If you live in Mexico's border zone, you can bring in up to $150 USD of goods per adult per day, or $400 USD total if more than two people are in your car. If you live anywhere else in Mexico, or you're a visitor, the limit is $500 USD per person. Alcohol, beer and cigarettes don't count toward either limit.
All amounts are in U.S. dollars (USD), not Mexican pesos.
What you can bring depends on where you live, not on whether you cross on foot or by car. Here's which rule applies to you, what counts as personal baggage, and when the limits change.
What's my limit?
| Your situation | Limit | How it works |
|---|---|---|
| I live in the border zone, on foot or by car (1 or 2 people) | $150 USD | Per adult, per day. Two adults add up to $300 USD. |
| I live in the border zone, more than 2 people in the car | $400 USD | A total for the whole group, not per person. |
| I don't live in the border zone (visiting, or coming from elsewhere in Mexico) | $500 USD | Per person, no matter how you enter. You need a receipt or invoice to show the value. |
| I live in the border zone and I'm traveling inland during a Paisano period | More than $150 USD | Check the current amount at anam.gob.mx. Mexican customs doesn't list it the same way on every page. |
If you're visiting or coming from elsewhere in Mexico
On top of your personal baggage, you can bring in up to $500 USD of goods per person, whether you arrive by land, air or sea. Keep in mind:
- You'll need a receipt or invoice to prove what things cost. Without one, customs can set the value themselves.
- Family allowances can be combined if you arrive together, at the same time, in the same vehicle.
- If you bought items in the border zone, the $500 USD limit applies too, as long as you have a tax receipt issued there.
What is the border zone, and who counts as a resident?
Mexico's northern border zone runs from the international line up to 20 kilometers (about 12 miles) inland. It also includes part of the state of Sonora and the municipality of Cananea. Cities like Tijuana fall inside that distance.
How to prove you're a resident
You only have to show proof if customs asks for it, and you must be an adult. Any of these works:
Paisano program dates, 2026
During the program periods (Heroínas y Héroes Paisanos), people traveling from the border zone to the interior of Mexico can bring in more goods. The 2026 periods are:
- Holy Week: March 18 to April 18, 2026.
- Summer: June 9 to August 9, 2026.
- Winter: November 25, 2026 to January 8, 2027.
Dates change every year, so confirm them at anam.gob.mx.
What counts as personal baggage?
Personal baggage is what you carry with you, and it doesn't count toward your allowance as long as it fits the length of your trip. Mexican customs lists items like:
- Clothing, shoes, toiletries and beauty products.
- Up to 3 cell phones, 2 laptops, 2 tablets and 2 cameras.
- Personal medication (with a prescription for psychotropic drugs).
- Baby gear, like a stroller or portable crib.
- Books and magazines, 5 toys, and one game console with 5 games.
- Sports gear, musical instruments and camping equipment.
- Wheelchairs, walkers and other mobility aids.
See the full list on the ANAM page.
What isn't covered by the allowance?
What about alcohol and cigarettes?
- If you live in the border zone: you can bring them in without a customs broker if the value is $50 USD or less and you pay the tax using the electronic "Pago de Contribuciones Federales" form.
| Product | Tax rate |
|---|---|
| Drinks and beer up to 14% alcohol | 77% |
| Over 14% and up to 20% alcohol | 82% |
| Over 20% alcohol | 114% |
| Cigarettes | 691% |
| Cigars and other tobacco products | 401% |
- If you're a visitor or live elsewhere in Mexico and you're over 18: your baggage can include up to 3 liters of liquor, 6 liters of wine, and up to 20 packs of cigarettes, 25 cigars or 200 grams of tobacco.
Common mistakes at the border
- Thinking every border-zone resident in the car adds $150 USD: with more than two people, the cap is $400 USD total.
- Throwing away your receipts: without one, customs can decide the value on their own.
- Counting alcohol toward your allowance: it's declared and taxed separately.
- Not declaring cash: if you carry more than $10,000 USD, you have to declare it, and not doing so can mean a fine of 20% to 40% of the excess.
Frequently asked questions
Does it change if I walk or drive?
The limits depend on whether you live in the border zone, not on how you cross. The only difference for drivers is the $400 USD cap for border-zone residents when more than two people are in the car.
Can families combine their allowance?
If you don't live in the border zone, yes, as long as you arrive together in the same vehicle. If you live in the border zone and more than two people are in the car, the total is $400 USD.
Do I need receipts for what I bought?
Yes, that's how the value is proven. Without them, customs can set it themselves.
When is the Paisano program?
In 2026: March 18 to April 18, June 9 to August 9, and November 25 to January 8, 2027. Confirm current dates at anam.gob.mx.
Where can I confirm the official rules?
On the ANAM pages for luggage and allowance and for border-zone residents. Links below.
Sources
- ANAM · Luggage and duty-free allowance
- ANAM · Border-zone residents
- ANAM · Your rights and obligations at customs (PDF)
Reviewed October 21, 2026. Rules can change; always check anam.gob.mx before you cross.
Rules change. If you see something different at the border, email us.
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