INTERNATIONAL ADOPTIONS
TIPS FOR TRAVELERS TO MEXICO
Department of
State
Bureau of Consular Affairs
Publication 10571
August
1998
General
Information
Between 15 and 16 million U.S.
citizens visit Mexico each year, while more than 460,000 Americans reside
there year round. Although the majority of visitors thoroughly enjoy their
stay, a small number experience difficulties and serious inconveniences.
Travel conditions in Mexico can
contrast sharply with those in the United States. This brochure offers advice
to help you avoid inconveniences and difficulties as you go. The Department of
State and its Embassy and consulates in Mexico offer a wide range of services
to assist U.S. citizens in distress. U.S. consular officials meet regularly
with Mexican authorities to promote the safety of U.S. citizens in
Mexico.
Before you go, learn as much as
you can about your destination. Your travel agent, local bookstore, public
library, the Internet and the embassy of the country or countries you plan to
visit are all useful sources of information. Another source is the Department
of State s Background Notes series, which features a pamphlet regarding
each specific country to which you wish to travel. To obtain specific pamphlet
prices and information, contact the Superintendent of Documents, U.S.
Government Printing Office, Washington, D.C. 20402; tel: (202) 512-1800. You
may also obtain selected copies by fax by calling the State Department s
Bureau of Public Affairs (202) 736-7720 from your fax machine or from the
State Department home page at http://www.state.gov/.
Important: This pamphlet
contains information obtained prior to August 1998 and is subject to change.
Please consult the latest Consular Information Sheet for current
information.
How To Have a Safe and
Healthy Trip
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.
Consular Information
Program
Before traveling, obtain the Consular Information Sheet for
Mexico and any other countries you plan to visit. You should also check to
see if the Department of State has issued a Travel Warning or Public
Announcement for the country or countries you will be visiting. Travel
Warnings are issued when the Department of State decides, based on all
relevant information, to recommend that all Americans avoid travel to a
certain country. Public Announcements are issued as a means to
disseminate information quickly about relatively short-term and/or
trans-national conditions which would pose significant risks to the security
of American travelers. Consular Information Sheets are available for
every country in the world. They include such information as the location of
the U.S. embassy or consulate in the country, unusual immigration practices,
health conditions, unusual currency and entry regulations, crime and security
information, and drug penalties. A description of political disturbances may
be included in the Consular Information Sheet under an optional section
entitled "Areas of Instability." On limited occasions, the Department also
restates in this section U.S. Embassy advice given to official employees.
Consular Information Sheets present information so that travelers can make
knowledgeable decisions concerning travel to a particular country. Countries
where we suggest that you not travel will have Travel Warnings as well as
Consular Information Sheets.
How to
Access Consular Information Sheets, Travel Warnings and Public
Announcements
By
Internet
The most convenient source of
information about travel and consular services is available from the Consular
Affairs home page on the Internet s World Wide Web. The address is
http://travel.state.gov. If you do not have access to the Internet at home,
work or school, check with you local library to see if it has access to the
Internet.
In Person/By
Mail
Consular Information Sheets,
Travel Warnings and Public Announcements are available at any of the regional
passport agencies, field offices of the Department of Commerce, and U.S.
embassies and consulates abroad, or, by writing and sending a self-addressed,
stamped envelope to the Office of American Citizens Services, Bureau of
Consular Affairs, Room 4811, U.S. Department of State, Washington, D.C.
20520-4818.
By Telephone
Consular Information Sheets and
Travel Warnings may be heard any time by dialing the office of American
Citizens Services at (202) 647-5225 from a touchtone phone. The
recording is updated as new information becomes available.
Entry
Requirements
Proof of citizenship and photo
identification are required for entry by all U.S. citizens. A passport and
visa are 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. 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. Upon arrival in Mexico, business
travelers must complete a form (FM-N 30 days) authorizing the conduct of
business, but not employment, for a 30-day period. If the business traveler
departs and re-enters, the 30-day period begins again. For further information
concerning entry requirements, travelers may contact the Embassy of Mexico at
1911 Pennsylvania Avenue N.W., Washington, D.C. 20006, telephone (202)
736-1000, or any of the Mexican consulates in major U.S. cities. In response
to the increased interest in immigration matters in the U.S., Mexican
authorities may scrutinize more closely the visa situation of U.S. citizens
residing or working in Mexico. U.S. citizens planning on working or living in
Mexico should apply for the appropriate Mexican visa (FM-2 or 3).
Visitors intending to participate
in humanitarian aid missions, human rights advocacy groups or international
observer delegations should contact the nearest Mexican Consulate or Embassy
for guidance on how to obtain the appropriate visa before traveling to Mexico.
This is particularly relevant in light of the tension and polarization in
Chiapas and the international interest the situation there has
attracted.
Returning to the United
States - Caution! Make certain that you can return to the United
States with the proof of citizenship that you take with you. Although some
countries may allow you to enter with only a birth certificate, U.S. law
requires that you document both your U.S. citizenship and identity when you
reenter the United States.
The best document to prove your
U.S. citizenship is a valid U.S. passport. Other documents that
establish U.S. citizenship include an expired U.S. passport, a certified copy
of your birth certificate, a Certificate of Naturalization, a Certificate of
Citizenship, or a Report of Birth Abroad of a U.S. citizen. To prove your
identity, either a valid driver's license or a government
identification card that includes a photo or physical description is
acceptable.
