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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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