Temporary Import Permit (TIP)

Mexico allows you to keep your boat in the country for up to 10 years with a Temporary Import Permit (TIP). The one-time fee is about $60 USD.

All vessels are required to have a TIP no matter how long you intend to stay in the country. If you do not have one Mexican customs will assume your vessel has illegally entered the country and will assess fines and/or confiscate. You are allowed multiple entrances and exits within the 10 year period without canceling and reissuing the TIP. The permit may be renewed after your 10 years is up.

The TIP can be obtained online at  www.banjercito.com.mx/registroVehiculos  (note the Inglés button at the top right) no less than 7 and not more than 60 days  prior to entering Mexico. Marina de La Paz put together a fabulous YouTube video explaining how to fill out the form online. You will receive your TIP via email within three days. If you do not receive it, there is a problem, and you will need to visit a Banjército office to straighten it out.

If you do arrive in La Paz without a TIP, you can get it at the Banjército office in the ferry terminal in Pichilingue.  There is a bus to Pichilingue from the bus depot on the Malecón. Bring your passport, tourist card, documentation or registration, hull identification number, engine numbers, and enough cash or a credit card. The office is open Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday 7-3, Tuesday & Thursday 7-6, and Sunday 8:30-4:30.

The TIP is needed to import parts, equipment, and materials for your boat. Go to our Importing Parts page for more information.

When you leave Mexico without planning to return before the TIP's expiration date, you must cancel the TIP. There can only be one TIP per boat, and it must be in the boat owner's name. If you sell your boat after leaving Mexico without canceling the TIP it will be very difficult, if not impossible, for a new owner who wants to take the boat to Mexico.

If you own a boat with an uncanceled or expired TIP the only place you can cancel it as of July 2024 is a little Banjercito deck inside an office with the Port Captain and Immigration in Ensenada. You need to bring proof that the boat left Mexico. The ONLY proof accepted is either the original zarpe or exit papers from when the boat left Mexico or a Form 1300 from the United States Border Patrol office in San Diego or Long Beach, CA.

If you own a boat with a TIP that was issued before 2005 by Aduana and not canceled, you cannot cancel the TIP and you cannot take your boat to Mexico. Period.

Here are some tips on renewing your TIP from David Bereznai on s/v Ansa:

Get Ready

  1. Your existing TIP must expire in less than 60 days.  Remember that the Mexican date format is day, month, year, not month, day, year.
  2. Take your existing TIP (if you have one) and its decal, even if the decal is in shreds.
  3. Take your boats current registration or documentation.
  4. Take your dinghy’s sales receipt or something that shows its serial number.
  5. Take your passport.
  6. Take whatever immigration document you have.
  7. Be prepared to pay about $60 USD or pesos or take a credit card.
  8. Make sure you know the serial number(s) of your engine(s) and outboard(s).

Go Do It

Make your way to the Banjercito in the Ferry Terminal building in Pichilingue.  If you are facing the building, the office on the far right hand side of the building.   The office is open MWF from 9 to 3.  Tuesday/Thursday from 9 to 6.

The staff there will take all your copies and do their magic.  Eventually they will ask you about the equipment on your boat.  You and they will fill out an online form of check boxes for things like: radar, nav system, autopilot, washing machine, radios, etc.  After a short delay, you pay your fee, then print your name and put your signature on a few forms.   Then you receive a new TIP.

Voila!  You have another 10 years.