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U.S. Department of State
95/06 Tips for Travelers to Mexico
Bureau of Consular Affairs





Department of State Publication 10270
Bureau of Consular Affairs
Revised June 1995


The information in this publication is in the public domain and may be
reproduced without permission.  When this material is reproduced, the
Department of State would appreciate receiving a copy at:  CA/P/PA,
Department of State, Washington, DC 20520-4818.

For sale by the U.S. Government Printing Office
Superintendent of Documents, Mailstop: SSOP
Washington, DC 20402-9328




                         Tips for Travelers to Mexico
Table of Contents

General Information

How To Have a Safe and Healthy Trip

Know Before You Go.
Consular Information Program
Health
Safety Tips
Travel by Car
Rental Cars
Bringing Your Own Plane or Boat to Mexico
Crime
Avoiding Legal Problems

U.S. Assistance in Mexico

Where to Turn If You Have Serious Legal,
  Medical, or Financial Difficulties
Advice on Dual Nationality

A Guide to Entry and Exit Regulations

Getting Into Mexico
Operation of Citizen's Band (CB) Equipment
What You May Bring Into Mexico
Shopping--Some Things To Beware of Buying
Returning to the United States

Useful Addresses and Telephone Numbers

U.S. Embassy, Mexico City
Consulates General and Consulates
Consular Agents




Tips for Travelers to Mexico

General Information

Between 15 and 16 million U.S. citizens visit Mexico each year, while
more than 460,000 Americans reside there year round.  Although the
majority of visitors thoroughly enjoy their stay, a small number
experience difficulties and serious inconveniences.  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.

The Department of State seeks to encourage international travel.
Conditions in Mexico, however, can contrast sharply with those to which
you are accustomed.  This pamphlet contains advice to help you avoid
inconveniences and difficulties as you go.  Take our advice seriously
but do not let it keep you at home.  To keep you among the majority who
do not experience difficulties, this brochure will offer some
precautions you may take.

Before you go, learn as much as you can about your destination.  Your
travel agent, local bookstore, public library and the embassy of the
country or countries you plan to visit are all useful sources of
information.  Another source is the Department of State's Background
Notes series which includes a pamphlet regarding the specific country to
which you wish to travel.  To obtain specific pamphlet prices and
information, contact the Superintendent of Documents, U.S. Government
Printing Office, Washington, D.C. 20402; tel:  [phone].  You may
also obtain select issues by fax by calling the State Department's
Bureau of Public Affairs [phone] from your fax machine.

Important:  This pamphlet was prepared from information obtained prior
to June 1995.  This information is subject to change.  Please consult
the latest Consular Information Sheet for current information.



                   How To Have a Safe and Healthy Trip

Know Before You Go

As you travel, keep abreast of local news coverage.  If you plan a long
stay in one place or if you are in an area where communications are
poor, experiencing civil unrest or some natural disaster, you are
encouraged to register with the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate.
Registration takes only a few moments, and it may be invaluable in case
of an emergency.  Remember to leave a detailed itinerary and the numbers
of your passport or other citizenship documents with a friend or
relative in the United States.  You should bring either a U.S. passport
or a certified copy of a birth certificate with photo identification.
For specific information on Mexico see page 17.   Carry your photo
identification and the name of a person to contact with you in the event
of serious illness or other emergency.  It is also wise to photocopy
your airline or other tickets and your list of travelers checks.  Leave
a copy with someone at home, and carry an extra copy with you.

Safety begins before you leave home.  Do not bring anything you would
hate to lose.  Leave things like unnecessary credit cards and expensive
jewelry at home.  Bring travelers checks, not cash.  Use a money belt or
concealed pouch for passport, cash, and other valuables.

Consular Information Program

Before traveling obtain the Consular Information Sheet for Mexico and
any other  countries you plan to visit.  You should also check to see if
the Department of State has issued a Travel Warning for the country or
countries you will be visiting.  Warnings are issued when the Department
of State decides, based on all relevant information, to recommend that
all Americans avoid travel to a certain country.  Consular Information
Sheets are available for every country in the world.  They include such
information as the location of the U.S. embassy or consulate in the
country, unusual immigration practices, health conditions, minor
political disturbances, unusual currency and entry regulations, crime
and security information, and drug penalties.  If an unstable condition
exists in a country that is not severe enough to warrant a Warning, a
description of the condition(s) may be included in the Consular
Information Sheet under an optional section entitled "Areas of
Instability."  On limited occasions, the Department also restates in
this section U.S. Embassy advice given to official employees.  Consular
Information Sheets generally do not include advice, but present
information on factual matters so that travelers can make knowledgeable
decisions concerning travel to a particular country.  Countries where
avoidance of travel is recommended will have Travel Warnings as well as
Consular Information Sheets.

