Know Before You Go
As you travel, keep abreast of local news coverage. If you plan a
stay in one place for longer than a few weeks, or, if you are in an area
where communications are poor, experiencing civil unrest or some natural
disaster, you are encouraged to register with the nearest U.S. embassy
or consulate. Registration takes only a few moments, and it may be
invaluable in case of an emergency.
Other useful precautions are:
• Leave a detailed itinerary and the numbers of your passport or
other citizenship documents with a friend or relative in the United
States.
• Bring either a U.S. passport or a certified copy of a birth
certificate and photo identification.
• Carry your photo identification and the name of a person to
contact with you in the event of serious illness or other emergency.
• Keep photocopies of your airline or other tickets and your list of
travelers checks with you in a separate location from the originals
and leave copies with someone at home.
• Leave things like unnecessary credit cards and expensive jewelry
at home.
• Bring travelers checks, not cash.
• Use a money belt or concealed pouch for passport, cash and other
valuables.
• Do not bring firearms or ammunition into Mexico without written
permission from the Mexican government.
MEXICO VISITOR FEE UPDATE: A Visitor Fee of 150 pesos per
person went into effect on July 1, 1999 for all persons traveling to
Mexico as tourists, on business or traveling through Mexico to the US
and Central America with certain exceptions. Current exchange rates peg
this fee around $15 US dollars and $20 Canadian dollars.
FEES ELIMINATED FOR SHORT VISITS: The 22-dollar entrance fees have been waived for tourists driving
across the border who intend to spend less than a week in Mexico.
Previously, tourists traveling south of the border area were required to
obtain tourist cards and pay 22 dollars, technically not for the card but
for entering Mexico (the United States charges Mexicans 45 dollars merely to
apply for a visa; that fee is non-refundable even if the visa is denied).
The fee waiver does not apply to tourists arriving by air. Funds raised by this fee are shared by the immigration office –
paying for more inspectors and improved facilities – and by the Mexico
Tourism Board.
The exceptions include (No payment required):
1. Mexican citizens living abroad.
2. Those arriving by land or sea but staying less than 72 hours.
3. Those crossing Mexico's northern and southern borders by land,
and staying more than 72 hours, but not proceeding beyond the country's
existing interior checkpoints located between 26 and 30 kilometers
(16+miles) from the border.
4. Those crossing Mexico's borders by land, proceeding beyond the
interior checkpoints, and staying longer than 72 hours, but limiting
their visits to the following tourist routes: - Tijuana/Ensenada (Baja
California) - San Felipe Tourism Development Zone (Baja California) -
Sonoita-Puerto Peñasco (Sonora) - Ciudad Juarez-Paquime (Chihuahua) -
Piedras Negras-Santa Rosa (Coahuila) - Reynosa-China-Presa Cuchillo (Tamaulipas
& Nuevo Leon).
5. Those visiting Mexico as students, "Distinguished
Visitors" as defined by Mexico's immigration laws, or those seeking
political asylum.
The fee will be collected by the following mechanisms:
Air - by airlines, included in the purchase price of tickets, as
is customarily done in other countries.
Sea - by inclusion in the cruise package, or by the National
Immigration Institute upon disembarking, but only if stay is longer than
72 hours, maximum one Fee per cruise.
Land - at branches of any bank operating in Mexico. Visitors will
be required to produce verification of payment of the Fee.
For additional information contact your nearest Mexican Government
Tourism Offices. See list in General Information section.
ENTRY REQUIREMENTS: Proof of citizenship and photo
identification are required for entry by all U.S. citizens. A U.S.
passport is recommended, but other U.S. citizenship documents (certified
copy of a U.S. birth certificate, naturalization certificate, consular
report of birth abroad, or a certificate of citizenship) are acceptable.
In accordance with Mexican entry requirements, U.S. citizens boarding
flights to Mexico should be prepared to present one of these documents
as proof of U.S. citizenship along with photo identification. A visa is
not required for a tourist/transit stay of up to 180 days. A tourist
card, issued by Mexican consulates and most airlines serving Mexico,
is required. As of July 1, 1999, the Government of Mexico charges U.S.
citizens traveling to Mexico's interior an entry fee of $15.00 per
person. Minors require notarized consent from parent(s) if traveling alone,
with one parent, or in someone else's custody.
