ENTRY
REQUIREMENTS: The Government of
Mexico requires that all U.S. citizens present proof of citizenship
and photo identification for entry into Mexico. A U.S. passport is
recommended, but other 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. 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.
Minors
require notarized consent from both parents if traveling alone or in someone
else's custody, or from the absent parent if traveling with only one parent.
Please see also the Children's Issues paragraph below.
A
visa is not required for a tourist/transit stay up to 180 days. A tourist
card, also known as a FM-T, available from Mexican consulates and most
airlines serving Mexico, is issued instead. Travelers entering Mexico
for purposes other than tourism require a visa and must carry a valid
U.S. passport. The Government of Mexico charges an entry fee of approximately
$15.00 per person to U.S. citizens traveling to Mexico's interior.
Upon
arrival in Mexico, business travelers must complete a form (Form FM-N
30 days) authorizing the conduct of business, but not employment, for
a 30-day period. U.S. citizens planning to work or live in Mexico should
apply for the appropriate Mexican visa (Form FM-2 or 3) at the Mexican
Embassy or nearest Mexican consulate. U.S. citizens planning to participate
in humanitarian aid missions, human rights advocacy groups or international
observer delegations also should contact the Mexican Embassy or nearest
Mexican consulate for guidance on how to obtain the appropriate visa before
traveling to Mexico. Such activities, undertaken while on a tourist visa,
may draw unfavorable attention from Mexican authorities because Mexican
immigration law prohibits foreigners from engaging in political activity.
U.S. citizens have been detained or deported for violating their tourist
visa status. Therefore, tourists should avoid demonstrations and other
activities that may be deemed political by Mexican authorities. This is
particularly relevant in light of the tension and polarization in the
state of Chiapas. U.S. citizens and other foreigners have been detained
in Chiapas and expelled from Mexico for allegedly violating their visa
status or for interfering in Mexican internal politics.
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.
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, or any Mexican consulate in the
United States.
DUAL
NATIONALITY: As of March 20, 1998,
Mexican law recognizes dual nationality for Mexicans by birth, meaning
those born in Mexico or born abroad to Mexican parents. U.S. citizens
who are also Mexican nationals are considered Mexican by local authorities.
Therefore, their 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.
DRIVING
INFORMATION:
U.S. driver's licenses are valid in Mexico. Mexican insurance is required
for all vehicles, including rental vehicles. (Please see "Automobile
Insurance" below.)
The
Government of Mexico strictly regulates the entry of vehicles into Mexico.
For detailed information on how to bring a car into Mexico
For
additional information concerning Mexican driver's permits, vehicle inspection,
road tax, mandatory insurance, etc., please contact the Mexico Government
Tourist Organization (MGTO) at telephone 1-800-44-MEXICO (639-426). 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.
AUTOMOBILE
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, please 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. 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 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
are almost certain to spend some time in jail until all parties are satisfied
that responsibility has been assigned and adequate financial satisfaction
received. Motor vehicle insurance is considered invalid in Mexico if the
driver is found to be under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Drivers
may also face criminal charges if the injuries or damages are serious.
CUSTOMS
REGULATIONS: 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.
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