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MEXICO TRAVEL LIMITATIONS

Due to increased criminal activity and specific threats, some directed at

U.S. citizens and military personnel, the border areas of Mexico along the

Texas, New Mexico, Arizona and California borders are off limits. This change is effective immediately.

Active duty, Guardsmen and Reservists on Title 10 status, and tenant units attached to Luke AFB, are prohibited from personal travel to or through the Mexican border cities of Ciudad Acuna, Juarez, Las Palomas, Matamoros, Nuevo Laredo, Piedras Negras, Agua Prieta Nogales, Sasabe, Naco, Sonoyta and Tijuana until further notice. Air travel to Mexican cities south of the border area is authorized with unit commander’s approval of a Personal Force Protection Plan. EXCEPTION: Personnel on official travel are not prohibited from entering these areas.

DoD civilians, contractors and military or civilian family members are highly discouraged from travel to the cities previously listed. Should travel to Mexico be considered, recommend personnel seek the assistance from their assigned unit to complete a Force Protection Travel Plan. For more information, contact your Anti-terrorism Officer.

Subject: Mexico Travel Limitations, 17 Dec 2008 UPDATED)

The US Marines have tightened any Mexico travel even further

“”The top commander here has ordered that all Marines, including officers and senior enlisted Marines, must have their unit’s permission before traveling to Mexico.

Lt. Gen. Samuel Helland, I Marine Expeditionary Force commander, issued the tighter rules only a few weeks after he and other senior Marine Corps and Navy regional commanders clamped down on travel south of the border, where escalating violence between warring drug cartels is blamed for the deaths of nearly 6,000 people last year.

Recent media reports have suggested that Tijuana specifically is off limits, but a closer look at Helland’s updated Mexico travel policy shows that’s not exactly right.

“All I MEF personnel traveling to Mexico on leave, liberty or official business [must] possess a liberty chit signed by the first O-5 or higher in the traveler’s chain of command,” Helland’s policy states. I MEF includes West Coast-based infantry, aviation and logistics units.

The previous policy, adopted Dec. 24, required liberty chits only for staff sergeants and below.

In recent months, Mexican military personnel and police have confronted drug-trafficking organizations using automatic weapons, grenades and rocket-propelled grenades, officials have said.

“Due to the degree of prolonged, escalating violence, I MEF will extend the current liberty policy to a standing policy for all travel to Mexico,” the new policy states. “This is a prudent step in addressing the real threat to our personnel by ensuring a baseline level of oversight for any travel into the area. I MEF will continue to assess the situation and relax or tighten these procedures accordingly.”

The policy also applies to Marines and I MEF sailors whose immediate families live in Mexico.

Unit commanders can order stricter rules for their personnel, and since the Dec. 24 regional order, some units already were requiring liberty chits for all Marines and sailors who want to go to Mexico.

Under that broader policy, troops traveling to Mexico must:

• Use the “buddy system” with an approved liberty buddy.

• Receive a security brief.

• Complete the “Level I” anti-terrorism training class within the past 12 months.

• Register with the U.S. consulate in Mexico at  http://travel.state.gov/travel/tips/registration/registration_1186.html  “”

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SENTRI members can now register their vehicle’s license plates with CBP on line. All members must register or update their current license plate by going to https://goes-app.cbp.dhs.gov. Additionally SENTRI members may also update their contact information online at that same address. In Otay Mesa and San Ysidro, SENTRI users should update their information no later than January 2009. SENTRI users who have not received new cards due to relocation need to obtain this card from the CBP office. There are 12,000 cards waiting to be picked up. End.

I-94 permit processing procedures in Otay Mesa have changed to mirror those in San Ysidro. To obtain an I-94 permit, applicants will need to walk through the pedestrian crossing and into the office as opposed to going through secondary inspection. This new facility will have service 7 days a week for 24 hours with 6 windows for service. There will be room for overflow in the secondary inspection area. Please be advised that I-94 permits are no longer issued at the Mexican Consulate office. End.

Pedestrian SENTRI continues to be underutilized with only 500-600 pedestrians per day. CBP reminds SENTRI pedestrians that they may go to the front of the line and use a separate SENTRI gate to cross.
Increased enforcement for SENTRI lanes is occurring. The US Attorney’s office will prosecute all SENTRI violators. End.

San Ysidro Port of Entry (SYPOE) remodel has begun with Virginia Street buildings removed. Employee parking is expected to move to Virginia Street in February. Feeder lanes at San Ysidro should be open in February or March. This will allow CBP to begin the remodel of the SYPOE. End.

