|
Mexico
(Click
here for US Department of State information on
Behavior Modification Facilities in Mexico.)
(Click
here for registration/embassy location.)
Americans planning travel to
Mexico should read Mexico Public Announcement:
http://travel.state.gov/travel/cis_pa_tw/pa/pa_2100.html
International Adoption
Mexico:
http://travel.state.gov/family/adoption/country/country_419.html
International Parental Child
Abduction Mexico:
http://travel.state.gov/family/abduction/country/country_508.html
Tips for Travelers to
Mexico:
http://travel.state.gov/travel/cis_pa_tw/cis/cis_2139.html
New Requirements for
Travelers Between the United States and the Western Hemisphere:
http://travel.state.gov/travel/cbpmc/cbpmc_2223.html
All are available on the
Department of State web site at
http://travel.state.gov
January 31, 2005
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 areas of Mexico are
popular tourist destinations for U.S. citizens. Travelers should
note that location-specific information contained below is not
confined solely to those areas, 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.
Read the Department of State
Background Notes on Mexico for additional information.
ENTRY REQUIREMENTS: The
Government of Mexico requires that all U.S. citizens present proof
of citizenship and photo identification for entry into Mexico. U.S.
citizenship documents such as a certified copy (not a simple
photocopy) of a U.S. birth certificate, a Naturalization
Certificate, a Consular Report of Birth Abroad, or a Certificate of
Citizenship are acceptable. However, the U.S. Embassy recommends
traveling with a valid U.S. passport to avoid delays or
misunderstandings. U.S. citizens have encountered difficulty in
boarding 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, a
driver's license, and a processing fee to either a Banjercito branch
located at a Mexican Customs office at the port of entry, or at one
of the Mexican Consulates located in Austin, Chicago, Dallas,
Houston, Los Angeles, Sacramento, San Bernardino, or San Francisco.
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 go to any 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, contact
Mexican Customs 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.
Mexican law requires that
any child under the age of 18, of any nationality, traveling into or
out of Mexico must carry notarized written permission from any
parent not traveling with the child. There have been cases where
children, even American children, not carrying this document have
been denied entry into Mexico, or have not been allowed to board a
plane in the U.S. bound for Mexico. This permission must include
the name of the parent, the name of the child, the name of anyone
traveling with the child, and the notarized signature(s) of the
absent parent(s). The child must be carrying the original letter –
not a faxed or scanned copy – as well as proof of the parent/child
relationship (usually a birth certificate) – and an original custody
decree, if applicable.
See our Foreign Entry
Requirements brochure for more information on Name of Country and
other countries. Visit the Embassy of Mexico web site at Internet
site: http://portal.sre.gob.mx/usa/ or contact the Embassy of Mexico
at 1911 Pennsylvania Avenue N.W., Washington, D.C. 20006, telephone
(202) 736-1000, Internet site: http://portal.sre.gob.mx/usa/, or any
Mexican consulate in the United States for the most current visa
information.
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, read our information on dual
nationality and the prevention of international child abduction.
Link to Information 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. Violent criminal gang activity
along the southern border – mostly aimed at illegal migrants – has
increased in the last year. 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.
For the latest security
information, Americans traveling abroad should regularly monitor the
Department’s Internet web site at http://travel.state.gov where the
current Worldwide Caution Public Announcement, Travel Warnings and
Public Announcements can be found.
Up-to-date information on
safety and security can also be obtained by calling 1-888-407-4747
toll free in the U.S., or for callers outside the U.S. and Canada, a
regular toll-line at 1-202-501-4444. These numbers are available
from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Eastern Time, Monday through Friday
(except U.S. federal holidays).
The Department of State
urges American citizens to take responsibility for their own
personal security while traveling overseas. For general information
about appropriate measures travelers can take to protect themselves
in an overseas environment, see the Department of State’s pamphlet A
Safe Trip Abroad.
