Snowbirds: How to Cross the U.S.–Mexico Border by RV Through Laredo

You may be dreaming of driving your RV all the way to Mexico, but the thought of crossing the Mexican border makes you hesitate. That’s completely normal. For many travellers, this is the step that raises the most questions. Between the stories shared online, the procedures that seem complicated, and the language barrier, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. The good news is that, with a bit of preparation and the right information, crossing the border can be straightforward, well-organized, and safe.

Louise and Gilles, a 64-year-old couple from Quebec, are ambassadors and loyal soNomad clients, as well as the faces behind the YouTube channel VRN’GO. They crossed the Mexico border through Laredo as part of their long RV journey from Quebec to Mexico.

Here’s what you need to know to cross the U.S.–Mexico border with confidence.

Preparing Before You Reach the Laredo Border

One of the best decisions you can make is to avoid arriving at the border tired or rushed. Louise and Gilles chose to spend two nights at Lake Casa Blanca International State Park in Texas, giving themselves time to rest and organize all the required documents.

Before crossing into Mexico, make sure you have:

• Valid passports
• Driver’s licences
• Vehicle registration
• Valid Mexican auto insurance
• Photocopies of all these documents

Having your photocopies ready in advance can save a lot of time and simplify the process once you’re there. Mexican auto insurance is best purchased online well before reaching the border, when you can do it calmly and without pressure.

What Happens When You Arrive at the Border

When you arrive at Mexican customs, you’ll be asked to park. Border officers will take your passports and carry out a vehicle inspection. In Louise and Gilles’ case, officers opened cabinets and doors in their RV and asked a few basic questions about their route, length of stay, and where they were coming from.

It’s helpful to know that inspections are usually done quickly and respectfully. A tidy, well-organized RV makes this step smoother and less stressful.

Where the Official Paperwork Is Actually Done

This is often the most confusing part for travellers. Official documents are not completed directly at the border booth.

After the inspection, you’ll be directed to exit toward the city, which can feel surprising the first time. The office where you obtain your tourist visa and vehicle import permit is located in a separate building in an urban area.

Before leaving the border area, it’s essential to:

• Ask for the exact name of the building: CIITEV
• Enter it immediately into your GPS (using Google Maps coordinates)
• Review the route before driving off

Streets can be narrow and traffic can be busy. Having the exact location entered ahead of time helps avoid unnecessary detours.

Steps at the Processing Office

Once you arrive at the correct location, all procedures are handled in a single building, which makes the process much easier.

You’ll start by filling out the tourist visa form. It’s strongly recommended to request the maximum stay of 180 days.

Next, you’ll pay the visa fee.

You’ll then apply for the Temporary Import Permit for your vehicle, commonly known as the TIP. This permit is mandatory if you plan to legally drive your RV in Mexico.

You’ll be asked for photocopies of your documents. If you already have them prepared, this step goes quickly.

Finally, payment for the TIP is made at the bank located within the same complex. The refundable portion of the TIP deposit can be returned to you when you cancel the permit upon leaving Mexico, provided it’s done before the permit expires.

How Long Does It Take and What to Expect

For Louise and Gilles, the entire process took about one hour. Contrary to many stories circulating on social media, in their case, everything went smoothly and without major complications.

‍Speaking a bit of Spanish is definitely helpful, but it’s not required. The officers were patient and took the time to explain things when needed, which made the experience much more reassuring.

Leaving the Border Area

After completing all the paperwork, you may be escorted by police out of the city and onto the main highways. This is a normal procedure designed to ensure a safe exit.

It can feel intimidating at first, but it’s generally calm, professional, and well-managed.

First Stops After Crossing the Border

After crossing, you’ve earned a good rest and maybe even a celebratory cerveza. It’s best not to drive too far on the first day. Louise and Gilles stopped in Saltillo, where they found secure overnight parking behind a hotel and were able to relax after an emotionally full day.

Before continuing their journey, they also stopped at a large shopping centre to withdraw pesos from an ATM and pick up supplies at Walmart for the road ahead.

Your Turn to RV Through Mexico

You can follow in Louise and Gilles’ footsteps and set off on your own RV adventure through Mexico. With a bit of planning, well-prepared documents, and the right travel insurance, crossing the border becomes the starting point of a journey filled with freedom, discovery, and incredible landscapes.

For your Mexico travel insurance, get a quick quote with soNomad and travel with confidence.