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U.S. Department of State
Bureau of Consular Affairs
January 27, 2004 - Mexico
COUNTRY
DESCRIPTION: Mexico is a Spanish-speaking country about three
times the size of Texas , consisting of 31 states and one federal
district. The capital is Mexico City . Mexico has a rapidly developing
economy and has sought economic prosperity through liberalization of its
trade regime. The climate ranges from tropical to desert, and the
terrain consists of coastal lowlands, central high plateaus, and
mountains of up to 18,000 feet.
Many cities
throughout Mexico are popular tourist destinations for U.S. citizens.
Travelers should note that city-specific information contained below is
not confined solely to those cities, but can reflect conditions
throughout Mexico . Although the majority of visitors to Mexico
thoroughly enjoy their stay, a small number experience difficulties and
serious inconveniences.
ENTRY
REQUIREMENTS: The Government of Mexico requires that all U.S.
citizens present proof of citizenship and photo identification for entry
into Mexico. While U.S. citizenship documents such as a certified copy
of a U.S. birth certificate, a Naturalization Certificate, a Consular
Report of Birth Abroad, or a Certificate of Citizenship are acceptable,
the U.S. Embassy recommends traveling with a valid U.S. passport to
avoid delays or misunderstandings. U.S. citizens have encountered
difficulty boarding onward flights in Mexico without a passport. 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. Driver's permits, voter registration cards, affidavits
and similar documents are not sufficient to prove citizenship for
readmission into the United States.
U.S. citizens do
not require a visa or a tourist card for tourist stays of 72 hours or
less within "the border zone," defined as an area between 20 to 30
kilometers of the border with the U.S., depending on the location. 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 FM-T,
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.
Tourists wishing
to travel beyond the border zone with their car must obtain a temporary
import permit or risk having their car confiscated by Mexican customs
officials. To acquire a permit, one must submit evidence of citizenship,
title for the car, a car registration certificate and a driver's license
to a Banjercito branch located at a Mexican Customs office at the port
of entry, and pay a processing fee. Mexican law also requires the
posting of a bond at a Banjercito office to guarantee the departure 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 age of the car. In order to recover this bond or avoid
credit card charges, travelers must return to the same Mexican Customs
office immediately prior to departing Mexico . Disregard any advice,
official or unofficial, that vehicle permits can be obtained at
checkpoints in the interior of Mexico . Avoid individuals outside
vehicle permit offices offering to obtain the permits without waiting in
line. If the proper permit cannot be obtained at the Banjercito branch
at the port of entry, do not proceed to the interior where travelers may
be incarcerated, fined and/or have their vehicle seized at
immigration/customs checkpoints. For further information, inquire with
Mexican Customs offices about appropriate vehicle permits.
Upon arrival in
Mexico, business travelers must complete and submit a form (Form FM-N 30
days) 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 nearest Mexican consulate in the United
States .
In an effort to
prevent international child abduction, many governments have initiated
procedures at entry and exit points, including requiring documentary
evidence of relationship and permission of the parent(s) or legal
guardian not present for the child's travel. Parents of minor children
(under 18 years old) should carefully document legal custody prior to
traveling to Mexico . If a minor child is traveling with only one
parent, the absent parent should provide notarized consent. If only one
parent has legal custody, that parent should be prepared to provide such
evidence to airlines and Mexican authorities. In cases in which a minor
child is traveling to Mexico alone or in someone else's company, both
parents (or the sole, documented custodial parent) should provide
notarized consent. If a child traveling to Mexico has a different last
name from the mother and/or father, the parents should be prepared to
provide evidence to airlines and Mexican authorities, such as a birth
certificate or adoption decree, to prove that they are indeed the
parents. Mexican entry regulations require Spanish translations of all
legal documents, including notarized consent decrees and court
agreements. Enforcement of this provision is not always consistent,
however, and English-language documents are almost always sufficient.
For further information concerning
entry and visa requirements, travelers may contact the Embassy of Mexico
at 1911 Pennsylvania Avenue N.W. , Washington , D.C. 20006 , telephone
(202) 736-1000, Internet site: http://embassyofmexico.org, or any
Mexican consulate in the United States .
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 to be Mexican by local authorities. Dual-nationality status
could hamper U.S. Government efforts to provide consular protection.
Dual nationals are not subject to compulsory military service in Mexico
. 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. For additional information, please see the
Consular Affairs home page on the Internet at http://travel.state.gov
for the
State Department's flyer on Dual Nationality.
SAFETY AND
SECURITY: Travelers should avoid demonstrations and other
activities that might be deemed political by the Mexican authorities.
The Mexican Constitution prohibits political activities by foreigners,
and such actions may result in detention and/or deportation.