Mexican regulations limit
the value of goods brought into Mexico by U.S. citizens arriving by air
or sea to $300 per person and by land to $50 per person. Amounts
exceeding the duty-free limit are subject to a 32.8 percent tax.
BUSINESS TRAVELERS, upon arrival in Mexico, must complete a form (Form
FM-N 30 days) authorizing the conduct of business, but not employment,
for a 30-day period. U.S. citizens planning to work or live in Mexico
should apply for the appropriate Mexican visa (Form FM-2 or 3) at the
Mexican Embassy or nearest Mexican consulate.
DUAL NATIONALITY: As of March 20, 1998, Mexican law recognizes
dual nationality for Mexicans by birth, meaning those born in Mexico or
born abroad to Mexican parents. U.S. citizens who are also Mexican
nationals are considered Mexican by local authorities. Their dual
nationality status could therefore hamper U.S. government efforts to
provide consular protection. Dual nationals are not, however, subject to
compulsory military service. Travelers possessing both U.S. and Mexican
nationalities must carry with them proof of their citizenship of both
countries. Under Mexican law, dual nationals entering or departing
Mexico must identify themselves as Mexican.
TAXICAB CRIME: Robbery assaults on passengers in taxis are
frequent and violent, with passengers subjected to beating, shootings
and sexual assault. U.S. citizens visiting Mexico City should absolutely
avoid taking any taxi not summoned by telephone or contacted in advance
at the airport. When in need of a taxi, telephone a radio taxi or "sitio"
(pronounced "C-T-O"). Ask the dispatcher for the driver's name
and the cab's license plate number. If you walk to a "sitio"
taxi stand, use only a driver known to you. Ask the hotel concierge or
other responsible individual calling on your behalf to write down the
license plate number of the cab that you entered. Passengers arriving at
Mexico City's Benito Juarez International Airport should take only
airport taxis (yellow, with an airport symbol on the door) after
pre-paying the fare at one of the special booths inside the airport.
Radio taxis may be called at tel. 5-271-9146, 5-271-9058, and 5-272-6125
(within Mexico). U.S. citizens should avoid taking taxis parked outside
the Bellas Artes Theater, in front of nightclubs, restaurants or
cruising throughout the city.
CRIME INFORMATION: Crime in Mexico continues at
high levels, especially in Mexico City. Low apprehension and conviction
rates of criminals contribute to the high crime rate. Metropolitan areas
other than the capital have lower but still serious levels of crime.
Travelers should leave valuables and irreplaceable items in a safe
place. All visitors are encouraged to make use of hotel safes when
available, avoid wearing obviously expensive jewelry or designer
clothing, and carry only the cash or credit cards that will be needed on
each outing. Travelers are discouraged from bringing very large amounts
of cash into Mexico, as officials may suspect money laundering or other
criminal activity. The most frequently reported
crimes involve taxi robberies, armed robbery, pick-pocketing and purse
snatching. Any U.S. citizen victims of crime
in Mexico are encouraged to report the incident to the nearest police
headquarters and to the nearest U.S. consular office.
U.S. citizens should be very cautious in using ATM cards and machines
in Mexico. If an ATM machine must be used, it should be only during the
business day at large protected facilities (preferably inside commercial
establishments, rather than at a glass-enclosed, highly visible ATM
machine on streets where criminals can observe financial transactions.)
U.S. citizens should not hitchhike, accept rides from, or offer rides
to strangers anywhere in Mexico.
Travelers should exercise caution when traveling on all highways in
Mexico and use toll ("cuota") roads whenever possible. The U.S. Embassy
advises its personnel to exercise extreme caution when traveling on any
Mexican highways and not to travel on highways after dark for safety
reasons. U.S. citizens planning to travel on any Mexican highways should
follow this advice:
• All bus travel should be during daylight and on first-class
conveyances.
• Tourists should not hike alone in backcountry areas or walk alone on
lightly frequented beaches, ruins or trails.