Thousands of Visas are due to expire in 2009. The State Department has authority over the visas and they are looking into ways to address the anticipated onslaught of visa renewal requests. 190,000 expiring visas are from Imperial Valley. End.

The concept of a remote parking facility to eliminate emissions from trucks idling at the border is being studied by SANDAG. They are looking into a new program that Canada has put into place that allows cars to turn off their engines, park and not loose their turn in line when the wait time is more than 1 hour. SANGAG is investigating this possibility for the trucks at Otay Mesa. End.

The cargo lanes in Otay Mesa are being used for passenger vehicular traffic on Sundays. When this concept was first implemented there were not enough users in lanes to justify doing this on a regular basis. However, members of the Port Working Group requested another test and requested assistance from the City of Tijuana. During the next pilot the City of Tijuana directed passenger vehicles toward this port of entry. The amount of users justifies keeping it open. The Port Working Group wishes to express their thanks to the City of Tijuana and the State of Baja for redirecting traffic. Additionally, the Port Working Group wishes to express appreciation to CBP for their willingness to conduct another pilot and staff the cargo lanes. End.

Director Dhillon has retired. A new Director of Field Operations has not been named to replace him. The Port Working Group is appreciative of his efforts to reduce border wait times during his career and wishes him well in his retirement. End.

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Over 100,000 American teenagers and young adults travel to resort areas throughout Mexico over Spring Break each year.  While the vast majority enjoys their vacation without incident, several may die, hundreds will be arrested, and still more will make mistakes that could affect them for the rest of their lives. Using some common sense will help travelers avoid these unpleasant and dangerous situations. 

We encourage all U.S. citizens to phone home periodically to assure family members of your safety and inform them of your whereabouts.  Remember, whether you travel to Mexico by land, air, or sea, you are entering a foreign country and are subject to the laws and customs regulations of Mexico.

Entry Requirements

Effective January 23, 2007, ALL persons, including U.S. citizens, traveling by air to the United States from Mexico, Canada, Central and South America, the Caribbean, and Bermuda will be required to present a valid passport, (or if applicable, an Alien Registration Card, form I-551, Air NEXUS card, or U.S. Coast Guard Merchant Mariner Document), to enter or re-enter the United States. American citizens can visit http://travel.state.gov or call 1-877-4USA-PPT (1-877-487-2778) for information on applying for a U.S. passport.  Please see Mexico’s Country Specific Information for complete entry requirements.

Mexican Law

While traveling in Mexico, American citizens are subject to Mexican law.  An arrest or accident in Mexico can result in a difficult legal or medical situation, sometimes at a great expense to the traveler.  Mexican law can impose harsh penalties for violations that would be considered minor in the United States, and U.S. citizenship in no way exempts one from full prosecution under the Mexican criminal justice system.  If U.S. citizens find themselves in legal trouble, they should contact the closest U.S. Consulate, U.S. Consular Agency, or the U.S. Embassy in Mexico City. (see “Contact Information” below).  U.S. consular officials in Mexico can visit detained American citizens in prison, provide information about the Mexican legal system, and furnish a list of Mexican attorneys, among other assistance.  U.S. Consular officials cannot arrange for Mexican officials to release detained American citizens.

Alcohol and Drugs

Excessive alcohol consumption and unruly behavior can lead to serious problems with Mexican authorities.  Alcohol is involved in the vast majority of arrests, accidents, violent crimes, rapes, and deaths suffered by American students on Spring Break.  Disturbing the peace, lewd or indecent behavior, littering, driving under the influence, drinking on the street or on public transportation, using public transportation without payment, or making obscene or insulting remarks are all considered criminal activities by Mexican authorities.  The importation, purchase, possession or use of drugs can incur severe penalties, including imprisonment without bail for up to a year before a case is tried, and imprisonment of several years following a conviction.  All individuals 16 years of age or older are tried as adults.

Safety and Security

Standards of security, safety, and supervision may not reach the levels expected in the United States. This has contributed to the deaths of U.S. citizens in automobile accidents, after falls from balconies or into unmarked ditches, by drowning in the ocean as well as in hotel pools, and in water-sports mishaps, among others.

Warning flags on beaches should be taken seriously.  If black or red flags are up, do not enter the water.  Strong undertow and rough surf are common along beaches throughout Mexico, especially on the Pacific coast, and drownings have occurred when swimmers have been overwhelmed by conditions.  Swimming pool drain systems may not comply with U.S. safety standards and swimmers should exercise caution.  Do not swim in pools or at beaches without lifeguards.  Do not dive into unknown bodies of water, because hidden rocks or shallow depths can cause serious injury or death.  If you choose to swim, always exercise extreme caution.

