In mexico with no Temporary vehicle import permit

[glennphillips]

We traveled baja for 2 months then decided to take the ferry to the mainland. We are now in salulita and just realized that we need the temporary vehicle import permit on the mainland.

I see you can get the permit online but I will have no sticker or paperwork.

We plan on driving south on the 200 past peurta Vallarta.

Any way to get the docs without driving for days out of our way?

Thanks!!!

Glenn

[Sjoerd Bakker]

You are still in Baja where you do not need the TVIP( is y'all in salulita ? where's THAT)
You can get the required TVIP AT THE FERRY DOCKS of Pichilingue before you get on the ferry to the mainland .
Don't worry , they will not let you board without it . Show up to buy your ticket and ask them and they will tell you where to get it if you are not informed.
Have credit card ready to pay the refundable deposit plus cost of TVIP

[buddhabelly]

The authorities really messed up by allowing you on that ferry without the required permit. Try contacting a consulate in Puerta Vallarta and get some advice.

[mollydog]

Yea, that's pretty rare. Nearly impossible to board the Ferry without your TVIP. You guys must really float under the Radar!
I was not able to even buy a Ferry ticket before showing TVIP. Nice Move!

I think OP is referring to "Sayulita" (little town just North of Puerto Vallarta). ?Tu conoces, no?

IMHO, do nothing. It's unlikely you will ever be asked for TVIP. I hope you have your Mex. tourist Visa? That and your passport is all that you will ever have to show in most cases.

Few tourists in NON Mexican vehicles that far South means light enforcement or even knowledge of TVIP rules. If you were heading South on Mex. 15 near Sonoran/Sinaloa border, then you might be checked on the road.

If you are asked for TVIP, simply say you lost it. Out on the road there is little they can do. Getting a TVIP now will probably be a major PITA as there are few Banjercito offices to handle this. Most likely they will send you to the border or ... they may attempt to fine you, maybe confiscate your bike.

So, IMHO, just continue on in ignorant bliss. Chances are you will be OK!

One problem could arise if you exit Mexico into Guatemala. Not sure how that works these days. Sjoerd will know more on this. But DON'T tell Banjercito at the border you LOST IT, because you won't be in their computer ... so may create problems. Dunno on this one. My friend crossed with expired TVIP
1.5 years out of date, was fined $300. YMMV.

If you exit Mexico into USA, there is NO TVIP check at border, by either Mexicans or USA. So no worries there. (TVIP holders must stop to turn in and cancel their TVIP and get deposit refunded to them)

With no TVIP, you simply exit Mexico and line up at USA border check. HSA folks only want to see your passport.

Good luck!

[Meike Huelsmann]

Just on the last bit, we just have crossed the border from Mexico to Belize, there nobody asked for a TVIP.

[Sjoerd Bakker]

I'm okay with Mollydog's suggestion... Just have to tighten your sphincter a bit when a roadside Migracion checkpoint shows up and bluff through.
As far as leaving MEXICO at the southern border you will actually be okay because for travellers going into CA it is not required to hand in the TVIP, on the assumption that you would just have to go through the whole process of getting a new TVIP for the return trip to Mexico .
When leaving MEXICO to enter Belize and GUATEMALA you MUST TURN IN AND CANCEL THE TOURIST CARD .
So , your task is to clam up and DO NOT volunteer any information about not having a TVIP . The BZ and GT officials do not ask to see a cancelled MEXICO TVIP. Once you are into CA it matters not an iota .
Then on the return trip and entering MEXICO you are all honest and clear and you simply obtain the MEXICAN TVIP and pay the security bond. Refundable ,for the return run to the USA
.
And then do take the trouble to stop at the MEXICAN customs facility to CANCEL THE TVIP AND COLLECT YOUR REFUND . Pay attention, hone u on the rules.
No MEXICAN official is going to run out in front of you demanding you cancel any documents . The U.S. CUSTOMS guys have nothing to do with it and they know nothing about the process , or so they make one think.

[glennphillips]

I keep hearing the "do nothing" option and those are always my favorite. We are driving Mexico for the next few months, but not on to Guatemala.
We planned on taking the ferry back to baja and cross back into the states from baja.

Thanks!!

[VicMitch]

You realize that if someone offers you some good money for the bike, you can sell and have no repercussions.

[mollydog]

Originally Posted by glennphillips

I keep hearing the "do nothing" option and those are always my favorite. We are driving Mexico for the next few months, but not on to Guatemala.
We planned on taking the ferry back to baja and cross back into the states from baja.

Thanks!!

Sounds like a good plan Glenn! Good luck!
One thing I'm not sure of is the Ferry back to Baja from either Mazatlan or Topolobombo. Made this trip back in 2007 but can't recall if anyone asked to see our TVIP when we bought Ferry ticket. :confused1::confused1::confused1:

We did Topo-La Paz. I think NOT, because a riding buddy left his wallet, passport and TVIP papers at a place we stayed in Copper Canyon a few days before ... along with $400 cash. About a month later they sent his Passport & papers ...but cash "was never found".

So guess we boarded without showing TVIP??? ... as none is required for Baja. But not positive on this and no idea if you board in Mazatlan.

Maybe someone has done this recently and can verify? It's MUCH nicer to head North up through Baja. So many enjoyable side trips, beautiful beaches, quiet, undeveloped areas.

Suerte!