Health
Health problems sometimes affect
visitors to Mexico. Information on health precautions can be obtained from
local health departments or private doctors. General guidance can also be
found in the U.S. Public Health Service book, Health Information for
International Travel, available from the Superintendent of Documents, U.S.
Government Printing Office, Washington, D.C. 20402.
For the most current information
on immunizations and heath risks, the Centers for Disease Control and
Prevention (CDC) maintains an international travelers hotline at
1-888-232-3228, an automated faxback service at 1-888-232-3299 and a home page
on the Internet at http://www.cdc.gov/.
It is wise to review your health
insurance policy before you travel. In some places, particularly at resorts,
medical costs can be as high or higher than in the United States.
Medicare/Medicaid does not cover you when you are outside the United States.
If your insurance policy does not cover you in Mexico, it is strongly
recommended that you purchase a policy that does. There are short-term health
insurance policies designed specifically to cover travel.
Medical facilities in Mexico
differ from those in the United States. Adequate medical care can be found in
all major cities. There are some excellent health facilities in Mexico City.
Some remote areas or coastal islands may have few or no medical facilities.
For these reasons, in addition to medical insurance that you can use in
Mexico, consider obtaining insurance or joining a medical assistance program
to cover the very high cost of medical evacuation in the event of an accident
or serious illness. As part of the coverage, these programs usually offer
emergency consultation by telephone. They may refer you to the nearest
hospital or call for help on your behalf; they may translate your instructions
to a health care worker on the scene. The cost of medical evacuation coverage
can be as low as $50.00 for a trip of 30 days. Without this insurance, medical
evacuation can cost thousands of dollars.
If your travel agent cannot
direct you to a medical assistance company, look for information in travel
magazines. The names of some companies that provide medical evacuation
coverage or services are listed in our publication, Medical Information for
Americans Traveling Abroad, accessible at our Internet site
(http://travel.state.gov). The U.S. government cannot pay to have you
medically evacuated to the United States.
Immunizations are normally
recommended against diphtheria, tetanus, polio, typhoid, and hepatitis A for
travelers. Generally, these immunizations are administered during childhood.
For visitors coming directly from the United States, no immunization
certification is required to enter Mexico. If you are traveling from an area
known to be infected with yellow fever, a vaccination certificate is
required.
Malaria is found in some rural
areas of Mexico, particularly those near the southwest coast. Travelers to
malarial areas should consult their physician or the U.S. Public Health
Service and take the recommended dosage of chloroquine or other anti-malarial
medication. Although chloroquine is not considered necessary for travelers to
the major resort areas on the Pacific and Gulf coasts, travelers to those
areas should use insect repellent and take other personal protection measures
to reduce contact with mosquitoes, particularly from dusk to dawn when malaria
transmission is most likely.
Air pollution in Mexico City is
severe. It is most dangerous during thermal inversions which occur most often
from December to May. Air pollution plus Mexico City s high altitude are a
particular health risk for the elderly and persons with high blood pressure,
anemia, or respiratory or cardiac problems. If this applies to you, consult
your doctor before traveling to Mexico City.
In high altitude areas, such as
Mexico City, most people need a short adjustment period. Spend the first few
days in a leisurely manner, with a light diet and reduced intake of alcohol.
Avoid strenuous activity, including everything from sports to rushing up the
stairs. Reaction signs to high altitude are lack of energy, a tendency to tire
easily, shortness of breath, occasional dizziness, and insomnia.
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 antimicrobial treatment
which may be prescribed or purchased over the counter. Travelers should
consult a physician, rather thanattempt self-medication, if the diarrhea is
severe or persists several days.
Safety Tips
In an emergency, call [91] (5) 250-0123,
the 24-hour hotline of the Mexican Ministry of Tourism. They also have two
toll free numbers: if calling within Mexico [91] 800-90-392 and from the U.S.
1-800-482-9832. The hotline is for immediate assistance but it can give you
general, nonemergency guidance as well. It is an important number to keep with
you. If necessary, in an emergency, you may also call the U.S. Embassy or the
nearest U.S. consulate or consular agency. (See telephone numbers at the end
of this brochure.)
As a visitor to Mexico, be alert to your
new surroundings. Problem situations in Mexico may be different from those you
are used to, and safety regulations and their enforcement are generally not
equivalent to U.S. standards.
In large cities, take the same precautions
against assault, robbery, or pickpockets that you would take in any large U.S.
city. Be aware that women and small children, as well as men, can be
pickpockets or purse snatchers. Keep your billfold in an inner front pocket;
carry your purse tucked securely under your arm; and wear the shoulder strap
of your camera or bag across your chest. To guard against thieves on
motorcycles, walk away from the curb and carry your purse away from the
street.
At the Hotel. Travelers to
Mexico should leave valuables and irreplaceable items in a safe place. All
visitors are encouraged to make use of hotel safes when available.
On Public Transport. Be
vigilant in bus and train stations and on public transport. Watch for
pickpockets in these areas.
On Streets and Highways.
Be wary of persons representing themselves as Mexican police or other
local officials. It is not uncommon for Americans to 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. You must, however, have the officer
s name, badge number, and patrol car number to pursue a complaint. Make a
note of this information if you are ever involved with police or other
officials.
Do not be surprised if you
encounter several types of police in Mexico. The Preventive Police, the
Transit Police and the Federal Highway Police all wear uniforms. The Judicial
Police who work for the public prosecutor are not uniformed.
