Traveling To Mexico? Be Sure To Understand The New Travel Requirements

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