Mexico’s hassle-free zone: Where you can drive without a vehicle permit

The Hassle-Free Zone in Mexico refers to a designated area where vehicle Temporary Importation Permits (TIPs) are not required for foreign-plated vehicles. This makes it easier for travelers from the U.S. and Canada to visit without dealing with extra paperwork.

Where are Mexico’s Hassle-Free Zones?

• Baja California and Baja California Sur – No TIP required anywhere on the peninsula.
• Northern Sonora – Within 25 km (16 miles) of the U.S. border.
• Puerto Peñasco (Rocky Point), Sonora – Special exemption area.
• Quintana Roo – Including Cancún, Playa del Carmen, and Tulum.

If you plan to drive beyond these zones, a Temporary Importation Permit (TIP) is required.

Why is the Hassle-Free Zone important?

• No extra paperwork or fees for a TIP.
• Easier travel for U.S. and Canadian visitors.
• Encourages tourism in key destinations.

When was the Hassle-Free Zone established?

The Hassle-Free Zone, also called the Free Zone (Zona Libre), has existed for decades, constantly evolving to boost tourism and cross-border commerce by reducing red tape and making it easier for travelers to explore certain regions of Mexico by car.

Established in the mid-20th century, the Free Zone was designed to attract tourists from the U.S. and Canada by allowing easier access to northern Mexico and coastal resort areas, minimizing bureaucratic formalities, and encouraging short-term travel.

Although its boundaries and specific entry rules have changed over time, the primary goal of the Free Zone remains unchanged: to simplify the process for foreign-plated vehicles and enable tourists to enjoy Mexico without the need for special permits.

What happens if you want to drive outside these zones?

If you plan to drive your foreign-plated car beyond the limits of the Hassle-Free Zone — into Mexico’s interior — you’ll need to obtain a Temporary Vehicle Importation Permit (TIP). This is mandatory for vehicles entering most of Mexico outside these exempt areas.

How and where to get a TIP

A TIP can be obtained from Banjercito, the official government agency authorized to issue these permits. You can apply for it:

• Online through the official Banjercito website (up to 60 days before your trip).
• At a Banjercito office located at certain border crossings or vehicle importation checkpoints.

Step-by-step TIP guide

• Go to the Banjercito website.
• Change the language to English.
• Choose “Begin a new application”.
• Accept the agreement.
• Choose “Click to Select Permit Type”.
• Accept the agreement and the “Next” button.
• Fill in vehicle and personal info.
• Upload the required docs.
• Pay the fee + deposit.
• Print the permit and bring it with you.

Documents you need for a TIP

When applying for a TIP, you’ll be asked to provide:

• Valid passport or passport card.
• Tourist permit (FMM) — obtained at the border or airport.
• Vehicle registration (in your name).
• Driver’s license.
• Proof of vehicle ownership (if applicable).
• A credit card for the permit fee and a refundable deposit.

The refundable deposit amount depends on the year of your vehicle. Newer vehicles typically require a higher deposit, while older vehicles are charged less. This deposit is meant to ensure that the vehicle leaves Mexico before the permit expires.

When you cancel the Temporary Importation Permit (TIP) at an official Banjercito office — before it expires and before you exit the country — your deposit will be refunded in full to the credit card you used during the application process.