New boat permit/Promisory Note?

[YumaJames]

In the last year I've pulled my boat from Yuma to Rocky Point, crossing at the San Luis point of entry, about 6 times. Each time they've checked by boat and trailer registration paperwork to make sure it matches my ID and boat/trailer VIN, then I'm on my way in about 5-10 minutes. Crossed the other day, after checking my trailer/boat registration the Mexican border guard asked my for my boat permit. (I did lots of research online before crossing the first time and it stated everywhere that boat permits were no longer needed years ago). I mentioned this to him, he sent me over to a govt office, and long story short I had to buy a promissory note stating that I promised to bring my boat back to the States and not sell it. It costed me around $75 and is good for 10 years. While getting the permit I politely asked several Mexican govt officials if this was new since I've crossed several times in the last year and this was the first time I was asked for this permit, a couple guys said it was new, a couple guys said they were surprised I crossed so many times in the last year and was never asked for it in the past. When I got to Safe Marina I mentioned this to another guy pulling his boat, and he said he just had to buy one at the Sonoyta point of entry, and another boater at the marina said you have to have one or they can impound your boat in Mexico, he said he read online recently they've impounded around 200 boats in Mexico for not having one. Its an orange sticker you affix to your boat's windshield and is called "Promesa De Retornar Vehiculo Temporalmente". First I've heard of it. Is this what's called a TIP (Temporary Import Permit?).

 

[Stuart]

Yeah, basically a TIP. I have one, only because it's required down in San Carlos if you want to put your boat in the marina. So much for the Hassle-Free "Free Zone," huh? It is my understanding that you do NOT need one in the Free Zone, but it's Mexico. What given paperwork you must have on any given day depends on who's doing the asking.

Most of the boats they impounded have been in Mexico for YEARS without any documentation. Not that it makes it right, but you have to follow the rules.

The TIP is worth having. It's basically a passport for your boat for anywhere in Mexico. When I was stopped by the Navy in Penasco for a check at sea, I whipped out my TIP, gave it to El Capitan, he wrote down some info, and we were quickly on our way.