The Mexico Free Zone Map
Map of the Zone where Temporary Vehicle Import Permit (TIP) is NOT Required
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 we have laws regulating 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 is applied to different States and Municipalities, and 5.- Some 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, it was a “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. It intends to reduce government requirements (Mexican government requirements) for tourists visiting and spending money there. In this free zone map, customs import requirements are essentially nonexistent. You must always declare at the border and get a temporary visa or FMM. It also does not, however, permit you to do anything illegal, like bring a gun into Mexico.
Click here to see a complete checklist of Mexico border crossing requirements.
Free Zone Map: Click Below to Receive a Copy
Baja took this to a 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. It would be best if you still had 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.
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?
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 from the top Mexican companies in no time.
You can apply for a short-term Mexican car insurance policy. Still, make frequent trips to the free zone or elsewhere in Mexico. It will save you money to get a long-term policy over time—only risk driving anywhere in Mexico with 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.
The Border Strip
Mexico has two border strips: southern (Guatemala border) and northern (US border). The border strip is 20km from the south or north border into Mexico. The area in orange is considered the northern border strip, which is part of the free zone.
People who 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.
