IMMIGRATION
The Immigration counter is your first stop after you disembark the plane/ship. Here you will present your passport and a tourist visa, which will be given to you on the plane. You should fill it out completely before getting off the plane. Your tourist visa and passport will be stamped to make your arrival official. Keep your passport and tourist visa with you at all times while in Mexico (if possible make copies in case you lose your originals). Next, proceed to the baggage claim area for your luggage.
CUSTOMS AND DECLARATIONS
Please check with a Mexican Consulate for information on specific items that may be subject to duty. The most commonly encountered restrictions are (import duties could be assessed if you exceed these amounts):
- Some food items - especially grains, fresh produce, other plants and seeds.
- Cigars and cigarettes - You are allowed up to 10 packs per person.
- Liquor and wine - You are allowed up to 3 liters per person
- Medicine for personal use - A copy of the prescription is required if you will be entering Mexico with a prescription medication.
- Illegal controlled substances & drugs - Don't even try.
- Firearms - only for hunting and must obtain a permit from the Mexican Consulate in advance
Customs is your last stop. Have your Customs Declaration Form ready as you approach the official and customs station (the other form you were given on the plane/ship). Mexico has adopted a "Red Light - Green Light" system for customs. If you have put "Nothing to declare" on this form, you will be asked to push a button....... If the light is green you can exit without inspection; if the light is red you will be subject to inspection. This is a random system, and therefore there is no way to know whether you will get a green or red light. Consequently, you need to be honest on your Customs Declaration and declare anything over and above what is allowed, paying all applicable duties. If you do not and are caught by a red light, the fines may be very steep. One note, Mexican customs officials may assume you know about the "Red Light - Green Light" system and not say a word. No problem, step up & push the button.
PASSPORT REQUIREMENTS AND ENTRY INTO MEXICO
Passport and entry requirements may vary depending on your country of origin. Most state departments have very informative websites available.
HELPFUL LINKS
US State Department: Passport Information and Applications
Canadian Passport Information and Applications
U.S. CITIZENS
New travel requirements are in place for all U.S. citizens traveling throughout the western hemisphere. All persons, including U.S. citizens, are now required to present a valid passport to enter or re-enter the United States. Children are also required to carry a valid passport.
Below is the official State Department bulletin:
- Beginning January 23, 2007, ALL persons, including U.S. citizens, traveling by air between the United States and Canada, Mexico, Central and South America, the Caribbean, and Bermuda will be required to present a valid passport, Air NEXUS card, or U.S. Coast Guard Merchant Mariner Document, or an Alien Registration Card, Form I-551, if applicable.
- As early as January 1, 2008, ALL persons, including U.S. citizens, traveling between the U.S. and Canada, Mexico, Central and South America, the Caribbean, and Bermuda by land or sea (including ferries), may be required to present a valid passport or other documents as determined by the Department of Homeland Security. While recent legislative changes permit a later deadline, the Departments of State and Homeland Security are working to meet all requirements as soon as possible. Ample advance notice will be provided to enable the public to obtain passports or passport cards for land/sea entries.
TRAVELING WITH CHILDREN
All persons entering the United States, regardless of age, are now required to carry a valid passport. For families traveling with children, this may mean applying for first passports or renewing passports. Passports for children under the age of 16 are valid for only five years.
For parents traveling with children. In an effort to curb international child abduction, Mexico requires that the guardian or parent of any child traveling internationally with only one parent provide a notarized consent from the absent parent to immigration authorities in order to cross international borders.
Non-U.S. citizens must contact both the Mexican Consulate and/or U.S. Immigrations regarding required documents. Please be advised; laws and regulations regarding documentation for international travel change frequently and should be checked each time one travels internationally.
EMBASSIES
Canada Consulate
Phone: 52.998.883.3360, 52.998.883.3361
Fax: 52.998.883.3232
Plaza Caracol, 3rd Floor, #330, Hotel Zone
Emergencies after 5:00 p.m.: 01.800.706.2900
Emails: cancun@canada.org.mx or lavoied@canada.org.mx
France Consulate
Calle Fonatur, L1-1A, Manzana 12, Los Alamos 2, Cancun 77533
Monday - Thursday 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. with appointment
Phone: 52.998.267.9722, Alternate Phone 52.998.883.9816, Fax: 52.998.267.8033
Emergencies: Mobile Phone 52.1.998.147.7448 and 52.1.998.158.6566 (Maud Vetter Houssais)
E-mail: consulatcancun@aol.com
Germany Consulate
Contact: Rudolf Bittorf, Calle Punta Conoco No. 36, SM 24, Cancun, 77510
Hours: Monday to Friday 9:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.
Phone: 52.998.884.5333, 52.998.884.1898, 52.998.884.1598, Fax: 52.998.887.1283
Cell Phone: 52.1.998.845.7114. Email: konsul_d@yahoo.com.mx
Italy Consulate
Ing. Augusto Pastaccini, Alcatraces No. 39, SM 22, Cancun
Hours: Monday to Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
Phone: 529988841261 Fax: 529988845415. E-mail: conitaca@prodigy.net.mx
Spain Consulate
D. Javier Marañon Cañadas, Blvd. Kukulcán Esq. Calle Cenzontle, Hotel Zone, Cancún
Hours: Monday to Friday from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
Phone: 52.998.848.9989 Mobile phone: 52.1.998.845.0451.
Email: consulado_honorario@sercc.com.mx
United Kingdom Consulate
Contact: Mark Carney, Hours: Monday to Friday 9:00 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.
Address: The Royal Sands, Boulevard Kukulcán, KM 13.5, 77500, Cancún
Phone: 52.998.881.0100, Fax: 52.998.848.8229
Emergencies: 52.998.109.0286, Cell Phone: 52.1.998.845.1398
Emails: mcarney@royalresorts.com, gpena@royalresorts.com. For general information: information@britishconsulatecancun.com
United States of America Consulate
Lynnette Belt, Lic. Gina Castro, Fiona Clark, Fernando Vega
Hours: Monday to Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.;
Plaza Caracol 2, 3rd floor, Hotel Zone, Cancun
Phone: 52.998.883.0272, Fax: 52.998.883.1373
Email: Cancunagency@gmail.com