Tips for Travelers to Mexico
Between 15 and 16 million U.S. citizens
visit Mexico each year, while more than
385,000 Americans reside there year round.
Although the majority of visitors thoroughly
enjoy their stay, a small number experience
difficulties and serious inconveniences.
Travel conditions in Mexico can contrast
sharply with those in the United States.
This brochure offers advice to help you
avoid inconveniences and difficulties as you
go. The Department of State and its Embassy
and consulates in Mexico offer a wide range
of services to assist U.S. citizens in
distress. U.S. consular officials meet
regularly with Mexican authorities to
promote the safety of U.S. citizens in
Mexico.
Before you go, learn as much as you can
about Mexico. Your travel agent, local
bookstore, public library, the Internet and
the embassy of the country or countries you
plan to visit are all useful sources of
information.
How To Have a Safe and Healthy Trip
Know Before You Go
As you travel, keep abreast of local news
coverage. If you plan a stay in one place
for longer than a few weeks, or if you are
in an area where communications are poor, or
that is experiencing civil unrest or some
natural disaster, you are encouraged to
register with the Department of State. The
web page for Americans to register with us
is
https://travelregistration.state.gov.
You can register your entire itinerary on
the web site. Alternately, after you have
arrived in Mexico, you can register at the
U.S. Embassy in Mexico City or one of the
U.S. consulates.
Registration takes only a few moments, and
it may be invaluable in case of an
emergency.
Other useful precautions are:
-
Leave a detailed itinerary and the numbers
of your passport or other citizenship
documents with a friend or relative in the
United States.
-
Bring either a U.S. passport or a
certified copy of your birth certificate
and current, valid photo identification.
-
Carry your photo identification and the
name of a person to contact with you in
the event of serious illness or other
emergency.
-
Keep photocopies of your airline or other
tickets and your list of traveler’s checks
with you in a separate location from the
originals and leave copies with someone at
home.
-
Leave things like unnecessary credit cards
and expensive jewelry at home.
-
Take travelers checks, not cash.
-
Use a money belt or concealed pouch for
passport, cash and other valuables.
-
Do not bring firearms or ammunition into
Mexico without written permission from the
Mexican government.
Consular Information Program
The Department of State’s
Consular Information Sheets are
available for every country of the world.
They describe entry requirements, currency
regulations, unusual health conditions, the
crime and security situation, political
disturbances, areas of instability, and
special information about driving and road
conditions. They also provide addresses and
emergency telephone numbers for U.S.
embassies and consulates. In general, the
sheets do not give advice. Instead, they
describe conditions so travelers can make
informed decisions about their trips. You
can read the Consular Information Sheet for
Mexico on our web site at
http://travel.state.gov/. It is updated
at least twice a year and has the most
current information on travel to and in
Mexico.
In some dangerous situations, however, the
Department of State recommends that
Americans defer travel to a country. In
such a case, a
Travel Warning is issued for the country
in addition to its
Consular Information Sheet.
Public Announcements are a means to
disseminate information about relatively
short-term and/or trans-national conditions
posing significant risks to the security of
American travelers. They are issued when
there is a perceived threat, even if it does
not involve Americans as a particular target
group. In the past,
Public Announcements have been issued to
deal with short-term coups, pre-election
disturbances, terrorist violence and
anniversary dates of specific terrorist
events.
You can access
Consular Information Sheets,
Travel Warnings and
Public Announcements 24-hours a day the
following ways:
Internet
The most convenient source of information
about travel and consular services is the
Consular Affairs home page. Our web site
is
http://travel.state.gov.
Telephone
Consular Information Sheets and Travel
Warnings may be heard any time by dialing
the office of American Citizens Services
at 1-888-407-4747 from a touchtone phone.
From overseas, that number is:
1-202-501-4444.
A Guide to Entry and Exit
Regulations
Getting Into Mexico
New Requirements for Travelers
Between the United States and the Western
Hemisphere: Western Hemisphere Travel
Initiative (WHI)
Travelers to and from Mexico will be
required to have a U.S. passport or other
secure, accepted document to enter or
re-enter the United States. This is a
change from prior travel requirements and
will affect all U.S. citizens entering the
United States from countries within the
Western Hemisphere. The goal is to
strengthen border security and facilitate
entry into the United States for U.S.
citizens and legitimate foreign visitors.
The U.S. passport is the document of choice
because of the incorporated advanced
security features.
For land border crossings to Mexico, other
documents that we anticipate will be
acceptable under WHI are SENTRI and FAST
program cards. No other document is
currently available that will be an
acceptable substitute for a U.S. passport,
SENTRI or FAST card. However, we are using
new technologies to create other acceptable
travel documents. We will make public
additional travel document options as they
become available.
The travel initiative requirements will be
rolled out in phases, providing as much
advance notice as possible to the affected
public to enable them to meet the terms of
the new guidelines. The proposed
implementation timeline is as follows:
-
December 31, 2005 –
Passport or other accepted document
required for all travel (air/sea) to or
from the Caribbean, Bermuda, Central and
South America.
-
December 31, 2006 –
Passport or other accepted document
required for all air and sea travel to or
from Mexico and Canada.
-
December 31, 2007 –
Passport or other accepted document
required for all air, sea and land border
crossings.
Current Requirements for Getting
Into Mexico
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.
Tourist Cards
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.
The tourist card is issued upon presentation
of proof of citizenship, such as a U.S.
passport or a U.S. birth certificate, plus a
photo I.D., such as a driver’s license.
Tourist cards are issued for up to 90 days
with a single entry, or if you present proof
of sufficient funds, for 180 days with
multiple entries.
Upon entering Mexico, retain and safeguard
the traveler’s copy of your tourist card so
you may surrender it to Mexican immigration
when you depart. You must leave Mexico
before your tourist card expires or you are
subject to a fine. A tourist card for less
than 180 days may be revalidated in Mexico
by the Mexican immigration service (Instituto
Nacional de Migración.)
