Si-Mexico Travel Tips

ENTRY REQUIREMENTS
DUAL NATIONALITY
TAXICAB CRIME
CRIME INFORMATION
MEDICAL FACILITIES
MEDICAL INSURANCE
OTHER HEALTH INFORMATION
DRUG PENALTIES

FIREARM PENALTIES
ALIEN SMUGGLING
TRAFFIC SAFETY & ROAD CONDITIONS
BUS TRAVEL & DRIVING INFORMATION
CUSTOMS REGULATIONS
AVIATION SAFETY
VISITOR REGISTRATION
EMBASSY / U.S. CONSULATE

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:
For the latest entry requirements, visit the Embassy of Mexico’s website or contact the Embassy of Mexico at 1911 Pennsylvania Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20006, telephone (202) 736-1600, or any Mexican consulate in the United States.

Since March 1, 2010, all U.S. citizens – including children – have been required to present a valid passport or passport card for travel beyond the “border zone” into the interior of Mexico. The “border zone” is generally defined as an area within 20 to 30 kilometers of the border with the U.S., depending on the location. Regardless of the destination in Mexico; however, all U.S. citizens age 16 or older must present a valid U.S. passport book or passport card to re-enter the U.S. by land. A passport book is required to return to the United States via an international flight.

All U.S. citizens traveling outside of the United States by air, land or sea (except closed-loop cruises) are required to present a Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative (WHTI) compliant document such as a passport book or a passport card to return to the United States. Legal permanent residents in possession of their I-551 Permanent Resident card may board flights to the United States from Mexico. Travelers with passports that are found to be washed, mutilated or damaged may be refused entry to Mexico and returned to the United States. While passport cards and enhanced driver’s licenses are sufficient for re-entry into the United States by land or sea, they may not be accepted by the particular country you plan to visit; please be sure to check with your cruise line and countries of destination for any foreign entry requirements.

The U.S. passport card has been in full production since July 2008. Beginning March 1, 2010, Mexican Immigration began to accept the passport card for entry into Mexico by air; however, the card may not be used to board international flights in the U.S. or to return to the U.S. from abroad by air. The card is available only to U.S. citizens. Further information on the Passport Card can be found on our website. We strongly encourage all U.S. citizen travelers to apply for a U.S. passport well in advance of anticipated travel. U.S. citizens can visit the Bureau of Consular Affairs website or call 1-877-4USA-PPT (1-877-487-2778) for information on how to apply for their passports.

As of May 1, 2010, non-U.S. citizens with valid U.S. visas may enter Mexico with the U.S. visa, and do not have to obtain a Mexican visa. 

HIV/AIDS Restrictions: The U.S. Department of State is unaware of any HIV/AIDS entry restrictions for visitors to or foreign residents of Mexico.

Minors: Mexican law requires that any non-Mexican citizen under the age of 18 departing Mexico must carry notarized written permission from any parent or guardian not traveling with the child to or from Mexico. This permission must include the name of the parent, the name of the child, the name of anyone traveling with the child, and the notarized signature(s) of the absent parent(s). The State Department recommends that the permission should include travel dates, destinations, airlines and a brief summary of the circumstances surrounding the travel. The child must be carrying the original letter – not a facsimile or scanned copy – as well as proof of the parent/child relationship (usually a birth certificate or court document) – and an original custody decree, if applicable. Travelers should contact the Mexican Embassy or the nearest Mexican consulate for current information.

Tourist Travel: U.S. citizens do not require a visa or a tourist card for tourist stays of 72 hours or less within the “border zone". U.S. citizens traveling as tourists beyond the “border zone”, or entering Mexico by air, must pay a fee to obtain a tourist card, also known as an FMM, available from Mexican consulates, Mexican border crossing points, Mexican tourism offices, airports within the border zone and most airlines serving Mexico. The fee for the tourist card is generally included in the price of a plane ticket for travelers arriving by air. U.S. citizens fill out the FMM form; Mexican immigration retains the large portion and the traveler is given the small right-hand portion. This FMM is normally white, blue and green in color. It is extremely important to keep this form in a safe location. Upon exiting the country at a Mexican Immigration (INM) departure check point, U.S. citizens are required to turn in this form. We are aware of cases where U.S. citizens without their FMM have been required to change their flight (at personal expense), file a police report regarding the missing document, and visit an INM office to pay a fine and obtain a valid exit visa. In other cases, travelers have been able to continue their journey after paying a fine. For more information visit the INM website.

Business Travel: Upon arrival in Mexico, business travelers must complete and submit a form (Form FMM) authorizing the conduct of business, but not employment, for a 30-day period. Travelers entering Mexico for purposes other than tourism or business, or for stays of longer than 180 days, require a visa and must carry a valid U.S. passport. U.S. citizens planning to work or live in Mexico should apply for the appropriate Mexican visa at the Mexican Embassy in Washington, DC, or at the nearest Mexican consulate in the United States.

Vehicle Permits: Tourists wishing to travel beyond the border zone with their vehicle must obtain a temporary import permit or risk having their vehicle confiscated by Mexican customs officials. At present the only exceptions to the requirement are for vehicles traveling in the Baja Peninsula and those vehicles covered by the “Only Sonora” program in Western Sonora. This program generally covers the area west of Mexican Federal Highway 15 between the Arizona border and the Gulf of California, ending in Impalme.

To acquire a permit, one must submit evidence of citizenship, title for the vehicle, a vehicle registration certificate, a driver's license, and a processing fee to either a Banjercito (Mexican Army Bank) branch located at a Mexican Customs (Aduana) office at the port of entry, or at one of the Mexican consulates located in the United States. Mexican law also requires the posting of a bond at a Banjercito office to guarantee the export of the car from Mexico within a time period determined at the time of the application. For this purpose, American Express, Visa or MasterCard credit card holders will be asked to provide credit card information; others will need to make a cash deposit of between $200 and $400, depending on the make/model/year of the vehicle. In order to recover this bond or avoid credit card charges, travelers must go to any Mexican Customs office immediately prior to departing Mexico. Regardless of any official or unofficial advice to the contrary, vehicle permits cannot be obtained at checkpoints in the interior of Mexico. If the proper permit is not obtained before entering Mexico and cannot be obtained at the Banjercito branch at the port of entry, do not proceed to the interior. Travelers without the proper permit may be incarcerated, fined and/or have their vehicle seized at immigration/customs checkpoints. For further information, contact Mexican Customs.

Travelers should avoid individuals who wait outside vehicle permit offices and offer to obtain the permits without waiting in line, even if they appear to be government officials. There have been reports of fraudulent or counterfeit permits being issued adjacent to the vehicle import permit office in Nuevo Laredo, Ciudad Juarez and other border areas.

Dual Nationality: 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 by local authorities to be Mexican. Dual nationality status could result in the delay of notification of arrests and other emergencies or hamper U.S. Government efforts to provide consular services. Dual nationals are subject to compulsory military service in Mexico; in addition, dual national males must register for the U.S. Selective Service upon turning 18. For more information, visit the U.S. Selective Service website.  Travelers possessing both U.S. and Mexican nationalities must carry with them proof of citizenship of both countries. Under Mexican law, dual nationals entering or departing Mexico must identify themselves as Mexican. Under U.S. law, dual nationals entering the United States must identify themselves as U.S. citizens.
 

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:
Primera Plus Bus 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 Bus Line - 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 Bus Line - 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.

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!