Sporadic outbursts
of politically motivated violence occur from time to time in certain
parts of the country, particularly in the southern states of Chiapas ,
Guerrero and Oaxaca . The U.S. Embassy recommends that U.S. citizens
avoid traveling in areas of the state of Chiapas where disputes are
known to be ongoing, in particular the rural areas east of Ocosingo and
the southeastern jungle region East of Comitan. In these areas, there
have been disturbing incidents involving violence and threats of
violence against foreigners and establishments catering to foreign
tourists. Armed rebels and armed civilian groups are present in some
areas of the state, and there is often no effective law enforcement or
police protection. Some segments of the local population resent the
presence of foreigners and openly express their hostility. For further
information, please see the U.S. State Department's Report on Human
Rights Practices at http://www.state.gov. U.S. citizens traveling to
Chiapas are encouraged to contact the U.S. Embassy for further security
information prior to traveling to the region.
Standards of
security, safety and supervision may not reach those expected in the
United States . This has contributed to deaths of U.S. citizens in
automobile accidents, after falls from balconies, after falls into open
ditches, by drowning in the ocean as well as in hotel pools, and in
water-sports mishaps, among others.
CRIME: Crime in Mexico continues at high levels, and it is often
violent, especially in Mexico City , Tijuana , Ciudad Juarez and Nuevo
Laredo . Other metropolitan areas have lower, but still serious, levels
of crime. Low apprehension and conviction rates of criminals contribute
to the high crime rate. Travelers should leave valuables and
irreplaceable items in a safe place, or not bring them. 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 ,
because officials may suspect money laundering or other criminal
activity. All 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.
There are a
significant number of pick-pocketing incidents, purse snatchings and
hotel-room thefts. Public transportation is a particularly popular place
for pickpockets. Valuables should be left in a safe place, or not
brought at all. Please keep track of your luggage when getting in and
out of ground transportation from the airport to the hotel, and vice
versa.
Visitors should
not leave belongings on the beach while swimming, as there is a
possibility of their being stolen.
Visitors should be
aware of their surroundings at all times, even when in areas generally
considered to be safe. Armed street crime is a serious problem in all of
the major cities. Some bars and nightclubs, especially in resort cities
such as Cancun , Cabo San Lucas, Mazatlan , and Acapulco , can be havens
for drug dealers and petty criminals. Some establishments may
contaminate or drug the drinks to gain control over the patron. Victims,
who are almost always unaccompanied, have been raped, robbed of personal
property, or abducted and then held while their credit cards were used
at various businesses and Automatic Teller Machines (ATMs).
U.S. citizens
should be very cautious in general when using ATMs in Mexico . If an ATM
must be used, it should be accessed only during the business day at
large protected facilities (preferably inside commercial establishments,
rather than at glass-enclosed, highly visible ATMs on streets where
criminals can observe financial transactions). Recently, there have been
cases in which U.S. and Mexican citizens have been accosted on the
street and forced to withdraw money from their accounts using their ATM
cards.
Kidnapping,
including the kidnapping of non-Mexicans, continues at alarming rates.
So-called "express" kidnappings, an attempt to get quick cash in
exchange for the release of an individual, have occurred in almost all
the large cities in Mexico and appear to target not only the wealthy,
but also middle class persons. U.S. businesses with offices in Mexico or
concerned U.S. citizens may contact the U.S. Embassy or any U.S.
consulate to discuss precautions that they should take. Four Americans
were kidnapped in separate incidents in Nuevo Laredo during the Spring
and Summer of 2002.
For safety
reasons, the U.S. Embassy advises all U.S. citizens to exercise extreme
caution at all times when traveling on Mexican highways. Criminal
assaults occur on highways throughout Mexico . Therefore, travelers
should exercise caution when traveling on all highways in Mexico , use
"toll" ("cuota") roads, rather than the less secure "free" ("libre")
highways, whenever possible, and avoid driving at night. During 2003,
several travelers on the cuota between Guadalajara and Mexico City were
robbed of all their belongings late at night at gunpoint after being
pulled over by what appeared to be a police car with flashing lights. In
addition, U.S. citizens should not hitchhike or accept rides from, or
offer rides to, strangers anywhere in Mexico .
All bus travel
should be during daylight hours and on first-class conveyances. Although
there have been several reports of bus hijackings and robberies on
"toll" roads, buses on "toll" roads have a markedly lower rate of
incidents than buses (second and third class) that travel the less
secure "free" highways. While many of the assaults have occurred in
daylight, the U.S. Embassy nevertheless encourages daytime travel to
lower the chance of vehicle accidents. The Embassy also advises caution
when traveling by bus going east or west from Acapulco toward Ixtapa or
Oaxaca . Although the police have made some progress in bringing this
problem under control, armed robberies of entire busloads of passengers
armed robberies of entire busloads of passengers still occur.
In some instances,
Americans have become victims of harassment, mistreatment and extortion
by Mexican law enforcement and other officials. Mexican authorities are
concerned about these incidents and have cooperated in investigating
such cases. However, one must have the officer's name, badge number, and
patrol car number to pursue a complaint. Please note this information if
you are ever involved with police or other officials. In addition,
tourists should be wary of persons representing themselves as police
officers or other officials. Request evidence that any such people are
in fact who they claim to be.
