Documents Required to Fly to Mexico and Canada

getawaytips.azcentral.com

by Rita Kennedy, Demand Media 

(Photo: Ryan McVay/Photodisc/Getty Images )

Canada and Mexico are the United States’ nearest neighbors and many Americans will cross the northern and southern borders at some point. Although both Canada and Mexico are part of the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative, regulations for air travel are tougher than those for crossing land and sea borders. Ensure you have the correct documentation before you travel to avoid problems or delays during your trip.

Passport Book

A passport book is the one identification document you can use at all international borders, including when traveling by air. This is true for all travelers, including children under the age of 16. If you are a citizen of a country other than the United States, your national passport is an acceptable form of identification for travel between the United States and both Canada and Mexico.

Passport Card

Although the State Department advises that passport cards are not an appropriate form of identification to fly to Canada or Mexico, Mexican immigration regulations do allow you to use a passport card to enter the country by air. However, although your passport card is valid for returning to the United States by land or sea, you won’t be able to use it to return by air, making a passport book a more practical option. You cannot use a passport card to fly to Canada, although it is valid for land and sea border crossings.

NEXUS Card

NEXUS is a joint U.S.-Canadian project that aims to streamline the border-crossing process. The NEXUS membership card includes a radio-frequency identification unique to you, and if you consent to undergoing an iris-capture procedure, you can use it to enter Canada by air. You’ll have to undergo law enforcement and criminal history checks in both countries as part of your NEXUS application, but your card will expedite your entry into Canada.

Traveling With Children

If you’re traveling with a child that’s not yours or are alone with your own child, U.S. Customs and Border Protection strongly recommends carrying a parental note. If the child’s parents are not present, both should sign it, while for a child traveling with one parent, the absent parent should sign. The note should read, “I acknowledge that my wife/husband/etc. is traveling out of the country with my son/daughter/group. He/She/They has/have my permission to do so.” Although carrying this document is not a legal requirement, if you can’t show it, Customs and Border Protection staff could detain you until they can verify that the child has permission to leave the United States

What Documents are Needed on a Cruise to Mexico?

getawaytips.azcentral.com

by Leah Waldron, Demand Media 

(Photo: Thinkstock/Comstock/Getty Images )

The cruise line has you covered when it comes to extra sunscreen, bathing suits and cameras, but if you forget the correct travel documentation, you might be left at port. If you're cruising to Mexico from a U.S. port, the U.S. Customs and Border Protection Department requires government-issued documentation for adults, children and infant travelers.

One-Way Cruises

As of 2009, U.S. cruise travelers must carry a U.S. passport if they take a non-closed loop cruise with at least one foreign destination. A non-closed loop cruise is a fancy way of saying a one-way cruise. Rarely, a cruise will depart from one port and drop you off in another location. This is usually the case for longer cruises with multiple port stops. If this is the case, all travelers, including infants and children, must show a U.S. passport in order to board the cruise. For information on obtaining or renewing a U.S. passport, visit the U.S. Department of State website.

Round-Trip Cruises

If your Mexican cruise departs from and returns to one port, such as Miami, you are on a closed-loop, or round-trip, cruise. The required documentation for closed-loop Mexico cruises varies by age. Adults (16 years of age and older) must present a government-issued photo I.D., such as a driver's license. A child traveler (under the age of 16) must show a state-issued original birth certificate or copy. If this is not available, you can also provide a certificate of naturalization or a consular report of birth abroad. If an infant's birth certificate is not yet available, cruise lines will accept a hospital-issued birth certificate.

Non-U.S. Travelers

Non-U.S. citizens must show a passport from their country of origin before traveling on any cruise to Mexico. Cruise travelers who are currently in the U.S. Visa Waiver Program (VWP) might not be eligible for cruise travel to Mexico. For more information on VWP travel requirements, visit the U.S. Department of State website.

Tips

Mexican cruises often have port stops in the Caribbean. If this is the case, you might need additional documentation. Some Caribbean islands require U.S. passports for port visits. If you are obtaining a U.S. passport for the first time, allow for lengthy processing time, or be prepared to pay a premium for expedited service.

Mexico Travel Documents

WHTI-Compliant Documents for Travel to Mexico

By Suzanne Barbezat

gomexico.about.com

The Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative has made passports mandatory for air travel between the United States and Mexico, but for travel by land and sea there are a few different travel documents which are acceptable. Find out what identification and travel documents are valid for travel to Mexico for U.S. citizens, U.S. permanent residents, Canadians, and citizens of other countries.