Use only the licensed and regulated “sitio” (SEE-tee-oh) taxis.  Some illegitimate taxi drivers are, in fact, criminals in search of victims; users of these taxis have been robbed, kidnapped, and/or raped.  Hotels, clubs and restaurants will summon a sitio taxi upon request.

Firearms and Knives

It is best not to carry even a pocketknife into Mexico as this can result in a weapons charge if a knife is found on a traveler who is arrested for a separate offense.  Visitors driving across the border should ensure that their vehicles contain no firearms or ammunition.  Mexico imposes harsh penalties for bringing as little as one bullet across its borders.

Renting and Operating Vehicles and other Equipment

Visitors should exercise caution when renting vehicles, including jet skis and mopeds.  Many are not serviced and in poor condition, and many are uninsured or under-insured.  Read rental contracts carefully to be sure your own insurance will cover you in the event of an accident, if the rental company’s insurance is not adequate.  Drivers of any vehicle, including jet skis and mopeds, should exercise extreme caution and ask the rental agency about local laws and procedures before operating the vehicle. The Department of State has received reports of equipment rental operators using locals to form a “mob” to intimidate customers into paying exorbitant amounts for damage to rented equipment.
 
Operators of any vehicle that causes damage to other vehicles or injuries to other people may be arrested and held in custody until full payment is made, either in cash or through insurance.

Driving in Mexico

American citizens planning on driving to Mexico should carry a valid driver’s license at all times.  U.S. driver’s licenses are valid in Mexico.  Mexican law requires that vehicles be driven only by their owners, or that the owner be inside the vehicle.  If not, the car may be seized by Mexican customs and will not be returned under any circumstances.  We strongly recommend that you purchase a full coverage insurance policy that will cover the cost of bail.  Please be aware that if you are involved in an automobile accident, you will be taken into police custody until it is determined who is at fault and whether you have the ability to pay any penalty.

Know Before You Go

The following cities and areas are some traditional destinations in Mexico for travelers on Spring Break.  While other resort areas may not be as well-known for this type of travel, the advice contained here still applies:

Acapulco:  Drug-related violence has been increasing in Acapulco.  Although this violence is not targeted at foreign residents or tourists, U.S. citizens in these areas should be vigilant in their personal safety.

Avoid swimming outside the bay area.  Several American citizens have died while swimming in rough surf at the Revolcadero Beach near Acapulco.

Cabo San Lucas:  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. 

Cancun and Cozumel:  Cancun is a fairly large city, approaching 500,000 inhabitants, with increasing reports of crime.  Crimes against the person, such as rape, commonly but not exclusively occur at night or in the early morning hours, and often involve alcohol and the nightclub environment.  Therefore, it is important to travel in pairs or groups, be aware of surroundings, and take general precautions.  To protect against property crimes, valuables should be left in a safe place or not brought at all.  If you are a victim of a crime, immediately notify the U.S. Consular Agency in Cancun or Cozumel or the U.S. Consulate in Merida at the telephone numbers provided below.

If you rent a moped or other vehicle in Cancun, it is advisable to purchase third-party insurance, as the insurance offered on some credit cards will not cover you in Mexico.  Should you have an accident or cause damage to the vehicle, you may be required to pay the full amount of any repairs, in cash, as determined by the rental agency, or face arrest.

In Cancun, there is often a very strong undertow along the beach from the Hyatt Regency all the way south to Club Med.  Already this season, several U.S. citizens have drowned when overwhelmed by ocean conditions.    In Cozumel, several drownings and near-drownings have been reported on the east coast, particularly in the Playa San Martin-Chen Rio area.

Matamoros/South Padre Island:  The Mexican border cities of Matamoros and Nuevo Progresso are located 30 to 45 minutes south of the major Spring Break destination of South Padre Island, Texas.  Travelers to the Mexican border should be especially aware of safety and security concerns due to increased violence in recent years between rival drug trafficking gangs competing for control of narcotics smuggling routes.  While it is unlikely that American visitors would get caught up in this violence, travelers should exercise common-sense precautions such as visiting only the well-traveled business and tourism areas of border towns during daylight and early-evening hours. 

Mazatlan:  While the beach town of Mazatlan is a relatively safe place to visit, travelers should use common sense and exercise normal precautions when visiting an unfamiliar location.  Avoid walking the streets alone after dark, when petty crimes are much more common.  Beaches can have very strong undertows and rogue waves.  Swimmers should obey warning signs placed along the beaches which indicate dangerous ocean conditions.    

