A number of facilities have opened in Mexico that offer behavior modification therapy for teenagers and others suffering from drug addiction and other behavioral or psychological problems.  Standards applied by the Government of Mexico and local governments, where they exist, may not meet standards for similar facilities in the United States.  Parents planning to enroll their children in these facilities should investigate the facility first.  Since 2004, Mexican officials have closed six adolescent behavior modification facilities in Baja California and another in the state of Jalisco due to health code and other violations.  This was done on very short notice and caused serious inconvenience for the U.S. citizen students and their families.  Another behavior modification facility in Sonora suddenly declared bankruptcy and closed its doors in March 2005, with a similarly disruptive impact on students.  For further information, please refer to the State Department’s Fact Sheet on Behavior Modification Facilities at http://travel.state.gov/travel/tips/brochures/brochures_1220.html.

For information on international adoption of children and international parental child abduction, see the Office of Children’s Issues web site.  Mexico is the destination country of the greatest number of children abducted from the United States by a parent.  A party to the Hague Convention on the Civil Aspects of International Child Abduction since 1991, Mexico is not in full compliance with the Convention.

Mexican authorities may prosecute anyone arrested for transporting aliens into or out of Mexico for alien smuggling in addition to any charges they may face in the other country involved, including the United States.

U.S. citizens should be aware of the risks inherent in purchasing real estate in Mexico, and should exercise extreme caution before entering into any form of commitment to invest in property there.  Investors should hire competent Mexican legal counsel when contemplating any real estate investment.  Mexican laws and practices regarding real estate differ substantially from those in the United States.  Foreigners who purchase property in Mexico may find that property disputes with Mexican citizens may not be treated evenhandedly by Mexican criminal justice authorities and in the courts.  Time-share companies cannot be sued in U.S. courts unless they have an office or other business presence in the U.S.  Consumers should contact a Mexican attorney, the Mexican consumer protection agency PROFECO at http://www.profeco.gob.mx/ or other consumer information agency for information on companies that operate outside of the U.S.

Ownership Restrictions:  The Mexican Constitution prohibits direct ownership by foreigners of real estate within 100 kilometers (about 62 miles) of any border, and within 50 kilometers (about 31 miles) of any coastline.  In order to permit foreign investment in these areas, the Mexican government has created a trust mechanism in which a bank has title to the property but a trust beneficiary enjoys the benefits of ownership.  However, U.S. citizens are vulnerable to title challenges that may result in years of litigation and possible eviction.  Although title insurance is available in the Baja Peninsula and in other parts of Mexico, it is virtually unknown and remains untested in most of the country.  In addition, Mexican law recognizes squatters’ rights, and homeowners can spend thousands of dollars in legal fees and years of frustration in trying to remove squatters who occupy their property.

Labor Laws:  U.S. citizen property owners should consult legal counsel or local authorities before hiring employees to serve in their homes or on their vessels moored in Mexico.  Several U.S. citizen property owners have faced lengthy lawsuits for failure to comply with Mexican labor laws regarding severance pay and Mexican social security benefits.

Time-share Investments:  U.S. citizens should exercise caution when considering time-share investments and be aware of the aggressive tactics used by some time-share sales representatives.  Buyers should be fully informed and take sufficient time to consider their decisions before signing time-share contracts, ideally after consulting an independent attorney.  Mexican law allows time-share purchasers five days to cancel the contract for unconditional and full reimbursement.  U.S. citizens should never sign a contract that includes clauses penalizing the buyer who cancels within five days.  The Department of State and the U.S. Mission in Mexico frequently receive complaints from U.S. citizens about extremely aggressive sales tactics, exaggerated claims of return on investment, lack of customer service and questionable business practices by time-share companies, resulting in substantial financial losses for time-share investors.

A formal complaint against any merchant should be filed with PROFECO, Mexico’s federal consumer protection agency.  PROFECO has the power to mediate disputes, investigate consumer complaints, order hearings, levy fines and sanctions for not appearing at hearings, and do price-check inspections of merchants.  All complaints by U.S. citizens are handled by PROFECO’s English-speaking office in Mexico City at 011-52-55-5211-1723 (phone), 011-52-55-5211-2052 (fax), or via email at extranjeros@profeco.gob.mx.  For more information, please see the PROFECO “Attention to Foreigners” web page at Profeco (Procuraduría Federal del Consumidor).