At the Pool or Beach. Do
not leave your belongings on the beach while you are swimming. Keep your
passport and other valuables in the hotel safe.
Visitors to Mexican resorts
should carefully assess the risk potential of recreational activities. Sports
and aquatic equipment that you rent may not meet U.S. safety standards nor be
covered by any accident insurance. For example, unless you are certain that
scuba diving equipment is up to standard, do not use it. Inexperienced scuba
divers should beware of dive shops that promise to "certify" you after a few
hours instruction. Safe diving requires lengthy training.
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.
Be extremely careful when renting
jet-skis. 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. In one case the jet-ski rental company carried liability
insurance limited to $2,500 U.S. dollars. 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.
Do not use pools or beaches
without lifeguards, or, if you do, exercise extreme caution. Do not dive nto
unknown bodies of water because hidden rocks or shallow depths can cause
serious injury or death. Some Mexican beaches, such as those in Cancun, have
warning signs about undertow; take them seriously. Newer resorts may lack
comprehensive medical facilities.
Travel by Car
People are often surprised when
inconveniences occur because they were unaware of the laws regarding crossing
the border. The government of Mexico strictly regulates the entry of vehicles
into Mexico.
It is important for visitors to
remember the following steps when crossing the border between the United
States and Mexico by automobile. There are no procedures to comply with if you
are traveling within the Border Zone or Free Trade Zone (including the Baja
California Peninsula and the Sonora Free Trade Zone). If you wish to travel
past these zones, you will need to adhere to certain procedures.
The first step to take is to
obtain the original and photocopies of the appropriate immigration form, the
vehicle state registration certificate or document certifying legal ownership,
and leasing contract. If the vehicle is leased or rented then it must be in
the name of the person who is driving the car. If the vehicle belongs to a
company, proper documentation is necessary to show you work for the company. A
valid driver s license and an international credit card (American Express,
Diner s Club, Mastercard or Visa) are needed in the name of the owner of the
vehicle. If you do not possess an international credit card, you will be asked
to post a bond, payable to the Federal Treasury, issued by an authorized
bonding company in Mexico. An alternative is to make a cash deposit at Banco
del Ejercito in an amount equal to the value of the vehicle according to the
tables of vehicle values for bonding companies. This is often a substantial
percentage of the vehicle s value.
The second step is to present the
documents you have received to the Vehicular Control Module located in Mexican
Customs to process the importation permit. Carry this document with you at all
times! The permit is valid for periods up to six months. The vehicle may be
driven across the border multiple times during the authorized period of the
permit. Other persons may drive the car as long as the owner is in the
vehicle. Other foreigners with the same "tourist" status as the vehicle owner
may drive the vehicle without the owner present in the car. If you wish to
authorize another person to drive your car, record the authorization with
Mexican officials when you enter Mexico - even if you expect to be a passenger
when the other person drives.
Do not, under any circumstances,
allow an unauthorized person to drive the vehicle when the owner is not in it.
Such a person would have to pay a fine amounting to a substantial percentage
of the vehicle s value, and your vehicle would be confiscated. All documents
and the credit card must be in the name of the owner, who must be present upon
crossing the border. We caution American citizens not to loan their vehicles
to Mexican citizens resident in Mexico as those vehicles are subject to
seizure by Mexican authorities. If confiscated, they are not returned.
In the third step, your credit
card will be charged an amount in national currency equivalent to U.S. $10 at
the Banco del Ejercito. If you do not have a credit card, the bank will accept
cash in an amount equal to the value of your vehicle shown in the table of
vehicle values for bonding companies. Your deposit plus any interest it may
earn will be returned upon departure from Mexico. You may also, instead,
obtain a bond through an authorized Mexican bonding company located at all
border crossings. The bonding companies require a refundable deposit equal to
a substantial percentage of the vehicle s value. The bonding company will also
assess taxes and processing costs for this service.
Finally, upon your departure from
Mexico, and if the vehicle will not be driven back into Mexico, the permit for
temporary importation must be canceled at Customs. If these steps are
carefully followed, there should be no problem taking your car to Mexico.
Remembr, if your car is found in Mexico beyond the authorized time or without
the proper documents, it will be immediately confiscated. Also, the sale,
abandonment, or use of the vehicle for financial gain will result in its
confiscation. Travelers are advised to consult with the nearest Mexican
Consulate in the U.S. for additional detailed information prior to departing
the U.S.
If you bring spare auto parts to
Mexico, declare them when you enter the country. When you leave, be prepared
to show that you are taking the unused parts with you or that you have had
them installed in Mexico. Save your repair receipts for this
purpose.
All vehicular traffic is
restricted in the capital city of Mexico City in order to reduce air
pollution. The restriction is based on the last digit of the vehicle license
plate. (This applies equally to permanent and temporary plates. There is no
specific provision regarding plates with letters only.)
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.
Avoid excessive speed and, if at
all possible, do not drive at night. Loose livestock can appear at any time.
Construction sites or stranded vehicles are often unmarked by flares or other
warning signals. Sometimes cars have only one headlight. Many cars lack brake
lights. Bicycles seldom have lights or reflectors. This makes for very
dangerous driving conditions at night. Be prepared for a sudden stop at any
time.
Mexican driving
conditions are such that, for your safety, you must drive more slowly than you
do at home.