How to Access Consular Information Sheets and Travel Warnings

Consular Information Sheets and Travel Warnings may be heard any time by
dialing the office of Overseas Citizens Services at [phone] from
a touchtone phone.  The recording is updated as new information becomes
available.  They are also available at any of the 13 regional passport
agencies, field offices of the Department of Commerce, and U.S.
embassies and consulates abroad, or, by writing or sending a self-
addressed, stamped envelope to the Office of Overseas Citizens Services,
Bureau of Consular Affairs, Room 4811, U.S. Department of State,
Washington, D.C. 20520-4818.

By fax

From your fax machine, dial [phone], using the handset as you
would a regular telephone.  The system will instruct you on how to
proceed.

Consular Affairs Bulletin Board - CABB

If you have a personal computer, modem and communication software, you
can access the Consular Affairs Bulletin Board (CABB).  This service is
free of charge.  To view or download the documents from a computer and
modem, dial the CABB on [phone], setting your software to N-8-1.

Health

Health problems sometimes affect visitors to Mexico.  Information on
health precautions can be obtained from local health departments or
private doctors.  General guidance can also be found in the U.S. Public
Health Service book, Health Information for International Travel,
available for $7.00 from the Superintendent of Documents, U.S.
Government Printing Office, Washington, D.C. 20402, or the Centers for
Disease Control's international travelers hotline at [phone].

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.  If your insurance policy does not
cover you in Mexico, it is strongly recommended that you purchase a
policy that does.  There are short-term health insurance policies
designed specifically to cover travel.

Medical facilities in Mexico differ from those in the United States.
Adequate medical care can be found in all major cities.  There are some
excellent health  facilities in Mexico City.   Some remote areas or
coastal islands may have few or no medical facilities.  For these
reasons, in addition to medical insurance that you can use in Mexico,
consider obtaining insurance or joining a medical assistance program to
cover the exorbitant cost of medical evacuation in the event of an
accident or serious illness.  As part of the coverage, these programs
usually offer emergency consultation by telephone.  They may refer you
to the nearest hospital or call for help on your behalf; they may
translate your instructions to a health care worker on the scene.  The
cost of medical evacuation coverage can be as low as $50.00 for a trip
of 30 days.  Without this insurance, medical evacuation can cost
thousands of dollars.

If your travel agent cannot direct you to a medical assistance company,
look for information in travel magazines.  The U.S. government cannot
pay to have you medically evacuated to the United States.

Immunizations are normally recommended against diptheria, tetanus,
polio, typhoid, and hepatitis A for travelers.  Generally, these
immunizations are administered during childhood.  For visitors coming
directly from the United States, no immunization certification is
required to enter Mexico.  If you are traveling from an area known to be
infected with yellow fever, a vaccination certificate is required.

Malaria is found in some rural areas of Mexico, particularly those near
the southwest coast.  Travelers to malarial areas should consult their
physician or the U.S. Public Health Service and take the recommended
dosage of chloroquine.  Although chloroquine is not considered necessary
for travelers to the major resort areas on the Pacific and Gulf coasts,
travelers to those areas should use insect repellent and take other
personal protection measures to reduce contact with mosquitoes,
particularly from dusk to dawn when malaria transmission is most likely.

Air pollution in Mexico City is severe.  It is most dangerous during
thermal inversions which occur most often from December to May.  Air
pollution plus Mexico City's high altitude are a particular health risk
for the elderly and persons with high blood pressure, anemia, or
respiratory or cardiac problems.  If this applies to you, consult your
doctor before traveling to Mexico City.

In high altitude areas, such as Mexico City, most people need a short
adjustment period.  Spend the first few days in a leisurely manner, with
a light diet and reduced intake of alcohol.  Avoid strenuous activity,
this includes 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.
Be aware of ice cubes that may not have been made with purified water.
Vegetables and fruits should be peeled or washed in a purifying
solution.  A good rule to follow is if you can't peel it or cook it, do
not eat it.  Diarrhea may benefit from antimicrobial treatment which may
be prescribed or purchased over the counter.  Travelers should consult a
physician, rather than attempt self-medication, if the diarrhea is
severe or persists several days.