In general, to marry a Mexican national in Mexico, a U.S. citizen must be physically present in Mexico and present documents required by the jurisdiction where the marriage will take place.  U.S. citizens who marry U.S. citizens or other non-Mexicans are not subject to a residence requirement, but are required to present their tourist cards.  For additional information on marriages in Mexico, contact the U.S. Embassy or the nearest U.S. consulate.

Divorce requirements may vary according to jurisdiction.  The U.S. Embassy recommends U.S. citizens consult a local attorney and/or the Mexican Embassy or nearest Mexican Consulate for information on divorces in Mexico.

Weather conditions may vary as they do in various parts of the United States.  From June to November, the country may experience strong winds and rains as a result of hurricanes in the Gulf or along the Pacific Coast.  Some areas may experience earth tremors.  It is prudent to leave a detailed itinerary, including local contact information and expected time-date of return with a friend or family member.

Water Sports:  Visitors to Mexico, including to local resort areas, should carefully assess the potential risk of recreational activities.  Recreational facilities such as pools may not meet U.S. safety or sanitation standards.  Do not swim in pools or at beaches without lifeguards.  Several U.S. citizens have died in hotel pools in recent years.  Swimming pool drain systems may not comply with U.S. safety standards and swimmers should exercise caution.  Parents should watch minor children closely when they are in or around water.  U.S. citizens have drowned or disappeared at both remote and popular beaches along the southwest coast of Mexico.

Warning flags on beaches should be taken seriously.  If black flags are up, do not enter the water.  In Cancun, there is often a very strong undertow along the beach from the Hyatt Regency all the way south to Club Med.  Several drowning and near-drowning incidents have been reported on the east coast of Cozumel, particularly in the Playa San Martin-Chen Rio area.  In Acapulco, avoid swimming outside the bay area.  Several U.S. citizens have died while swimming in rough surf at the Revolcadero Beach near Acapulco.  Despite U.S.-trained lifeguards, several U.S. citizens have drowned in the area of Zipolite Beach in Puerto Angel, Oaxaca, because of sudden waves and strong currents.  Beaches on the Pacific side of the Baja California peninsula at Cabo San Lucas are dangerous due to rip tides and rogue waves; hazardous beaches in this area are clearly marked in English and Spanish.  Do not swim alone in isolated beach areas.  Beaches may not be well-marked, and strong currents could lead to dangerous conditions for even the most experienced swimmers.  Do not dive into unknown bodies of water, because hidden rocks or shallow depths can cause serious injury or death.

Sports and aquatic equipment that you rent may not meet U.S. safety standards or be covered by any accident insurance.  Scuba diving equipment may be substandard or defective due to frequent use.  Inexperienced scuba divers in particular should beware of dive shops that promise to “certify” you after a few hours’ instruction.  Parasailing has killed U.S. citizen tourists who were dragged through palm trees or were slammed into hotel walls.  Jet-ski accidents have killed U.S. citizen tourists, especially in group-outings when inexperienced guides allowed their clients to follow each other too closely.

Cancun and Other Resort Areas:  Over 3 million U.S. citizens travel to Cancun and other Mexican beach resorts each year, including as many as 120,000 during “spring break” season, which normally begins in mid-February and runs about two months.  Excessive alcohol consumption, especially by U.S. citizens under the legal U.S. drinking age, is a significant problem.  The legal drinking age in Mexico is 18, but it is not uniformly enforced.  Alcohol is implicated in the majority of arrests, violent crimes, accidents and deaths suffered by U.S. citizen tourists.

In recent years, moped rentals have become very widespread in Cancun and Cozumel, and the number of serious moped accidents has risen accordingly.  Most operators carry no insurance and do not conduct safety checks.  The U.S. Embassy recommends avoiding operators who do not provide a helmet with the rental.  Some operators have been known to demand fees many times in excess of damages caused to the vehicles, even if renters have purchased insurance in advance.  Vacationers at other beach resorts have encountered similar problems after accidents involving rented jet-skis.  There have been cases of mobs gathering to prevent tourists from departing the scene and to intimidate them into paying exorbitant damage claims.

