Stuff To Know About Cancun, Mexico
Entering / Exiting Mexico
Necessary Travel Documentation
To enter Mexico you will need to prove citizenship, and a valid passport
is best for this purpose. Equally important is the fact that after December
31, 2006 all US Citizens will be required to have a valid passport to re-enter the
United States from Mexico or Canada.
Until then, in lieu of a valid passport you may present a photo ID
along with a certified original (not photocopied)
birth certificate for both entering and leaving Mexico. If you claim
citizenship through naturalization you may use your Certificate of Naturalization
or Certificate of Citizenship or laminated Naturalization card. Note: Some
airlines/charter companies may still accept the Notarized Affidavit of Citizenship
or possibly a Voters Registration Card. Travelers from other countries
may need a visa.
(Please note that after December 31, 2006 a valid
passport will be required for all travel to and from the Caribbean,
Bermuda, Central
and South America, and after December 31, 2007 a valid passport will be required
for ALL air, land, and sea border crossing. More information on the new
travel requirements can be found at http://travel.state.gov/travel)
More information on obtaining
a passport or visa can be found at http://travel.state.gov/passport
If you would like assistance in getting (or renewing) a passport, visa, or certified copy of your birth certificate, particularly if you need expedited service, we recommend PassportsAndVisas.com 
In addition you will need to obtain a Tourist Card (FMT), which is free and
is provided by most airlines while onboard the plane, that is then
validated when you land in
Mexico. You may also obtain one at Customs, after proof of citizenship
has been verified. You must keep the Tourist Card with you at all times
when in Mexico, and it must be presented upon departure. Write
down your tourist card number and keep it in a safe place, such as the hotel's
safe. If
the card is lost, having the number will help greatly. If you do lose
your Mexican Tourist Card you can obtain a copy or permission to leave the
country from
the local Immigration Office.
Please Note: If you are
traveling with minors (children under age 18), or your minor child is traveling
alone to Mexico, please be sure to see our page "
Minors Traveling To Mexico"
for information on regulations regarding minors.
Your first stop is at Mexican
Immigration (Migración) where proof of citizenship is inspected, and
tourist cards are validated. DON'T LOSE YOUR TOURIST CARD!
Next stop is at Customs (Aduana).
Mexico has instituted a European-style customs inspection system, with a twist.
Here's the way it works:
1. Visitors complete a customs declaration form.
2. Visitors choose to either declare or not declare that they are importing
items beyond their allowance.
• Those declaring items have their belongings searched, and duty is collected.
• Those not declaring items are asked to push a button on a street traffic
light that is mounted on a post inside thecustoms area. A green light allows
you to pass without inspection. A red light will signal an inspection. In the
event that items are found that were not declared, heavy fines and penalties
apply.
You are allowed to bring in any of the following:
• personal items, e.g. clothing, footwear, toiletries, all in reasonable
quantities according to trip duration.
• books and magazines
• medicine for personal use, with medical prescription in the case of psychotropic
substances.
• used or second-hand sporting equipment
• one portable T.V. set, one portable typewriter, and one VCR.
• up to 20 records or cassettes
• a musical instrument
• fishing equipment, a pair of skis, and two tennis rackets
• three liters of alcohol or wine, if carrier is over 18 years old
• 400 cigarettes or 50 cigars, if carrier is over 18 years old
• one movie camera and one regular camera, and up to 12 rolls of film
Returning to the U.S. and Canada
You are allowed to enter free of duty any purchases with a combined value of
up to $400. For Canada the amount is $500 Canadian, IF travelers have
been outside of Canada at least seven days. This allowance may be claimed
every 30 days. With a verbal declaration a returning Canadian resident
can claim
duty-free entry for articles (excluding tobacco products or alcoholic beverages)
that do not exceed a total value of $20 upon return from each trip of more
than 24 hours.
For the U.S. this limit does not include items listed on the Generalized System
of Preferences List (G.S.P.), which are allowed in duty free. Contact the U.S.
Treasury Department for a detailed list (Dept. of the Treasury, U.S. Customs
Service, Washington, D.C. 20229).
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