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 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,
inquire with Mexican Customs offices about
appropriate vehicle permits. Additional
information (in Spanish) can be found at
http://www.aduanas.sat.gob.mx/webadunet/aga.aspx?Q=ImpTempVehiculos_Tema1.
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.
If you wish to stay longer than 180 days, or
if you wish to do business or conduct
religious work in Mexico, contact the
Mexican Embassy or the nearest Mexican
consulate to obtain a visa or permit.
Persons conducting religious work on a
tourist card are subject to arrest and
deportation.
Visitors intending to participate in
humanitarian aid missions, human rights
advocacy groups or international observer
delegations should contact the nearest
Mexican consulate or Embassy for guidance on
how to obtain the appropriate visa before
traveling to Mexico.
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.
Residing or Retiring in Mexico
If you plan to live or retire in Mexico,
consult a Mexican consulate on the type of
long-term visa required. As soon as possible
after you arrive in the place you will live,
it is a good idea to register with the U.S.
Embassy or the nearest U.S. consulate or
consular agent. You may register on line at
https://travelregistration.state.gov.
If you wish to register in person, bring
your passport or other identification with
you. Registration makes it easier to contact
you in an emergency. (Registration
information is confidential and will not be
released to inquirers without your express
authorization.)
For further information concerning entry and
visa requirements, travelers may contact the
Embassy of Mexico at 1911 Pennsylvania
Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20006, phone
(202) 736-1000, Internet site:http://portal.sre.gob.mx/usa/ or
any Mexican consulate in the United States.
Returning to the United States –
Caution!
Make certain that you can return to the
United States with the proof of citizenship
that you take with you. Although some
countries may allow you to enter with only a
birth certificate, U.S. law requires that
you document both your U.S. citizenship and
identity when you re-enter the United
States.
The best document to prove your U.S.
citizenship is a valid U.S.
passport. Other documents that
establish U.S. citizenship include an
expired U.S. passport, a certified copy of
your birth certificate, a Certificate of
Naturalization, a Certificate of
Citizenship, or a Report of Birth Abroad of
a U.S. citizen. To prove your
identity, either a valid
driver’s license or a
government identification card with a photo
is acceptable.
The following frequently-cited documents are
NOT sufficient proof to enter the United
States: US driver’s license alone, Social
Security Card, US military ID, a
non-certified photocopy of a US birth
certificate, a notarized Affidavit of
Citizenship signed at the airport in the
U.S., or even a voter’s registration card.
Travelers with only these documents may not
be able to enter the U.S.
Without proof of both identity and
citizenship, the traveler will not be
allowed to board an airplane to the U.S.
The airline faces a fine of $3,300 if a
passenger that the airline boarded is not
admitted to the U.S., and in addition the
airline must bear the cost of flying the
passenger back to the point of departure.
Because of these penalties, most airlines
will not board anyone – including probable
U.S. citizens – without proof of citizenship
and identity.
Health
Health problems sometimes affect visitors to
Mexico.
For the most current information on
immunizations and heath risks, the Centers
for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
maintains an international travelers hotline
at 1-888-232-3228 and a travel health home
page at
http://www.cdc.gov/travel.
For information about outbreaks of
infectious diseases abroad, consult the
World Health Organization’s web site at
http://www.who.int/en. Further health
information for travelers is available on
the World Health Organization’s
International Travel and Health page at
http://www.who.int/ith.
Immunizations are recommended against
typhoid, hepatitis A and hepatitis B.
Booster shots for tetanus-diphtheria and
measles are also recommended. For visitors
coming directly from the United States, no
immunization certification is required to
enter Mexico. If you are traveling from a
part of the world infected with yellow
fever, a vaccination certificate is
required.
Malaria is found in some rural areas of
Mexico, particularly those near the
southwest coast. Travelers to malarial areas
should consult their physician and take the
recommended dosage of chloroquine,
mefloquine (Lariam™), doxycycline, or
atovaquone/proguanil (Malarone™) or other
anti-malarial medication. Although these
preventative drugs are not considered
necessary for travelers to the major resort
areas on the Pacific and Gulf coasts,
travelers to those areas should use insect
repellent and take other personal protection
measures to reduce contact with mosquitoes,
particularly from dusk to dawn when malaria
transmission is most likely. Wear
long-sleeved shirts, long pants, and hats,
and, use insect repellents that contain DEET.
Air pollution in Mexico City is severe. It
is most dangerous during thermal inversions
that occur most often from December to May.
Air pollution plus Mexico City’s high
altitude are a particular health risk for
the elderly and persons with high blood
pressure, anemia, or respiratory or cardiac
problems. If this applies to you, consult
your doctor before traveling to Mexico City.
In high altitude areas, such as Mexico City,
most people need a short adjustment period.
Spend the first few days in a leisurely
manner, with a light diet and reduced intake
of alcohol. Avoid strenuous activity,
including everything from sports to rushing
up the stairs. Reaction signs to high
altitude are lack of energy, a tendency to
tire easily, shortness of breath, occasional
dizziness, and insomnia.
Drink only bottled water or water that has
been boiled for 20 minutes. Beware of ice
cubes that may not have been made with
purified water. Vegetables and fruits should
be peeled or washed in a purifying solution.
If you can’t peel it or cook it, do
NOT eat it. Don’t eat food
purchased from street vendors. Don’t eat
dairy products unless you know for a fact
that they have been pasteurized. Diarrhea
sufferers may benefit from anti-microbial
treatment that may be prescribed or
purchased over the counter. Travelers should
consult a physician, rather than attempt
self-medication, if the diarrhea is severe
or persists several days.
It is wise to review your health insurance
policy before you travel.
In some places, particularly at resorts,
medical costs can be as high or higher than
in the United States. 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. If your insurance
policy does not cover you in Mexico, it is
strongly recommended that you purchase a
policy that does. Short-term health
insurance policies designed specifically to
cover travel are available.