U.S. citizens:

Passport
A passport is hands-down the best form of identification and proof of citizenship. I recommend that you get a passport for travel to Mexico, and if you'll be entering the country by air, it's necessary. If for some reason you are unable or you do not want to get a passport, for travel to Mexico by land or sea the following documents are acceptable travel documents for US citizens:

• Passport card
  Issued by the U.S. Department of State, this passport substitute is credit-card sized and valid for entry into Mexico by land or sea. The passport card is not accepted for air travel. Read more about passport cards, and find out how to apply for one.
• Enhanced Drivers License
  Enhanced Drivers Licenses are proof of citizenship and identity. These special drivers licenses are valid for travel to Mexico by land or sea, but are not valid for air travel. Only available in some states (Michigan, New York, Vermont, and Washington). See individual state licensing departments for more info.
• SENTRI Card
  The SENTRI Card is issued by the U.S. Customs and Border Protection to pre-approved travelers who cross the U.S./Mexico border frequently. It has the added benefit of access to dedicated commuter lanes for crossing the border. The card is valid for 5 years.
• FAST card
  The FAST card provides expedited travel to pre-approved commercial truck drivers between the U.S. and Canada, and U.S. and Mexico borders through dedicated lanes.

U.S. Permanent Residents:
For permanent residents of the United States, the I-551 Permanent Resident card is required for return to the U.S. For entry into Mexico, you will need to present a passport.

Canadian citizens:
As of March 1, 2010, a passport is required for Canadian citizens traveling to Mexico.

Citizens of other countries: 
Passport, and in some cases, a visa as well.

A first-timer’s guide to RVing in Mexico

yucantantimes.com

With a bit of preparation in advance, your trip south of the border can be an unforgettable adventure.

Why consider RVing in Mexico? It doesn’t have to be the horrors it’s made out to be. Yes, unfortunately there is crime in Mexico but there’s also a great deal of crime in the US and Canada.There are definitely areas that should be avoided but there are also many areas that should be explored because of Mexico’s rich history, breathtaking scenery and wonderfully kind people. Whether you seek spectacular beaches, stunning architecture or studying a historic culture, it really comes down to common sense and doing a bit of planning in advance.

Safety

We may as well get this topic out of the way first. Use common sense. Don’t spend any more time than necessary in border towns and don’t travel at night. Flashing a wallet full of money or fancy jewellery could get you into trouble. You will find the citizens of Mexico very helpful and willing to assist you if you ask them for directions or questions about their area. It will also give you an opportunity to practice your Spanish.

Plan your route in advance and do some research on the towns and roads you will travel so that you know whether the road is rough or the town is too big to manoeuvre your way through easily. Both Canada and the US post advisories as to which areas are having any current difficulties so check them regularly.

RV Caravan

Border crossing

Be prepared to spend a little time at the border because there is a process you have to follow and there is no avoiding it. Sit back and relax. Not every border crossing has the same hours of service but it is advisable to cross in the early morning for a couple of reasons. The process will take a while and once you are back on the road you will have more time to reach your destination and you will not have to drive at night, which is not advisable.

If your travel is within the border zone (usually up to 20 kilometres south of the U.S.-Mexico border) or the free trade zone (including the Baja California Peninsula and the Sonora Free Trade Zone), there are no procedures to comply with. However, if you wish to travel beyond these zones there are special procedures to follow. They are not difficult, just time consuming.

One note of caution: When leaving Mexico, the vehicle temporary importation permit must be cancelled at customs—no exceptions.

Documents

You will require the following:

• Valid passport
• Tourist card (obtain at border)
• Valid vehicle registration certificate in the driver’s name stating legal ownership
• Valid driver’s license
• International credit card in the name of the driver of the vehicle
• Valid Mexican insurance (obtain prior to arriving at the border)

Vehicle insurance

Mexican insurance is mandatory and your Canadian or American vehicle insurance is not valid while you are travelling in Mexico. There are many reputable companies who offer Mexican insurance and it is recommended that you research each for cost and what they provide.

RV by the lake

Highway routes

Roads in Mexico range from freeway style toll roads to dirt trails, and every type of road in between. Drive defensively and learn the rules of driving in Mexico and you shouldn’t have any trouble.

Watch out for topes! These are bumps in the road created to slow down traffic and if you hit one at a high speed things will go flying inside your rig. I found this out quite quickly when my computer landed on the floor because we failed to slow down. Get yourself a good map and a set of road logs when planning your route.