Tourists should
not hike alone in backcountry areas, nor walk alone on lightly
frequented beaches, ruins or trails. Local authorities have reported an
increase in armed robberies in the popular tourist destination of
northern Sinaloa, especially near the fishing resorts. Caution should be
exercised when visiting this area.
The loss or theft
abroad of a U.S. passport should be reported immediately to the nearest
U.S. embassy or consulate. U.S. citizens may refer to the Department of
State's pamphlet, A Safe Trip Abroad, for ways to promote a trouble-free
journey. The pamphlet is available by mail from the
Superintendent of Documents, U.S.
Government Printing Office, Washington , D.C. 20402 , via the
Internet at http://www.gpoaccess.gov, or via the Bureau of Consular
Affairs home page at http://travel.state.gov.
CRIME IN
MEXICO CITY : In Mexico City , the most frequently reported
crimes involving tourists are taxi robbery (see below), armed robbery,
pick-pocketing and purse-snatching. In several cases, tourists have
reported that men in uniforms perpetrated the crime, stopping vehicles
and seeking money, or assaulting and robbing tourists walking late at
night. As in any large city, individuals should exercise caution and be
aware of their surroundings, especially when walking anywhere in the
city.
Business travelers
should be aware that thefts can occur even in what appear to be secure
locations. The Embassy has recently noted an increase of thefts at
Mexico City 's Benito Juarez International Airport and at Mexico City 's
International Trade Center and at business-class hotels.
Metro (subway)
robberies are becoming more frequent in Mexico City . If riding the
Metro or in the city bus system, U.S. citizens should take extreme care
with valuables and belongings. Avoid using Metro during busy commuting
hours in the morning or afternoon. Tourists and residents alike should
avoid driving alone at night anywhere in Mexico City .
Robbery and
assaults on passengers in taxis are frequent and violent in Mexico City
, with passengers subjected to beatings, shootings and sexual assault.
U.S. citizens visiting Mexico City should avoid taking any taxi not
summoned by telephone or contacted in advance at the airport. When in
need of a taxi, please telephone a radio taxi or "sitio" (regulated taxi
stand – pronounced "C-T-O"), and ask the dispatcher for the driver's
name and the cab's license plate number. Please 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 (which are white with a yellow stripe and a black airplane
symbol) after pre-paying the fare at one of the special booths inside
the airport.
PRIVATE
VESSELS: Persons bringing private vessels into Mexican waters
should be aware of an increase in reported thefts of gear at Mexican
marinas. Any mariner who is victimized by this type of crime should
immediately file a report with local authorities. Mariners preparing to
depart from a Mexican harbor should visit the harbormaster and leave a
detailed trip plan, including intended destination and crew and
passenger information.
CRIME IN
BORDER CITIES: Visitors to border cities such as Tijuana ,
Ciudad Juarez, Nuevo Laredo, and Nogales should remain alert and be
aware of their surroundings at all times. Visitors are very vulnerable
when visiting the local "red light districts," particularly if they are
departing alone in the early hours of the morning. Municipal and traffic
police are aware of the danger and regularly check the area for persons
carrying weapons or drugs and for drunk drivers. Nonetheless, Americans
can still fall victim to crime in these districts. In Ciudad Juarez,
there has also been a rise in automobile accidents in which municipal
police extort money from U.S. citizen victims.
Innocent
bystanders are at risk from the increase in drug-related violence in the
streets of border cities. In Ciudad Juarez, Nuevo Laredo and Tijuana ,
shootings have taken place at busy intersections during daylight hours.
In Ciudad Juarez, several U.S. citizens, including innocent bystanders,
have been killed in drug-related shootings over the past three years.
Some of these shootings have taken place on principal thoroughfares and
outside popular restaurants and other public places, including
convenience stores, a currency exchange, a gas station, and recently
outside shopping malls and in middle and upper class neighborhoods.
U.S. citizens
visiting relatives who reside in Nuevo Laredo and who walk or drive in
deserted areas or particularly dark streets have also been the victims
of random violence.
In other instances
in border cities, U.S. citizens have been kidnapped and scores
imprisoned after getting involved in the sale or purchase of illegal
drugs. U.S. citizens are advised to avoid any involvement with
controlled substances or those who deal in them.
MEDICAL
FACILITIES: Adequate medical care can be found in all major
cities. Excellent health facilities are available in Mexico City . Care
in more remote areas is limited.
Standards of
medical training, patient care and business practices vary greatly among
medical facilities in beach resorts throughout Mexico . In addition to
other publicly available information, Americans may consult the U.S.
Embassy's web site or the US Embassy, a consulate or consular agency
prior to seeking medical attention.
MEDICAL
INSURANCE: Doctors and hospitals often expect immediate cash
payment for health services, and U.S. medical insurance is not always
valid outside the United States . Charges may vary from doctor to
doctor, and Americans may be charged more than the prevailing rate for
services rendered to locals. You may wish to have the attending doctor
explain procedures and costs before undertaking treatment.
