Can You Take a U-Haul Truck to Mexico?

Whether you’re relocating for work, retirement, or a change of scenery, moving to Mexico from the U.S. is an exciting step. The country’s warm climate, rich culture, and lower cost of living make it a popular destination for Americans looking to start a new chapter — and for Mexican citizens who are missing home. But before you begin packing, it’s important to understand what you’ll need for an international move and what moving options are available.

While U-Haul trucks and trailers cannot be driven from the states into Mexico, U-Haul does offer U-Box® containers as a moving solution that helps you move your goods to Mexico.

Can You Take a U-Haul Truck to Mexico?

Unfortunately, you can’t drive a U-Haul truck to Mexico. Our policy is that U-Haul rental trucks and trailers are not permitted to cross the U.S.–Mexico border. This restriction helps ensure the safety of customers and the equipment, as vehicle regulations and return logistics differ internationally.

The good news? You can still move to Mexico using U-Box containers, the portable moving solution by U-Haul.

How to Move to Mexico With U-Haul

U-Haul offers international moving and storage solutions to almost any port or door in the world. You can pack at your own pace and securely ship your belongings in U-Box storage containers to Mexico through trusted freight carriers.

Not sure how many containers you’ll need? Use our U-Box estimator tool to get an idea based on how furnished your home is and how many rooms you have. Need extra help? You can hire local Moving Help® Service Providers to load and pack your containers for you.

If you’re not moving immediately, we can store your containers at a secure U-Haul facility until you’re ready to ship them. Standard transit times range from five to eight weeks, depending on the origin and destination.

When it’s time to ship, our team will supply an import customs guide and recommend securing a local customs agent in Mexico to assist with clearance once your shipment arrives. Your U-Box containers are shipped per your instructions after you’ve arrived and settled in your new home.

Packing Preparation

Proper packing is essential for ensuring your belongings arrive safely in Mexico. Before loading your U-Box container, follow these preparation guidelines:

• Power wash all outdoor items, such as bikes, patio furniture, and garden tools, so they’re free of dirt, soil, and debris.
• Use the appropriate packing materials to protect your belongings. Plasma TVs must be packed in a U-Haul TV packing kit.
• Wrap unframed artwork in acid-free paper before adding bubble pack to protect canvases from humidity and temperature changes during transit.
• After your belongings arrive, wait 24 hours before plugging in electronics so they can acclimate to local climate conditions.
• Confirm whether your major appliances will work with Mexico’s voltage standards. Some appliances may require a transformer or may not be compatible at all.

Taking these steps helps reduce the risk of damage in transit and ensures your shipment meets international shipping standards.

How to Pack Your U-Box Container

Mexico has strict customs regulations, so it’s important to follow U-Haul packing and inventory requirements closely. Doing so helps prevent delays, fines, or confiscation of goods. When preparing your packing list:

• All items must be securely packed and assigned an inventory number that matches your packing list. The number should be written clearly on the outside of each box or wrapped item.
• Your inventory list only needs to give a general overview of a box’s contents (e.g., “clothing, shoes, handbags”) unless Mexico’s customs documentation at the time of your move requires a more detailed description.
• List stuffed animals as plush toys and list knives as kitchen utensils or fixed-blade knives.
• For all electronics, include the item description plus make, model, and serial number.
• No new items are allowed in your shipment. This includes used items placed back into their original manufacturer boxes. All items must have at least six months of use.
• Customs may inspect your shipment at any point. If they open your container, they will replace your lock with a customs seal.

Before sealing your container, take a photo of the interior and send it to your U-Box Move Coordinator along with your final packing list.

Avoid packing the following items, which are prohibited by Mexico’s customs laws:

• Personal care products (shampoo, perfumes, lotions)
• Alcohol, tobacco, and all food items
• Medications, herbal supplements, or over-the-counter drugs
• Firearms, ammunition, weapons, or combustible materials
• Plants, seeds, soil, driftwood, rocks, biological or agricultural materials
• Animal-related items (feed, saddles, hides, feathers, taxidermy)
• Cultural artifacts or artwork requiring special import permits
• Motorized vehicles, including motorcycles, scooters, or jet skis
• New items or anything in a manufacturer’s box

Packing prohibited goods can lead to customs delays, additional fees, or seizure of your shipment.

What You Need to Move to Mexico

When moving across the border, you’ll need more than just boxes and packing tape. A successful move to Mexico starts with making sure your documentation and logistics are in order.

Returning Citizens

If you are a Mexican citizen returning to Mexico after living abroad, you may qualify to import your household goods tax- and duty-free. To do so, you must meet Mexico’s residency requirements and obtain the Certificado de Menaje de Casa, or Household Goods Certificate, from a Mexican consulate in the U.S. or Canada.

To qualify, you must have lived outside of Mexico for 12 consecutive months before importing your belongings.

To request the Household Goods Certificate, you must provide:

• A clear scanned copy of the picture page of your passport (your original passport will be required)
• A valid Mexican passport, INE, or consular ID
• Six months of utility bills, bank statements, or pay stubs in your name
• Your Mexico destination address
• A detailed inventory list following U-Haul’s packing and inventory guidelines (some consulates require their own format)

The inventory submitted to the consulate must be in Spanish, while the version provided to customs at the border will be in English. Both must list your origin and destination addresses exactly as shown on your passport.

Some consulates also require a custom request form or additional documentation, so check with the office where you plan to apply.

Once your certificate is approved, the consulate will staple all supporting documents together. Do not remove the staple. You’ll need to mail the entire packet by priority mail to the address provided by your U-Box coordinator.

Moving to Mexico Temporarily

If you want to do a trial run of your move to Mexico, you have a few options. U.S. citizens can stay in Mexico for 30 days without a visa and up to 180 days with a travel visa. 

Americans who want to move to Mexico for less than four years and do not plan to work for a Mexican company must apply for a temporary resident visa or a temporary student visa. Depending on your situation, you might also need to present other documentation, such as bank statements, marriage certificates, or a letter from the organization that invited you to temporarily relocate. 

Once you’ve gathered your documents, make an appointment at your local Mexican consulate. Be prepared to bring your paperwork, the consular fee, and a passport-style photo. Your local consulate’s website will list exact requirements, which vary slightly by location.

Moving to Mexico Permanently

If you’re moving to Mexico indefinitely, you’ll need to apply for a permanent resident visa instead. The process is largely the same as applying for a temporary visa; you’ll make an appointment at your local Mexican consulate and bring your paperwork, payment, and photo. 

It’s important to note that not all visas are approved, and a visa does not equal automatic entrance into Mexico. At the U.S.-Mexico border, you must present key documents:

• A valid passport
• A properly completed Multiple Digital Migration Form (FMMd), which is typically provided by the airline or port of entry
• The appropriate visa for your stay if it exceeds 180 days

It’s also wise to check import restrictions before shipping belongings. Certain items, such as firearms, plants, or large quantities of electronics, may require special permissions or may not be allowed at all.

Move to Mexico with U-Box by U-Haul

Once you’ve made it to Mexico, it’s time to enjoy the perks! The country offers a lower cost of living, delicious cuisine, and a relaxed lifestyle that makes it easy to feel at home.

Moving abroad doesn’t have to be complicated. With U-Box by U-Haul, you can enjoy a flexible, affordable, and secure way to move your belongings from the U.S. to Mexico. Our international moving experts are here to guide you every step of the way, from estimating your container needs to clearing customs.

Get a free U-Box international quote today!

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