Travel To Mexico: Federal Employees' Conundrum

can federal employees travel to mexico

Federal employees are permitted to travel to Mexico, but there are restrictions in certain areas due to violent crime, kidnapping, and gang activity. Federal employees are advised not to travel between cities after dark, hail taxis on the street, or drive from the US-Mexico border to the interior of Mexico. They must rely on dispatched vehicles, including app-based services and regulated taxi stands. They should also avoid travelling alone, especially in remote areas.

Characteristics Values
Travel to Mexico U.S. government employees are prohibited or restricted from travelling to certain areas.
Crime Widespread and common. Violent crime includes homicide, kidnapping, carjacking and robbery.
U.S. government ability to provide emergency services Limited in many areas.
State-specific restrictions U.S. government employees may not travel between cities after dark, hail taxis on the street, or travel alone, especially in remote areas.
Restricted areas Colima, Guerrero, Michoacan, Sinaloa, Tamaulipas, and Zacatecas states.
Restricted areas Mexicali Valley, Chihuahua, Coahuila, Durango, Jalisco, and Sonora states.

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Travel by US government employees to certain areas of Mexico is prohibited or restricted

US government employees are advised to follow the below restrictions:

  • Do not travel between cities after dark.
  • Do not hail taxis on the street, instead, use dispatched vehicles, including app-based services and regulated taxi stands.
  • Avoid travelling alone, especially in remote areas.
  • Do not drive from the US-Mexico border to or from the interior of Mexico, except for daytime travel within specific areas.

In addition, there are state-specific restrictions that US government employees must adhere to. For example, in the state of Chihuahua, US government employees may only travel to certain areas of Ciudad Juarez and are prohibited from travelling to other areas, including Copper Canyon. In the state of Colima, travel is restricted to the tourist and port areas of Manzanillo, while travel to other areas, including the city of Colima, is prohibited.

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US citizens are advised to adhere to restrictions on US government employee travel

US government employees are restricted from travelling between cities after dark, hailing taxis on the street, and must rely on dispatched vehicles, including app-based services and regulated taxi stands. They should also avoid travelling alone, especially in remote areas. US government employees are prohibited from driving from the US-Mexico border to or from the interior of Mexico, except for daytime travel within certain specified areas.

US citizens should also be aware of state-specific restrictions on US government employee travel, which are included in the individual state advisories. For example, in Zacatecas state, US government employees may only travel to and from Zacatecas City by air and are prohibited from travelling overland to the city.

US citizens should monitor local media for updates and, in case of emergency, call 911. They should also enrol in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive security updates.

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US government employees may not travel between cities after dark

US government employees are prohibited from travelling between cities in Mexico after dark. This is due to the high levels of violent crime in the country, such as homicide, kidnapping, carjacking, and robbery. The US government has limited ability to provide emergency services to US citizens in many areas of Mexico, and local emergency services are often limited outside of state capitals or major cities.

US government employees are also instructed to:

  • Avoid travelling alone, especially in remote areas.
  • Avoid driving from the US-Mexico border to the interior of Mexico, except during the day within certain specified areas.
  • Avoid hailing taxis on the street, and instead use dispatched vehicles, including app-based services and regulated taxi stands.

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US government employees must rely on dispatched vehicles, including app-based services and regulated taxi stands

US government employees are prohibited from travelling between cities in Mexico after dark and must rely on dispatched vehicles, including app-based services and regulated taxi stands. This is due to the high levels of violent crime, including homicide, kidnapping, carjacking, and robbery, in the country. US government employees are also advised against travelling alone, especially in remote areas.

App-based services such as Uber are a convenient option for US government employees travelling in Mexico. These services allow users to request a ride through a mobile app, which then connects them with nearby drivers. This can provide a sense of security and convenience, as users can track their ride and have a record of their trip.

In addition to app-based services, US government employees can also utilise regulated taxi stands. Taxi stands are typically located in busy areas, such as airports, train stations, or tourist spots. These stands are often monitored by dispatchers or supervisors, providing an extra layer of security. It is important to look for authorised taxi stands that are well-lit and have clear signage.

When using dispatched vehicles, US government employees should still remain vigilant and follow general safety precautions. This includes being aware of their surroundings, avoiding displaying signs of wealth, and keeping personal belongings secure. Additionally, employees should familiarise themselves with the restrictions on US government employee travel in specific Mexican states, as there may be additional safety measures or prohibited areas.

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US government employees should avoid travelling alone, especially in remote areas

US government employees should not travel between cities after dark, hail taxis on the street, or drive from the US-Mexico border to or from the interior of Mexico, except for daytime travel on specified highways. They must rely on dispatched vehicles, including app-based services and regulated taxi stands.

In many Mexican states, local emergency services are limited outside the state capital or major cities. US government employees should be aware of and adhere to state-specific restrictions on travel. For example, in Zacatecas state, employees may only travel to and from Zacatecas City by air.

US citizens are advised to follow similar restrictions on travel to Mexico for their own safety. They should also keep travelling companions informed of their plans, send their GPS location to a friend if they separate from their group, and take other precautions such as using toll roads and avoiding displays of wealth.

Frequently asked questions

No, federal employees do not need a visa to travel to Mexico. However, they must have a valid official passport (brown cover) and complete the necessary documentation and approval procedures.

Federal employees should adhere to the restrictions on U.S. government employee travel, which include not travelling between cities after dark, not hailing taxis on the street, and avoiding travelling alone, especially in remote areas. They should also be aware of the high crime rate in Mexico, including violent crimes such as homicide, kidnapping, carjacking, and robbery.

Federal employees must submit an International Travel Clearance Form (DI-1175) 60-180 days before their travel departure date and request an official passport and/or visa. They should also complete the required State Department security training and request electronic country clearance (eCC) from the State Department at least two weeks prior to travel.

Federal employees should consult the Center for Disease Control and Prevention website for information on vaccinations and other health precautions specific to Mexico. They should also be aware of the risk of illness or injury due to unregulated alcohol and ensure that they have appropriate medical insurance coverage for overseas travel.

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