Local clinics in
Cancun do not accept U.S. health insurance, and often charge fees well
above U.S. rates. Several clinics have been known to charge for services
not rendered, and some U.S. citizens have experienced serious
difficulties in settling their accounts.
The Department of
State strongly urges Americans to consult with their medical insurance
company prior to traveling abroad to confirm whether their policy
applies overseas and if it will cover emergency expenses such as a
medical evacuation. U.S. medical insurance plans seldom cover health
costs outside the United States unless supplemental coverage is
purchased. Further, U.S. Medicare and Medicaid programs do not provide
payment for medical services outside the United States . However, many
travel agents and private companies offer insurance plans that will
cover health care expenses incurred overseas, including emergency
services such as medical evacuations.
When making a
decision regarding health insurance, Americans should consider that many
foreign doctors and hospitals require payment in cash prior to providing
service and that a medical air evacuation to the United States may cost
well in excess of $50,000. Uninsured travelers who require medical care
overseas often face extreme difficulties. When consulting with your
insurer prior to your trip, please ascertain whether payment will be
made to the overseas healthcare provider or whether you will be
reimbursed later for expense that you incur. Some insurance policies
also include coverage for psychiatric treatment and for disposition of
remains in the event of death.
Useful information
on medical emergencies abroad, including overseas insurance programs, is
provided in the Department of State's Bureau of Consular Affairs
brochure, Medical Information for Americans Traveling Abroad,
available via the Bureau of Consular Affairs home page.
OTHER HEALTH INFORMATION: In many areas in Mexico , tap
water is unsafe and should be avoided. Bottled water and beverages are
safe, although visitors should be aware that many restaurants and hotels
serve tap water unless bottled water is specifically requested. Ice may
also come from tap water and should be considered unsafe. Visitors
should exercise caution when buying food or beverages from street
vendors. Mild abdominal cramps and diarrhea are to be expected when
traveling to a new environment, and are self-limiting. Fever, chills and
bloody diarrhea suggest infection from contaminated food or water, and
should be aggressively treated with fluid and electrolyte replacement
(Gatorade, pedialyte, etc.) under the care of qualified medical
assistance .
In high altitude
areas such as Mexico City (elevation 7,600 feet or about 1/2 mile higher
than Denver , Colorado ), most people need a short adjustment period.
Reaction signs to high altitude include a lack of energy, shortness of
breath, occasional dizziness, headache, and insomnia. Those with heart
problems should consult their doctor before traveling. Air pollution in
Mexico City and Guadalajara is severe, especially from December to May,
and combined with high altitude could affect travelers with underlying
respiratory problems.
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 the CDC's Internet site http://www.cdc.gov.
BEHAVIOR
MODIFICATION FACILITIES: A number of facilities have opened in
Mexico that offer behavior modification therapy for teenagers and others
suffering from drug addiction and other behavioral or psychological
problems. Standards applied by the Government of Mexico and local
governments, where they exist, may not meet standards for similar
facilities in the United States . Parents planning to enroll their
children in these facilities should take appropriate action to
investigate the facility first. For further information, please refer to
the State
Department's Fact Sheet on Behavior Modification Facilities at
http://travel.state.gov/behavior_modification.html.
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
Visitors to Mexico
, especially in urban areas, should exercise particular caution when
crossing streets. Public transportation vehicles, specifically taxis and
city buses, often do not comply with traffic regulations, to include
observing speed limits and stopping at red lights.
U.S. driver's
licenses are valid in Mexico . The Government of Mexico strictly
regulates the entry of vehicles into Mexico . Mexican law requires that
vehicles be driven by their owners, or that the owner be inside the
vehicle. If not, the vehicle may be seized by Mexican customs and will
not be returned under any circumstances. For detailed information on how
to bring a car into Mexico , please refer to the publication Tips for Travelers to Mexico, available on the Internet at
http://travel.state.gov.
Mexican insurance
is required for all vehicles, including rental vehicles. Mexican auto
insurance is sold in most cities and towns on both sides of the border.
U.S. automobile liability insurance is not valid in Mexico , nor is most
collision and comprehensive coverage issued by U.S. companies. Travelers
are encouraged to purchase auto insurance adequate for their needs in
Mexico. A good rule of thumb is to buy coverage equivalent to that which
is carried in the United States. Motor vehicle insurance is considered
invalid in Mexico if the driver is found to be under the influence of
alcohol or drugs.
If you are
involved in an automobile accident, you will be taken into police
custody until it can be determined who is liable and whether you have
the ability to pay any penalty. If you do not have Mexican liability
insurance, you may be prevented from departing the country even if you
require life-saving medical care, and you are almost certain to spend
some time in jail until all parties are satisfied that responsibility
has been assigned and adequate financial satisfaction received. Drivers
may also face criminal charges if the injuries or damages are serious.