CRIME: Crime in Mexico
continues at high levels, and it is often violent, especially in
Mexico City, Tijuana, Ciudad Juarez, Nuevo Laredo, and the state of
Sinaloa. 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. There are a significant number of pick-pocketing incidents,
purse snatchings and hotel-room thefts. Public transportation is a
particularly popular place for pickpockets. 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.
Visitors should be aware of
their surroundings at all times, even when in areas generally
considered safe. Women traveling alone are especially vulnerable
and should exercise caution, particularly at night. 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 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).
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.
A number of Americans have
been arrested for passing on counterfeit currency they had earlier
received in change. If you receive what you believe to be a
counterfeit bank note, bring it to the attention of Mexican law
enforcement.
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 they should take.
Criminal assaults occur on
highways throughout Mexico; travelers should exercise extreme
caution at all times, avoid traveling at night, and may wish to use
toll (“cuota”) roads rather than the less secure “free” (“libre”)
roads whenever possible. In addition, U.S. citizens should not
hitchhike, accept rides from or offer rides to, strangers anywhere
in Mexico. Tourists should not hike alone in backcountry areas, nor
walk alone on lightly frequented beaches, ruins or trails.
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 still have a markedly lower rate of
incidents than buses (second and third class) that travel the less
secure "free" highways. The Embassy advises caution when traveling
by bus from Acapulco toward Ixtapa or Huatulco. Although the police
have made some progress in bringing this problem under control,
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
have cooperated in investigating such cases, but one must have the
officer's name, badge number, and patrol car number to pursue a
complaint effectively. Please note this information if you ever
have a problem with police or other officials. In addition,
tourists should be wary of persons representing themselves as police
officers or other officials. When in doubt, ask for identification.
Be aware that offering a bribe to a public official to avoid a
ticket or other penalty is a crime in Mexico.
The loss or theft abroad of
a U.S. passport should be reported immediately to the U.S. Embassy
or closest U.S. 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/.
INFORMATION FOR VICTIMS OF
CRIME: The loss or theft abroad of a U.S. passport should be
reported immediately to the local police and the nearest U.S.
Embassy or Consulate. If you are the victim of a crime while
overseas, in addition to reporting to local police, please contact
the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate for assistance. The
Embassy/Consulate staff can, for example, assist you to find
appropriate medical care, contact family members or friends and
explain how funds could be transferred. Although the investigation
and prosecution of the crime is solely the responsibility of local
authorities, consular officers can help you to understand the local
criminal justice process and to find an attorney if needed.
See our information on
Victims of Crime at http://travel.state.gov/travel/brochure_victim_assistance.html.
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 occur even in what appear to be secure locations.
The Embassy has recently noted an increase of thefts in Mexico City
at the Benito Juarez International Airport and at business-class
hotels. Arriving travelers who need to obtain pesos at the airport
should use the exchange counters or ATMs in the arrival/departure
gate area, where access is restricted, rather than changing money
after passing through Customs, where they can be observed by
criminals.
Metro (subway) robberies are
frequent in Mexico City. If riding the Metro or on 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. 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. 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.
CRIME IN BORDER CITIES:
Visitors to the U.S. - Mexico border region, including the cities of
Tijuana, Ciudad Juarez, Nuevo Laredo, Nogales, Reynosa and Matamoros,
should remain alert and be aware of their surroundings at all
times.
Drug-related violence has
increased dramatically in recent months, and shows no sign of
abating. While U.S. citizens not involved in criminal activities
are not targeted, innocent bystanders are at risk from the increase
in violence in the streets of border cities. In Ciudad Juarez,
Nuevo Laredo and Tijuana, shootings have taken place at busy
intersections and at popular restaurants during daylight hours.
There has been a recent increase in drug-related crime in Matamoros,
leading the Consulate there to issue press releases alerting the
American public to these crimes. In other instances in border
cities, especially Nuevo Laredo, U.S. citizens have been kidnapped
and scores imprisoned after getting involved in the sale or purchase
of illegal drugs. Few drug-related kidnappings result in the
release or rescue of the victims; they are usually murdered, or are
never found and presumed dead. U.S. citizens are advised to avoid
any involvement with controlled substances or those who deal in
them.