Safety Tips

In an emergency, call [91] (5) 250-0123, the 24-hour hotline of the
Mexican Ministry of Tourism.  They also have two toll free numbers:  if
calling within Mexico [91] 800-90-392 and from the U.S. 1-800-482-9832.
The hotline is for immediate assistance, but it can give you general,
nonemergency guidance as well.  It is an important number to keep with
you.  If necessary, in an emergency, you may also call the U.S. Embassy
or the nearest U.S. consulate or consular agency.  (See addresses at the
end of this pamphlet.)

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
irreplacable 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 out for pickpockets in these areas.

On Streets and Highways.  Be aware of persons representing themselves as
Mexican police or other local officials.  It is not uncommon for
Americans to become victims of harassment, mistreatment, and extortion
by Mexican law enforcement and other officials.  Mexican authorities are
concerned about these incidents and have cooperated in investigating
such cases.  You must, however, have the officer's name, badge number,
and patrol car number to pursue a complaint.  Make a note of this
information if you are ever involved with police or other officials.

Do not be surprised if you encounter several types of police in Mexico.
The Preventive Police, the Transit Police, and the Federal Highway
Police all wear uniforms.  The Judicial Police who work for the public
prosecutor are not uniformed.

At the Pool or Beach.  Do not leave your belongings on the beach while
you are swimming.  Keep your passport and other valuables in the hotel
safe.

Visitors to Mexican resorts should carefully assess the risk potential
of recreational activities.  Sports and aquatic equipment that you rent
may not meet U.S. safety standards nor be covered by any accident
insurance.  For example, unless you are certain that scuba diving
equipment is up to standard, do not use it.  Inexperienced scuba divers
should be aware of dive shops that promise to "certify" you after a few
hours instruction.  Safe diving requires lengthy training.

Parasailing is offered at many Mexican beach resorts.  Be aware that by
putting your name on the passenger list, you may be relieving the boat
operator and owner of responsibility for your safety.  There have been
cases in which tourists have been  dragged through palm trees or slammed
into hotel walls while participating in this activity.

Be extremely careful when renting jet-skis.  Several tourists have been
killed or injured in jet-ski accidents, particularly when participating
in group tours.  Often inexperienced tour guides allow their clients to
follow too closely or operate the jet-skis in other unsafe manners.  In
one case the jet-ski rental company carried liability insurance limited
to $2,500 U.S. dollars.  Make sure that the rental company has adequate
medical/accident insurance, is staffed with personnel on-site with water
rescue training, and properly demonstrates safe operation of the vehicle
to you before you rent or operate such equipment.

Do not use pools or beaches without lifeguards, or, if you do, exercise
extreme caution.  Do not dive 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.  Be aware that the 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.   It is important for
visitors to remember the following steps when crossing the border
between the United States and Mexico by automobile.  There are no
procedures to comply with if you are traveling within the Border Zone or
Free Trade Zone (including the Baja California Peninsula and the Sonora
Free Trade Zone).  If you wish to travel past these zones, you will need
to adhere to certain procedures.  The first step to take is to obtain
the original and photocopies of the appropriate immigration form, the
vehicle state registration certificate or document certifying legal
ownership, and leasing contract.  If the vehicle is leased or rented
then it must be in the person's name who is importing the car.  If the
vehicle belongs to a company, proper documentation is necessary to show
the individual works for the company.  A valid driver's license and an
international credit card (American Express, Diner's Club, Mastercard or
Visa) are needed in the name of the owner of the vehicle.   If you do
not possess an international credit card, you will be asked to post a
bond, payable to the Federal Treasury, issued by an authorized bonding
company in Mexico.  An alternative is to make a cash deposit at Banco
del Ejercito in an amount equal to the value of the vehicle according to
the tables of vehicle values for bonding companies.  This is often a
substantial percentage of the vehicle's value.  The second step is to
present the documents you have received to the Vehicular Control Module
located in Customs to process the importation permit.  Carry this
document with you at all times!  The permit is valid for periods up to
six months.  The vehicle may be driven across the border multiple times
during the authorized period of the permit.  Other persons may drive the
car as long as the owner is in the vehicle.  Other foreigners with the
same "tourist" status as the vehicle owner may drive the vehicle without
the owner present in the car.  If you wish to authorize another person
to drive your car, record the authorization with Mexican officials when
you enter Mexico--even if you expect to be a passenger when the other
person drives.  Do not, under any circumstances, allow an unauthorized
person to drive the vehicle when the owner is not in it.   Such a person
would have to pay a fine amounting to a substantial percentage of the
vehicles's value, and your vehicle would be confiscated.   All documents
and the credit card must be in the name of the owner, who must be
present upon crossing the border.  We caution American citizens not to
loan their vehicles to Mexican citizens resident in Mexico as those
vehicles are subject to seizure by Mexican authorities.  If confiscated,
they are not returned.  In the third step, your credit card will be
charged an amount in national currency equivalent to U.S. $10 at the
Banco del Ejercito.  If you do not have a credit card, the bank will
accept cash in an amount equal to the value of your vehicle shown in the
table of vehicle values for bonding companies.  Your deposit plus any
interest it may earn will be returned upon departure from Mexico.  You
may also, instead, obtain a bond through an authorized Mexican bonding
company located at all border crossings.  The bonding companies require
a refundable deposit equal to a substantial percentage of the vehicle's
value.  The bonding company will also assess taxes and processing costs
for this service.  Finally, upon your departure from Mexico, and if the
vehicle will not be driven back into Mexico, the permit for temporary
importation must be cancelled at Customs.  If these steps are carefully
followed, there should be no problem taking your car to Mexico.
Remember, if your car is found in Mexico beyond the authorized time or
without the proper documents, it will be immediately confiscated.  Also,
the sale, abandonment, or use of the vehicle for financial gain will
result in its confiscation.  For more information, contact your nearest
office of the Mexican Consulate or call 1-800-446-8277.