Avoid excessive
speed and, if possible, do not drive at night. Loose livestock can
appear on roads at any time. Construction sites, abandoned vehicles and
other obstacles are often unmarked or poorly marked. Be prepared for
sudden stops. If you have an emergency while driving, the equivalent of
"911" in Mexico is "060", but this number is not always answered. If you
are driving on a toll highway (or "cuota") or any other major highway,
you may contact the "Green Angels," a fleet of trucks with bilingual
crews that operate daily. The "Green Angels" may be reached directly at
(01) 55 5250-8221. If you are unable to call them, pull off the road and
lift the hood of your car; chances are they will find you.
Vehicular traffic
in Mexico City is restricted in order to reduce air pollution. The
restriction is based on the last digit of the vehicle license plate.
This applies equally to permanent, temporary, and foreign ( U.S. )
plates:
Monday: No
driving if license plate ends with 5 or 6.
Tuesday: No driving if license plate ends with 7 or 8.
Wednesday: No driving if license plate ends with 3 or 4.
Thursday: No driving if license plate ends with 1 or 2.
Friday: No driving if license plate ends with 9 or 0.
Saturday and Sunday: All vehicles may be driven.
Cars with
license plates with letters only may not drive on Fridays.
For additional
information concerning Mexican driver's permits, vehicle inspection,
road tax, mandatory insurance, etc., please contact the Mexican
Secretariat of Tourism (SECTUR) at telephone 1-800-44-MEXICO (639-426),
or its web site at http://mexico-travel.com. Travelers are advised to
consult with the Mexican Embassy or the nearest Mexican consulate in the
United States for additional, detailed information prior to entering
Mexico .
For further
information on traffic safety and driving conditions in Mexico , please
refer to Tips for Travelers to Mexico at http://travel.state.gov.
For additional
general information about road safety, see the Department of State,
Bureau of Consular Affairs, home page at http://travel.state.gov/road_safety.html.
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 United States at telephone 1-800-322-7873, or visit the FAA
Internet website at http://www.intl.faa.gov/avr/iasa/index.cfm.
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 DOD at telephone (618) 229-4801.
CUSTOMS
REGULATIONS: All U.S. citizens bringing gifts to friends and
relatives in Mexico should be prepared to demonstrate to Mexican customs
officials the origin and the value of the gifts. U.S. citizens entering
Mexico by the land border can bring in gifts with a value of up to
$50.00 duty-free, except for alcohol and tobacco products. Those
entering Mexico by air or sea can bring in gifts with a value of up to
$300.00 duty-free. Tourists are allowed to bring in their personal
effects duty-free. According to customs regulations, personal effects
may include shoes, a video cassette player, personal computer, CD
player, 5 DVDs, 20 music CDs or audio cassettes, 12 rolls of unused
film, and a cellular phone. Any tourist carrying such items, even if
duty-free, should enter the "Merchandise to Declare" lane at the first
customs checkpoint. The tourist should be prepared to pay any assessed
duty. Failure to do so may result in the seizure of the goods as
contraband, plus the seizure of the vehicle in which the goods are
traveling for attempted smuggling. The recovery of the seized vehicle
involves the payment of substantial fines and attorney's fees.
Mexican 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 Mexican Embassy or one of the Mexican consulates in the
United States for specific information regarding customs requirements.
CRIMINAL
PENALTIES: While traveling in Mexico , U.S. citizens are
subject to Mexico 's laws and regulations, which sometimes differ
significantly from those in the United States and may not afford the
protections available to the individual under U.S. law. Americans who
commit illegal acts have no special privileges and are subject to full
prosecution under the Mexican judicial system. Penalties for breaking
the law can be more severe than in the United States for similar
offenses. Persons violating Mexico 's laws, even unknowingly, may be
expelled, arrested or imprisoned.
Prison conditions
in Mexico can be extremely poor. In many facilities food is insufficient
in both quantity and quality, and prisoners must pay for adequate
nutrition from their own funds. Most Mexican prisons provide poor
medical care, and even prisoners with urgent medical conditions receive
only a minimum of attention. There have been cases in which Mexican
police officials have been accused of torturing criminal suspects,
including U.S. citizens, to extract confessions. In recent cases U.S.
citizens have been brutalized, beaten, and even raped while in police
custody. For further information, please see the Department of State's
Country Report on Human Rights Practices in Mexico at http://www.state.gov.
The Mexican
government has announced an aggressive program to discourage sexual
tourism and to punish severely those who engage in sexual activity with
minors. Soliciting the services of a minor for sexual purposes is
illegal in Mexico , and is punishable by imprisonment. In addition,
exiting the United States for the purpose of engaging in sexual
relations with minors is a violation of U.S. federal law, punishable by
up to ten years in a U.S. prison.
DRUG
PENALTIES AND PRESCRIPTION MEDICATIONS: Penalties for drug
offenses are strict, and convicted offenders can expect large fines and
jail sentences up to 25 years. As in the United States , the purchase of
controlled medication requires a doctor's prescription. The Mexican list
of controlled medication differs from that of the United States , and
Mexican public health laws concerning controlled medication are unclear
and often enforced selectively.