Medical facilities in Mexico differ from
those in the United States. Adequate medical
care can be found in all major cities. There
are some excellent health facilities in
Mexico City. Some remote areas or coastal
islands may have few or no medical
facilities. For these reasons, in addition
to medical insurance that you can use in
Mexico, consider obtaining insurance or
joining a medical assistance program to
cover the very high cost of medical
evacuation in the event of an accident or
serious illness. As part of the coverage,
these programs usually offer emergency
consultation by telephone. They may refer
you to the nearest hospital or call for help
on your behalf; they may translate your
instructions to a health care worker on the
scene. The cost of medical evacuation
coverage is minimal for a trip of 30 days.
Without this insurance, medical evacuation
can cost thousands of dollars.
When making decisions regarding health
insurance, consider that many foreign
doctors and hospitals require payment in
cash prior to providing service and that
medical air evacuation to the U.S. may cost
over $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.
If you become seriously ill, U.S. consular
officers can assist in finding a doctor and
in notifying your family and friends about
your condition.
Useful information on medical emergencies
abroad, including overseas insurance
programs are listed in our publication,
Medical Information for Americans Traveling
Abroad, accessible at our Internet site at
http://travel.state.gov/.
The U.S. government cannot pay to have you
medically evacuated to the United States.
Safety Tips
General information on personal safety
abroad can be found in our brochure,
A Safe Trip Abroad , on our home page at
http://travel.state.gov/travel/tips/safety/safety_1747.html.
In an Emergency
Call (55) 5250-0123, the 24-hour hotline of
the Mexican Ministry of Tourism. They also
have two toll free numbers: if calling
within Mexico (01) 800-903-9200 and from the
U.S. 1-800-482-9832. The hotline is for
immediate assistance but it provides
general, non-emergency guidance as well. It
is an important number to keep with you. In
an emergency, you should also call the U.S.
Embassy, nearest U.S. consulate or consular
agent. (See the contact information at the
end of this brochure.)
As a visitor to Mexico, be alert to your new
surroundings. Problem situations in Mexico
may be different from those you are used to,
and safety regulations and their enforcement
are generally not equivalent to U.S.
standards.
In large cities, take the same precautions
against assault, robbery, or pickpockets
that you would take in any large U.S. city.
Be aware that women and small children, as
well as men, can be pickpockets or purse
snatchers. Keep your billfold in an inner
front pocket; carry your purse tucked
securely under your arm; and wear the
shoulder strap of your camera or bag across
your chest. To guard against thieves on
motorcycles, walk away from the curb and
carry your purse away from the street.
At the Hotel
Travelers to Mexico should leave valuables
and irreplaceable items in a safe place. All
visitors are encouraged to make use of hotel
safes when available.
On Public Transport
Be vigilant in bus and train stations and on
public transport. Watch for pickpockets in
these areas.
On Streets and Highways
Be wary of persons representing themselves
as Mexican police or other local officials.
It is not uncommon for Americans to become
victims of harassment, mistreatment and
extortion by Mexican law enforcement and
other officials. Mexican authorities are
concerned about these incidents and have
cooperated in investigating such cases.
You must, however, have the
officer’s name, badge number, and patrol car
number to pursue a complaint.
Make a note of this information if you ever
encounter difficulties with police or other
officials.
If a Mexican official solicits a bribe from
you, it is up to you whether to pay.
Bribing officials is illegal. Demands for
bribes are often dropped if the subject
insists on being taken to the “delegación”
(police station).
Do not be surprised if you encounter several
types of police in Mexico. The Preventive
Police, the Transit Police and the Federal
Highway Police all wear uniforms. The
Judicial Police who work for the public
prosecutor are not uniformed.
At the Pool or Beach
Do not leave your belongings on the beach
while you are swimming. Keep your passport
and other valuables in the hotel safe.
Visitors to Mexican resorts should carefully
assess the risk potential of recreational
activities. 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. “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. Safe diving requires
lengthy training.
Parasailing is offered at many Mexican beach
resorts. Be aware that by putting your name
on the passenger list, you may be relieving
the boat operator and owner of
responsibility for your safety. There have
been cases in which tourists have been
dragged through palm trees or slammed into
hotel walls while participating in this
activity.
Be extremely careful when renting jet-skis.
Several tourists have been killed or injured
in jet-ski accidents, particularly when
participating in group tours. Often
inexperienced tour guides allow their
clients to follow too closely or operate the
jet-skis in other unsafe manners. In one
case the jet-ski rental company carried
liability insurance limited to $2,500 U.S.
dollars. Make sure that the rental company
has adequate medical/accident insurance, is
staffed with personnel on-site with water
rescue training, and properly demonstrates
safe operation of the vehicle to you before
you rent or operate such equipment.
Do not use pools or beaches without
lifeguards, or, if you do, exercise extreme
caution. Warning flags on the beach should
be taken seriously. If black flags are up,
do not enter the water. Do not dive into
unknown bodies of water because hidden rocks
or shallow depths can cause serious injury
or death. Some Mexican beaches, such as
those in Cancun, have warning signs about
undertow; take them seriously. Newer resorts
may lack comprehensive medical facilities.
Travel by Car
People are often surprised when
inconveniences occur because they were
unaware of the laws regarding crossing the
border. The government of Mexico strictly
regulates the entry of vehicles into Mexico.
Do not, under any circumstances, allow an
unauthorized person to drive the vehicle
when the owner is not in it. Such a person
would have to pay a fine amounting to a
substantial percentage of the vehicle’ s
value, and your vehicle would be
confiscated. All documents and the credit
card must be in the name of the owner, who
must be present upon crossing the border. We
caution U.S. citizens not to loan their
vehicles to Mexican citizens resident in
Mexico as those vehicles are subject to
seizure by Mexican authorities. If
confiscated, they are not returned.
