The Free Zone Program
The Free Zones were created, in many countries, to promote commerce, increase the economics of the countries, and generate tax benefits to acquire tourism, and globalize. This means that we have laws that regulate commercial issues, and others regulating tax issues; It also implies that instead of one concept, we have two: Border Zone (Región Fronteriza) and Border Strip (Franja Fronteriza), and each one of them is applied to different Stated and/or Municipalities, and 5.- Some of the rules applicable to these regions are permanent, while others are temporary.
The Mexican Free Zone map details the areas specifically designated to attract tourists. Formerly the “hassle-free” or “liberated area” – officially, it is called the “Free Trade Zone.” This zone is about 15-20 miles into Mexico, all along the Mexican border. Its intention is to reduce government requirements (Mexican government requirements) for tourists visiting and spending money in the area. In this free zone map, customs import requirements are essentially nonexistent. You must always declare yourself at the border and get a temporary visa or FMM. It also does not, however, give you permission to do anything illegal, like bring a gun into Mexico.
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Baja California and Baja California Sur
Baja took this to a whole new level by making the entire peninsula (Baja California and Baja California Sur) a free zone. Technically, until and unless something changes, you can move freely about Baja as a tourist with little regard for vehicle permits. You still need an FFM. You can get one of those online here.
Puerto Penasco – Rocky Point – Sonora – Free Zone
The northwest portion of Sonora is also a Free zone, well beyond 20 miles. The official marker is the Mexican Federal Highway 15 and the 2 Highways.
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Do I need a TIP in Free Zone?
No, you do not need the TIP (Temporary Import Permit) for your vehicle in the free zone. But, if you travel beyond, you need one.
Don’t forget to return your TIP at the border when you return. If you forget, you forfeit your deposit, and you won’t be able to come back with another vehicle until it is returned.
Do I need Immigration Documents (FMM) even for less than 72 hours?
According to the federal government of Mexico (INM), yes, you do. Local authorities don’t like to enforce this as much as the Federal authorities do, but yes, it’s a law on the books. Every visitor to Mexico must check in and declare their stay. You can apply ahead of time online using this link for the FMM application, but you still need to pay and get it stamped at the border crossing.
Do I need Mexican Car Insurance in the Mexico Free Zone?Â
Yes. If you plan to drive across the border, you need Mexico car insurance–even in the free zones. Many drivers mistakenly believe that their comprehensive car insurance policy in the U.S. will protect them in Mexico. While this is true when driving in Canada, Mexico, and the U.S., insurance carriers do not have an international coverage agreement. So, if you plan to trip to Mexico’s free zone, you’ll have to apply for Mexican car insurance–even if you only plan to be there for the day. If you go to mexinsurance.com and enter the information, you’ll have a quote in no time from the top Mexican companies.
You can apply for a short-term Mexican car insurance policy, but if you make frequent trips to the free zone or elsewhere in Mexico, it will save you money over time to get a long-term policy. Don’t risk driving anywhere in Mexico without a Mexican car insurance policy. You can be arrested and taken to jail if you get into a car accident and don’t have Mexican auto insurance. All drivers in Mexico must have auto insurance or proof that they can pay for repairs in full.
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The Border Strip
There are two border strips in Mexico: southern (Guatemala border) and northern (US border). The border strip is 20km into Mexico from the south or north border. The area in orange is considered the northern border strip, which is part of the free zone.
People that live in the border strip receive extra benefits. Residents of the border strip can import up to $50 USD per day of alcohol and tobacco tax-free. Residents can import up to $150 per person/ day, excluding alcohol, tobacco, and fuel. If you arrive in Mexico with more than two people in your car, you can import up to $400.00 per car/day of goods excluding tobacco, alcohol, and fuel.Â
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EN 
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Garret Greenwood
Can I drive to casas grandes with a TIP
Mike Nelson
Garret,
Yes you can!