Learn local driving
signals. In Mexico, a blinking left turn signal on the vehicle in
front of you could mean that it is clear ahead and you may pass, or it could
mean the driver is making a left turn. An outstretched left arm may mean an
invitation for you to pass. When in doubt, do not pass.
An oncoming vehicle flashing its
headlights is a warning for you to slow down or pull over because you are both
approaching a narrow bridge or place in the road. The custom is that the first
vehicle to flash has the right of way and the other must yield.
When it begins to rain,
immediately slow to a crawl. Freshly wet roads are dangerous because oil and
road dust mix with water and form a lubricant. Until this mixture washes away,
driving is extremely hazardous. Beware of sudden rains. Stop, or go extremely
slowly, until conditions improve.
To avoid highway crime, try not
to drive at night and never drive alone during this time. Never sleep in
vehicles along the road. Do not, under any circumstances, pick up hitchhikers
who not only pose a threat to your physical safety, but also put you in danger
of being arrested for unwittingly transporting narcotics or narcotics
traffickers in your vehicle. Your vehicle can be confiscated if you are
transporting marijuana or other narcotics. There are checkpoints and temporary
roadblocks where vehicles are checked.
If you plan to drive, learn about
your route from an auto club, guide book or a Mexican government tourist
office. Some routes have heavy truck and bus traffic, others have poor or
nonexistent shoulders and many have animals on the loose. Also, some of the
newer roads have very few restaurants, motels, gas stations or auto repair
shops. You may not be able to avoid all problems, but at least you will know
what to expect if you have done some research. For your safety, have your
vehicle serviced and in optimum condition before you leave for Mexico. It is
wise to bring an extra fan belt, fuses and other spare parts. Pack a basic
first-aid kit and carry an emergency water supply in your vehicle. Unleaded
gasoline (magna sin) is generally available throughout Mexico. Bring a
flexible funnel to fill your gas tank because some gas stations have nozzles
too large to fit unleaded tanks.
If you have an emergency while
driving, call the Ministry of Tourism s hotline or (91)(5) 250-8221/8555 et.
130/297 to obtain help from the "Green Angels," a fleet of radio dispatched
trucks with bilingual crews that operate daily. Services include protection,
medical first aid, mechanical aid for your car, and basic supplies. You will
not be charged for services, only for parts, gas, and oil. The Green Angels
patrol daily, from dawn until sunset. If you are unable to call them, pull off
the road and lift the hood of your car; chances are good they will find
you.
Insurance. 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. Therefore, when you cross
the border, purchase auto insurance adequate for your needs in Mexico. A good
rule of thumb is to buy coverage equivalent to that which you carry in the
United States.
Motor vehicle insurance is
invalid in Mexico if the driver is found to be under the influence of alcohol
or drugs. Regardless of whether you have insurance, if you are involved in an
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 judgment. If you do not
have Mexican liability insurance, 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. There may also be criminal liability
assigned if the injuries or damages are serious.
Rental Cars
Renting in the United
States. Many car rental companies in the United States have clauses
in their contracts prohibiting drivers from traveling out of the country. The
Mexican police are aware of these regulations and will sometimes impound
rental vehicles driven from the United States. When renting a vehicle in the
United States, check with the company to see if your contract allows you to
drive it into Mexico.
Renting a Car in Mexico.
The standard insurance included with many car rental contracts in Mexico
provides only nominal liability coverage, often as little as the equivalent of
$200. Because Mexican law permits the jailing of drivers after an accident
until they have met their obligations to third parties and to the rental
company, renters should read their contracts carefully and purchase additional
liability and comprehensive insurance if necessary.
Yucantan-Campeche and Quintana
Roo Borders
The State of Yucatan has
agricultural inspection stations on its border to eradicate swine fever and
inspectors may confiscate pork products that arrive at these inspection
stations. Yucatan health inspectors may hold travelers for possible arrest by
Federal authorities if travelers appear in violation of any Mexican laws, such
as immigration, fire-arms, narcotics, etc.
Military
Checkpoints
Military and law enforcement
checkpoints aimed at detecting narcotics, alien smuggling, and firearms
traffic are located at various places throughout Mexico. Areas known to
possess these checkpoints include the Yucatan peninsula, Chiapas, Oaxaca and
Guerrero. Many checkpoints will have a red flag marker and are operated by
uniformed officials; however, others will not be marked and are manned by
police/military officers not in uniform. These checkpoints have "spiked
devices" and are sometimes used to deflate tires of vehicles attempting to
evade these checkpoints.
Travel through Mexico to
Central American Countries
Mexican authorities require that
all international transit of persons (transmigrantes) and merchandise through
Mexico, destined for Central America, from the area from Ciudad Acuna to
Matamoros, be handled by the Lucio Transmigrantes. Persons and merchandise
entering Mexico from areas other than the Ciudad Acuna-Matamoros zone continue
to use their regular ports of entry. Mexican authorities require that a
customs broker handle the temporary entry into Mexico of all non-personal
property of travelers destined for Central American countries. Fees will be
processed through the customs broker. For more detailed information, travelers
can contact the nearest Mexican consulate or tourism office, or the U.S.
Consulate in Matamoros prior to departing the U.S.
Bringing Your Own Plane or
Boat to Mexico
Private aircraft and boats are
subject to the same Mexican customs regulations as are motor vehicles. When
you arrive at a Mexican port in your private boat, you can obtain a temporary
import permit similar to the one given for motor vehicles.
