Paolo Barresi
Mexico is a popular tourist destination, with Puerto Vallarta and Cancun attracting many visitors. However, travellers should be aware of the country's strict limitations on the number of electronic devices that can be brought into the country without incurring taxes. In addition, the U.S. State Department has issued travel alerts for Mexico, with parts of the country under a do not travel advisory due to violent crimes such as homicide, kidnapping, and robbery.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Is leisure travel to Mexico allowed? | Yes, but there are restrictions. |
| Required documentation | Passport |
| Visa requirements | No visa is required for countries on Mexico's "no visa required" list. |
| Visitor's permit | Required for stays up to 180 days. |
| Visitor's permit fee | ~$25, usually included in airfare. |
| Visitor's permit validity | Up to 180 days, as determined by the immigration official. |
| Visitor's permit extension | Not allowed. |
| Passport validity | Should be valid for at least six months from the date of entry. |
| Minors travelling alone | Refer to "Travelling with Minors to Mexico". |
What You'll Learn
- US citizens must present a valid passport when entering Mexico
- US citizens must fill out an Official Entry Immigration Form when entering Mexico by air
- Mexico's gadget restrictions: only one portable computing device allowed per person tax-free
- Mexico's Level 4 do not travel advisory states include Tamaulipas, Zacatecas, Sinaloa, Colima, Michoacán and Guerrero
- US travelers are advised to adhere to prohibitions issued to US government employees in Mexico
US citizens must present a valid passport when entering Mexico
If you are entering Mexico as a tourist, you must complete an Official Entry Immigration Form (FMM). This is provided by commercial airlines or at the Mexican airport of entry. The FMM is valid for a maximum of 180 days, but the exact number of days will be determined by Mexican immigration authorities. The FMM cannot be extended or renewed.
If you are entering Mexico for business, you must complete an FM-N form. This allows for business, not employment, in the country. If you are entering Mexico for reasons other than tourism or business, or for a period of more than 180 days, you must apply for the appropriate visa at the nearest Mexican consulate.
Is Solo Travel Boring? Discover the Truth about Traveling Alone
You may want to see also
US citizens must fill out an Official Entry Immigration Form when entering Mexico by air
The FMM is typically included in the cost of your airfare, but if you are driving into Mexico, the fee is waived if you depart within 7 days. Paper FMM forms are being phased out and it is likely that the FMM will be stamped into your passport instead. If you are given a paper FMM, keep the half of the form that is handed back to you at immigration, as you will need it to exit the country.
If you lose the permit, you will need to attend a local immigration office and pay a fee of around $40 for a replacement. Overstaying the number of days on the permit will also result in additional procedures.
It is important to note that US passport cards are not valid for air travel to Mexico and can only be used to cross the border by land or sea. A passport is required for air travel.
Why Providing Travel Services Brings Me Joy and Fulfillment
You may want to see also
Mexico's gadget restrictions: only one portable computing device allowed per person tax-free
Mexico has strict limitations on the number of electronic devices that travellers can bring into the country without paying taxes. According to the Mexican Consulate General in Montreal, tourists are allowed to bring only "one laptop, notebook, omnibook, or other portable computing device" into the country without paying taxes. This rule also applies to tablets, which are considered portable computing devices. If you bring more than one of these devices, you may be required to pay a 19% duty on the estimated value of the extra device, which could add up to a few hundred dollars.
Other gadget restrictions for visitors to Mexico include:
- Two cameras or camcorders
- Three cell phones
- One GPS
- Two musical instruments
- One pair of binoculars
- One set of portable speakers
It's important to note that Mexico does not consistently enforce these rules, and many travellers have reported bringing multiple electronic devices into the country without any issues. However, there are also growing reports of travellers being fined for bringing extra devices, especially at Cancun International Airport (CUN), one of Mexico's busiest airports. Therefore, it is recommended that travellers check the latest guidelines from official sources before their trip and be prepared to pay taxes or duties on extra devices if necessary.
Understanding the Expiry Policy of Visa Travelers Cheques
You may want to see also
Mexico's Level 4 do not travel advisory states include Tamaulipas, Zacatecas, Sinaloa, Colima, Michoacán and Guerrero
Mexico's Level 4 'Do Not Travel' advisory states include Tamaulipas, Zacatecas, Sinaloa, Colima, Michoacán and Guerrero. These states have been given the highest security alert level due to the occurrence of violent crimes such as homicide, kidnapping, carjacking and robbery. The US government has limited ability to provide emergency services to US citizens in these areas, as travel by US government employees is prohibited or restricted.
The advisory recommends that US citizens adhere to the restrictions on US government employee travel. For instance, US government employees may not travel between cities after dark, may not hail taxis on the street, and must rely on dispatched vehicles. They should also avoid travelling alone, especially in remote areas.
In addition to the Level 4 advisory states, there are several Mexican states with Level 3 'Reconsider Travel' advisories, including Baja California, Sonora, Chiapas, Chihuahua, Guanajuato, Jalisco and Morelos. These states have been given this advisory due to the high levels of crime and violence.
The remaining Mexican states are classified as Level 2 'Exercise Increased Caution' or Level 1 'Exercise Normal Precautions'.
Travel Nursing: Work All Year Round?
You may want to see also
US travelers are advised to adhere to prohibitions issued to US government employees in Mexico
The US Department of State advises US citizens to avoid traveling to certain Mexican states due to soaring crime and violence. These include:
- Colima state due to crime and kidnapping
- Guerrero state due to crime
- Michoacan state due to crime
- Sinaloa state due to crime
- Tamaulipas state due to crime and kidnapping
- Zacatecas state due to crime and kidnapping
In addition, the US government has prohibited its employees from traveling to Zacatecas state, except for air travel to and from Zacatecas City. This is due to violent turf battles between cartels, with the state's homicide rate in 2021 being the highest in Mexico.
US citizens are advised to exercise increased caution when traveling to Mexico due to crime and kidnapping, and to reconsider travel to the above-mentioned states.
Exploring Queenstown Solo: A Guide to Adventure and Fun
You may want to see also
Frequently asked questions
If you are a passport holder of a country on Mexico's "no visa required" list, you don't need to apply for a visa to visit Mexico. You can use a visitor's permit, known as an FMM, at your port of entry.
The visitor permit is valid for stays up to 180 days. The immigration official at the port of entry will grant you a number of days to stay in Mexico, which will be written on your visitor permit.
No, the visitor permit will always expire after the number of days written on the permit. You must leave the country before it expires.
You will need a valid passport book, and if you are entering Mexico by air, a passport card is not sufficient. You will also need to complete a Visitor's Permit, also known as an FMM, at your port of entry.
U.S. government employees may not travel between cities after dark, may not hail taxis on the street, and must rely on dispatched vehicles, including app-based services like Uber, and regulated taxi stands. They should also avoid travelling alone, especially in remote areas.
