| Making plans to travel to Mexico this year? | | | | passport? The State Department provides a |
| Is a Mexico family vacation in your future, | | | | handy search tool to help you find the |
| or are you looking to take a little time for | | | | Passport Acceptance Facility nearest you. |
| rest and relaxation on the sandy white | | | | What's the busiest time for passport |
| beaches of Cancun or Puerto Vallarta? Well, | | | | processing? Usually between January and July. |
| your timing is right. It promises to be | | | | Of course, if you have an emergency and need |
| another fantastic year south of the border | | | | to travel to Mexico right away, the State |
| for all of the major Mexico resort hot spots! | | | | Dept does offer some options. Go to their |
| In fact, 16 million Americans will probably | | | | website at or call the U.S. National |
| visit Mexico this year. | | | | Passport Information Center: 1-877-4USA-PPT |
| | | | |
| Be sure you are prepared before you travel, | | | | Additional Tips for Travel to Mexico |
| as there have been some new requirements | | | | |
| issued by the U.S. State Department. Although | | | | - Be sure to leave your travel itinerary and |
| it's a minor change from prior travel | | | | passport information with a friend or |
| requirements, it affects all U.S. citizens | | | | relative in case the originals are lost. It |
| entering the United States from countries | | | | can also be helpful to carry a copy of your |
| within the Western Hemisphere who do not | | | | travel documents with you in a separate |
| currently possess valid passports. | | | | location from the originals. |
| Essentially, all that is required is a | | | | |
| passport, which most frequent travelers have | | | | - Avoid traveling with large amounts of cash. |
| anyway. The goal? To make it safer for you | | | | Credit cards are widely accepted and most |
| and to strengthen United States border | | | | areas visited by tourist will have an ATM |
| security. | | | | machine. These are great options because they |
| | | | are safe, convenient and you get a favorable |
| Here are some important facts you should | | | | exchange rate. Another option is to use |
| know: | | | | traveler's checks. |
| | | | |
| - The Intelligence Reform and Terrorism | | | | - Using a fanny pack or travelers wallet for |
| Prevention Act of 2004 requires that by | | | | your cash and passport is a great idea. |
| January 1, 2008, travelers to and from the | | | | |
| Caribbean, Bermuda, Panama, Mexico and Canada | | | | - While they are making great strides in |
| have a passport or other secure, accepted | | | | improving the water quality throughout |
| document to enter or re-enter the United | | | | Mexico, it is advisable to drink bottled |
| States. | | | | water. In addition, avoid drinking beverages |
| | | | over ice as the ice may have been made from |
| - In the proposed implementation plan, which | | | | tap water. |
| is subject to a period of initial public | | | | |
| comment, the Initiative will be rolled out in | | | | - Wash vegetables and fruits in a purifying |
| phases, providing as much advance notice as | | | | solution of some type. |
| possible to the affected public to enable | | | | |
| them to meet the terms of the new guidelines. | | | | - Before leaving, check with your health |
| | | | insurance provider so that you are aware of |
| - The proposed timeline will be as follows:o | | | | your coverage. |
| December 31, 2006 - Requirement applied to | | | | |
| all air and sea travel to or from Canada, | | | | - If you are planning to drive over the |
| Mexico, Central and South America, the | | | | border be sure to obtain a temporary import |
| Caribbean, and Bermuda.o December 31, 2007 - | | | | permit and all the necessary insurance. |
| Requirement extended to all land border | | | | |
| crossings as well as air and sea travel. | | | | So now that you've been informed, what are |
| | | | you waiting for? Mexico is a land of |
| The Easy Way to get a Passport | | | | incredible beauty and natural wonder! Whether |
| | | | you're going to sunny Cancun, festive |
| First, when applying for a passport, make | | | | Acapulco, or even Puerto Vallarta, your |
| sure you allow enough time! It typically | | | | perfect Mexican vacation getaway is just a |
| takes 6 weeks to process a passport | | | | flight away! |
| application. Where can you apply for a | | | | |