Mexican authorities have
failed to prosecute numerous crimes committed against American
citizens, including murder and kidnapping. Local police forces
suffer from a lack of funds and training, and the judicial system is
weak, overworked, and inefficient. Criminals, armed with an
impressive array of weapons, know there is little chance they will
be caught and punished. In some cases, assailants have been wearing
full or partial police uniforms and have used vehicles that resemble
police vehicles, indicating some elements of the police might be
involved.
Visitors are very vulnerable
when visiting local "red light districts," particularly if they are
departing alone in the early hours of the morning. In Ciudad Juarez
and Tijuana, there has also been a rise in automobile accidents in
which municipal police extort money from U.S. citizen victims. In
Reynosa, police have stopped U.S. citizens for questionable reasons
and then forced them to withdraw money from ATM machines to pay
“fines.”
MEDICAL FACILITIES AND
HEALTH INFORMATION: 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 recent
years, some U.S. citizens have complained that certain health-care
facilities in beach resorts have taken advantage of them by
overcharging or providing unnecessary medical care. In addition to
other publicly available information, Americans may consult the U.S.
Embassy's web site or the U.S. Embassy, a consulate or consular
agency prior to seeking medical attention. The Embassy, consulates
and consular agencies maintain lists of doctors and medical
facilities that are available to assist U.S. citizens in need of
medical care.
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.
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 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, such as safe food and water
precautions and insect bite protection, 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 at
http://www.cdc.gov/travel. For information about outbreaks of
infectious diseases abroad consult the World Health Organization’s
(WHO) website at http://www.who.int/en. Further health information
for travelers is available at http://www.who.int/ith.
MEDICAL INSURANCE: 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 whether it will cover
emergency expenses such as a medical evacuation. Please see our
information on medical insurance overseas .
BEHAVIOR MODIFICATION FACILITIES: A number of facilities have
opened in Mexico that offer behavior modification programs 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
investigate the facility first. In 2004, Mexican officials closed
five adolescent behavior modification facilities in Baja California
and another in Jalisco due to health code and other violations.
This was done on very short notice and caused serious inconvenience
for the American students and their families. For further
information, please refer to the State Department's Fact Sheet on
Behavior Modification Facilities at http://travel.state.gov/travel/tips/brochures/brochures_1220.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.
Public transportation
vehicles, specifically taxis and city buses, often do not comply
with traffic regulations, including 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 only 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/travel/tips_mexico.html.
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. 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 face criminal charges if injuries or damages are serious.
Avoid driving on Mexican
highways at night. Several U.S. citizens have been killed in recent
years driving at excessive speeds, at night, on roads with
conditions that are in poor condition or are poorly marked. 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. 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. For detailed information, go to http://www.hoynocircula.com.mx/
(Spanish only).
Please refer to our Road
Safety page for more information . 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 travel in the Baja California peninsula, travelers can
also consult http://www.traveltobaja.net/.
AVIATION SAFETY OVERSIGHT:
The U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has assessed the
Government of Mexico as being in compliance with ICAO international
aviation safety standards for oversight of Mexico’s air carrier
operations. For more information, travelers may visit the FAA’s
internet web site at www.faa.gov/avr/iasa/index.cfm.
SPECIAL CIRCUMSTANCES:
CANCUN AND OTHER RESORT
AREAS: Over 3 million Americans travel to Cancun and other Mexican
beach resorts each year, including as many as 120,000 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, 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 Cozumel, and the
number of serious moped accidents has risen accordingly. Most
operators carry no insurance and do not conduct safety checks. Some
have been known to demand fees many times in excess of damages
caused to the vehicles, even if renters have purchased insurance in
advance. Vacationers at other beach resorts have encountered
similar problems after accidents involving rented jet-skis. There
have been cases of mobs gathering to prevent tourists from departing
the scene and to help intimidate them into paying exorbitant damage
claims.