The U.S. Embassy
recommends that U.S. citizens not travel to Mexico for the sole purpose
of buying prescription drugs. U.S. citizens have been arrested and their
medicines confiscated by the Mexican authorities, even though their
prescriptions were written by a physician and filled by a licensed
Mexican pharmacist. There have been cases of Americans buying
prescription drugs in border cities only to be arrested soon after or
have money extorted by criminals impersonating police officers. In
addition, U.S. law enforcement officials believe that the amount of
counterfeit and substandard medications in Mexico could be as high as 25
percent and such medications may have collateral effects and reactions
that could endanger your health. The importation of prescription drugs
into the United States can be illegal in certain circumstances. U.S. law
generally permits persons to enter the United States with only an
immediate (about one-month's) supply of a prescription medication. Further information on bringing
prescription drugs into the United States is available from the U.S.
Customs Service at http://www.customs.ustreas.gov.
The U.S. Embassy
cautions that possession of any amount of prescription medicine brought
from the United States , including medications to treat HIV and
psychotropic drugs such as Valium, 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. Individuals
should consider carrying a copy of the prescription and a doctor's
letter explaining that the quantity of medication is appropriate for
their personal medical use. U.S. citizens who plan to go to Mexico to
purchase medication or who may be in possession of medication prescribed
in the United States should check with the nearest Mexican consulate
before traveling to Mexico .
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, some kinds of knives or even a single round of ammunition is
illegal, even if the firearm or ammunition is taken into Mexico
unintentionally. Firearms and ammunition higher than .38 caliber are
considered for the exclusive use of the military and their importation
carries penalties of up to 30 years in prison. The Mexican government
strictly enforces its laws restricting the entry of firearms and
ammunition along all land borders and at air and seaports. Violations
have resulted in arrests, convictions, and long prison sentences for
U.S. citizens, including several 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 try to
enter Mexico. The only way to import firearms and/or ammunition into
Mexico legally is to secure a permit in advance from the Mexican Embassy
in Washington, D.C., or from a Mexican consulate, even if the firearm is
legally registered in the United States .
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 by declaring their weapons at the port
of entry. Before traveling, mariners who have obtained a Mexican
firearms permit should contact Mexican port officials to receive
guidance on the specific procedures used to report and secure weapons
and ammunition.
ALIEN
SMUGGLING: Mexican authorities may prosecute anyone arrested
for transporting aliens into or out of Mexico for alien smuggling in
addition to any charges they may face in the other country involved,
including the United States . Alien smuggling and harboring aliens is a
serious felony offense in Mexico ; if the incident involves a child,
prison sentences of five years are common.
SPECIAL
CIRCUMSTANCES :
CANCUN AND OTHER
BEACH RESORTS: Over 3 million Americans travel to Cancun and other
Mexican beach resorts each year, including as many as 120,000 American
teenagers and young adults during "spring break" season, which normally
begins in mid-February and runs about two months. Excessive alcohol
consumption, especially by Americans under the legal U.S. drinking age,
is a significant problem. The legal drinking age in Mexico is 18 years
of age, but it is not uniformly enforced. Alcohol is implicated in the
majority of arrests, violent crimes, accidents and deaths suffered by
American tourists.
There have been a
significant number of rapes reported in Cancun . Many of these have
occurred at night or in the early morning. Attacks have also occurred on
deserted beaches and in hotel rooms. Acquaintance rape is a serious
problem. In other cases, hotel workers, taxi drivers, and even security
personnel have been implicated. Anyone who is a victim of a sexual
assault or other crime should report it immediately to the nearest U.S.
consular office and should endeavor to make a report to Mexican
authorities. Do not rely on hotel/restaurant/tour company management to
make the report for you. Under the best of circumstances, prosecution is
very difficult (a fact some assailants appear to knowingly exploit), but
no criminal investigation is possible without a formal complaint to
Mexican authorities.
In recent years,
moped rentals have become very widespread in Cancun , and the number of
serious moped accidents has risen accordingly. Most operators carry no
insurance, do not conduct safety checks, and often demand high fees for
any damages to the moped.
Visitors often
purchase inexpensive, all-inclusive vacation packages and travel on
charter flights. These flights sometimes experience delays, from a few
hours to several days. In some cases, tour operators go out of business,
leaving travelers to find their own flights home. Travelers considering
purchasing such packages are encouraged to deal with reputable travel
agents, and to inquire as to their options in the event of flight delays
or cancellations. It is also important to have both U.S. and Mexican
emergency numbers to call if they experience any problems with flights
or ground operators. Travelers should also consider bringing extra cash
or a credit card for emergencies.
Visitors to
Mexican resorts should carefully assess the potential risk of
recreational activities. Sports and aquatic equipment that you rent may
not meet U.S. safety standards nor be covered by any accident insurance.
