Mexico Travel Requirements and other Pre-Trip Details 

New Passport Requirements

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Should You Drink the Water?

For us, a major 'fun factor' when taking a trip is getting ready.  Learning about the area, which means discovering lots of cool websites, reading new guidebooks and studying up at the library, figuring out what clothes to take, arranging flights, auto rentals and lodging makes it all real and unreal at the same time and contributes to my level of anticipation.   

In the process, we always discover a few things, which we will pass along to you.

Documents
Entry requirements for US residents entering Mexico (visitors from other countries, should check with their country's travel advisory - see below) whether on foot, by car or via aircraft, you will be required to present 

1. Proof of your citizenship

2. A photo ID 

How to get a Passport
If you don't have a passport, or you need to renew one, you can get one quickly through Passports and Visas website.  Their standard processing time is 2 weeks for $75 (you still have to pay $67 to the government).  You can also get one more quickly if you need to. (more expensive).

You can also get your passport from the Dept of State.  Standard processing is 6 weeks and costs $67.  Expedited service is available, costs $60 fee plus overnight mail coming and going.  They do NOT guarantee delivery on any particular date.  The form says it will be processed in 3 workdays after receipt in the Passport Agency Office and "ordinarily" delivered in about 2 weeks. 

Not acceptable:

1. Driver's permits

2. Voter registration cards

3. Affidavits and similar documents 

U.S. citizens traveling as tourists by air will be given a  tourist card - also known as an FM-T- by the airline (verify that your airline provides this.  If not, ask where you may obtain one). The tourist card costs approximately $20.00 but is generally included in the price of a plane ticket.  Hang on to this card - you will need it when you exit Mexico also.

If you are traveling by car, or for business, please review the regulations listed on the Travel Advisory website.  

Currency
You will definitely want to exchange your money into pesos for use in Mexico.  Although the US dollar is always welcome, it is easier to pay with the local currency rather than try to convert on the spot.  Depending on the exchange rate, it might actually cost less if you use local currency.

Check out today's rates here.

If you want, you can exchange a few bucks before you leave, although not necessary for those originating in the US.  Once you get there, your best bet is to go to the bank.  There is no fee, unlike the many street vendors, who will charge you a percentage rate.  The banks are not difficult to find.

Health and Safety
Medical First:  Who wants to even think about getting sick on vacation.  But it does happen on occasion and the more you know the better prepared you are to handle it.   If you are staying in one of the big hotels, most have a Doctor on board that are reputable.  

In the Baja, like most Mexican beach resorts, standards of medical training, patient care and business practices vary greatly among the medical facilities. 

You should consult with the US Embassy) or that of your country) or Consular Agency (Us citizens, see below) in the area you are visiting before you accept any treatment.  

Some clinics will not accept your health insurance (be sure to check with your health provider about what is covered) and may expect to paid on the spot.  In addition, Americans are often charged a higher rate than that of locals, so be sure to get the doc to tell you what he has in mind and how much it is going to cost.   You may wish to have the attending doctor explain procedures and costs before undertaking treatment.

Medicare and Medicaid programs will not cover you when you are outside the US, even for emergency services or medical evacuations.  Speaking of...

Another to thing to consider is that if a serious condition arises, you will probably want to be air lifted to a US hospital.  Air lift services are available from San Diego, Phoenix and Baja; you may want to check with them before you leave to find out how they work.  

More useful information on medical emergencies abroad, including overseas insurance programs, is provided in the Department of State's Bureau of Consular Affairs brochure, Medical Information for Americans Traveling Abroad.

Should you drink the water?
Because tap water is not safe in many areas of Mexico, its best to stick with bottled water and beverages -especially beer!  And keep in mind that restaurants serve tap water unless you request bottled.    

Unfortunately, this also applied to the ice in mixed and frozen drinks, so you'll just have to use your judgment.  If you see a lot of people  drinking frozen margaritas day after day... it's your call.  

Also be selective about buying food and drink from street vendors.  You've heard of 'Revenge' haven't you - it means cramps and diarrhea, so use your head and do what makes sense.   Ask your doc at home what remedy he suggests if you DO get revenge.  

These issues are covered in depth the US Dept of State Travel Advisories (information for those traveling either in or out of the US)  Also read the free online guide, Your Trip Abroad or the pamphlet A Safe Trip Abroad  or Tips for Travel to Mexico.

Read the Consular Information Sheet on Mexico.

U.S. Consular Agencies
Cabo San Lucas: Blvd. Marina y Pedregal #1, Local No. 3, Zona Centro, telephone (52)(624) 143-3566.

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