From: owner-travel-advisories Subject: NEW TRAVEL INFO -- Mexico Newsgroups: wstd.travel.advisories Date: Tue, 21 Jan 1997 19:44:49 GMT Organization: The World @ Software Tool & Die Xref: world wstd.travel.advisories:1218 Path: world!bzs Message-ID: <970121194448_76702.1202_CHN66-1@CompuServe.COM> Precedence: bulk Sender: bzs@world.std.com (daemons) Distribution: wstd Approved: usenet@world.std.com Lines: 325 STATE DEPARTMENT TRAVEL INFORMATION - Mexico ============================================================ Mexico - Public Announcement January 21, 1997 U.S. DEPARTMENT OF STATE Office of the Spokesman Due to the increasing frequency and violence of taxi robberies in Mexico City, the U.S. Embassy in Mexico City strongly advises Americans to use only taxis from authorized taxi stands ("sitios") at the airport and throughout the city. Growing numbers of U.S. Embassy employees and tourists have been assaulted, abducted and robbed after hailing Volkswagen "Bug" taxis and other cabs cruising the streets of Mexico City or parked in front of restaurants, theaters, clubs and hotels. Travelers should consult their hotels for locations of authorized taxi stands or contact 24-hour radio taxis in Mexico City by calling 217-9146, 271-9058 or 2730-6125. Further information may be obtained from the U.S. Embassy in Mexico City (Tel. 211-0042). For further information on travel to Mexico, consult the Department of State's latest Consular Information Sheet for Mexico. Mexico - Consular Information Sheet September 3, 1996 Country Description: Mexico has a rapidly developing economy. Luxury accommodations in major cities and resorts are widely available. Tourist facilities in more remote areas may be limited. Entry Requirements: Proof of citizenship and photo identification are required for entry by all U.S. citizens. A passport and visa are not required for a tourist/transit stay of up to 180 days. A tourist card, issued by Mexican consulates and most airlines serving Mexico, is required. Minors require notarized consent from parent(s) if traveling alone, with one parent, or in someone else's custody. Mexican regulations limit the value of goods brought into Mexico by U.S. citizens arriving by air or sea to $300 per person and by land to $50 per person. 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. Upon arrival in Mexico, business travelers must complete a form (FM-N 30 days) authorizing the conduct of business, but not employment, for a 30 day period. If the business traveler departs and re-enters, the 30-day period begins again. For further information concerning entry requirements, travelers may contact the Embassy of Mexico at 1911 Pennsylvania Avenue N.W., Washington, D.C. 20006, telephone (202) 736-1000, or any of the Mexican consulates in major U.S. cities. In response to the increased interest in immigration matters in the U.S., Mexican authorities may scrutinize more closely the visa situation of Americans residing or working in Mexico. Americans planning on working or living in Mexico, therefore, should be sure to apply for the appropriate Mexican visa (FM-2 or 3). Special Information: Since December 1994, the Popocatepetl volcano has registered varying levels of seismic activity. Depending on the levels of activity, Mexican government officials have, at times, restricted access to the slope of the volcano. Americans planning to hike in the area should be alert to any warnings or signs posted on the slopes of the volcano. The U.S. Embassy encourages Americans planning to hike in the area to contact the embassy for the latest information about seismic activity. Medical Facilities: Adequate medical care can be found in all major cities. Health facilities in Mexico City are excellent. Care in more remote areas is limited. U.S. medical insurance is not always valid outside the U.S. In some instances, supplemental medical insurance with specific overseas coverage and medical evacuation coverage has proven useful. Air pollution in Mexico City and Guadalajara is severe, especially from December to May. For additional health information, travelers may contact the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's international travelers hotline at (404) 332-4559. Crime Information: Crime continues to increase, particularly in urban areas. Travelers to Mexico should leave valuables and irreplaceable items in a safe place. All visitors to Mexico are encouraged to make use of hotel safes when available, to avoid wearing obviously expensive jewelry or designer clothing, and to 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. In the past year, there has been an increase in assaults on passengers in taxis. The U.S. Embassy in Mexico City recommends that only airport, tourist or CTO taxis (taxis from authorized taxi stands) be used. "Green and white" taxis and Volkswagen-style roving taxis should be avoided. If someone attempts to rob you, it is generally considered safest to immediately comply by handing over the requested items. 