All vehicular traffic is restricted in the
capital city of Mexico City to reduce air
pollution. The restriction is based on the
last digit of the vehicle license plate.
(This applies equally to permanent and
temporary plates. Cars with license plates
ending in letters may not be driven on
Fridays.)
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, 0 or a letter.
Saturday and Sunday: All
vehicles may be driven.
Avoid excessive speed and, if at all
possible, do not drive at night. Loose
livestock can appear at any time.
Construction sites or stranded vehicles are
often unmarked by flares or other warning
signals. Shoulders are often narrow or
absent altogether, making it difficult to
recover if a wheel strays from the pavement
momentarily. Sometimes cars have only one
headlight. Many cars lack brake lights.
Bicycles seldom have lights or reflectors.
This makes for very dangerous driving
conditions at night. Be prepared for a
sudden stop at any time. Mexican
driving conditions are such that, for your
safety, you must drive more slowly than you
do at home.
Learn local driving signals
In Mexico, a blinking left turn signal on
the vehicle in front of you could mean that
it is clear ahead and you may pass, or it
could mean the driver is making a left turn.
An outstretched left arm may mean an
invitation for you to pass. When in doubt,
do not pass.
An oncoming vehicle flashing its headlights
is a warning for you to slow down or pull
over because you are both approaching a
narrow bridge or place in the road. The
custom is that the first vehicle to flash
has the right of way and the other must
yield.
When it begins to rain, immediately slow to
a crawl. Freshly wet roads are dangerous
because oil and road dust mix with water and
form a lubricant. Until this mixture washes
away, driving is extremely hazardous. Beware
of sudden rains. Stop, or go extremely
slowly, until conditions improve.
To avoid highway crime, try not to drive at
night and never drive alone during this
time. Never sleep in vehicles along the
road. Do not, under any circumstances, pick
up hitchhikers who not only pose a threat to
your physical safety, but also put you in
danger of being arrested for unwittingly
transporting narcotics or narcotics
traffickers in your vehicle. Your vehicle
can be confiscated if you are transporting
marijuana or other narcotics. There are
checkpoints and temporary roadblocks where
vehicles are checked.
If you plan to drive, learn about your route
from an auto club, guide book or a Mexican
government tourist office. You may not be
able to avoid all problems, but at least you
will know what to expect if you have done
some research. Also, some of the newer roads
have very few restaurants, motels, gas
stations or auto repair shops. For your
safety, have your vehicle serviced and in
optimum condition before you leave for
Mexico. It is wise to bring an extra fan
belt, fuses and other spare parts. Pack a
basic first-aid kit and carry an emergency
water supply in your vehicle. Unleaded
gasoline (magna sin) is generally available
throughout Mexico.
If you have an emergency while driving, call
the Ministry of Tourism’s hotline or (55)
5250-8221, extension 130/297, to obtain help
from the “Green Angels,” a fleet of radio
dispatched trucks with bilingual crews.
Services include protection, medical first
aid, mechanical aid for your car, and basic
supplies. You will not be charged for
services, only for parts, gas, and oil. The
Green Angels patrol daily, from dawn until
sunset. If you are unable to call them, pull
off the road and lift the hood of your car;
chances are good they will find you.
Insurance
Mexican auto insurance is sold in most
cities and towns on both sides of the
border. U.S. automobile liability insurance
is not valid in Mexico nor is most collision
and comprehensive coverage issued by U.S.
companies. Therefore, when you cross the
border, purchase auto insurance adequate for
your needs in Mexico. A good rule of thumb
is to buy coverage equivalent to that which
you carry in the United States.
Motor vehicle insurance is invalid in Mexico
if the driver is found to be under the
influence of alcohol or drugs. Regardless of
whether you have insurance, if you are
involved in an accident, you will be taken
into police custody until it can be
determined who is liable and whether you
have the ability to pay any judgment. If you
do not have Mexican liability insurance, you
are almost certain to spend some time in
jail until all parties are satisfied that
responsibility has been assigned and
adequate financial satisfaction received.
There may also be criminal liability
assigned if the injuries or damages are
serious.
On many of the toll highways you may be
automatically covered by the insurance that
is included in the toll fee. This can
provide added coverage for you in certain
situations.
Rental Cars
Renting in the United States
Many car rental companies in the United
States have clauses in their contracts
prohibiting drivers from traveling out of
the country. The Mexican police are aware of
these regulations and will sometimes impound
rental vehicles driven from the United
States. When renting a vehicle in the United
States, check with the company to see if
your contract allows you to drive it into
Mexico.
Renting a Car in Mexico
The standard insurance included with many
car rental contracts in Mexico provides only
nominal liability coverage, often as little
as the equivalent of $200. Because Mexican
law permits the jailing of drivers after an
accident until they have met their
obligations to third parties and to the
rental company, renters should read their
contracts carefully and purchase additional
liability and comprehensive insurance if
necessary.
Yucatan-Campeche and Quintana Roo
Borders
The State of Yucatan has agricultural
inspection stations on its border to
eradicate swine fever and inspectors may
confiscate pork products at these inspection
stations. Yucatan health inspectors may hold
travelers for possible arrest by Federal
authorities if travelers appear in violation
of any Mexican laws, such as immigration,
firearms, narcotics, etc.
Military Checkpoints
Military and law enforcement checkpoints
aimed at detecting narcotics, alien
smuggling, and firearms traffic are located
at various places throughout Mexico. Areas
known to possess these checkpoints include
the Yucatan peninsula, Chiapas, Oaxaca and
Guerrero. Many checkpoints will have a red
flag marker and are operated by uniformed
officials; however, others will not be
marked and are manned by police/military
officers not in uniform. These checkpoints
have “spiked devices” and are sometimes used
to deflate tires of vehicles attempting to
evade these checkpoints.
