Your travel guide if visiting family in Mexico these holidays
With the wish of bringing entire families together during the holidays, December turns into a time when travel flow from the United States to Mexico, especially by road, increases exponentially.
As some begin packing their bags and buying gifts for their loved ones, some questions may arise: Which personal documents should I carry?; How much cash can I bring into Mexico?; Which items can I take with me?; or, during this era amid an immigration crackdown by President Donald Trump’s administration, what should I expect when returning to the United States?
Given the large amount of travelers expected, every year the National Institute of Migration (INM) of the Mexican government launches its Winter Special Operation of the “Héroes Paisanos” program, which serves millions of their conationals residing in the United States who plan to visit their families in Mexico.
The 2025 Winter edition began in November and will continue through Jan. 6. A total of 250 service modules have been installed throughout Mexico “in strategic locations with higher migrant traffic, staffed by 479 observers.”
Additionally, this year, when returning to the United States, some residents may undergo procedures and questioning that they’ve not experienced previously. This includes a new regulation announced by U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), which involves biometric screening for anyone entering or leaving the country through multiple points of entry and exit, and who is not a U.S. citizen.
If you’re visiting family in Mexico, this is your ultimate travel guide featuring key aspects to consider, as well as what to expect when returning to the United States in light of the current administration’s regulations.
What documents should I carry if I’m traveling to Mexico?
If you are Mexican by birth or naturalization, you must carry:
- A valid Mexican passport
- Citizen identification card or personal identity card, or their equivalent
- Copy of your birth certificate
- Mexican consular ID card/registration
- Naturalization letter or certificate of Mexican nationality
- Mexican voter ID issued by the National Electoral Institute (INE)
Additionally, if you are traveling with minors, the documents you must consider are:
- Minor’s official photo ID (valid passport)
- Copy of the minor’s birth certificate to prove your relationship with them
If you are a U.S. citizen traveling by car, in addition to bringing your valid U.S. passport (book or card) and state driver’s license, you must pay the ‘visitor without permission to conduct remunerative activities’ fee (or DNR) at a cost of $861 Mexican pesos ($47 USD approximately). This only applies if you plan on staying in the country for more than seven days.
To pay this fee you can:
- Pay with a credit or debit card at INM immigration checkpoints
- Pay online
What to expect when returning to the United States? CPB biometric checks
A recent regulation announcement from CBP said that some travelers entering or leaving the United States beginning December 26, 2025, will be subject to an expanded biometric screening by CBP officials.
Biometric screenings are nothing new, as they are done in airports, but the new regulation expands the use of this technology in additional ports of entry and exit.
Who will undergo biometric screenings?
- Foreign visitors, except diplomats and some Canadians
- Non-U.S. citizens residing in the country, including green card holders and work visa holders
What does the biometric check consist of and where will it take place?
CBP will collect facial biometric photographs of non-U.S. citizens when entering or leaving the country via:
- Airports
- Land ports
- Seaports
What items can I bring into Mexico?
The “franquicia de mercancía” (tax exemption or duty-free allowance in English) allows travelers to bring goods into Mexico without paying taxes, as long as they stay within the established monetary value limit. When the Héroes Paisanos program is in operation, the duty-free allowance increases.
It is important to highlight that the tax exemption applies to all travelers in the same vehicle collectively, not individually. Items excluded from the duty-free allowance that you may bring without problem include personal and everyday items: clothing, electronics such as cell phones and computers, cameras, and medication.
Value of merchandise you may bring into Mexico
- $500 (USD) when traveling by land during Héroes Paisanos. The rest of the year the amount is $300.
- $500 when traveling by air or sea year-round.
- $150 for adult residents of the border region year-round.
- $300 for travelers coming from the border region and staying in Mexico during Héroes Paisanos.
What documents should you bring to prove the value of your goods?
- Invoice
- Sales receipt
- Any document stating the value of the merchandise
If you exceed the tax exemption limit, you must go to the “Autodeclaración” (self-declaration) area to pay the corresponding taxes. If you have questions, approach a customs official.
Items not included in the duty-free allowance
- Alcoholic beverages
- Tobacco products
- Automotive fuel (except what is in the vehicle’s fuel tank and meets manufacturer specifications)
Do I need a vehicle permit if I’m traveling to Mexico?
When entering Mexico by land, you’ll require a temporary vehicle import permit. This permit can be obtained at Banjercito modules at the border; at 11 Mexican consulates located in Illinois, Texas, Colorado, California, New Mexico, and Arizona; or online. Authorities recommend beginning this procedure at least 10 days before traveling to avoid issues.
How much cash can I bring into Mexico?
The maximum amount of cash that can be brought into Mexico is $10,000, according to Mexico’s Tax Administration Service (SAT). Bringing in more requires declaring it and explaining the reason behind the exceeding amount. If you don’t declare, this violation may result in a fine of 20 to 40% of the amount exceeding $10,000, according to Mexican laws.
Can I travel to Mexico with my pet?
According to Mexico’s Electronic Customs System, travelers may bring into the country up to three pets without paying taxes, including: cats, dogs, canaries, hamsters, guinea pigs, parakeets, cockatiels, ferrets, parrots, turtles, and small wild birds (excluding birds of prey), as well as the accessories needed for their transport and hygiene as long as they present a “Zoosanitary Import Certificate” issued by SADER. For further information on how to request the certificate, visit this link.
Can I cross to Mexico with a personal-defense weapon in my car?
No. Bringing in weapons, ammunition, cartridges, explosives, or materials for exclusive use by the Army or Air Force is prohibited, even if you hold a firearm permit in the United States. Violations may result in 5 to 30 years in prison, according to Mexican laws.
What should I do if I’m in a car accident?
If you suffer a car accident, contact emergency services by dialing 911. This number covers medical, security, and civil-protection emergencies. You should also contact your car insurance. Protect your surrounding area and set signs to alert other drivers about the accident. If you are injured, do not move until emergency services arrive unless you are in danger due to traffic.
How to report acts of corruption or abuse?
If you experience any irregularities during your trip, such as attempted corruption or abuse by a public official, you can report it through the “Denuncia Paisano” program (in Spanish), which has a mobile app for iOS and Android.
Other ways to report administrative misconduct (also in Spanish) include the “Sistema Integral de Denuncias Ciudadanas” (SIDEC), or the “Sistema de Ciudadanos Alertadores Internos y Expertos de la Corrupción” (SCAIEC) used for reporting bribery, embezzlement, and misuse of public resources.
You may consult the Héroes Paisanos program (in Spanish) on its official website, www.gob.mx/heroespaisanos, the 911 emergency line, and the INM Telephone Assistance Center. You may also call: 1-877-210-94-69 or 800-201-85-42.
For more detailed information about traveling to Mexico this holiday season, visit the official Héroes Paisanos Spanish Guide.
Former La Voz Arizona reporter Javier Arce contributed to this article.
Contact reporter Paula Soria by email: [email protected]
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