Mexico Travel Restrictions
US citizens who travel to Mexico have a little bit of breathing room now that the current Mexico travel restrictions have taken effect. The new measures affect every single US resident who travels to Mexico, regardless of the purpose of the trip. Many people make the mistake of believing that they can freely visit Mexico without obtaining a visa. While visiting a country does require that you obtain a visa, there are several different types of visas that you can apply for before heading to the country. Some people will use a visitor visa, which is good for specific countries, while others will use a social security card, which can be used at any point throughout your stay in Mexico. There are other ways to get around the current Mexico travel restrictions, however.
If you plan on traveling to another country that requires a visa in order to enter the country, there are ways around the current measures. First, you may want to talk to a travel agency or immigration attorney to find out what your options are. You may not know exactly what visa options you have, but these professionals will be able to tell you what you can and cannot do in terms of entering the country on an immigration level. They will also be able to help you fill out the necessary forms for the visa.
Another option is to follow the route most travelers take when traveling abroad. Most people traveling to Mexico end up taking a flight to the country. This is because air travel to Mexico is generally more affordable than other means of travel. However, air travel is no longer an option if you are traveling as a United States citizen. Instead, you must use a passport that is valid for travel to Mexico. Even if you are traveling as a US citizen with a valid passport, you must still use an approved entry visa in order to cross the border.
If you are traveling on a visa, remember that you are still subject to Mexican laws. As a United States citizen, you are not required to disclose your identity when applying for a visa. The same cannot be said for Mexican citizens applying for a visa. Before taking any trip to Mexico, it is recommended that you speak with your consul regarding your obligations and the restrictions that you must follow.
Some other types of restrictions are related to prohibited activities. In the past, unauthorized crossing into Mexico was often practiced by students who were only visiting or studying in the country. Today, this problem is far more serious. Because of the prevalence of organized crime within Mexico, many students now choose to enter the country illegally. If you choose to enter Mexico without proper documentation, you could face serious penalties. Therefore, you should be sure that you are properly prepared before leaving for your trip.
Another type of restriction that is commonly seen is the prohibition against dual citizenship. Dual citizenship refers to the practice of being a citizen of two different countries. If you choose to live in Mexico while you are on a trip there, you could face immediate deportation.
A third travel restriction is related to a financial activity. Many Mexican citizens do not enjoy the same credit privileges enjoyed by citizens of the United States and other western countries. This means that if you have a bank account in Mexico, you will need to open a separate bank account. As a result, your credit card and any funds left in your bank account will need to be declared at customs upon arrival. You may also be required to provide verification of funds (such as with a driver’s license) before boarding your airplane.
These three travel restrictions are by no means the only issues that you will need to be aware of when traveling to Mexico. There are several other restrictions, which are also quite common. However, if you are careful and follow the requirements of Mexico law, you should have very little difficulty making your trip peaceful and enjoyable. Your Mexico travel arrangements can easily turn out to be a truly unforgettable experience.