How to Import a U.S. Yacht into Mexico

Everything you need to know about temporary import permits, taxes, and paperwork for bringing your yacht to Baja California Sur.

Why Many Yacht Owners Move Their Boats to Mexico

The waters of Cabo San Lucas, La Paz, and the Sea of Cortez are some of the most desirable in the world — calm seas, diverse marine life, and world-class marinas.
Thousands of yacht owners from the U.S. and Canada now base their vessels in Baja because:

• It’s just a few days’ sail from San Diego.
   
• Marina rates are more affordable.
   
• The fishing and cruising seasons are year-round.
   
• The region offers both luxury and adventure lifestyles.
   

But to operate legally, every foreign-flagged yacht must comply with Mexican import regulations.

📄 Step 1: Understand the Temporary Import Permit (TIP)

The Temporary Import Permit (Permiso de Importación Temporal) is the single most important document for foreign yachts entering Mexican waters.

✅ What It Is

The TIP allows you to keep your yacht in Mexico for up to 10 years without paying import duties — as long as it’s for personal, non-commercial use.

✅ Who Issues It

The permit is issued by Banjercito, Mexico’s official customs bank, and managed by Aduanas (Customs).

✅ What You’ll Need

When applying, prepare the following:

• Original vessel registration or title
   
• Passport of the owner
   
• Proof of ownership (bill of sale if recently purchased)
   
• Engine serial numbers
   
• Crew list (if applicable)
   
• Valid credit card for payment
   

✅ Where to Obtain It

You can apply:

• Online via Banjercito’s website before entering Mexico, or
   
• In person at designated ports of entry like Ensenada, La Paz, Puerto Vallarta, or Cabo San Lucas.
   

⚓ Step 2: Understand Import Fees and Taxes

While the TIP waives most import taxes for private use, there are still minor fees:

• TIP fee: Around $60 USD (valid 10 years).
   
• Port entry or marina fees: Vary by location.
   
• VAT (IVA) on purchases: 16 % only applies to new boats imported permanently.
   

If you ever plan to charter your yacht in Mexico, you’ll need a different permit — a temporary commercial import permit — and to register as a tourism provider.

👉 Related read: Guide to Chartering Your Yacht Legally in Mexico

⚓ Step 3: Registering Your Yacht with Mexican Authorities

Even with a valid TIP, you must register your yacht at a local Capitanía de Puerto (Harbormaster’s Office) in every port you visit.

You’ll need:

• Copies of your TIP, registration, and passport
   
• Crew list and arrival form (provided by the marina)
   

The harbormaster will stamp your Arribo (entry document), giving you permission to stay in that port.

🧭 Step 4: Hiring a Broker or Naviera Agent

To simplify the process, many yacht owners work with local agencies like Cabo Yacht World Naviera that handle:

• Customs documentation
   
• TIP renewals or corrections
   
• Temporary crew visas
   
• Charter and operation permits
   

Working with a professional ensures compliance and prevents costly mistakes.

👉 Our team at BoatsForSaleInCabo.com works closely with local Navieras to handle all import and registration steps for buyers.

⚙️ Step 5: Insurance and Compliance

When your yacht enters Mexico, make sure you have:

• Valid hull and liability insurance that covers Mexican waters
   
• Fire extinguishers and safety equipment that meet SEMAR regulations
   
• Crew and passenger manifest for all crossings
   

Insurance is mandatory for mooring in most marinas, especially in Cabo and La Paz.

🌴 Step 6: Renewal or Transfer

If you sell your yacht in Mexico while it has a TIP, the new owner must:

• Cancel your TIP before the sale, and
   
• Apply for a new one under their name.
   

Never leave Mexico without canceling your TIP — otherwise, the vessel remains tied to your passport, making re-entry difficult.

⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Entering Mexico without a valid TIP (vessel may be impounded).
   
• Submitting incorrect serial numbers.
   
• Forgetting to carry original paperwork onboard.
   
• Failing to check out with customs when leaving port.
   

🧭 Expert Advice for Cabo Buyers

When buying a yacht that’s already in Mexico, verify that it already has a valid TIP — this saves you time and import costs.
If the vessel was imported more than 10 years ago, check if a renewal is required.

At BoatsForSaleInCabo.com, we help clients:

• Verify documentation before purchase.
   
• Coordinate importation and registration.
   
• Secure marina space in Cabo and La Paz.
   

👉 Related: Top Marinas in Baja California Sur – Where to Dock Your Yacht

✅ Summary Checklist

StepActionWho Handles It 1. Apply for Temporary Import Permit (TIP). 

2. Owner or Broker Register at Harbormaster’s OfficeOwner / Marina.

3. Pay Fees & VAT (if applicable)Owner / Agent.  

4. Ensure Insurance CoverageOwner

5. Renew or Cancel TIP as NeededOwner / Broker  

💡 Final Thoughts

Importing your yacht into Mexico isn’t complicated — if you know the system.
With the right help, you can move your vessel legally, avoid fines, and start enjoying the Baja yachting lifestyle immediately.

At BoatsForSaleInCabo.com, we assist clients from San Diego to Cabo San Lucas in moving and registering their yachts the right way.

⚓ Start your import process with our bilingual brokerage team today.
 

👉 Contact us now at BoatsForSaleInCabo.com/contact