- Mexico requires all vehicles coming into the mainland to have a Temporary Vehicle Import Permit (TIP). “Whether you enter to Mexico on a tourist visa (less than 180 days) or on a Temporary/Permanent Resident visa (more than 180 days), you need to apply for a Temporary Importation Permit for your vehicle.[1]” Read more about TIPs at MexPro.com.
“ They only issue TIPs for vehicles weighing under about 7900 pounds. They use the GVWR to determine this ... The exception is if your vehicle is registered or titled as an RV or motorhome. The RV permit costs the same as a passenger permit and lasts way longer. Many [U.S.] states don't require or recognize converted vans as RVs. Some make it quite difficult to change your registration. If you are thinking it would be fun to explore the mainland, take the time to wade through the bureaucratic process well before you plan your trip. We were able to get in with our transit with a ~9000 GVWR only because I had an overwhelming amount of paperwork, speak Spanish, was willing to wait for hours and seek out a special exception (Solicitud de Permiso), and lucked into an extremely chill and slow situation at the border.[2]”