers/documents.

If other sailboat owners have any good advice or experiences to pass on to me I would greatly appreciate the feedback.

[Nicholson58]

go to Noonsite and see what is up for Mexico. This is your best one-stop shop for any foreingn country.

[zeehag]

what you will need to check into mexico...
passport
documentation /ownership papers
25 ish usdollars for your visa
no conttraband
liability insurance from a company that has "feet" in mexico--mariners insurance group and some others do , and are inexpensive....
50-60 usd forthe temp import permit
if you fish, a fishing license for mexico is 48 usd for one year. can be gotten in ensenada at the same place you check into the country. all is in same building, except insurance. they will tell you where to get that ifyou donot already have it
once you check into the closest port to usa, which on west side is ensenada, you are good for all mexico--checking into each port/harbor is either in person at port captains office, or via channel 16. both ways work.
as for tip, aka temporary import permit, do it in first port or find out how much time they give you for that task.i was given 6 months to effect that issue, but that was under the last pres--now it might be different. i suggest you get that as soon as possible, as one never knows how long one may need to remain in mexico-- i was only gonna be here 4 days lol..has been 4 years this coming april.

[Dennis.G]

Zeehag is right on.

Recommend you read (and save) the following document for some good detailed info. Think will answer your questions.

Have a good trip.

http://www.latitude38.com/eBooks/2014/MexFTG-2014.pdf

[Venture21]

Thank you so much.
The info. will be most helpful.

[dandkg]

Last time we went we pre bought all permits through travel person including fishing lic. if you have any hooks or fishing gear on board and they stop you in mexican waters it can be a hassle from what we heard. That's why we got all papers done before entering mexican waters. We went to Marina Corral and they took us to town check in and had rep. to get you through all paperwork (ensanada) have fun we had great time in mexico