Travel through Mexico to Central
American Countries
Mexican authorities require that all
international transit of persons (transmigrantes)
and merchandise from the U.S. through
Mexico, destined for Central America, be
handled only at the Los Indios Bridge
located south of Harlingen, Texas, on Route
509. Every transmigrante must
obtain the services of a Mexican customs
broker to prepare the documents required by
Mexican Customs for their entry into
Mexico.
Transmigrantes must declare
everything they are bringing through Mexico
or any undeclared items found by Mexican
Customs will/will be confiscated. Although
items for international transit are not
taxed, transmigrantes will have to
pay a fee to the customs broker for their
professional services. The customs broker
is responsible for informing the
transmigrante about items that are
prohibited for international transit.
Crossing into Mexico by a bridge other than
Los Indios is considered importation of
goods and will result in everything being
taxed. When the transmigrante
leaves Mexico through Chiapas, he must then
also pay export taxes. The earlier “import”
tax is not returned.
Transmigrantes on their way to
Central America have ten days to leave
Mexico through Chiapas. Mexican Customs now
has a barcode system that controls the entry
and exit of transmigrantes.
Americans who intend to transit Mexico are
cautioned that some unscrupulous vendors on
the U.S. side, known as “grupos,”
purport to be Mexican customs brokers but
are not. “Grupos” have been known
to charge large sums of money but do not
provide the required services that only bona
fide Mexican customs brokers can,
potentially leaving the American
transmigrante bilked and his goods
confiscated.
Currently, there are only two Mexican
customs brokers handling transmigrantes.
For further information, travelers can
contact the U.S. Consulate in Matamoros
prior to departing the U.S. at (011-52)
868-812-4402 and ask for the American
Citizens Services Unit, or visit the
Consulate’s Web site at
http://usembassy.state.gov/matamoros/Matamoros.html
.
Bringing Your Own Plane or Boat to
Mexico
Private aircraft and boats are subject to
the same Mexican customs regulations as are
motor vehicles. When you arrive at a Mexican
port in your private boat, you can obtain a
temporary import permit similar to the one
given for motor vehicles.
Flying your own plane to Mexico, however, is
more complicated. Well before your trip,
inquire about private aircraft regulations
and procedures from a Mexican consulate or
Mexican Government Tourist Office.
Crime
In Mexico City, crime has reached critical
levels. Low apprehension and conviction
rates of criminals contribute to the high
rate of crime. Metropolitan areas other than
the capital are considered to have lower but
still serious levels of crime activity.
Travelers to Mexico should leave valuables
and irreplaceable items at home in the U.S.
All visitors to Mexico are encouraged to
make use of hotel safes when available,
avoid wearing obviously expensive jewelry or
designer clothing and carry only the cash or
credit cards that will be needed on each
outing. Travelers are discouraged from
bringing very large amounts of cash into
Mexico, as officials may suspect money
laundering or other criminal activity.
While public safety officials in Mexico City
point to statistical evidence that crime in
the capital has fallen off in the last three
years, public concern regarding security –
and in particular kidnappings – is greater
than ever.
The most frequently reported crimes involve
taxi robberies, armed robbery, pickpocketing
and purse snatching. In several cases,
tourists report that uniformed police are
the crime perpetrators, stopping vehicles
and seeking money or assaulting and robbing
tourists walking late at night. The area
behind the U.S. Embassy and the Zona Rosa, a
restaurant/shopping area near the Embassy,
are occasional sites of street crime against
foreigners. Caution should be exercised when
walking in these areas, especially at night.
Any U.S. citizen victims of crime in Mexico
are encouraged to report the incident to
local police authorities and to the nearest
U.S. consular office.
U.S. citizens should be very cautious in
using ATM cards and machines in Mexico. If
an ATM machine must be used, it should be
only during the business day at large
protected facilities (preferably inside
commercial establishments, rather than at a
glass-enclosed, highly visible ATM machine
on streets where criminals can observe
financial transactions.)
U.S. citizens are advised to be careful when
ordering beverages in local nightclubs and
bars, especially at night. Some
establishments may contaminate or drug the
drinks to gain control over the patron.
Victims, who are almost always
unaccompanied, have been robbed of personal
property and abducted and held while their
credit cards were used at various businesses
and ATM locations around the city. U.S.
citizens should not hitchhike or accept
rides from strangers anywhere in Mexico.
Metro (subway) robberies are also becoming
more frequent in Mexico City. If riding the
Metro, U.S. citizens should hold valuables
and belongings tightly. Avoid using Metro
during busy commuting hours in the morning
or afternoon. Incidents of people boarding
long- distance buses as passengers and
robbing and assaulting all real passengers
while underway have also been reported. If
someone attempts to rob you, it is generally
considered safest to immediately comply by
handing over the requested items.
U.S. citizens should avoid providing
personal identifying information to
individuals not known to them. Information
obtained from unwary travelers has been used
by individuals in Mexico to extort money
from families in the U.S. by contacting them
and fraudulently informing them that a
family member has been arrested in Mexico or
requires urgent medical care. The caller
gains their confidence by providing this
personal information and requests that funds
be sent to assist their family member.
Kidnapping, including the kidnapping of
non-Mexicans, is increasing. U.S. businesses
with offices in Mexico or concerned U.S.
citizens may contact the Embassy to discuss
precautions to take. Travelers to Mexico
should exercise caution when traveling on
all highways in Mexico. The U.S. Embassy
advises its personnel to exercise extreme
caution and not to travel on Mexican
highways after dark for safety reasons.
All bus travel should be done during
daylight and on first-class conveyances.
These buses travel on toll roads that have a
markedly lower rate of incidents than buses
(second and third class) that travel the
less secure free highways.
Tourists should exercise caution by not
walking on lightly frequented beaches,
off-the-path ruins or trails. Additionally,
visitors should not carry excessive cash or
valuables, and, should place travel
documents in a safe place.
Taxicab Crime
U.S. citizens visiting Mexico City should
absolutely avoid taking any taxi not
summoned by telephone or on their behalf by
a responsible individual or contracted in
advance at the airport. Robbery assaults on
passengers in taxis have become more
frequent and violent, with passengers
subjected to beatings and sexual assaults.