Flying your own plane to Mexico,
however, is more complicated. Well before your trip, inquire about private
aircraft regulations and procedures from a Mexican consulate or Mexican
Government Tourist Office.
Crime
In Mexico City, crime has reached
critical levels. Low apprehension and conviction rates of criminals contribute
to the high rate of crime. Metropolitan areas other than the capital are
considered to have lower but still serious levels of crime activity. Travelers
to Mexico should leave valuables and irreplaceable items at home in the U.S.
All visitors to Mexico 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.
During 1998, criminal activity in Mexico City continued at a high rate, with a
marked increase in violent crime, including sexual assaults committed against
women.
The most frequently reported
crimes involve taxi robberies, armed robbery, pickpocketing and purse
snatching. In several cases, tourists report that uniformed police are the
crime perpetrators, stopping vehicles and seeking money or assaulting and
robbing tourists walking late at night. The area behind the U.S. Embassy and
the Zona Rosa, a restaurant/shopping area near the Embassy, are frequent sites
of street crime against foreigners. Caution should be exercised when walking
in these areas, especially at night. Any U.S. citizen victims of crime in
Mexico are encouraged to report the incident to local police authorities and
to the nearest U.S. consular office.
U.S. citizens should be very
cautious in using ATM cards nd 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 are advised to be
careful when ordering beverages in local nightclubs and bars, especially at
night. Some establishments may contaminate or drug the drinks to gain control
over the patron. Victims, who are almost always unaccompanied, have been
robbed of personal property and abducted and held while their credit cards
were used at various businesses and ATM locations around the city.
U.S. citizens should not
hitchhike or accept rides from strangers anywhere in Mexico.
Metro (subway) robberies are also
becoming more frequent in Mexico City. If riding the Metro, U.S. citizens
should hold valuables and belongings tightly. Avoid using Metro during busy
commuting hours in the morning or afternoon. Incidents of people boarding long
distance buses as passengers and robbing and assaulting all real passengers
while underway have also been reported. If someone attempts to rob you, it is
generally considered safest to immediately comply by handing over the
requested items.
U.S. citizens should avoid
providing personal identifying information to individuals not known to them.
Information obtained from unaware travelers has been used by individuals in
Mexico to extort money from families in the U.S. by contacting them and
fraudulently informing them that a family member has been arrested in Mexico
or requires urgent medical care. The caller gains their confidence by
providing this personal information and requests that funds be sent to assist
their family member.
Kidnapping, including the
kidnapping of non-Mexicans, is increasing. U.S. businesses with offices in
Mexico or concerned U.S. citizens may contact the Embassy to discuss
precautions to take. Travelers to Mexico should exercise caution when
traveling on all highways in Mexico. Of specific concern are Highway 190
(Tuxtla to Tapachula,) Highway 195 (Tuxtla to Villahermosa,) Highway 186
(Chetumal to Villahermosa,) Highway 15 (Sinaloa) and Express Highway 1
(Sinaloa). These highways have recently seen particularly high levels of
criminal assaults and robberies. In addition, the Embassy recommends avoiding
the highway from Altamirano to Ixtapa/Zihuatanejo, where a number of serious
assaults have recently occurred. The U.S. Embassy advises its personnel to
exercise extreme caution and not to travel on Mexican highways after dark for
safety reasons.
All bus travel should be done
during daylight and on first-class conveyances. These buses travel on toll
roads that 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 Embassy nevertheless encourages
daytime travel to lower the chance of auto accidents.
Tourists should exercise caution
by not walking on lightly frequented beaches, off-the-path ruins or trails.
Additionally, visitors should not carry excessive cash or valuables, and,
should place travel documents in a safe place. In the past two years, several
U.S. citizens have been murdered in the vicinity of Puerto Escondido, Oaxaca,
including a U.S. citizen woman who was raped and murdered in March
1998.
Taxicab Crime: U.S.
citizens visiting Mexico City should absolutely avoid taking any taxi not
summoned by telephone or on their behalf by a responsible individual or
contracted in advance at the airport. Robbery assaults on passengers in taxis
have become more frequent and violent, with passengers subjected to beatings,
sexual assault and in December 1997, the murder of a U.S. citizen. 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 stnd, 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. 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 telephone numbers: 271-9146,
271-9058 and 272-6125. U.S. citizens should avoid taking taxis parked outside
the Bellas Artes theater, in front of nightclubs, restaurants or cruising
throughout the city.
In Case of Emergency. Call
the Mexican Ministry of Tourism s emergency hotline, [91] (5) 250-0123, for
immediate assistance. Or, in Mexico City, dial 06 for police
assistance.
If You Have Been the Victim of
a Crime. Immediately contact the U.S. Embassy or the nearest U.S.
consulate or consular agency. For addresses and telephone numbers, see the end
of this pamphlet. You should also report the crime to the local police
immediately.
Avoiding Legal
Problems
While traveling in Mexico, you are subject
to Mexican laws and not U.S. laws. Tourists who commit illegal
acts have no special privileges and are subject to full prosecution under the
Mexican judicial system.
Avoid drug offenses.
