To travel to Mexico with an enhanced license, you must know the requirements to do so safely. You need to provide several documents to travel to Mexico with improved support. You should also know about the driving laws in Mexico and the safety tips you can use to drive in the country.
Documents required to travel to Mexico as a U.S. citizen
If you are traveling to Mexico, you must have a valid passport. This passport can be obtained at the United States consulate in your home country or a Mexican border crossing. A tourist card is also necessary. The card must be presented when entering and exiting the country.
You can fill out a form at a border crossing to obtain a tourist card. You may also register online. An online form can be found on the National Institute of Immigration website. You will need your passport and flight information for an efficient and convenient registration process.
Children under the age of 16 can enter Mexico without a passport. However, they will be required to present a birth certificate and naturalization certificate to re-enter the U.S. Those under 19 must have a letter of consent from their legal parent or a document from their supervising organization.
Obtain an enhanced license
An enhanced license is an alternative to a passport. It is accepted for entering and boarding domestic flights and is also taken for land crossings and maritime crossings. The enhanced license also contains a radio frequency identification chip, which helps the border agent retrieve biometric information.
The EDL is not only approved by the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative but also compliant with Federal REAL ID laws. This makes the EDL an easy alternative to a passport.
The new driver’s license can be issued in two to three weeks. Applicants must pass a driving skills test and a written knowledge test. Once they die, they will be entered into a Department of Homeland Security database.
Enhanced driver’s licenses can be used at border crossings and in other states, including Canada. However, they are not accepted for air travel between Mexico and Canada.
Obtain an international driving permit
If you’re traveling to Mexico and aren’t a citizen, you’ll need an international driving permit. This is especially true if you’re planning on renting a car.
An International Driving Permit, or IDP, is a driver’s license form allowing drivers to drive in other countries. While it is not as widely recognized as the driver’s license, it is an essential part of traveling. It is helpful if you get caught by law enforcement and must prove that you’re a tourist.
Obtaining an IDP is not as difficult as it may sound. The application process requires you to complete a detailed application and carry a valid U.S. driver’s license.
You’ll also need a passport-style photo. The photo should be signed on the back. Lastly, you’ll need to include a check or money order for the fee. For a small fee, you can have your application processed quickly.
Obtain a temporary vehicle importation permit card
If you are visiting Mexico and want to drive your car, motorcycle, or truck on the streets, you will need a temporary vehicle importation permit. You can apply for one online, in person, or at a Mexican border crossing.
A temporary vehicle importation permit is required for all foreign-plated vehicles. In most cases, you will need to pay a refundable deposit, but you may be able to find a way to use a non-Mexico-issued credit card.
The TIP is valid for 180 days. Once you leave Mexico, you will need to cancel the TIP. After canceling the TIP, you will no longer be able to get a new TIP.
To obtain the TIP, you must have a non-Mexican driver’s license and insurance. You can also have your spouse or other insured people drive the vehicle.
Drive safely in Mexico
If you are planning a trip to Mexico, there are several factors you should consider before you get behind the wheel. In addition to the standard safety measures, you’ll need to know about Mexican licenses, insurance, and local regulations. Thankfully, there are many resources online to help you prepare. Here are ten tips to ensure you’re ready to hit the road.
The first and most obvious tip is to drive safely. Mexico has plenty of speed bumps. While they’re not always dangerous, they can rip suspension systems and wreak havoc on your car.
You can also avoid some hazards by driving on toll roads. These highways are often well-maintained and safer for drivers.
An excellent example of a toll is the Cross Border Xpress Skybridge, which connects Tijuana, Mexico, to San Diego, California. It costs around USD 30.