Motor vehicle accidents are
the leading cause of death among American citizens in Mexico.
Motorists should exercise special caution on the heavily traveled
expressway south of Cancun, particularly between Playa del Carmen
and Tulum, where the road narrows from 4 divided lanes to two-way
traffic on a narrower and poorly maintained road.
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.
Scuba diving equipment may be substandard or defective due to
frequent use. Inexperienced scuba divers in particular should
beware of dive shops that promise to “certify” you after a few
hours' instruction. Parasailing has killed American tourists who
were dragged through palm trees or were slammed into hotel walls.
Jet-ski accidents have killed American tourists, especially in group
outings when inexperienced guides allowed their clients to follow
each other too closely.
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. In Acapulco, avoid swimming outside the bay area. Several
American citizens have died while swimming in rough surf at the
Revolcadero Beach near Acapulco. Beaches on the pacific side of the
Baja California Peninsula at Cabo San Lucas are dangerous due to rip
tides and rogue waves; hazardous beaches in this area are clearly
marked in English and Spanish. 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.
Travelers who wish to climb
Pico de Orizaba in Veracruz should be aware that summer droughts in
recent years have removed much of the snow coating and turned the
Jamapa Glacier into a high-speed ice chute, increasing the risk of
death or serious injury. At least seventeen climbers have died on
the mountain and 39 have been injured in recent years, including
Americans. Rescue teams operate without the benefit of
sophisticated equipment, and any medical treatment provided in local
hospitals or clinics must be paid in cash. While regulation of the
ascent is minimal and guides are not required, the U.S. Embassy
recommends hiring an experienced guide.
When departing on an outing
to backcountry areas to hike or climb, it is prudent to leave a
detailed itinerary, including route information and expected
time/date of return with your hotel clerk or a friend or family
member. Similarly, 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.
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 should 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 who purchase property in Mexico
may find that property disputes with Mexican citizens may not be
treated evenhandedly by Mexican criminal justice authorities or 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, 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, and 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 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 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. 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.
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 the PROFECO’s "Attention to Foreigners” web page at Procuraduría
Federal del Consumidor.
CUSTOMS: In many countries
around the world, counterfeit and pirated goods are widely
available. Transactions involving such products are illegal and
bringing them back to the United States may result in forfeitures
and/or fines. A current list of those countries with serious
problems in this regard can be found at http://www.ustr.gov/reports/2003/special301.htm.
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 personal effects duty-free. According to customs
regulations, in addition to clothing, personal effects may include a
camera, 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.
U.S. citizens traveling to
Mexico with goods intended for donation within Mexico, or traveling
through Mexico with goods intended for donation in another country,
should be aware of Mexican Customs regulations prohibiting
importation of used clothing, textiles, and other used goods into
Mexico. These regulations apply even to charitable donations.
Individuals or groups wishing to make such donations should check
with Mexican Customs for the list of prohibited items, and should
hire an experienced customs broker in the U.S. to ensure compliance
with Mexican law. The charitable individual or group, not the
customs broker, will be held responsible for large fines or
confiscation of goods if the documentation is incorrect. The
website for Mexican Customs, or “Aduanas,” is in Spanish only at
http://www.aduanas.sat.gob.mx/webadunet/body.htm. Mexican
authorities require that all international transit through Mexico of
persons and merchandise destined for Central America be handled only
at the Los Indios Bridge located south of Harlingen, Texas on Route
509. The American Consulate in Matamoros is the closest consulate
to Los Indios Bridge and may be contacted for up-to-date information
by calling 011-52-868-812-4402 or by checking their website, which
lists in English the most common items prohibited from entry into
Mexico.