Motor Accidents:  Motor vehicle accidents are the leading cause of death of U.S. citizens in Mexico.  Motorists should exercise special caution on the heavily-traveled expressway south of Cancun, particularly between Playa del Carmen and Tulum, where the road narrows from 4 divided lanes to two-way traffic on a narrow and poorly-maintained road.  For more information, please refer to our information on Road Safety Overseas.

Mountain Climbing and Hiking:  Travelers who wish to climb Pico de Orizaba in Veracruz should be aware that summer droughts in recent years have removed much of the snow coating and turned the Jamapa Glacier into a high-speed ice chute, increasing the risk of death or serious injury.  At least 17 climbers have died on the mountain and 39 have been injured in recent years, including U.S. citizens.  Rescue teams operate without the benefit of sophisticated equipment.  Any medical treatment provided in local hospitals or clinics must be paid in cash.  While regulation of the ascent is minimal and guides are not required, the U.S. Embassy recommends hiring an experienced guide.

The Colima Volcano, located approximately 20 miles north-northeast of Colima city in the state of Colima on the southwestern coast, is active and erupted several times in 2005.  Travelers should not enter the prohibited area within a 4.5-mile radius of the volcano.

When departing on an outing to backcountry areas to hike or climb, it is prudent to leave a detailed itinerary, including route information and expected time and date of return with your hotel clerk or a friend or family member.  Similarly, mariners preparing to depart from a Mexican harbor should visit the harbormaster and leave a detailed trip plan, including intended destination and crew and passenger information.

While in a foreign country, U.S. citizens may encounter road conditions that differ significantly from those in the United States.  The information below concerning Mexico is provided for general reference only, and may not be totally accurate in a particular location or circumstance.  Public transportation vehicles, specifically taxis and city buses, often do not comply with traffic regulations, including observing speed limits and stopping at red lights.

Driving and Vehicle Regulations:   U.S. driver’s licenses are valid in Mexico.  The Government of Mexico strictly regulates the entry of vehicles into Mexico.  Mexican law requires that only owners drive their vehicles, or that the owner be inside the vehicle.  If not, the vehicle may be seized by Mexican customs and will not be returned under any circumstances.

Insurance:  Mexican insurance is required for all vehicles, including rental vehicles.  Mexican auto insurance is sold in most cities and towns on both sides of the border.  U.S. automobile liability insurance is not valid in Mexico, nor is most collision and comprehensive coverage issued by U.S. companies.  Motor vehicle insurance is considered invalid in Mexico if the driver is found to be under the influence of alcohol or drugs.

Road Emergencies and Automobile Accidents:  If you have an emergency while driving, the equivalent of “911” in Mexico is “060”, but this number is not always answered.  If you are driving on a toll highway (or “cuota”) or any other major highway, you may contact the Green Angels (Angeles Verdes), a fleet of trucks with bilingual crews.  The Green Angels may be reached directly at (01) (55) 5250-8221.  If you are unable to call them, pull off the road and lift the hood of your car, chances are they will find you.

If you are involved in an automobile accident, you will be taken into police custody until it can be determined who is liable and whether you have the ability to pay any penalty.  If you do not have Mexican liability insurance, you may be prevented from departing the country even if you require life-saving medical care, and you are almost certain to spend some time in jail until all parties are satisfied that responsibility has been assigned and adequate financial satisfaction received.  Drivers may face criminal charges if injuries or damages are serious.

Road Safety:  Avoid driving on Mexican highways at night.  Even multi-lane expressways in Mexico often have narrow lanes and steep shoulders.  Single-vehicle rollover accidents involving U.S. citizens are very common, often resulting in the death or serious injury to vehicle occupants.  Use extreme caution when approaching towns, on curves, and when passing large trucks.  All vehicle occupants should use seatbelts at all times. Vehicular traffic in Mexico City is restricted in order to reduce air pollution.  The restriction is based on the last digit of the vehicle license plate.  This applies equally to permanent, temporary, and foreign (U.S.) plates.  For additional information refer to http://www.hoynocircula.com.mx/ (Spanish only).  Please refer to our Road Safety Overseas for more information.

