Solution to Uncanceled TIP Dilemma

If you never intend to sail your boat to Mexico, you may be weary of reading our occasional updates on obtaining, canceling and renewing that country’s mandatory Temporary Import Permits. But if you do intend to cruise south of the border, it’s important that you follow the rules correctly. 

Thanks to the creation of a year-old government website, obtaining a new TIP while your boat is still in the US is simpler than ever (once you decipher a few odd translations in the English version). However, if you bought your boat from a former Mexico cruiser who never canceled his TIP, you could be in for a major dolor de cabeza (headache). 

We’re happy to report, however, that the Mexican customs agency is making a special effort to solve such problems. In a government release posted yesterday, it was announced that special customs officials will be on hand at Tijiuana’s Otay Mesa customs office from now through December 22, specifically to solve problems associated with uncanceled TIPs. If your boat has one, we think investing in a flight to San Diego and a cab ride to Otay Mesa would be money well spent. See the full press release here.