• The loss or theft abroad of a U.S. passport should be reported
immediately to the local police and the nearest U.S. Embassy or
Consulate.
MEDICAL FACILITIES: Adequate medical care can be found in all
major cities. Health facilities in Mexico City are excellent. Care in
more remote areas is limited. Serious medical problems requiring
hospitalization and/or medical evacuation to the United States can be
very costly. Doctors and hospitals often expect immediate cash payment
for health services, and U.S. medical insurance is not always valid
outside the United States. U.S. Medicare and Medicaid programs do not
provide payment for medical services outside the United States.
MEDICAL INSURANCE: Uninsured travelers who require medical
care overseas may face extreme difficulties. Check with your own
insurance company to confirm whether your policy applies overseas,
including provision for medical evacuation. Ascertain whether payment
will be made to the overseas hospital or doctor or whether you will be
reimbursed later for expenses you incur. OTHER HEALTH INFORMATION: Information on vaccinations and
other health precautions may be obtained from the Centers for Disease
Control and Prevention's hotline for international travelers at
1-877-FYI-TRIP (1-877-394-8747); fax 1-888-CDC-FAXX (1-888-232-3299), or
via their Internet site at http://www.cdc.gov.
Air pollution in Mexico City and Guadalajara is severe, especially
from December to May.
Drink only bottled water or water that has been boiled for 20 minutes.
Beware of ice cubes that may not have been made with purified water.
Vegetables and fruits should be peeled or washed in a purifying
solution. A good rule to follow is if you can’t peel it or cook it, do
not eat it. Diarrhea may benefit from anti-microbial treatment which may
be prescribed or purchased over the counter. Travelers should consult a
physician, rather than attempt self-medication, if the diarrhea is
severe or persists several days.
DRUG PENALTIES: Penalties for drug offenses are strict, and
convicted offenders can expect jail sentences up to 25 years and fines.
As in the U.S., purchase of controlled medication requires a doctor's
prescription. The Mexican list of controlled medication differs from the
U.S., and Mexican public health laws concerning controlled medication
are unclear and often enforced selectively. The U.S. Embassy recommends
against U.S. citizens traveling to Mexico for the sole purpose of buying
prescription drugs. U.S. citizens have been arrested and their medicine
confiscated by Mexican authorities, even though a physician provides a
prescription and a licensed Mexican pharmacist fills it. Possession of
any amounts of prescription medicine (especially psychotropic drugs such
as Valium) brought from the U.S. can result in arrest if Mexican
authorities suspect abuse or if the quantity of the prescription
medicine exceeds the amount required for several days' use. Travelers
should check with the nearest Mexican consulate before traveling to
Mexico to purchase medication or with medication prescribed in the U.S.
FIREARMS PENALTIES: The Department of State warns U.S.
citizens against taking any type of firearm or ammunition into Mexico
without prior written authorization from the Mexican authorities.
Entering Mexico with a firearm or a single round of ammunition carries a
penalty of up to five years in jail, even if the firearm or ammunition
is taken into Mexico unintentionally. The Mexican government strictly
enforces its laws restricting the entry of firearms and ammunition along
all land borders and at air and seaports. This has resulted in arrests,
convictions, and long prison sentences for U.S. citizens, even those who
unintentionally crossed the border with firearms or ammunition in their
possession. U.S. citizens approaching Mexico along the land border who
realize they are in possession of unauthorized firearms or ammunition
should not seek to enter Mexico. The only way to legally import firearms
and/or ammunition into Mexico is to secure a permit in advance from the
Mexican Embassy in Washington, D.C. or from a Mexican Consulate,
regardless of whether the firearm is legally registered in the U.S.
Vessels entering Mexican waters with firearms or ammunition on board
must have a permit previously issued by the Mexican Embassy or a Mexican
Consulate. Mariners do not avoid prosecution for arms smuggling by
declaring their weapons at the port of entry. Mariners who have obtained
a Mexican firearms permit should contact port officials before traveling
to receive guidance on the specific procedures used to report and secure
weapons and ammunition.
ALIEN SMUGGLING: Anyone arrested for transporting aliens out
of Mexico may be prosecuted by Mexican authorities for alien smuggling.