Ken
My car has been stored on private property in Mexico for the last (non functional) for the last five years. We renew the California tags every year but the tip expired 4/5 years ago and we want to get it fixed and legal. (Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated)
Ken
Ken McLaughlin
My car has been stored on private property in Mexico for the last (non functional) for the last five years. We renew the California tags every year but the tip expired 4/5 years ago and we want to get it fixed and legal. (Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated)
Ken
Mike Nelson
Strongly suggest you contact the office of importation for advice. You may have a small fine and back payments but probably not as bad as you think. Be respectful and prepared and it should go smoothly.
Joshua
You can cancel your TIP at the Belize border and you are ok if you stay in QR.
John Hodgson
Thanks for this info. I have 2 questions:
1. My first question is- Am I exempt from import duties if I travel to Baja Sur from the US? I often use the Cross Border Express to get from the US to Tijuana airport. I live in Loreto, Baja California Sur (BCS) which I think is part of the Free Trade Zone.. If I have new tools or household items I am always sent to the aduana office to pay import duties..
2. The second question is for clarification on car restrictions in BCS. I’d like to get a new car and wonder if I can purchase one in the US and retain the US tags. I have a Residente Permanente visa and live full time in Loreto, BCS. I understand that there are restrictions on residents even driving foreign plated cars. Is this true in the Free Trade Zone too?
Mike Nelson
As an American citizen, you have every right to maintain American assets. But when you become a permanent resident there are things to consider, like what are my new home’s requirements? No matter what advice I give you here, you’ll want to verify with a lawyer in the jurisdiction where you live. As a tourist, yes it a tourist free zone, but once you become a permanent resident, you have a new set of requirements. But never forget that as long as you are a US Citizen, you also have those rights (unless you are relinquishing your citizenship). Good luck!
Matthew Foulger
Hi – as a US citizen with a Mexican permanent resident visa, am I allowed to drive freely around Mexico in a U.S. plated RV or am I limited to the free zone?
Mike Nelson
Beyond the free zone you just need a TIP – Temporary Import Permit. Get more information including a link to apply online here: https://mexicomike.com/tip/
ISACK BANMAN
Temporary Vihicle Import Permit
Kevin Hardy
with respect to the TIP free zone in all of Baja California, what official Mexican site are you relying on to know that it is STILL a free TIP zone.
My RV storage place in BCS was panicing and telling me I had to move my van because customs agents were visiting their storage yards looking for foreign plated vehicles without TIPs and seizing those without. This contradicts all the previous notions of the TIP free zone and would REALLY like official proof that its STILL a free zone. I dont want my vehicle impounded!
thanks
Charles
Hello Kevin – the TIP Free Zone is designed to stimulate economic development and growth through the border regions. So you do not need a TIP in Baja Sur as long as you have your FMM. However, if you try to game the system like by leaving your RV in Mexico beyond your FMM then you need a TIP on it. If you leave your RV in storage, you might need a TIP on it. LIke Golf Carts and things like this – if you are doing more than tourist-ing in Baja Sur, as a resident or business person, the Free Zone is not designed for you – and you will have to get a TIP. Your storage facility can get this TIP for you as your agent.
victor forward
Hey this data is fantastic. Q: When U.S. Covi lockdown happened I could not return to my home in Guatemala as a U.S. Citizen without Guatemalan Citizenship or Residency Permit and not knowing how long it would last cost me a fortune in hotel bills. So after entering Southern Mexico border & getting an FMM, would the Southern Zone rules allow me to re-enter Guatemala and get another 90 day tourist passport stamp again? Again your site is great, thanks!
Charles
That should work! Just keep in mind that Guatemala has their own set of rules and immigration requirements so your feedback here is helpful for all of us because I simply dont know.
Sarah
Hi There, would you be willing to share the official Mexican resource/rule that says that traveling in the border zone does not require a TIP? I’ve been experiencing a lot of trouble at the Agua Prieta crossing where the officials say that a TIP is required even though I am staying within 20 kilometers of the northern border. I understand that Agua Prieta is the easternmost limit of the Hassle Free Zone. Even in that case, my destination is within Agua Prieta Municipality. So, my next question is whether you know if the hassle free zone ends in Agua Prieta (city proper) or Agua Prieta Municipality. Thank you for any insight you can provide!