Diving equipment
provided by dive shops may not meet U.S. safety standards and due to
frequent use, may be substandard or defective. Unless you are certain
that scuba diving equipment is up to standard, you should not use it.
Safe diving requires lengthy training, and “pool certification courses”
lasting a few hours are not considered adequate by U.S. dive
certification entities. Inexperienced scuba divers in particular should
beware of dive shops that promise to "certify" you after a few hours'
instruction.
Parasailing is
offered at many Mexican beach resorts. Be aware that by putting your
name on the passenger list, you may be relieving the boat operator and
owner of responsibility for your safety. There have been cases in which
tourists have been dragged through palm trees or slammed into hotel
walls while participating in this activity.
Several tourists
have been killed or injured in jet-ski accidents, particularly when
participating in group tours. Often, inexperienced tour guides allow
their clients to follow too closely or operate the jet-skis in other
unsafe manners. Make sure that the rental company has adequate
medical/accident insurance, is staffed with personnel on-site with water
rescue training, and properly demonstrates safe operation of the vehicle
to you before you rent or operate such equipment.
Warning flags on
the beach should be taken seriously. If black flags are up, do not enter
the water. In Cancun , there is often a very strong undertow along the
beach from the Hyatt Regency all the way south to the Sol y Mar. Several
drownings and near-drownings have been reported on the east coast of
Cozumel, particularly in the Playa San Martin-Chen Rio area. There is
minimal lifeguard supervision in most areas. In Acapulco, avoid swimming
outside the bay area. Several American citizens have died while swimming
in rough surf at the Revolcadero Beach near Acapulco . Recreational
facilities such as pools may not meet U.S. safety or sanitation
standards. Do not swim in pools or at beaches without lifeguards. If you
do, exercise extreme caution. Do not dive into unknown bodies of water,
because hidden rocks or shallow depths can cause serious injury or
death.
REAL ESTATE AND
TIME-SHARES: U.S. citizens should be aware of the risks inherent in
purchasing real estate in Mexico , and should exercise extreme caution
before entering into any form of commitment to invest in property there.
Investors must recognize the absolute need to obtain authoritative
information and to hire competent Mexican legal counsel when
contemplating any real estate investment. Mexican laws and practices
regarding real estate differ substantially from those in the United
States . Foreigners may be granted the right to own real property only
under very specific conditions. Foreigners who purchase property in
Mexico may find that property disputes with Mexican citizens may not be
treated evenhandedly by Mexican criminal justice authorities and in the
courts.
The Mexican
Constitution prohibits direct ownership by foreigners of real estate
within 100 kilometers (about 62 miles) of any border, and within 50
kilometers (about 31 miles) of any coastline. In order to permit foreign
investment in these areas, the Mexican government has created a trust
mechanism, in which a bank has title to the property, but a trust
beneficiary enjoys the benefits of ownership. However, whether investing
through a trust mechanism in border and coastal areas or by outright
purchase in Mexico 's interior, U.S. citizens are vulnerable to title
challenges that may result in years of litigation and possible eviction.
Title insurance is virtually unknown and untested in Mexico . In
addition, Mexican law recognizes squatters' rights, so homeowners can
spend thousands of dollars in legal fees and years of frustration in
trying to remove squatters who occupy their property.
American property
owners should consult legal counsel or local authorities before hiring
employees to serve in their homes or on their vessels moored in Mexico .
Several American property owners have faced lengthy lawsuits for failure
to comply with Mexican labor laws regarding severance pay and social
security benefits.
American citizens
should exercise caution when considering time-share investments and be
aware of the aggressive tactics used by some time-share sales
representatives. Buyers should be fully informed and take sufficient
time to consider their decisions before signing time-share contracts,
ideally after consulting an independent attorney. They should resist
pressure to sign a contract the same day they see the model unit.
Mexican law allows time-share purchasers five days to cancel the
contract for unconditional and full reimbursement. U.S. citizens should
never sign a contract that includes clauses penalizing the buyer who
cancels within five days.
OTHER PURCHASES:
The U.S. Government cannot act as your legal representative in a
consumer complaint, but the U.S. Embassy keeps a file of complaints to
note if a pattern of abuse emerges.
A formal complaint against any merchant should be filed with PROFECO,
Mexico 's Federal consumer protection agency. PROFECO has the power
to mediate disputes, investigate consumer complaints, order hearings,
levy fines and sanctions for not appearing at hearings, and do
price-check inspections of merchants. All complaints by Americans are
handled by PROFECO's English-speaking office in Mexico City at
011-52-11-1723. For more information and a complaint form, please see
their web site http://www.profeco.gob.mx, "Attention to Foreigners."
VOLCANIC ACTIVITY:
Two volcanoes in Mexico have been active in recent years: Popocatepetl ,
or El Popo, situated 38 miles southeast of Mexico City , and the Volcan
de Colima, located on the Jalisco-Colima border. Updated information on
these volcanoes may be found at www.cenapred.co.mx and www.ucol.mx/volcan.