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. Highway hold-ups in the state of Campeche have become bolder. While favored targets are long distance busses at night, reports have been received of busses being stopped and passengers robbed during daylight hours. The most risky roads appear to be route 186 heading east from Escarcega, Campeche and the secondary route between Escarcega and Candalaria, Campeche. 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. 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 both during the day and at night. Driving Information: U.S. driver's licenses are valid in Mexico. Mexican insurance is required. All Vehicular traffic is restricted in 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 license plates with letters only.) -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. Also, no driving of vehicles with temporary license plates or any other plate that does not conform with the above. -Saturday and Sunday: All vehicles may be driven. Security: The Mexican military has reestablished authority in rural towns and villages in the State of Chiapas. However, there is still an armed rebel presence in more remote mountainous areas of the state. The situation remains unstable. Americans traveling to the areas are encouraged to exercise extreme caution and to contact the U.S. Embassy or Consulates for further security information prior to traveling to the region. In August 1996, armed individuals claiming to be members of the Popular Revolutionary Army launched a series of small attacks and/or propaganda actions in seven states including Chiapas, Guerrero, Oaxaca, Puebla and the state of Mexico. There was no evidence of Americans or other tourists having been targeted. However, several Mexican military police and civilians were killed or injured in the incidents. While Mexican government authorities have taken steps to prevent further incidents, they could occur again. The Embassy suggests that American citizens travelling in Mexico exercise caution. Military roadblocks may be encountered while travelling and tourists should be prepared to show identification and have vehicles searched. For further information, travelers may contact the U.S. Embassy in Mexico City. Traveling in Baja: During heavy seasonal rains (January-March), road conditions can become difficult and travelers can become stranded. For current Mexican road conditions between Ensenada and El Rosario, Mexico, travelers can contact the nearest Mexican consulate or tourism office or the U.S. Consulate General in Tijuana. Travel through Mexico to Central American Countries: Mexican authorities require that all international transit of persons (transmigrantes) and merchandise through Mexico, destined for Central America, from the area from Ciudad Acuna to Matamoros, be handled by the Lucio Blanco-Los Indios customs office and by the Colombia, Nuevo Laredo customs office. Transmigrantes entering Mexico from areas other than the Ciudad Acuna-Matamoros zone will continue to use their regular ports of entry. Mexican authorities require that a customs broker handle the temporary entry into Mexico of all non-personal property of travelers destined for Central American countries. Fees will be processed through the customs broker. For more detailed information, travelers can contact the nearest Mexican consulate or tourism office or the U.S. Consulate in Matamoros prior to departing the U.S. Bringing Vehicles, Boats and Trailers into Mexico: The government of Mexico strictly regulates the entry of vehicles into Mexico. Travelers going more than twenty-five kilometers into Mexico must complete appropriate temporary vehicle importation documentation. They should carefully read the temporary vehicle importation information provided to them by Mexican authorities and ensure that the vehicle's title and import documents are in order and correctly completed. Check the expiration date on the temporary importation documents. Failure to carefully review documentation and comply with temporary vehicle importation regulations may lead to vehicle confiscation or a fine, which can be higher than the value of the vehicle. The owner of an imported vehicle should be present at all times the vehicle is in operation, or the vehicle may be confiscated. Mexican law permits the spouse or adult children of a U.S. citizen owner to drive his car, provided they are in the same immigration status as the U.S. citizen. If an unauthorized person drives the U.S. citizen's car, customs can legally impound the vehicle based on unauthorized importation. Travelers are advised to contact the nearest Mexican consulate in the U.S. for specific, detailed information prior to departing the U.S. Mexican law governing the entry requirements for boats and trailers is currently undergoing change. Travelers are advised to consult with the nearest Mexican consulate in the U.S. for detailed information prior to departing the U.S. Drug Penalties: Penalties for drug offenses are strict, and 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., 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 arrest if the authorities suspect abuse. Travelers should check with the nearest Mexican