Nogales/Sonora:  Puerto Peñasco, a.k.a. “Rocky Point,” is located in northern Sonora, 60 miles from the U.S. border, and is accessible by car.  The majority of accidents that occur at this Spring Break destination are caused by individuals driving under the influence of alcohol.  Travelers should exercise particular caution on unpaved roads, especially in beach areas. 

Oaxaca City:  There have been ongoing demonstrations and protests in Oaxaca City due to civil unrest since June 2006.  Several groups have engaged in violent demonstrations in Oaxaca City, which resulted in the death of an American citizen in October 2006.  Prior to traveling to Oaxaca City, U.S. citizens should monitor the U.S. Embassy in Mexico City’s web site, http://mexico.usembassy.gov/mexico/citizen_services.html, as well as http://travel.state.gov for the most up to date Safety and Security information.  U.S. citizens should avoid participating in demonstrations and other activities that might be deemed political by the Mexican authorities. The Mexican Constitution prohibits political activities by foreigners, and such actions may result in detention and/or deportation.

Oaxaca (coastal):  There have been a number of drownings along the beaches of the southern coast of Oaxaca, namely Zipolite Beach.  Professional lifeguard training has contributed to a drop in fatalities, but swimmers are advised that currents can quickly become treacherous, even for accomplished swimmers.

Tijuana:  Tijuana has one of the busiest land border crossings in the world.  The beach towns of Rosarito and Ensenada also attract a large number of tourists.  Drinking alcoholic beverages excessively on a public street is prohibited.  

Tijuana boasts a large number of pharmacies; to buy any controlled medication (e.g. Valium, Vicodin, Placidyl, Morphine, Demorol, and Ativan, etc), a prescription from a Mexican federally registered physician is required.  Possession of controlled medications without a Mexican doctor’s prescription is a serious crime and can lead to arrest. The prescription must have a seal and serial number.  Under no other circumstances should an individual purchase prescription medicines.

Register with the Embassy or Consulates

Registration with the U.S. Embassy or Consulate (in the country you are visiting) makes your presence and whereabouts known, in case it is necessary for a consular officer to contact you in an emergency. During a disaster overseas, American consular officers can assist in evacuation were that to become necessary, but they cannot assist you if they do not know where you are.  You can register with the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate through the State Department’s travel registration web site.

Additional Information:

 Travelers going to Mexico over Spring Break should refer to the Department of State’s Country Specific Information for Mexico, the publication Tips for Student Travelers, and the publication Help for American Victims of Crime Overseas.

For the latest security information, Americans traveling abroad should regularly monitor the Department’s Internet web site at http://travel.state.gov where the current Worldwide Caution Travel Alert, Travel Warnings and Travel Alerts can be found. Up to date information on security can also be obtained by calling 1-888-407-4747 toll free in the United States, or, for callers outside the United States and Canada, a regular toll line at 1-202-501-4444. These numbers are available from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Eastern Time, Monday through Friday (except U.S. federal holidays).

Contact Information:

In case of a serious emergency, travelers should immediately contact the closest U.S. Consulate, U.S. Consular Agency, or the U.S. Embassy in Mexico City. 

The U.S. Embassy is located in Mexico City at Paseo de la Reforma 305, Colonia Cuauhtemoc, telephone from the United States: 011-52-55-5080-2000; telephone within Mexico City: 5080-2000; telephone long distance within Mexico 01-55-5080-2000.  You may also contact the Embassy by e-mail at: ccs@usembassy.net.mx.  The Embassy’s Internet address is http://www.usembassy-mexico.gov/.

In addition to the Embassy, there are United States Consulates General, Consulates, and Consular Agencies located throughout Mexico:

Consulates General and Consulates:

Ciudad Juarez : Ciudad Juarez: Paseo de la Victoria #3650, telephone (52) (656) 227-3000.
Guadalajara: Progreso 175, telephone (52)(333) 268-2100.
Monterrey: Avenida Constitucion 411 Poniente, telephone (52)(818) 345-2120.
Tijuana: Tapachula 96, telephone (52)(664) 622-7400. During non-work hours, an American official may be reached at: 011-619-692-2154 (from Mexico) or 619-692-2154 (from the U.S.).
Hermosillo: Avenida Monterrey 141, telephone (52)(662) 289-3500.
Matamoros: Avenida Primera 2002, telephone (52)(868) 812-4402.
Merida: 338-K Calle 60, Colonia Alcala Martin, telephone (52)(999) 942-5700.
Nogales: Calle San Jose, Nogales, Sonora, telephone (52)(631) 311-8150.
Nuevo Laredo: Calle Allende 3330, Col. Jardin, telephone (52)(867) 714-0512.
Consular Agencies:

Acapulco: Hotel Continental Emporio, Costera Miguel Aleman 121 - Local 14, telephone (52)(744) 484-0300 or (52)(744) 469-0556.
Cabo San Lucas: Blvd. Marina Local C-4, Plaza Nautica, Col. Centro, telephone (52)(624) 143-3566. 
Cancún: Plaza Caracol Two, Second Level, No. 320-323, Boulevard Kukulcan, Km. 8.5, Zona Hotelera, telephone (52)(998) 883-0272.
Ciudad Acuña, Ocampo # 305, Col. Centro, telephone (52)(877) 772-8661
Cozumel: Plaza Villa Mar en El Centro, Plaza Principal, (Parque Juárez between Melgar and 5th Ave.) 2nd floor, Locales #8 and 9, telephone (52)(987) 872-4574.
Ixtapa/Zihuatanejo: Hotel Fontan, Blvd. Ixtapa, telephone (52)(755) 553-2100.
Mazatlán: Hotel Playa Mazatlán, Playa Gaviotas #202, Zona Dorada, telephone (52)(669) 916-5889.
Oaxaca: Macedonio Alcalá No. 407, Interior 20, telephone (52)(951) 514-3054 (52)(951) 516-2853.
Piedras Negras: Prol. General Cepeda No. 1900, Fraccionamiento Privada Blanca, telephone (52) (878) 785-1986.
Puerto Vallarta: Paseo de Los Cocoteros #85 Sur, Paradise Plaza - Local L-7, Nuevo Vallarta, Nayarit C.P. 63732, telephone (52)(322) 222-0069.
Reynosa: Calle Monterrey #390, Esq. Sinaloa, Colonia Rodríguez, telephone: (52)(899) 923 - 9331
San Luis Potosí: Edificio “Las Terrazas”, Avenida Venustiano Carranza 2076-41, Col. Polanco, telephone: (52)(444) 811-7802/7803.
San Miguel de Allende: Dr. Hernandez Macias #72, telephone (52)(415) 152-2357 or (52)(415) 152-0068.

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Baja Safari Easy SUPER BOWL SALSA

 Yield: 10 servings

2 cups seeded, chopped tomatoes

(6-7 medium tomatoes) Leaves from 1 bunch fresh cilantro, chopped

6 cloves fresh garlic, chopped

1/2 onion, chopped

1 jalapeño, finely chopped

1/2 teaspoon salt

About 1 tablespoon lime juice

Procedure:

Combine all ingredients until well incorporated.

Refrigerate overnight for maximum flavor.

Ruth’s CABO SAFARI SALSA

(Ruth always says, better salsas use no water)

Yield: 3 cups

3-4 tomatillos

1 clove garlic

1 jalapeño (core and seed for less

heat)

Salt, to taste

1 white onion, chopped

2-3 cilantro sprigs

1-2 avocados (optional)

Procedure:

Boil tomatillos, garlic, jalapeño and salt until tomatillos are tender. Drain water into a bowl on the side.

In blender or food processor, blend boiled mixture, adding drained water until desired consistency. Add chopped onion, cilantro and avocado to salsa. Refrigerate.

Baja Tropical Salsa Safari

Yield: About 2 cups

3/4 cup diced ripe papaya

3/4 cup diced fresh pineapple

1/2 cup diced jicama

3 tablespoons chopped red onion

1 serrano or jalapeño, seeded and minced

1 garlic clove, minced

2 teaspoon lime zest

2 tablespoons fresh lime juice

1 tablespoon minced fresh cilantro

Cook’s notes: For best flavor and texture, do not make more than 2 hours before serving. Great as a topper for fish or poultry.

Procedure:

Combine all ingredients.

Cover and refrigerate until ready to serve.

 Cabo Tequila Crazy Salsa

Yield: 3 cups

1 Shot of Cabo Tequila

1 cup diced firm, ripe mango 1 Roma tomato (about 1/4 pound), rinsed, cored and coarsely chopped

1/2 cup each diced orange and yellow bell peppers

1/4 cup finely diced onion

1 tablespoon minced fresh jalapeño

1 tablespoon chopped fresh cilantro

1 clove garlic, peeled and minced

2 tablespoons lime juice

1 tablespoon red wine vinegar

Salt and pepper, to taste

Procedure:

Combine all ingredients except salt and pepper.

Add salt and pepper to taste.

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