CHILDREN'S
ISSUES: American citizens intending to adopt abroad must comply
with local adoption and U.S. immigration laws. Any American citizen
attempting to circumvent local adoption procedures may face arrest and
prosecution by local authorities.
Mexico is the
destination country of the greatest number of children abducted from the
United States by a parent. A party to the Hague Convention on the Civil
Aspects of International Child Abduction since 1991, Mexico is not in
compliance with the Convention. Airlines often require written parental
consent to travel for children traveling to Mexico with only one parent
or without their parents, although this Mexican law only applies to
Mexican nationals. To avoid the potential for misunderstanding, parents
should specify the expected date of the child's return to the U.S. in
any consent letter.
For information
on international adoption of children and international parental child
abduction, please refer to our Internet site at http://travel.state.gov/children's_issues.html
or telephone (202) 736-7000.
REGISTRATION/EMBASSY, CONSULATE AND CONSULAR AGENCY LOCATIONS:
Americans living in or visiting Mexico are encouraged to register at the
U.S. Embassy or at one of the U.S. Consulates, in order to obtain
updated information on travel and security within Mexico . The U.S.
Embassy is located in Mexico City at Paseo de la Reforma 305, Colonia
Cuauhtemoc, telephone from the United States: 011-52-55-5080-2000;
telephone within Mexico City: 5080-2000; telephone long distance within
Mexico 01-55-5080-2000. You may also contact the Embassy by e-mail at:
ccs@usembassy.net.mx. The
Embassy's Internet address is http://www.usembassy-mexico.gov.
In addition to the
Embassy, there are several United States Consulates and Consular
Agencies located throughout Mexico:
Consulates:
Ciudad
Juarez: Avenida Lopez Mateos 924-N, telephone (52)(656)
611-3000.
Guadalajara: Progreso 175, telephone (52)(333)
825-2998.
Monterrey: Avenida Constitucion 411 Poniente,
telephone (52)(818) 345-2120.
Tijuana: Tapachula 96, telephone (52)(664)
622-7400.
Hermosillo: Avenida Monterrey 141, telephone
(52)(662) 217-2375.
Matamoros: Avenida Primera 2002, telephone
(52)(868) 812-4402.
Merida: Paseo Montejo 453, telephone (52)(999)
925-5011.
Nogales: Calle San Jose , Nogales , Sonora ,
telephone (52)(631) 313-4820.
Nuevo Laredo: Calle Allende 3330, Col. Jardin,
telephone (52)(867) 714-0512.
Consular
Agencies:
Acapulco: Hotel Continental Emporio, Costera Miguel Aleman
121 - Local 14, telephone (52)(744) 484-0300 or (52)(744) 469-0556.
Cabo San Lucas: Blvd. Marina Local C-4, Plaza
Nautica, Col. Centro, telephone (52)(624) 143-3566.
Cancun: Plaza Caracol Two, Second Level, No.
320-323, Boulevard Kukulcan, km. 8.5, Zona Hotelera, telephone (52)(998)
883-0272.
Ciudad Acuna, Ocampo # 305, Col. Centro,
telephone (52)(877) 772-8661
Cozumel: Plaza Villa Mar en El Centro , Plaza
Principal, (Parque Juarez between Melgar and 5 th Ave. ) 2nd floor,
Locales #8 and 9, telephone (52)(987) 872-4574.
Ixtapa/Zihuatanejo: Hotel Fontan, Blvd. Ixtapa,
telephone (52)(755) 553-2100.
Mazatlan: Hotel Playa Mazatlan , Playa
Gaviotas #202, Zona Dorada, telephone (52)(669) 916-5889.
Oaxaca: Macedonio Alcala No. 407, Interior 20,
telephone (52)(951) 514-3054 (52)(951) 516-2853.
Piedras Negras: Prol. General Cepeda No. 1900,
Fraccionamiento Privada Blanca, telephone (52) (867) 788-0343
Puerto Vallarta: Zaragoza #160, Col. Centro,
Edif. Vallarta Plaza , Piso 2 Int.18, telephone (52)(322) 222-0069.
Reynosa: Calle Monterrey #390, Esq. Sinaloa,
Colonia Rodriguez, telephone: (52)(899) 923 - 9331
San Luis Potosi: Edificio "Las Terrazas",
Avenida Venustiano Carranza 2076-41, Col. Polanco, telephone: (52)(444)
811-7802.
San Miguel de Allende: Dr. Hernandez Macias
#72, telephone (52)(415) 152-2357 or (52)(415) 152-0068.
* *
*
This replaces the
Consular Information Sheet dated November 20, 2002, to add and update
information concerning Safety and Security, Crime (including Crime in
Mexico City, Taxicab Crime, and Travel To/Through Border Cities),
Criminal Penalties (including) Firearms Penalties, Special Circumstances
(including Cancun and Other Beach Resorts and Real Estate and
Timeshares), and Registration/Embassy, Consulate and Consular Agency
Locations
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