Best Solution for Canceling Old TIPs
During the past two years, Mexican government agencies have worked hard to make it easier for recreational boat owners to visit Mexican waters — most notably, by the establishment of two new websites for obtaining visas and Temporary (boat) Import Permits online.
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But there is at least one special situation that these sites do not address: If you buy a boat that has previously cruised Mexico, how do you cancel the former owner’s TIP — which is a requirement for obtaining a new TIP? Although this situation pertains to only a small number of would-be Mexican cruisers, it has been the source of mind-numbing frustration for them.
We are happy to report, however, that the Mexican Association of Tourist Marinas has brought this dilemma to the attention of Customs and Immigration officials, and a short-term solution has been reached: In a release this week, Association President Enrique Salcedo Fava writes: "To alleviate this situation, Customs authorities will be visiting the Mexican Consulates in the coming weeks exclusively to cancel TIPs. Make sure you have the original vessel documentation/registration and your passport in hand to prove current ownership."
As far as we know, these are unique opportunites, so if you own a boat that has an old, uncanceled TIP, we would highly recommend that you clear your calendar and put this chore at the top of your ‘must do’ list — even if you won’t be traveling until next year or later. The three upcoming opportunities are:
• October 27 & 28 (8 a.m.-5 p.m.) Mexican Consulate Los Angeles
2401 West 6th Street, Los Angeles, CA 90057
• November 1 & 2 (8 a.m.-5 p.m.) Mexican Consulate Sacramento
2093 Arena Blvd, Sacramento, CA 95834
• November 10 & 11 (8 a.m.-5 p.m.) Mexican Consulate Phoenix
320 E McDowell Rd #105, Phoenix, AZ 85004
"We are working hard in the matter and we will not stop until we get a resolution in our favor," writes Salcedo Fava. "For this reason we truly appreciate your patience and trust."