Do they search your bags at the Mexican border?


Do they search your bags at the Mexican border? Generally, customs officers may stop people at the border to determine whether they are admissible to the United States, and they may search people's belongings for contraband. This is true even if there is nothing suspicious about you or your luggage.


Does customs check every bag?

The short answer is “no”, but of course the reality is not black and white. in general, customs do not have the resources to inspect all the luggages.


Do they check checked bags at customs?

Yes. Contrary to opinions expressed here customs can, if they wish, search checked luggage in front of the passenger.


What to expect when crossing the Mexican border?

Driving to Mexico
  1. U.S. citizens must present a valid U.S. passport book or card, in addition to an entry permit (Forma Migratoria Multiple or FMM) issued by Instituto Nacional de Migración (INM).
  2. Travelers should be sure to enter Mexico with valid proof of automobile registration, even if remaining in the border zone.


Do your bags get searched at customs?

Customs may inspect any bags you have, and they will not care whether you checked them or not.


What do you need to get back into the US from Mexico?

All U.S. citizens need U.S. passport books if re-entering by air. Land and sea border crossings accept additional travel documents, such as U.S. Passport cards and Trusted Traveler cards. Child travelers have additional options - see the Traveling with Children section.


What items can you not bring into Mexico?

Items Not Allowed in Mexico:
  • Guns or ammunition. ...
  • Pepper spray.
  • Lethal knives and machetes (anything over 8” is not allowed)
  • Live predator fish.
  • Totoaba fish (fresh or frozen)
  • Turtle eggs.
  • Poppy seeds or flour of poppy seeds.
  • Marijuana, medicinal marijuana, marijuana products, marijuana seeds or spores, or marijuana extracts.


What do they check when you go to Mexico?

All citizens of the United States must present a valid passport when entering Mexican territory by any means of transportation. There are no exceptions for minors. Stays less than 72 hours within the border area, do not require an Official Entry Immigration Form (FMM).


What happens if you get stuck in Mexico without a passport?

When traveling in Mexico, the law requires that foreign visitors carry a passport and entry permit. You may be asked to present these documents at any point. If you do not present these documents, immigration authorities may lawfully detain you for up to 60 days while they review your immigration status.