When in need of a taxi, telephone a radio
taxi or “sitio” (pronounced “C-T-O”). Ask
the dispatcher for the driver’s name and the
cab’s license plate number. If you walk to a
“sitio” taxi stand, use only a driver known
to you. Ask the hotel concierge or other
responsible individual calling on your
behalf to write down the license plate
number. Passengers arriving at Mexico City’s
Benito Juarez International Airport should
take only airport taxis (yellow with an
airplane symbol on the door) after
pre-paying the fare at one of the special
booths inside the airport. Radio taxis may
be called at telephone numbers: 5271-9146,
5271-9058 and 5272-6125. U.S. citizens
should avoid taking taxis parked outside the
Bellas Artes Theater, in front of
nightclubs, restaurants or cruising
throughout the city.
In Case of Emergency
Call (55) 5250-0123, the 24-hour hotline of
the Mexican Ministry of Tourism. They also
have a national toll free number: (01)
800-903-9200. You can also call the Mexican
“911”: in Mexico City, dial 060; in the rest
of Mexico, dial 066. In Mexico City, dial
5346-8733, 8730, 8154, 8734 for police with
English translators.
If an American is injured in an
accident and needs immediate medical
attention....
Call the Mexican Red Cross at 5395-1111,
5557-5758, 5557-5759, or 5557-5760. While
the service is free, the Red Cross does
request that patients give a donation. The
Red Cross ambulance will deliver the patient
to the nearest Red Cross hospital, which
provides basic care. The patient may then
choose to be taken to one of the private
hospitals listed in the “Illness/Injury”
section if he/she has the necessary funds or
insurance.
If You Have Been the Victim of a
Crime
Immediately contact the U.S. Embassy or the
nearest U.S. consulate or consular agent.
For addresses and telephone numbers, see the
end of this pamphlet. You should also report
the crime to the local police immediately.
Avoiding Legal Problems
While traveling in Mexico, you
are subject to Mexican laws and not U.S.
laws.
Tourists who commit illegal acts have no
special privileges and are subject to full
prosecution under the Mexican judicial
system.
Avoid drug offenses.
Mexico rigorously prosecutes drug cases.
Under Mexican law, possession of and
trafficking in illegal drugs are federal
offenses. For drug trafficking, bail does
not exist. Convicted offenders can expect
lengthy jail sentences and fines. Sentences
for possession of drugs in Mexico can be as
long as 25 years plus fines. Just as in the
U.S., the purchase of controlled medication
requires a doctor’s prescription. The
Mexican list of controlled medication
differs from the U.S. list and Mexican
public health laws concerning controlled
medication are unclear. Possession of
excessive amounts of a psychotropic drug
such as Valium can result in your arrest if
the authorities suspect abuse. Mexican law
does not differentiate between types of
narcotics. Heroin, marijuana, and
amphetamines, for example, are treated the
same. Offenders found guilty of
possessing more than a token amount of any
narcotic substance are subject to a minimum
sentence of 10 months in prison, and it is
not uncommon for persons charged with drug
offenses to be detained for up to 1 year
before a verdict is reached.
Remember, if narcotics are found in your
vehicle, you are subject to arrest and your
vehicle can be confiscated.
Avoid public drunkenness.
It is against the law to be drunk in public
in Mexico. Certain border towns have become
impatient with teenage (and older) Americans
who cross the border to drink and carouse.
This behavior can lead to fights, arrests,
traffic accidents and even fatalities.
WARNING ON FIREARMS
Mexico has severe penalties
for taking in any type of firearm, weapon,
or ammunition without first obtaining
written authorization from Mexican
authorities. It does not matter whether U.S.
citizens are licensed to carry the firearm
in the United States, or if they
unintentionally transport it while driving
in their vehicle, or have it in their
luggage while traveling by commercial or
private plane or boat. It also does not
matter if visitors to Mexico are U.S. law
enforcement or military officials. Mexican
authorities strictly enforce laws
restricting the entry of firearms and
ammunition along their borders and at air or
seaports.
Each year dozens of Americans are arrested
or fined in Mexico in connection with
weapons violations. There are several dozen
U.S. citizens currently incarcerated in
Mexican prisons on weapons-related charges.
Many of them inadvertently transported a
firearm that they were licensed to carry in
the United States without realizing they
were violating Mexican laws. Some were
driving across the border for a day visit,
to shop or to eat in a restaurant. Remember
that if caught bringing in a firearm,
ammunition, or other weapon, Mexican
authorities may confiscate a visitor’s
vehicle or other personal property and place
the individual under arrest. Detained U.S.
citizens may spend months in pre-trial
detention while their case is being
investigated. If convicted, they may face
several years in a Mexican prison. While the
U.S. consul can visit U.S. citizens in jail,
make sure that they are being treated
humanely, and provide a list of attorneys to
assist with the Mexican judicial process,
the U.S. consul cannot get
U.S. citizens released from jail.
U.S. citizens who approach Mexico along the
land border or who arrive by boat should
check carefully to ensure that someone else
has not left weapons or ammunition in the
vehicle or boat. If U.S. citizen visitors
realize they are in possession of firearms,
ammunition, or other weapons, they should
not proceed into Mexico. They should not
attempt to enter Mexico - even to turn
around - or go through Mexican Customs. All
land border crossings have pull-offs or
turnarounds on the U.S. side. The only way
to legally import firearms and ammunition
into Mexico is to secure a permit in advance
from the Mexican Embassy in Washington, D.C.
or from a Mexican Consulate in the United
States. Mariners who have obtained a Mexican
firearm permit should contact Mexican port
officials before attempting to enter Mexican
waters, to learn about specific procedures
to report and secure weapons and ammunition.
Some cities, such as Nuevo Laredo,
have ordinances prohibiting the possession
of knives, similar weapons or anything that
might be construed as a weapon.