If you bring spare auto parts to Mexico, declare them when you enter the
country.  When you leave, be prepared to show that you are taking the
unused parts with you or that you have had them installed in Mexico.
Save your repair receipts for this purpose.

All vehicular traffic is restricted in the capital city of  Mexico City
in order to reduce air pollution.  The restriction is based on the last
digit of the vehicle license plate.  (There is no specific provision
regarding plates with letters only.)  Driving of vehicles with temporary
license plates or any other plate not conforming with the above is not
permitted.

Monday:  no driving if license plate ends with 5 or 6
Tuesday:  no driving if license plate ends with 7 or 8
Wednesday:  no driving if license plate ends with 3 or 4
Thursday:  no driving if license plate ends with 1 or 2
Friday:  no driving if license plate ends with 9 or 0
Saturday and Sunday:  all vehicles may be driven.

Avoid excessive speed and, if at all possible, do not drive at night.
Loose livestock can appear at any time.  Construction sites or stranded
vehicles are often unmarked by flares or other warning signals.
Sometimes cars have only one headlight.  Many cars lack brake lights.
Bicycles seldom have lights or reflectors.  This makes for very
dangerous driving conditions at night.  Be prepared for a sudden stop at
any time.  Mexican driving conditions are such that, for your safety,
you must drive more slowly than you do at home.

Learn local driving signals.  In Mexico, a blinking left turn signal on
the vehicle in front of you could mean that it is clear ahead and you
may pass, or it could mean the driver is making a left turn.  An
outstretched left arm may mean an invitation for you to pass.  When in
doubt, do not pass.

An oncoming vehicle flashing its headlights is a warning for you to slow
down or pull over because you are both approaching a narrow bridge or
place in the road.  The custom is that the first vehicle to flash has
the right of way and the other must yield.

When it begins to rain, immediately slow down 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 slow, until
conditions improve.

To avoid highway crime, try not to drive at night and never drive alone
during this time.  Never sleep in vehicles along the road.  Do not,
under any circumstances, pick up hitchhikers who not only pose a threat
to your physical safety, but also put you in danger of being arrested
for unwittingly transporting narcotics or narcotics traffickers in your
vehicle.  Your vehicle can be confiscated if you are transporting
marijuana or other narcotics.  There are checkpoints and temporary
roadblocks where vehicles are checked.

If you plan to drive, learn about your route from an auto club, guide
book, or a Mexican government tourist office.  Some routes have heavy
truck and bus traffic, others have poor or nonexistent shoulders, and
many have animals on the loose.  Also, some of the newer roads have very
few restaurants, motels, gas stations, or auto repair shops.  You may
not be able to avoid all problems, but at least you will know what to
expect if you have done some research.