Alien smuggling and harboring aliens is a serious felony offense in
Mexico.
TRAFFIC SAFETY AND ROAD CONDITIONS: While in a foreign
country, U.S. citizens may encounter road conditions that differ
significantly from those in the United States. The information below
concerning Mexico is provided for general reference only, and may not be
totally accurate in a particular location or circumstance.
Safety of Public Transportation: Fair
Urban Road Conditions/Maintenance: Good
Rural Road Conditions/Maintenance: Fair
Availability of Roadside Assistance: Fair
BUS TRAVEL AND DRIVING INFORMATION:
BUS TRAVEL:
FLECHA
AMARILLA (Primera Plus services) - DESTINATIONS: Mexico City Airport, Mexico City (Norte), Aguascalientes, Celaya, Colima, Guanajuato, Guadalajara, Irapuato, Leon, Morelia, Puerto Vallarta, Queretaro, San Luis Potosi, San Miguel de
Allende. COMMENTS: Great site, with timetables, prices, distances and online reservations available. In English and Spanish.
ETN
- DESTINATIONS: Mexico City (Norte), Mexico City (Observatorio), Aguascalientes, Celaya, Colima, Guanajuato, Guadalajara, Irapuato, Leon, Manzanillo, Morelia, Puerto Vallarta, Queretaro, San Luis Potosi, San Miguel de
Allende, Uruapan, Zamora. COMMENTS: New site is still under construction, with some schedules not yet available. In Spanish only, but the timetables section is easy to follow. Luxury service, with only 24 seats per bus.
ADO
- DESTINATIONS: Mexico City (TAPO), Cancun, Chetumal, Merida, Playa del Carmen, Oaxaca, Puebla, Jalapa, Veracruz, Villahermosa, Tampico, Poza Rica.
COMMENTS: Timetables, prices and journey times available in English and Spanish. Some maintenance underway at the moment. Excellent and regular service from Cancun to
Merida.
UNO
- DESTINATIONS: Mexico City (TAPO), Cancun, Campeche, Merida, Oaxaca, Puebla, Jalapa, San Cristobal de las Casas, Veracruz, Villahermosa, Tampico, Poza Rica.
COMMENTS: Timetables, prices and journey times available in English and Spanish.
DRIVING INFORMATION: U.S. driver's licenses are valid in
Mexico. Mexican insurance is required for all vehicles, including rental
vehicles in Mexico. Travelers should obtain full coverage insurance when
renting vehicles in Mexico. Travelers arriving in their own vehicle can
easily obtain Mexican insurance on the U.S. side of the land border and
should do so. If a traveler is involved in a vehicle accident resulting
in damages or injuries to another party, the driver can be arrested and
detained by Mexican authorities until a settlement is arranged with the
injured party and/or, depending upon the extent of damages or injuries
to the other party, the traveler may face charges filed by the Mexican
judicial authorities.
For additional information concerning Mexico driver's permits,
vehicle inspection, road tax, mandatory insurance, etc. you can contact
the Mexico Government Tourist Organization (MGTO) at 1-800-44-MEXICO
(639426).
CUSTOMS REGULATIONS: Mexico customs authorities may enforce
strict regulations concerning temporary importation into or export from
Mexico of items such as antiquities, medications, medical equipment,
business equipment, etc. It is advisable to contact the Embassy of
Mexico in Washington or one of the Mexican's consulates in the United
States for specific information regarding customs requirements.
RETURNING TO THE UNITED STATES: You must present the pink copy of your tourist card at your point of departure from Mexico. If you are returning by motor vehicle, you will need to show your vehicle import permit when you cross the border. At the time of publication, the airport departure tax is $10 or the equivalent in Mexican currency for those returning by commercial airline.
The U.S. Customs Service currently permits U.S. citizens returning from international travel to bring back $400 worth of
merchandise, including 1 liter of alcohol, duty free. The next $1,000 worth of items brought back is subject to a duty of 10%.
In addition to U.S. Customs regulations, be aware that some U.S. border states (most notably, Texas) have imposed state restrictions on liquor, wine and beer imports from Mexico. If you are planning to bring back alcoholic beverages, inquire about these restrictions from the liquor control office of the state through which you plan to return.
