Traveling to different Parts Of Mexico by air while carrying boat parts might seem daunting, but based on our experiences over the past year, it’s more manageable than you might think. We’ve flown into Mexico three times, landing in Cabo San Lucas and Loreto in Baja California, and Hermosillo in Sonora, mainland Mexico. Each time, our luggage included various boat parts, and surprisingly, we were never asked to pay any duties.
Our standard travel setup involves each of us carrying two bags: a duffel bag suitable for overhead storage and a backpack or purse. Backpacks are reserved for electronics – laptops, hard drives, and other gadgets. This packing strategy has served us well across different parts of Mexico.
Our experience in Loreto stands out. We were stopped at the red light during customs inspection, and our bags were thoroughly checked. Among our belongings was a complete Groco Model K head – yes, a full marine toilet! This included the ceramic bowl, seat and lid, base, and even the aluminum handle. We had disassembled it for packing convenience, with the base and seat/lid in one bag and the bowl and handle in another. Alongside the head, we also carried numerous other boat-related items. The customs officer who inspected our bags seemed completely unfazed. Her only questions were about alcohol and tobacco. Upon confirming we had none, we were waved through without any issues. This smooth passage in Loreto, another beautiful part of Mexico, was quite reassuring.
Hermosillo was our most recent point of entry, and we were carrying an even more extensive list of boat parts. This included a new EPIRB (Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacon), a large spool of hand fishing line, various fishing supplies, canvas snaps and hardware, bungee cords, six watermaker filters, and an assortment of smaller items. Our bags were packed to capacity and quite heavy. Our journey involved navigating three checkpoints with X-ray machines in Portland (departure), Tijuana (transit), and finally Hermosillo. Despite the multiple checks across these different parts of Mexico, we encountered no problems whatsoever. Having a “P” endorsement on our passports, which allows us access to the “Pre-Checked” lines at airports, likely expedited our passage and possibly drew less scrutiny. This “P” designation is a result of opting for additional background checks when we initially applied for our passports years ago.
Regarding boat documentation, we always carry our ship’s paperwork, including the Temporary Import Permit (TIP), whenever we leave and re-enter the country. However, the regulations surrounding TIPs seem to have evolved.
Back in November 2015, when we finalized our TIP paperwork in Ensenada, Mexican officials were uninterested in a comprehensive list we had prepared detailing all boat parts onboard. This list was exhaustive, covering nearly every replaceable component except the hull itself. We were only permitted to add our dinghy and outboard motor to the boat’s TIP for an additional fee. Attempts to have the accessory list stamped “for record-keeping” were declined. This experience in Ensenada, another key part of Mexico for boaters, highlighted a shift in customs focus.
Perhaps our successful, duty-free entry with boat parts is simply attributed to our appearance. We might fit the stereotype of middle-aged “gringo” tourists on vacation. We make a point to dress smartly when traveling to and from Mexico – collared, button-down shirts, slacks, dress shoes, and jewelry. Our “sailor wear” of shorts and flip-flops is reserved for the marina. This presentation could influence perceptions at customs checkpoints in various parts of Mexico.
The reason behind carrying an entire head to Mexico in the first place was a conversation with a representative at Lopez Marine in La Paz. We were informed about a supposed ban on importing ceramics into the country, preventing them from ordering a replacement head. Our existing 28-year-old head was worn out and needed replacing, a detail we had overlooked during our boat rebuild. However, our airport experiences suggest that this ceramic import ban, if it existed, did not apply, or was not enforced, via air travel routes in different parts of Mexico.
We hope sharing these experiences navigating customs in different parts of Mexico proves helpful for fellow travelers and boaters!