Mexico rigorously prosecutes drug cases. Under Mexican law, possession of
and trafficking in illegal drugs are federal offenses. For drug trafficking,
bail does not exist. Convicted offenders can expect lengthy jail sentences and
fines. Sentences for possession of drugs in Mexico can be as long as 25 years
plus fines. Just as in the U.S., the purchase of controlled medication
requires a doctor s prescription. The Mexican list of controlled medication
differs from the U.S. list and Mexican public health laws concerning
controlled medication are unclear. Possession of excessive amounts of a
psychotropic drug such as valium can result in your arrest if the authorities
suspect abuse. Mexican law does not differentiate between types of narcotics.
Heroin, marijuana, and amphetamines, for example, are treated the
same.Offenders found guilty of possessing more than a token amount of any
narcotic substance are subject to a minimum sentence of 10 years, and it is
not uncommon for persons charged with drug offenses to be detained for up to 1
year before a verdict is reached.
Remember, if narcotics are found
in your vehicle, you are subject to arrest and your vehicle can be
confiscated.
Avoid public drunkenness.
It is against the law to be drunk in public in Mexico. Certain border
towns have become impatient with teenage (and older) Americans who cross the
border to drink and carouse. This behavior can lead to fights, arrests,
traffic accidents and even fatalities.
WARNING ON
FIREARMS
The Department of State warns
U.S. citizens against taking any type of firearm or ammunition into Mexico
without prior written authorization. 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 laws restricting the entry of firearms and ammunition along borders
and at air and seaports. This has resulted in arrests, convictions and long
prison sentences for U.S. citizens who have unintentionally crossed the border
with firearms or ammunition in their possession. Those who are approaching
Mexico along the land border who realize they are in possession of
unauthorized firearms or ammunition should immediately return to the U.S. and
not go through Mexican Customs.
The only way to legally
import firearms and/or ammunition into Mexico is to secure a permit in
advace from the Mexican Embassy in Washington, D.C. or from a Mexican
Consulate.
Remember that, even when you
enter Mexican waters on your private boat or airplane, you are subject to the
ban on importing firearms and ammunition.
Some cities, such as Nuevo
Laredo, have ordinances prohibiting the possession of knives, similar weapons
or anything that might be construed as a weapon. Tourists have even been
arrested for possessing souvenir knives. Most arrests for knife possession
occur in connection with some other infraction, such as drunk and disorderly
behavior.
Failure to pay hotel bills
or for other services rendered is considered fraud under Mexican law. Those
accused of these offenses are subject to arrest and conviction with stiff
fines and jail sentences.
Be cautious when purchasing
real estate. U.S. citizens who become involved in time-share or other real
property purchases should be aware that Mexican laws and practices regarding
real estate are markedly different from those in the United States. Foreigners
purchasing real estate or time-shares in Mexico have no protection under
Mexican law and should be aware of the high risks involved. Foreigners may be
granted the right to own real property only under very specific conditions and
the purchase of real property in Mexico is far more complicated than in the
United States. For example no title insurance is available in Mexico for the
purchaser and the builders frequently go bankrupt leaving the investors with
little recourse to recoup their funds. The U.S. Embassy strongly recommends
the use of competent local legal assistance for any significant real property
or business purchase. A list of local attorneys can be obtained from the U.S.
Embassy or the nearest consulate in Mexico.
To Avoid Disputes With
Merchants, Be a Careful Shopper. Make sure the goods you buy are in good
condition and always get a receipt. There is a federal consumer protection
office, the Procuraduria Federal del Consumidor, to assist you if you have a
major problem with a faulty product or service. However, if the problem is
with a service of the tourist industry, you should bring the matter to the
Mexican Government Tourist Office (Secretaria de Turismo).
U.S. Assistance in
Mexico
Where To Turn If You Have Serious
Legal, Medical, or Financial Difficulties
Legal Problems. If you find yourself in
serious difficulty while in Mexico, contact a consular officer at the U.S.
Embassy or the nearest U.S. consulate for assistance. U.S. consuls cannot
serve as attorneys or give legal assistance. They can, however, provide lists
of local attorneys and advise you of your rights under Mexican laws.
Worldwide, Mexico has the highest number
of arrests of Americans abroad - over 1,000 per year - and the highest prison
population of U.S. citizens outside of the United States - about 450 at any
one time. If you are arrested, ask permission to notify the U.S. Embassy or
nearest U.S. consulate. Under international agreements and practice, you have
the right to talk with an American consul. Although U.S. consuls are limited
in what they can do to assist you in legal difficulties, they can monitor the
status of detained U.S. citizens and make sure they are treated fairly under
local laws. They will also notify your relatives or friends upon your request.
An individual is guaranteed certain rights
under the Mexican constitution, but those rights differ significantly from
U.S. constitutional guarantees. The Mexican judicial system is based on Roman
and Napoleonic law and presumes a person accused of a crime to be guilty until
proven innocent. There is no trial by jury nor writ of habeas corpus in the
Anglo-American sense. Trial under the Mexican system is a prolonged process
based largely on documents examined on a fixed date in court by prosecution
and defense counsel. Sentencing usually takes 6 to 10 months. Bail can be
granted after sentencing if the sentence is less than 5 years. Pre-trial bail
exists but is ever granted when the possible sentence upon conviction is
greater than 5 years.
Medical or Financial Problems.
If you become seriously ill, U.S. consular officers can assist in finding
a doctor and in notifying your family and friends about your condition.
Consular officers can also help arrange the transfer of emergency funds to you
if you become destitute as a result of robbery, accident or other
emergency.
