Explore: Isla Mujeres

See the main Mexico Formalities page for full details of clearing into and out of Mexico.

Note: Isla Mujeres clearance procedures differ from normal formalities for Mexico.  INM Isla Mujeres now requests that boats clearing in or out complete an Excel file before visiting their office. Send an email with the boat’s name to [email protected] to request the file.  Fill out this file and then return it to make the process faster.

Also read these cruiser reports for additional information.

Clearing in without an Agent

There is no official requirement to hire an agent and the Mexican government is keen to promote its simplified clearance procedures.

Clearing in yourself should take several hours on a good day. See this report for the latest information from cruisers who have cleared in here both with and without an agent, including latest details of which offices to visit and fees.

Clearing in with an Agent

If you decide to use an agent, it is best to ‘shop around’ as there are several offering their services. Also, some of the marinas can act as Agents too. Agents fees are reported to be in the region of US$50-$75 (on top of normal clearance fees).

The Port Captain’s office is open from 08:00-17:00, however, they only work from 09:00-14:00. Arrival outside these hours is normally not a problem if you are staying at a marina, as they can inform customs of your arrival and arrange clearance for the next morning. In this instance, you will be allowed off your boat, but restricted to the Marina area for the night. If anchoring, all crew must remain on board until clearance the following morning.

Notes:

• The Port Captain requires a Zarpe (which includes a motorised crew list) for ALL boats, including those arriving from the USA. Vessels arriving without a list will be fined. For US boats obtaining a Zarpe is difficult, but not impossible. See Noonsite/USA/Formalities for the details.
• Try to avoid clearance on the weekends as the port Captain’s office charges overtime ($40.00 USD)
• The Navy sometimes inspects vessels in the harbour.
• If staying in Mexico for more than 5 days, then a TIP (Temporary importation document) is required. This is issued in Cancun after checking in at a cost of US$50. Full details here. Note however that latest reports are that a TIP is not asked for if staying 1-2 weeks only.

Last updated:  August 2019

Customs office – Isla Mujeres