For your safety, have your vehicle serviced and in optimum condition
before you leave for Mexico.  It is wise to bring an extra fan belt,
fuses, and other spare parts.   Pack a basic first-aid kit and carry an
emergency water supply in your vehicle.  Unleaded gasoline (magna sin)
is generally available throughout Mexico.  Bring a flexible funnel to
fill your gas tank because some gas stations have nozzles too large to
fit unleaded tanks.

If you have an emergency while driving, call the Ministry of Tourism's
hotline or (91)(5) 250-8221/8555 ext. 130/297 to obtain help from the
"Green Angels,"  a fleet of radio dispatched trucks with bilingual crews
that operate daily.  Services include protection, medical first aid,
mechanical aid for your car, and basic supplies.  You will not be
charged for services, only for parts, gas, and oil.  The Green Angels
patrol daily, from dawn until sunset.  If you are unable to call them,
pull off the road and lift the hood of your car; chances are good they
will find you.

Insurance.  Mexican auto insurance is sold in most cities and towns on
both sides of the border.  U.S. automobile liability insurance is not
valid in Mexico nor is most collision and comprehensive coverage issued
by U.S. companies.  Therefore, when you cross the border, purchase auto
insurance adequate for your needs in Mexico.  A good rule of thumb is to
buy coverage equivalent to that which you carry in the United States.

Motor vehicle insurance is invalid in Mexico if the driver is found to
be under the influence of alcohol or drugs.  Regardless of whether you
have insurance, if you are involved in an accident, you will be taken
into police custody until it can be determined who is liable and whether
you have the ability to pay any judgment.  If you do not have Mexican
liability insurance, you are almost certain to spend some time in jail
until all parties are satisfied that responsibility has been assigned
and adequate financial satisfaction received.  There may also be
criminal liability assigned if the injuries or damages are serious.

Rental Cars

Renting in the United States.  Many car rental companies in the United
States have clauses in their contracts prohibiting drivers from
traveling out of the country.  The Mexican police are aware of these
regulations, and will sometimes impound rental vehicles driven from the
United States.  When renting a vehicle in the United States, check with
the company to see if your contract allows you to drive it into Mexico.

Renting a Car in Mexico.  The standard insurance included with many car
rental contracts in Mexico provides only nominal liability coverage,
often as little as the equivalent of $200.  Because Mexican law permits
the jailing of drivers after an accident until they have met their
obligations to third parties and to the rental company, renters should
read their contracts carefully and purchase additional liability and
comprehensive insurance if necessary.

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

Street crime is common, especially in urban areas.  Persons driving on
some Mexican roads, particularly in isolated regions, have been targeted
by bandits who operate primarily after dark.  Criminals, particularly in
Sinaloa, sometimes represent themselves as Mexican police or other local
officials.  The U.S. Embassy advises its personnel not to travel on
Mexican highways after dark.  Highway 15 and Express Highway 1 (limited
access) in the state of Sinaloa are particularly dangerous areas where
criminal assaults and murders have occurred, during the day and night.

If You Are in Danger.  Call the Mexican Ministry of Tourism's emergency
hotline, [91] (5) 250-0123, for immediate assistance.  Or, in Mexico
City, dial 06 for police assistance.

If You Have Been the Victim of a Crime.  Immediately contact the U.S.
Embassy or the nearest U.S. consulate or consular agency.  For addresses
and telephone numbers, see the end of this pamphlet.  You should also
report the crime to the local police immediately.

Avoiding Legal Problems

While traveling in Mexico, you are subject to Mexican laws and not U.S.
laws.  Tourists who commit illegal acts have no special privileges and
are subject to full prosecution under the Mexican judicial system.

Avoid drug offenses.  Mexico rigorously prosecutes drug cases.  Under
Mexican law, possession of and trafficking in illegal drugs are federal
offenses.  For drug trafficking, bail does not exist.  Convicted
offenders can expect lengthy jail sentences and fines.  Sentences for
possession of drugs in Mexico can be as long as 25 years plus fines.
Just as in the U.S., the purchase of controlled medication requires a
doctor's prescription.  The Mexican list of controlled medication
differs from the U.S. list, and Mexican public health laws concerning
controlled medication are unclear.  Possession of excessive amounts of a
psychotropic drug such as valium can result in your arrest if the
authorities suspect abuse.  Mexican law does not differentiate between
types of narcotics:  heroin, marijuana, and amphetamines, for example,
are treated the same.  Offenders found guilty of possessing more than a
token amount of any narcotic substance are subject to a minimum sentence
of 10 years, and it is not uncommon for persons charged with drug
offenses to be detained for up to 1 year before a verdict is reached.