consulate before traveling to Mexico to purchase medication. Firearms Penalties: Possession of any gun or rifle without proper authorization by the Mexican authorities is considered a "Firearms Offense" in Mexico and carries stiff penalties. Possession of a single non-assault weapon carries a penalty of up to five years in Mexican prison. Sentences for possession of firearms in Mexico can be as long as 30 years. A permit from a Mexican consulate in the U.S. is required in order to import firearms or ammunition into Mexico, whether or not the firearm is legally registered in the U.S. The U.S. Embassy has noted an increase of American citizens being detained for illegally smuggling arms into Mexico. U.S. citizens should comply with all Mexican laws on arms, including any arms they may wish to bring in for hunting. Travelers should check with the nearest Mexican consulate before traveling to Mexico with firearms. Some Mexican cities have ordinances prohibiting the possession of knives or anything that might be construed as a weapon. Dual Citizenship: U.S. citizens who are also considered to be Mexican citizens could be subject to compulsory military service and other aspects of Mexican law while in Mexico. Those who may be affected can inquire at the Mexican Embassy or a consulate to determine status. In some instances, dual nationality may hamper U.S. Government efforts to provide protection in Mexico. Other Information: 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 U.S. 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. Time share purchasers should also be aware that all contracts must be executed in Mexican pesos to be valid. If payment for the contract is made by credit card, the ultimate price of the contract negotiated in U.S. dollars may vary from the rate discussed. 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 nearest U.S. Consulate in Mexico. Caution at Beach Resorts: Visitors to Mexican resorts should carefully assess the risk potential in recreational activities and be cautious when swimming in pools and at beaches without lifeguards. Rented aquatic equipment may not be safe, mechanically reliable nor covered by any accident insurance. Para-sailing should be avoided since cases have been reported of tourists being dragged through palm trees or slammed into hotel walls while para-sailing. Tips for Travelers: Useful information is provided in the Department of state pamphlets "A Safe Trip Abroad" and "Tips for Travelers to Mexico," which are available from the Superintendent of Documents, U.S. Government Printing Office, Washington, D.C. 20402. Aviation Oversight: In May 1992, the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration assessed Mexico's civil aviation authority as in compliance with international aviation safety oversight standards for Mexico's carriers operating to and from the U.S. For further information, travelers may contact the Department of Transportation at 1-800-322-7873. Registration: U.S. citizens are encouraged to register at the U.S. Embassy or a consulate and obtain updated information on travel and security within Mexico. Embassy and Consulate Locations: The U.S. Embassy is located in Mexico City at Paseo de la Reforma 305, Colonia Cuauhtemoc, telephone (52-5)211-0042. There are also U.S. Consulates General in: Ciudad Juarez at Avenida Lopez Mateos 924-N, telephone (52-16)134048; Guadalajara at Progreso 175, telephone (52-36)25-2998; Monterrey at Avenida Constitucion 411 Poniente 64000, telephone (52-83)45-2120; and Tijuana at Tapachula 96, telephone (52-66)817400. There are U.S. Consulates in: Hermosillo at Ave. Monterrey 141, telephone (52-62)172375; Matamoros at Ave. Primera 2002, telephone (52-88)12-44-02; Merida at Paseo Montejo 453, telephone (52-99)25-5011; and Nuevo Laredo at Calle Allende 3330, Col. Jardin, telephone (52-871)4-0512. There are Consular Agencies in: Puerto Vallarta at Parian Del Puente Local 12-A, telephone (52-322)2-0069; Acapulco at Hotel Club Del Sol, telephone (52-748)5-7207/5-6600; Cancun at Plaza Caracol Two, third level, no. 320-323, Boulevard Kukulcan, km. 8.5, Zona Hotelera, telephone (52-98) 83-02-72; San Luis Potosi at Francisco De P. Mariel 102, Desp. One, telephone (52-481)2-1528; Oaxaca at Alcala 201, telephone (52-951)4-3054; San Miguel de Allende at Dr. Hernandez Macias #72, telephone (52-465)2-2357/2-0068; Tampico at Ave. Hidalgo #2000 local 4, telephone (52-12)13-2217; Veracruz at Victims del 25 de Junio #388, telephone (52-29)31-5821; Cabo San Lucas at Blvd. Marina Y Perdregal, Local No. 3 Zona Centro, telephone (52-114) 3-35-66; and Mazatlan at Hotel Playa Mazatlan, Rodolfo T. Loaiza #202, Zona Dorada, 82110, telephone (52-69) 134-444 ext. 285. No. 96-153 This replaces the Consular Information Sheet dated May 29, 1996, to add security information. ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- The "travel-advisories@stolaf.edu" mailing list is the official Internet and BITNET distribution point for the U.S. State Department Travel Warnings and Consular Information Sheets. 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