Advice on Dual
Nationality
U.S. law recognizes that
Americans may also be citizens of other countries. As of March 20, 1998,
Mexican law recognizes dual nationality for Mexicans by birth, those born in
Mexico or born abroad to Mexican parents. U.S. citizens who are also Mexican
nationals should be aware that they will be considered Mexican by local
authorities and that their dual nationality status could therefore hamper U.S.
government efforts to provide consular protection. Dual nationals will not,
however, be subject to compulsory military service. It is important to note
that travelers possessing both U.S. and Mexican nationalities must carry with
them proof of their citizenship of both counties. Under Mexican law, dual
nationals entering or departing Mexico must identify themselves as Mexican
citizens or face a stiff fine. Under U.S. law, U.S. citizens must enter U.S.
territory with documents proving U.S. citizenship.
A Guide to Entry and Exit
Regulations
Getting Into Mexico
U.S. citizens visiting Mexico for no more
than 72 hours and remaining within 25 kilometers of the border do not need a
permit to enter. Those wishing to travel past the 25 kilometer border area of
Mexico must be properly documented. Those transiting Mexico to another country
need a transit visa which costs a nominal fee and is valid for up to 30
days.
Tourist Cards. All U.S.
citizens visiting Mexico for tourism or study for up to 180 days need a
document, called a tourist card (in English) or FMT (in Spanish), to enter and
leave Mexico. The tourist card is free and may be obtained from Mexican
consulates, Mexican tourism offices, Mexican border crossing points and from
most airlines serving Mexico. If you fly to Mexico, you must obtain your
tourist card before boarding your flight; it cannot be obtained upon arrival
at an airport in Mexico.
The tourist card is issued upon
presentation of proof of citizenship, such as a U.S. passport or a U.S. birth
certificate, plus a photo I.D., such as a driver s license. Tourist cards are
issued for up to 90 days with a single entry, or if you present proof of
sufficient funds, for 180 days with multiple entries.
Upon entering Mexico, retain and
safeguard the pink copy of your tourist card so you may surrender it to
Mexican immigration when you depart. You must leave Mexico before your tourist
card expires or you are subject to a fine. A tourist card for less than 180
days may be revalidated in Mexico by the Mexican immigration service
(Direccion General de Servicios Migratorios.)
Visas. If you wish to stay
longer than 180 days, or if you wish to do business or conduct religious work
in Mexico, contact the Mexican Embassy or the nearest Mexican consulate to
obtain a visa or permit. Persons conducting religious work on a tourist card
are subject to arrest and deportation.
Residing or Retiring in
Mexico. If you plan to live or retire in Mexico, consult a Mexican
consulate on the type of long-term visa you willneed. As soon as possible
after you arrive in the place you will live, it is a good idea to register
with the U.S. Embassy or the nearest U.S. consulate or consular agent. Bring
your passport or other identification with you. Registration makes it easier
to contact you in an emergency. (Registration information is confidential and
will not be released to inquirers without your express
authorization.)
Traveling Minors. A child
under the age of 18 traveling with only one parent must have written,
notarized consent from the other parent to travel, or must carry, if
applicable, a decree of sole custody for the accompanying parent or a death
certificate for the other parent. Children traveling alone or in someone else
s custody must have notarized consent from both parents to travel, or, if
applicable, notarized consent from a single parent plus documentation that the
parent is the only custodial parent.
Operating Citizens Band (CB)
Equipment
American tourists are permitted
to operate CB radios in Mexico. You must, however, obtain a 180 day permit for
a nominal fee by presenting your U.S. citizen s band radio authorization at a
Mexican consulate or Mexican Government Tourist Office. This permit cannot be
obtained at the border.
Transmissions on CB equipment are
allowed only on channels 9, 10 and 11 and only for personal communication and
emergency road assistance. Any device which increases transmission power to
over 5 watts is prohibited. CB equipment may not be used near radio
installations of the aeronautical and marine services.
What You May Bring Into
Mexico
Customs Regulations.
Tourists should enter Mexico with only the items needed for their trip.
Entering with large quantities of an item a tourist might not normally be
expected to have, particularly expensive appliances, such as televisions,
stereos or other items, may lead to suspicion of smuggling and possible
confiscation of the items and arrest of the individual.
Mexican regulations limit the value of
goods brought into Mexico by U.S. citizens arriving by air or sea to $300 U.S.
per person and by land to $50 U.S. per person. Other travel-related items may
also be brought in duty-free. Amounts exceeding the duty-free limit are
subject to a 32.8 percent tax.
Unless you prepare ahead, you may have
difficulty bringing computers or other expensive electronic equipment into
Mexico for your personal use. To prevent being charged an import tax, write a
statement about your intention to use the equipment for personal use and to
remove it from Mexico when you leave. Have this statement signed and certified
at a Mexican consulate in the United States and present it to Mexican customs
as you enter Mexico.
Land travelers should verify from Mexican
customs at the border that all items in their possession may be legally
brought into Mexico. You will be subject to a second immigration and customs
inspection south of the Mexican border where unlawful items may be seized and
you could be prosecuted regardless of whether or not the items passed through
the initial customs inspection. Guns and ammunition cannot be brought into
Mexico without a permit from a Mexican Consulate in the United
States.