For additional information in English concerning Mexican driver’s permits, vehicle inspection, road tax, mandatory insurance, etc., please contact the Mexican Secretariat of Tourism (SECTUR) at  telephone 1-800-44-MEXICO (639-426).  Travelers can also consult http://www.mexonline.com/drivemex.htm.  For detailed information in Spanish only, visit Mexican Customs’ web site Importación Temporal de Vehículos (“Temporary Importation of Vehicles”) at http://www.aduanas.sat.gob.mx/aduana_mexico/2007/A_Body_Vehiculos.htm.   Travelers are advised to consult with the Mexican Embassy or the nearest Mexican consulate in the United States for additional, detailed information prior to entering Mexico.  For travel information for the Baja California peninsula, you can also consult independent web sites Travel to Baja at http://www.traveltobaja.net/ or Discover Baja California at http://www.discoverbajacalifornia.com/home.htm.

AVIATION SAFETY OVERSIGHT: The U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has assessed the Government of Mexico’s Civil Aviation Authority as being in compliance with International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) aviation safety standards for oversight of Mexico’s air carrier operations.  For more information, travelers may visit the FAA’s Internet web site at http://www.faa.gov/safety/programs_initiatives/oversight/iasa.

Adequate medical care can be found in major cities.  Excellent health facilities are available in Mexico City, but training and availability of emergency responders may be below U.S. standards.  Care in more remote areas is limited.  Standards of medical training, patient care and business practices vary greatly among medical facilities in beach resorts throughout Mexico.  In recent years, some U.S. citizens have complained that certain health-care facilities in beach resorts have taken advantage of them by overcharging or providing unnecessary medical care.  Elective medical procedures may be less expensive than in the United States.  However, visitors are cautioned that facilities may lack access to sufficient emergency support.  The U.S. Embassy encourages visitors to obtain as much information about the facility and the medical personnel as possible when considering surgical or other procedures.  In addition to other publicly available information, U.S. citizens may consult the U.S. Embassy’s web site for a list of doctors in Mexico Cithy at http://mexico.usembassy.gov/eng/eacs_doctors.html and a list of hospitals in Mexico City at http://mexico.usembassy.gov/eng/eacs_hospitals.html or contact the U.S. Embassy, U.S. consulate, or consular agency prior to seeking non-emergency medical attention.  The U.S. Embassy, U.S. consulates, and consular agencies maintain lists of reputable doctors and medical facilities that are available to assist U.S. citizens in need of medical care.

Water Quality:   In many areas in Mexico, tap water is unsafe and should be avoided.  Bottled water and beverages are safe although visitors should be aware that many restaurants and hotels serve tap water unless bottled water is specifically requested.  Ice may also come from tap water and should be used with caution.  Visitors should exercise caution when buying food or beverages from street vendors.

The quality of water along some beaches in or near Acapulco or other large coastal communities may be unsafe for swimming because of contamination.  Swimming in contaminated water may cause diarrhea and/or other illnesses.  Mexican government agencies monitor water quality in public beach areas but their standards and sampling techniques may differ from those in the United States.

Altitude:  In high-altitude areas such as Mexico City (elevation 7,600 feet or about 1/2 mile higher than Denver, Colorado), most people need a short adjustment period.  Reaction signs to high altitude include a lack of energy, shortness of breath, occasional dizziness, headache, and insomnia.  Those with heart problems should consult their doctor before traveling.  Air pollution in Mexico City and Guadalajara is severe, especially from December to May, and combined with high altitude could affect travelers with underlying respiratory problems. Other Health Issues: Information on vaccinations and other health precautions, such as safe food and water precautions and insect bite protection, may be obtained from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s hotline for international travelers at 1-877-FYI-TRIP (1-877-394-8747) or via the CDC’s web site at http://wwwn.cdc.gov/travel/default.aspx.  For information about outbreaks of infectious diseases abroad consult the World Health Organization’s (WHO) web site at http://www.who.int/en.  Further health information for travelers is available at http://www.who.int/ith/en. Medical Insurance:  The Department of State strongly urges U.S. citizens to consult with their medical insurance company prior to traveling abroad to confirm whether their policy applies overseas and whether it will cover emergency expenses such as a medical evacuation.  To ensure proper reimbursement of medical expenses by insurance carriers, the U.S. Embassy recommends that patients ensure they have sufficient documentation of their care and treatment before leaving the health care facility.