Tourists have even been arrested for
possessing souvenir knives. Most arrests for
knife possession occur in connection with
some other infraction, such as drunk and
disorderly behavior.
Failure to pay hotel bills
Or for other services rendered is considered
fraud under Mexican law. Those accused of
these offenses are subject to arrest and
conviction with stiff fines and jail
sentences.
Be cautious when purchasing real
estate.
U.S. citizens who become involved in
time-share or other real property purchases
should be aware that Mexican laws and
practices regarding real estate are markedly
different from those in the United States.
Foreigners purchasing real estate or
time-shares in Mexico have no protection
under Mexican law and should be aware of the
high risks involved. Foreigners may be
granted the right to own real property only
under very specific conditions and the
purchase of real property in Mexico is far
more complicated than in the United States.
For example, no title insurance is available
in Mexico for the purchaser, and builders
frequently go bankrupt, leaving the
investors with little recourse to recoup
their funds. The U.S. Embassy strongly
recommends the use of competent local legal
assistance for any significant real property
or business purchase. A list of local
attorneys can be obtained from the U.S.
Embassy or the nearest consulate in Mexico.
To Avoid Disputes With Merchants, Be a
Careful Shopper.
Make sure the goods you buy are in good
condition and always get a receipt. There is
a federal consumer protection office, the
Procuraduria Federal del Consumidor, to
assist you if you have a major problem with
a faulty product or service. If the problem
is with a service of the tourist industry,
you should bring the matter to the Mexican
Government Tourist Office (Secretaria de
Turismo).
U.S. Assistance in Mexico
Where To Turn If You Have Serious
Legal or Financial Difficulties
Legal Problems
If you find yourself in serious difficulty
while in Mexico, contact a consular officer
at the U.S. Embassy or the nearest U.S.
consulate for assistance. U.S. consuls
cannot serve as attorneys or give legal
assistance. They can, however, provide lists
of local attorneys and advise you of your
rights under Mexican laws.
Worldwide, Mexico has the highest number of
arrests of Americans abroad - over 1,000 per
year - and the highest prison population of
U.S. citizens outside of the United States -
about 800 at any one time. If you are
arrested, ask permission to notify the U.S.
Embassy or nearest U.S. consulate. Under
international agreements and practice, you
have the right to talk with an American
consul. Although U.S. consuls are limited in
what they can do to assist you in legal
difficulties, they can monitor the status of
detained U.S. citizens and make sure they
are treated fairly under local laws. They
will also notify your relatives or friends
upon your request.
An individual is guaranteed certain rights
under the Mexican constitution, but those
rights differ significantly from U.S.
constitutional guarantees. The Mexican
judicial system is based on Roman and
Napoleonic law and presumes a person accused
of a crime to be guilty until proven
innocent. There is no trial by jury or writ
of habeas corpus in the Anglo-American
sense. Trial under the Mexican system is a
prolonged process based largely on documents
examined on a fixed date in court by
prosecution and defense counsel. Sentencing
usually takes 6 to 10 months. Bail can be
granted after sentencing if the sentence is
less than 5 years. Pre-trial bail exists but
is never granted when the possible sentence
upon conviction is greater than 5 years.
Financial Problems
Consular officers can arrange the transfer
of emergency funds to you if you become
destitute as a result of robbery, accident
or other emergency.
Advice on Dual Nationality
U.S. law recognizes that Americans may also
be citizens of other countries. As of March
20, 1998, Mexican law recognizes dual
nationality for Mexicans by birth, those
born in Mexico or born abroad to Mexican
parents. U.S. citizens who are also Mexican
nationals should be aware that they will be
considered Mexican by local authorities and
that their dual nationality status could
therefore hamper U.S. government efforts to
provide consular protection. Dual nationals
will not, however, be subject to compulsory
military service. It is important to note
that travelers possessing both U.S. and
Mexican nationalities must carry with them
proof of their citizenship of both counties.
Under Mexican law, dual nationals entering
or departing Mexico must identify themselves
as Mexican citizens or face a stiff fine.
Under U.S. law, U.S. citizens must enter
U.S. territory with documents proving U.S.
citizenship.
Operating Citizens Band (CB)
Equipment
American tourists are permitted to operate
CB radios in Mexico. You must, however,
obtain a 180-day permit for a nominal fee by
presenting your U.S. citizens’ band radio
authorization at a Mexican consulate or
Mexican Government Tourist Office. This
permit cannot be obtained at the border.
Transmissions on CB equipment are allowed
only on channels 9, 10 and 11 and only for
personal communication and emergency road
assistance. Any device that increases
transmission power to over 5 watts is
prohibited. CB equipment may not be used
near radio installations of the aeronautical
and marine services.
What You May Bring Into Mexico
Customs Regulations
Tourists should enter Mexico with only the
items needed for their trip. Entering with
large quantities of an item a tourist might
not normally be expected to have,
particularly expensive appliances, such as
televisions, stereos or other items, may
lead to suspicion of smuggling and possible
confiscation of the items and arrest of the
individual.
Mexican regulations limit the value of goods
brought into Mexico by U.S. citizens
arriving by air or sea to $300 U.S. per
person and by land to $50 U.S. per person.
Other travel-related items may also be
brought in duty-free. Amounts exceeding the
duty-free limit are subject to a 32.8
percent tax.
Unless you prepare ahead, you may have
difficulty bringing computers or other
expensive electronic equipment into Mexico
for your personal use. To prevent being
charged an import tax, write a statement
about your intention to use the equipment
for personal use and to remove it from
Mexico when you leave. Have this statement
signed and certified at a Mexican consulate
in the United States and present it to
Mexican customs as you enter Mexico.