Currency. The Mexican
government permits tourists to exchange dollars for pesos at the fluctuating
free market rate. There are no restrictions on the import or export of bank
notes and none on the export of reasonable quantities of ordinary Mexican
coins. However, gold or silver Mexican coins may not be exported.
Take travelers checks with you
because personal U.S. checks are rarely accepted by Mexican hotels or banks.
Major credit cards are accepted in many hotels, shops and restaurants. An
exchange office (casa de cambios) usually gives a better rate of exchange than
do stores, hotels or restaurants.
Pets. U.S. visitors to
Mexico may bring a dog, cat or up to four canaries by presenting the following
certificates at the border:
(1) a pet health certificate
signed by a registered veterinarin in the United States and issued not more
than 72 hours before the animal enters Mexico; and
(2) a pet vaccination certificate
showing that the animal has been treated for rabies, hepatitis, pip and
leptospirosis.
Certification by Mexican consular
authorities is not required for the health or vaccination certificate. A
permit fee is charged at the time of entry into Mexico.
Shopping - Some Things To
Beware of Buying
Wildlife and Wildlife Products.
Beware of purchasing souvenirs made from endangered wildlife. Mexican
markets and stores abound with wildlife, most of it prohibited from
international traffic. You risk confiscation and a possible fine by U.S.
Customs if you attempt to import virtually any wildlife from Mexico. In
particular, watch out for and avoid:
- All products made from sea
turtles, including such items as turtle leather boots, tortoise-shell
jewelry, and sea turtle oil cosmetics
- Mexican birds, stuffed or
alive, such as parrots, parakeets, or birds of prey
- Crocodile and caiman
leather
- Wildlife curios, such as
stuffed iguanas
When driving across state lines
within Mexico, you can expect to be stopped at agricultural livestock
inspection stations.
Antiques. Mexico considers
all pre-Colombian objects to be the "inalienable property of the Nation" and
that the unauthorized export of such objects is theft and is punishable by
arrest, detention and judicial prosecution. Under U.S. law, to import
pre-Colombian monumental and architectural sculpture and murals, you must
present proof that they were legally exported from the country of origin. U.S.
law does not prohibit the import of nonmonumental or nonarchitectural
artifacts from Mexico.
Glazed Ceramics. According
to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, it is possible to suffer lead
poisoning if you consume food or beverages that have been stored or served in
improperly glazed ceramic ware. Analysis of many ceramic pieces from Mexico
has shown them to contain dangerous levels of lead. Unless you have proof of
their safety, use glazed ceramics purchased in Mexico for decorative purposes
only.
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.
Useful Addresses &
Telephone Numbers
American Embassy
Paseo de la
Reforma 305
Colonia Cuauhtemoc
Mexico 06500, D.F.
Tel [52] (5)
209-9100
U.S. Export Development
Office/U.S. Trade Center
31 Liverpool
Mexico 06600, D.F.
Tel [52]
(5) 591-0155
U.S. Consulates General
American Consulate
General
Avenue Lopez Mateos 924-N
Ciudad Juarez,
Chihuahua
Tel: [52] (16) 11-3000
American Consulate
General
Progreso 175
Guadalajara, Jalisco
Tel [52] (3)
825-2998/2700
American Consulte
General
Avenida Constitucion 411 Poniente
Monterrey, Nuevo
Leon, 64000
Tel [52] (8) 345-2120
American Consulate
General
Tapachula 96
Tijuana, Baja California
Tel [52]
(66) 81-7400
U.S. Consulates
American
Consulate
Ave. Monterrey 141 Pte.
Hermosillo, Sonora
Tel
[52] (62) 17-2375
American Consulate
Ave.
Primera 2002
Matamoros, Tamaulipas
Tel [52] (88)
12-44-02
American
Consulate
Paseo Montejo 453
Merida, Yucatan
Tel [52] (99)
25-5011
American
Consulate
Calle San Jose S/N Fracc. Los Alamos
Nogales,
Sonora, Mexico
Tel [52] (631) 313-4820 / 4680 / 4654 / 4627
American
Consulate
Calle Allende 3330, Col. Jardin
Nuevo Laredo,
Tamaulipas
Tel [52] (87) 14-0512
U.S. Consular
Agents
Resident consular agents have
been designated in other locations in Mexico to assist U.S. citizens in
serious emergencies. Each consular agent is supervised by one of the
above-listed offices and may be contacted through it or by calling the
consular agent s direct number.
Acapulco, Hotel Acapulco
Continental Costera M. Alema 121-Local 14
[52] (748)40-300 or
52-74-690-556
Cabo San Lucas, Blvd.
Marina y Perdregal #1, Local 3 Zona Cento, [52] (114) 3-35-66
Cancun, Plaza Caracol two,
third level, no. 320-323, Boulevard Kukulcan, km. 8.5, Zona Hotelera, [52]
(988) 3-02-72
Mazatlan, Hotel Playa
Mazatlan, Rodolfo T. Loaiza 202 Zona Dorada, 82110,
[52] (69) 134-444 Ext.
285
Oaxaca, Alcala 201 Deps.
206, [52] (951) 4-3054
Puerto Vallarta, Edif.
Vallarta, Plaza Zaragoza 160-Piso 2 Int-18, [52](322) 2-0069
San Luis Potosi, Francisco
de P. Moriel 103-10, [52] (481) 2-1528
San Miguel de Allende, Dr.
Hernandez Marcias 72, [52] (465) 2-2357
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