The Social Security Medicare Program does not provide coverage for hospital or medical costs outside the United States.  Please see additional information on medical insurance abroad.

Please refer to our information on customs regulations.  U.S. citizens bringing gifts to friends and relatives in Mexico should be prepared to demonstrate to Mexican customs officials the origin and the value of the gifts.  U.S. citizens entering Mexico by the land border can bring in gifts with a value of up to $50.00 duty-free, except for alcohol and tobacco products.  U.S. citizens entering Mexico by air or sea can bring in gifts with a value of up to $300.00 duty-free.

Personal Effects: Tourists are allowed to bring in their personal effects duty-free.  According to customs regulations, in addition to clothing, personal effects may include one camera, one video cassette player, one personal computer, one CD player, 5 DVDs, 20 music CDs or audiocassettes, 12 rolls of unused film, and one cellular phone.  Any tourist carrying such items, even if duty-free, should enter the “Merchandise to Declare” lane at the first customs checkpoint.  The tourist should be prepared to pay any assessed duty.  Failure to declare personal effects routinely results in the seizure of the goods as contraband, plus the seizure of the vehicle in which the goods are traveling for attempted smuggling.  The recovery of the seized vehicle involves the payment of substantial fines and attorney’s fees.

Temporary Imports/Exports:  Mexican customs authorities enforce strict regulations concerning temporary importation into or export from Mexico of items such as trucks and autos, trailers, antiquities, medications, medical equipment, business equipment, etc.  Prior to traveling, contact the Mexican Embassy or one of the Mexican consulates in the United States for specific information regarding customs requirements.

Property Donations:  U.S. citizens traveling to Mexico with goods intended for donation within Mexico, or traveling through Mexico with goods intended for donation in another country, should be aware of Mexican Customs regulations prohibiting importation of used clothing, textiles, and other used goods into Mexico.  These regulations apply even to charitable donations.  Individuals or groups wishing to make such donations should check with Mexican Customs for the list of prohibited items, and should hire an experienced customs broker in the U.S. to ensure compliance with Mexican law.  The charitable individual or group, not the customs broker, will be held responsible for large fines or confiscation of goods if the documentation is incorrect.  The website for Mexican Customs (Aduanas) is in Spanish only at Acerca de Aduana Mexico (“About Mexican Customs”) at http://www.aduanas.sat.gob.mx/aduana_mexico/2007/A_body.htm.  Mexican authorities require that all international transit through Mexico of persons and merchandise destined for Central or South America be handled only at the Los Indios Bridge located south of Harlingen, Texas on Route 509.  The U.S. Consulate in Matamoros is the closest consulate to Los Indios Bridge and may be contacted for up-to-date information by calling 011-52-868-812-4402, ext. 273 or 280, or by checking their web site, http://matamoros.usconsulate.gov/ which lists in English the most common items prohibited from entry into Mexico.  Additional customs information can be found on the U.S. Customs and Border Protection web site at http://www.cbp.gov.

The Department of State warns U.S. citizens against taking any type of firearm or ammunition into Mexico without prior written authorization from the Mexican authorities.  Entering Mexico with a firearm, some kinds of knives or even a single round of ammunition is illegal, even if the weapon or ammunition is taken into Mexico unintentionally.  The Mexican government strictly enforces its laws restricting the entry of firearms and ammunition along all land borders and at airports and seaports.  Violations have resulted in arrests, convictions, and long prison sentences for U.S. citizens.
Vessels entering Mexican waters with firearms or ammunition on board must have a permit previously issued by the Mexican Embassy or a Mexican consulate.  Mariners do not avoid prosecution by declaring their weapons at the port of entry.  Before traveling, mariners who have obtained a Mexican firearm permit should contact Mexican port officials to receive guidance on the specific procedures used to report and secure weapons and ammunition.