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