Travel Tips

On January 8, 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. For more information, please visit: http://travel.state.gov/travel/cbpmc/cbpmc_2223.html.

In an effort to prevent international child abduction, many governments have initiated procedures at entry and exit points, including requiring documentary evidence of relationship and permission of the parent(s) or legal guardian not present for the child's travel. Parents of minor children (under 18 years old) should carefully document legal custody prior to traveling to Mexico. If a minor child is traveling with only one parent, the absent parent should provide notarized consent. If only one parent has legal custody, that parent should be prepared to provide such evidence to airlines and Mexican authorities. In cases in which a minor child is traveling to Mexico alone or in someone else's company, both parents (or the sole, documented custodial parent) should provide notarized consent. If a child traveling to Mexico has a different last name from the mother and/or father, the parents should be prepared to provide evidence to airlines and Mexican authorities, such as a birth certificate or adoption decree, to prove that they are indeed the parents. Mexican entry regulations require Spanish translations of all legal documents, including notarized consent decrees and court agreements. Enforcement of this provision is not always consistent, however, and English-language documents are almost always sufficient. Please see: http://travel.state.gov/travel/tips/regional/regional_1174.html.

 

Other Important Things to Keep in Mind

Packing: do not pack essential documents, medicine, etc. in checked baggage. Travel light, you will be mailed a packing list. Check with your airline for prohibited carry on items. Leave valuables at home.

Money: US dollars are accepted at many hotels and restaurants, and major credit cards can be used at banks and ATMs. Exchange money at banks or ATMs, not on the street. Do not carry large amounts of cash.

Passports and Other Documents: passports are required for all persons traveling between US and Mexico. Please make 2 copies, one to leave in the US and one for trip leader. For documents on children traveling without both parents, please see required documents section. Your passport is your most important legal document while traveling overseas.

Airline Ticket: make a copy of your ticket, or a list of your ticket number and the name and phone number of issuing agency, and keep this seperate from your ticket

Luggage: please mark all lugage with your name and address. Traveling light is highly recommended.

Medications: bring any medication needed for the duration of the trip. Bring copy of perscriptions and generic names of drugs, and keep all medications in original containers. Please make our staff aware of any perscription medications and medical conditions.

Insurance: check your medical insurance for coverage in Mexico. Travel Insurance is highly recommended. It covers trip cancellation, trip interruption, delay or missed connections, baggage, $50,000 of medical and evacuation coverage, and more. Additional options and coverage are also available. For more information please visit www.travelex-insurance.com.

Tourist Card: you will be given a blue piece of paper when you enter the country. It is very important to keep this card and present it when returning to the US. It can be replaced, but it is a hassle.

For more information about traveling abroad please visit US Department of State at: www.travel.state.gov.