Land travelers should verify from Mexican
customs at the border that all items in
their possession may be legally brought into
Mexico. You will be subject to a second
immigration and customs inspection south of
the Mexican border where unlawful items may
be seized and you could be prosecuted
regardless of whether or not the items
passed through the initial customs
inspection. Guns and ammunition cannot be
brought into Mexico without a permit from a
Mexican Consulate in the United States.
Currency
The Mexican government permits tourists to
exchange dollars for pesos at the
fluctuating free market rate. There are no
restrictions on the import or export of bank
notes and none on the export of reasonable
quantities of ordinary Mexican coins.
However, gold or silver Mexican coins may
not be exported.
Take travelers checks with you. Personal
U.S. checks are rarely accepted by Mexican
hotels or banks. Major credit cards are
accepted in many hotels, shops and
restaurants. An exchange office (casa de
cambios) usually gives a better rate of
exchange than do stores, hotels or
restaurants.
Pets
U.S. visitors to Mexico may bring a dog, cat
or up to four canaries by presenting the
following certificates at the border:
(1) A pet health certificate signed by a
registered veterinarian in the United States
and issued not more than 72 hours before the
animal enters Mexico; and (2) A pet
vaccination certificate showing that the
animal has been treated for rabies,
hepatitis, pip and leptospirosis.
Certification by Mexican consular
authorities is not required for the health
or vaccination certificate. A permit fee is
charged at the time of entry into Mexico.
Shopping - Some Things To Beware of
Buying
Wildlife and Wildlife Products
Beware of purchasing souvenirs made from
endangered wildlife. Mexican markets and
stores abound with wildlife, most of it
prohibited from international traffic. You
risk confiscation and a possible fine by
U.S. Customs and Border Protection if you
attempt to import virtually any wildlife
from Mexico. In particular, watch out for
and avoid:
-
All products made from sea turtles,
including such items as turtle leather
boots, tortoise-shell jewelry, and sea
turtle oil cosmetics
-
Fur from spotted cats
-
Mexican birds, stuffed or alive, such as
parrots, parakeets, or birds of prey
-
Crocodile and caiman leather
-
Black coral jewelry
-
Wildlife curios, such as stuffed iguanas
-
When driving across state lines within
Mexico, you can expect to be stopped at
agricultural livestock inspection
stations.
Antiquities
Mexico considers all pre-Colombian objects
to be the “inalienable property of the
Nation” and that the unauthorized export of
such objects is theft and is punishable by
arrest, detention and judicial prosecution.
Under U.S. law, to import pre-Colombian
monumental and architectural sculpture and
murals, you must present proof that they
were legally exported from the country of
origin. U.S. law does not prohibit the
import of nonmonumental or nonarchitectural
artifacts from Mexico.
Glazed Ceramics
According to the U.S. Food and Drug
Administration, it is possible to suffer
lead poisoning if you consume food or
beverages that have been stored or served in
improperly glazed ceramic ware. Analysis of
many ceramic pieces from Mexico has shown
them to contain dangerous levels of lead.
Unless you have proof of their safety, use
glazed ceramics purchased in Mexico for
decorative purposes only.
Returning to the United States
You must present the visitor’s copy of your
tourist card at your point of departure from
Mexico; you will be required to pay a fine
if you cannot do so. If you are returning by
motor vehicle, you will need to show your
vehicle import permit when you cross the
border. At the time of publication, the
airport departure tax is $10 or the
equivalent in Mexican currency for those
returning by commercial airline.
The U.S. Customs Service currently permits
U.S. citizens returning from international
travel to bring back $400 worth of
merchandise, including 1 liter of alcohol,
duty free. The next $1,000 worth of items
brought back is subject to a duty of 10%.
In addition to U.S. Customs regulations, be
aware that some U.S. border states (most
notably, Texas) have imposed restrictions on
liquor, wine and beer imports from Mexico.
If you are planning to bring back alcoholic
beverages, inquire about these restrictions
from the liquor control office of the state
through which you plan to return.
Useful Addresses & Telephone Numbers
American Embassy
Paseo de la Reforma 305
Colonia Cuauhtemoc
Mexico 06500, D.F.
Telephone from the United States:
011-52-55-5080-2000
Telephone within Mexico City: 5080-2000
Long distance telephone within Mexico
01-55-5080-2000
http://www.usembassy-mexico.gov/emenu.html
U.S. Consulates General
American Consulate General
Avenue Lopez Mateos 924-N
Ciudad Juarez, Chihuahua
Tel: (52)(656) 611-3000
http://usembassy.state.gov/posts/mx2/wwwhmain.html
American Consulate General
Progreso 175
Guadalajara, Jalisco
Tel [52] (33) 3825-2998/2700
http://www.usembassy-mexico.gov/guadalajara/guadalajara.htm
American Consulate General
Avenida Constitucion 411 Poniente
Monterrey, Nuevo Leon,
64000
Tel [52] (81) 8345-2120
http://www.usembassy-mexico.gov/monterrey/Monterrey.html
American Consulate General
Tapachula 96
Tijuana, Baja California
Tel [52] (664) 622-7400
http://www.usembassy-mexico.gov/tijuana/Tijuana.htm
U.S. Consulates
American Consulate
Ave. Monterrey 141 Pte.
Hermosillo, Sonora
Tel [52] (662) 289-3500
American Consulate
Ave. Primera 2002
Matamoros, Tamaulipas
Tel [52] (868) 812-4402
American Consulate
Paseo Montejo 453
Merida, Yucatan
Tel [52] (999) 925-5011
American Consulate
Calle Allende 3330, Col. Jardin
Nuevo Laredo, Tamaulipas
Tel [52] (867) 714-0512
American Consulate
Calle San Jose s/n
Fracc. Alamos
Nogales, Sonora
Tel [52] (631) 313-4820
U.S. Consular Agents
Resident consular agents have been
designated in other locations in Mexico to
assist U.S. citizens in serious emergencies.
Each consular agent is supervised by one of
the above-listed offices and may be
contacted through it or by calling the
consular agent s direct number.
Acapulco: Hotel 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
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