CRIMINAL PENALTIES: While
in a foreign country, a U.S. citizen is subject to that country'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. Penalties for breaking
the law can be more severe than in the United States for similar
offences. Persons violating Mexican laws, even unknowingly, may be
expelled, arrested or imprisoned. Penalties for possession, use, or
trafficking in illegal drugs in Mexico are severe, and convicted
offenders can expect long jail sentences and heavy fines.
Engaging in illicit sexual
conduct with children or using or disseminating child pornography in
a foreign country is a crime, prosecutable in the United States.
See more information here .
The Mexican government is
required by international law to notify the U.S. Embassy or the
nearest U.S. consulate promptly when an American citizen is
arrested, if the arrestee so requests. In practice, however, this
notification can be delayed by months or may never occur at all,
limiting the assistance the U.S. Government can provide. Americans
should promptly identify themselves as such to the arresting
officers, and should request that the Embassy or nearest consulate
be notified immediately.
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. Anecdotal evidence suggests
American citizens who are incarcerated in Mexico are sometimes
forced to pay hundreds and even thousands of dollars in “protection
money” to fellow prisoners.
Mexican police regularly
obtain information through torture, and prosecutors use this
evidence in courts. The Constitution and the law prohibit torture,
and Mexico is party to several international anti-torture
conventions, but courts continue to admit as evidence confessions
extracted under torture. Authorities rarely punish officials for
torture, which continues to occur in large part because confessions
are the primary evidence in many criminal convictions. In recent
cases U.S. citizens have been brutalized, beaten, and even raped
while in police custody. Since the beginning of 2002, 16 American
citizens have died in Mexican prisons, including three apparent
homicides.
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.
DRUG PENALTIES AND
PRESCRIPTION MEDICATIONS: Penalties for drug offenses are strict,
and convicted offenders can expect large fines and jail sentences of
up to 25 years. The purchase of controlled medication requires a
prescription from a licensed Mexican physician; some Mexican doctors
have been arrested for writing prescriptions without due cause. In
those instances, American citizens who bought the medications have
been held in jail for months waiting for the Mexican judicial system
to decide their fate. 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. To determine whether a particular medication is
controlled in Mexico and requires a prescription from a Mexican
doctor for purchase, please consult the website of the Mexican
Federal Commission for Protection Against Health Risks at http://www.cofepris.gob.mx/pyp/estpsic/es.htm.
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 licensed American 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. Those arrested are often held for the
full 48 hours allowed by Mexican law without charges being filed,
then released. During this interval, the detainees are often asked
for bribes or are solicited by attorneys who demand large fees to
secure their release, which will normally occur without any
intercession, as there are insufficient grounds to bring criminal
charges against the individuals. 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. 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 U.S. Customs and Border Protection at "Know Before
You Go."
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 Mexican doctor's letter explaining that the quantity of medication
is appropriate for their personal medical use.
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. 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.
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.
CHILDREN'S ISSUES: For
information on international adoption of children and international
parental child abduction, see the Office of Children’s Issues
website at http://travel.state.gov/family/family_1732.html.
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.
REGISTRATION/EMBASSY, CONSULATE AND CONSULAR AGENCY LOCATIONS:
Americans living or traveling in Mexico for longer than one day are
encouraged to register with the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate
through the State Department's travel registration website, https://travelregistration.state.gov,
and to obtain updated information on travel and security within
Mexico. Americans without Internet access may register directly
with the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate. By registering, you'll
make it easier for the Embassy or Consulate to contact you in case
of emergency.
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) 268-2100.
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) 289-3500.
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) (878) 785-1986
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) 811-7802/7803.
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 July 23, 2004, to update sections on Entry
Requirements, Safety and Security, Crime (including Crime in Mexico
City, and Crime in Border Cities), Behavior Modification Facilities,
Criminal Penalties (including Drug Penalties and Prescription
Medications), Special Circumstances (including Cancun and Other
Beach Resorts), and Registration/Embassy, Consulate and Consular
Agency Locations.
|
