What Travel Requirements To Mexico Should You Know
Traveling into and throughout Mexico is still very simple, even in this day and age of heightened sensitivities about border control and enforcement. However, there are several key requirements that you should know about concerning travel in Mexico. These include knowing about documents that you should always carry with you, what type of items that you can and can’t take from one country into another, and finally, the certain situations that are best avoided while vacationing in Mexico.
One of the most recent developments concerning international travel to and from the United States is the necessity of having a valid passport. As of January 23, 2007 United States citizens are required to show a valid passport if traveling by air outside of the country, that includes even to Mexico or Canada. By January 1, 2008 that requirement will also include any travels by sea or land outside of the country. To obtain a passport or to register a lapsed one all you need to do is visit one of the over 9,000 passport acceptance facilities located throughout the United States. It is recommended that you allow 10-12 weeks time before your intended travel, as it could take that long before your passport documentation is completed.
The Mexican government will issue an official travel card to you. This travel card is usually included in the cost of your airline ticket, and it should be kept with your passport in a secure place while you are visiting the country. Always, keep your travel documents in a secure location that is not on your person. Writing down your travel card number and having it handy can be helpful in certain situations. It would also be prudent to have your driver’s license and a copy of your birth certificate with you, although these are not required, they are always good to have – just in case.
When you arrive in Mexico and again, when your return to the United States you will have to go through customs and fill out a form either declaring items that are above the allowance for an individual or choosing not to declare. Be aware that if you declare items your baggage will be searched and duty will be collected. Even if you don’t declare anything, there is still the chance that you will be searched and any undeclared items found can result in heavy fines and penalties. While staying in Mexico be aware of purchasing items that may not be able to be brought home without paying a duty tax. A list of items allowed can be found on the Internet or by contacting your travel agent or airline.
Whether you are in any area or for that matter, any city that you are not familiar with, practice common sense in order to remain safe. If you are out at night enjoying the abundant nightclubs, always keep your money and valuables in a safe place. Never walk anywhere alone and avoid dark corners or dead ends. If you become “a little worse for wear” due to over-participation in adult beverages, do not drive and never walk alone back to your hotel. Even if it is only a couple of blocks, take a taxi.
These are very simple requirements that you should adhere to when you vacation in Mexico. Following them and using common sense will ensure that you enjoy the safest vacation and one that is hassle free.
Thanks for the great tips on what to know about Mexico. I’ve never been to Mexico so will definitely bookmark this for future reference in case I ever decide to take the plunge on a big holiday.
thanks for sharing the tips regarding the rules to be followed while traveling in Mexico.very informative.
Nice information, for vacation with your family i have a information. Vacationing with your family in Mexico offers many benefits. Though many cities are associated with constant partying, there are also many activities that are designed for young children and teenagers. Many children receive discounts at many popular tourist attractions. Selecting an all-inclusive vacation package for the whole family is one of the best ways for everyone to enjoy their vacation in Mexico, without having to worry about the cost.
Thank you. I was looking for traveling tips for my upcoming trip to Mexico. I’ll put your advice in mind.
Thanks for the very usefull post. It is true that sometime we face different or more strict rules. This post prevent the reader for breaking the Mexican regulations.
I had been thinking of going to Mexico but had to put that idea on hold. I think maybe in a few years I’ll go there because there really seems to be a lot to see and do.
Thanks very much for the article information. WE will be driving to Mexico in December, and it is very nice to have some real first hand experience on what to expect.
I am planning to do to Mexico soon. Thanks for the info.
I think it is worth mentioning that if you were to lose your passport or get into trouble while traveling in Mexico, you should always contact the American Embassy. Mexico can be a wonderful place to travel, all you need is a little common sense and a sense of adventure!
Just got back from Mexico and used some of your helpful insight – thanks much
Thanks for sharing the key requirements for traveling in Mexico. Following the guide and enjoy the safest vacation. Mexico is my next destination.
Last year we went to our honey moon to visit Mexico.We went around the country by car and we didn’t have any reservations for any hotels, so we just looked at the Hotels and Restaurants section at the end of the book, and chose one. It is really perfect. We also loved very much the 3-D drawings of the main cities, where you could see the biggest attractions.
I like that all should have one time plan a great vacation there. I really enjoyed the coverage on the hotels, restaurants, overview of the island and of course the diving.
This above good info and my experience added would help more ones to get with it.
-Sun.Pop
I am planning to do to Mexico soon. Thanks for the info.
interesting article. i totally agree with Michelle. Mexico is a great place. But you should always be intelligent and alert and you can have a really good adventure.
Very helpful tips for the travelers who are planning trips to Mexico. Well preparation is essential, and is key to a enjoyable trip.
Thanks for the really informative article. Mexico is a really good place when visited with the correct equipment and requirements. Thanks for the information. Cheers
That’s some really good information. Mexico is a really good place to visit. I love the atmosphere there. Thanks for the information. Would really help me out next time. Cheers
Mexico is definitely a holiday destination of mine. So your article gave me many value information and help me to prevent some mistakes which can cost a lot (e.g. passport/travel card). Thank you for that!
Thanks for this great post, some really useful tips for a first time traveller. I was getting a bit nervous about my trip but you’ve managed to put me at ease.
I didn’t even think about not walking back if you’re intoxicated. That’s such a smart observation. I’ll definitly remember that. Also a little tip: most resorts offer a free breakfest or lunch for coming and listening to presentation about their resort and than they give you free tickets to stuff. These are great easy, and worth the tickets! Plus if you bring your teens they usually will let them lay by the pool while you listen to the presentation.
Your article is very interesting! Thanks for your tutorial. One day, I’ll visit Mexico!
Once i wa there in mexico .. and it was a remarkable time period of my life..Talking about this article .. its well structured .. and gives all the advices step by step so a newbie can understand and hav a good idea about what they should do in such situations..
I didn’t know it was simple to travel to Mexico, I thought it will be strict bec. of border control
Interesting article. And it really is a simple trip to Mexico. Despite all the border restrictions and all. Great article. Keep it up.
thanks for the tip so I would know what documents to bring to go to Mexico.
While carrying a passport together with me all the time, I don’t understand the logic of carrying a birth certificate. I think passport has all the details documented on it including date of birth.
What guarantee do you actually have when you place your goods in the safe, aren’t they often showing signs saying they will take care but not responsibility if your items go missing from the safe?
Recently I saw a video of someone who went to mexico during the flu epidemic. The federal police gave him a hard time when he was trying to get out of mexico city. Plus people in the hotel were trying to get him kidnapped. Seems pretty corrupt down there, especially in certain parts.
I have never been to Mexico, but I am sure it is just a matter of time before we make a trip down there. Thanks for these tips which should make our trip easier. When you are traveling abroad it is important to research your destination to know exactly what to expect.
Thanks very much for the information. It has been a long time since I was in Mexico. You are stirring me up to go back again.
I forgot how beautiful it is in Mexico. Thank you!
You are making me want to go to Mexico! Thank you for the great information.
Travel to Mexico can be an exciting adventure, but it can also bring many unpredictable situations, especially if you should need medical attention. International Travel Health Insurance is available for your Mexico trip and will ease the stress of an unfamiliar culture or medical systems.
It’s been a while since I have traveled to Mexico. I don’t remember getting a travel card. Is that new? Good advice about never walking around alone at night, even if it’s only a few blocks.
Travelling to any country really needs some advance knowledge about that country as it becomes helpful to enjoy in reality.Mexico is really a wonderful country to travel as it is a tropical country.Official travel card,I think will be helpful to travel there.It will provide a safe travel.
Very great information about Mexico.