Since restrictions on U.S.-Mexico border crossings due to the COVID-19 pandemic are in effect until December 21, and are not expected to reopen soon for travelers on tourist visas, some are already not contemplating their Christmas shopping this year in the U.S.

Tras revisar el desarrollo de la propagación de #COVID19 en ambos países, y debido a que diversos estados se encuentran en 🟠 del Semáforo Epidemiológico, 🇲🇽 planteó a 🇺🇸 la extensión por 1 mes más de las restricciones al tránsito terrestre no esencial en su frontera común.

— Relaciones Exteriores (@SRE_mx) November 18, 2020

However, as of December 7, 2020 and until January 8, 2021, the Paisano Program will begin, which in addition to providing comprehensive care to fellow citizens who visit Mexico in the winter season, allows U.S. citizens or residents to enter up to $500 in merchandise.

This compares to the rest of the year, when they can only cross with $300 in merchandise, tax free.

In the event that several people travel to Mexico in a vehicle, up to 400 dollars are allowed to be accumulated, although for this to be respected they must be direct relatives, according to experts.

"Your family members' allowances can be accumulated if they all travel simultaneously and in the same means of transportation," as mentioned in the Paisano Program Guide.

Remember that these amounts are part of a franchise, which is understood as the additional merchandise to your luggage that you can cross into Mexico without paying taxes.