AVIATION SAFETY OVERSIGHT: The U.S. Federal Aviation
Administration (FAA) has assessed the Government of Mexico's Civil
Aviation Authority as Category 1 -- in compliance with international
aviation safety standards for oversight of Mexico's air carrier
operations. For further information, travelers may contact the
Department of Transportation within the U.S. at 1-800-322-7873, or visit
FAA Internet home page at
www1.faa.gov.
The U.S. Department of Defense (DOD) separately assesses some foreign
air carriers for suitability as official providers of air services. For
information regarding the DOD policy on specific carriers, travelers may
contact the Pentagon at (703) 697-7288.
RED TAPE TRIMMED FOR PRIVATE PILOTS:
The Tourism
Ministry is spearheading a movement to encourage more private pilots to fly
to Mexico.
Regulations have been relaxed and paperwork all but eliminated. Temporary
import permits, valid for one year, allow multiple re-entries and insurance
policies issued at the home base of an aircraft now are valid in Mexico. A
U.S. pilot’s license now is valid for flying aircraft registered in Mexico.
Mexico has long been a favorite destination for private pilots, but
officials recognize that red tape is too bothersome for some to cope with.
The Tourism Ministry now has published a manual outlining the new,
simplified rules. It can be accessed from the Internet at
www.sectur.com REGISTRATION: U.S. citizens are encouraged to register at the
U.S. Embassy or a consulate and to obtain updated information on travel
and security within Mexico.
EMBASSY AND CONSULATE LOCATIONS: The U.S. Embassy is located
in Mexico City at Paseo de la Reforma 305, Colonia Cuauhtemoc, telephone
from the United States: 011-525-209-9100; within Mexico City:
5-209-9100; within Mexico 01-5-209-9100.
-There are also U.S. Consulates General in:
-
Ciudad Juarez at Avenida Lopez Mateos 924-N, telephone (52-16) 113000
-
Guadalajara at Progreso 175, telephone (52-38) 25-2998
-
Monterrey at Avenida Constitucion 411 Poniente 64000, telephone
(52-83) 45-2120
-
Tijuana at Tapachula 96, telephone (52-66) 817400.
-
Hermosillo at Ave. Monterrey 141, telephone (52-62) 172375
-
Matamoros at Ave. Primera 2002, telephone (52-88) 124402
-
Merida at Paseo Montejo 453, telephone (52-99) 25-5011
-
Nogales at Calle San Jose, Nogales, Sonora, telephone (52-63) 134-820
-
Nuevo Laredo at Calle Allende 3330, Col. Jardin, telephone
(52-871)4-0512.
There are Consular Agencies in:
-
Acapulco at Hotel Acapulco Continental, Costera M. Aleman 121-Local
14, telephone 52-74-840-300/52-74-690-556.
-
Cabo San Lucas at Blvd. Marina Y Perdregal #1, Local No. 3 Zona
Centro, telephone (52-114) 3-35-66
-
Cancun at Plaza Caracol Two, third level, no. 320-323, Boulevard
Kukulcan, km. 8.5, Zona Hotelera, telephone (52-98) 83-02-72
-
Cozumel at Avenida #35, Norte #650 Cozumel, telephone (52-987) 261-52
-
Ixtapa/Zihuatanejo at Local 9, Plaza Ambiente, telephone (52-755)
3-11-08.
-
Mazatlan at Hotel Playa Mazatlan, Rodolfo T. Loaiza #202, Zona Dorada,
82110, telephone (52-69) 134-444 ext. 285
-
Puerto Vallarta at Edif. Vallarta, Plaza Zaragoza 160-Piso 2 Int-18,
telephone (52-322)2-0069
-
San Luis Potosi at Francisco de P. Mariel 103-10, telephone
(52-481)2-1528
-
Oaxaca at Alcala 201, Deps. 206 telephone (52-951)4-3054;
-
San Miguel de Allende at Dr. Hernandez Macias #72, telephone
(52-415)2-2357/2-0068;
Great Trips Start By Being Prepared!
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