Campgrounds

There are camping facilities that range from rustic camping on beautiful secluded beaches right up to first class resorts with all the amenities. For the most part they are not up to the standards of our resorts and you may encounter difficulty with the electricity, but the options for parking your RV are extensive.

Beware though—just because a campground was in business a couple of years ago does not mean it is still in operation. Things change quickly in Mexico and not
always in the way we expect.

Caravan tours

For those who are hesitant about travelling into Mexico for the first time, consider joining up with a caravan. You will then have someone who will guide you through the border crossing details, arrange campgrounds and provide you with historical and cultural data about the regions you will visit. There will also be others travelling with you which offers companionship and give you more of a feeling of security.

The fact is Mexico is not for everyone. However, for those who wish to explore this beautiful country there are ways to do it so you can experience as much as possible.

Stay safe, be aware of your surroundings, and know the route you wish to travel and make your plans in advance. Not only will you reduce the risk of not having a parking spot at the end of the day, but you will have a much more relaxed trip and will be able to enjoy the spectacular scenic view from outside the windows of your vehicle.

Insurance rebates

If your vehicle is insured by ICBC then you may be eligible for a refund for the time your RV is in Mexico provided it has been outside of Canada and the US for 30 days or more. You will need to provide proof of entry and exit dates (when entering and leaving Mexico) and this can be in the form of gas or campground receipts and proof that the vehicle
was continuously in Mexico which could be proven by a photocopy of your Mexican insurance with your Vehicle ID number on it. Contact ICBC for further information.

Sources:

• http://www.mexicomike.com/index.html
• http://www.rv-clubs.us/mexico_rv_campgrounds.html
• Foreign Affairs and International Trade (Canada)
• United States travel advisories

How to Move to Mexico from USA or Canada

mexzip.com

Mexico is becoming one of the top places for people that want to retire, live, move or expatriate due to its climate conditions, relative low cost of living, security in some cities and peaceful way of living.

Despite the exaggerated media news of drug wars and crime there more than one million Canadians and Americans living in Mexico. Sure there are some cities where crime is a concern, but its not worse than in the USA, there are cities like Mazatlan, Merida, Cancun, Puerto Vallarta, Ixtapa, Acapulco, Huatulco, San Miguel de Allende, Playa del Carmen, Guanajuato and Puebla that are very safe to vacation and to live.

Right now many Americans are Moving to Mexico from USA, however moving from one country to another can be a complex task because you dont know where to start and you dont know the country, so let me guide you with the following steps:

Here is How to Move to Mexico:

Where do you want to Live?

• This should be your first step before making any arrangements, you need to decide to what city in Mexico you want to Move. Maybe you already decide because you are going to work in a company in Mexico. But if you have not decide what city is best to live on these are some of the best cities to live because they are safe, have all the comfort and fun you need:

• Merida
• Cancun
• Guanajuato
• Mazatlan
• Puerto Vallarta
• Los cabos Huatulco
• Ixtapa 

Do you have your Documentation Ready?

• Travel Documentation: make sure that all members of your family have passports and apply for your visa to live and work in Mexico. Get in touch with your local Mexican Consulate so you can fill the necessary forms and fees required. In some cases you may need an immigration Lawyer to help you out.

Is your passport Valid? your passport has to be valid for at least one year when you apply for a visa. If it is about to expire, you will need to renew it before you apply for a visa in the Mexican consulate.

• Apply for a Resident Visa.  There are 3 types of Mexican Visas:  
  • FMM Forma Migratoria  Multiple  if you are staying in mexico no longer than 180 days.
  • FM3 Long-Term, Non-Immigrant Visa. You need it if you plan to stay in Mexico longer than 6 months
  • FM2 Immigrant Visa. If you plan to achieve permanent Mexican residence status or citizenship in the country
  • if you are from Canada these are the requirements for a permanent resident visa.
  • Here is more information on how to get a visa for Mexico
• Do you have a valid Driving License? You can use your own US drivers license in Mexico, but you can apply for a Mexican driving license if you want.

Make a List of all the things you need to Take

• What electrical Appliances do you plan to take with you? Voltage should not be a problem for any small electrical appliances like laptops, cell phones, MP3 players, tablets. The voltage of USA is the same as Mexico so big ticket items can be moved to Mexico with no problem, however you should consider that some things you can buy them on Mexico instead of taking them.
• Do you have Pets? It is possible to take your pet to Mexico but you need to apply for the necessary permissions and papers. Contact the Mexican consulate and ask for details about what is needed. You will probably need a health certificate by a licensed veterinarian or official authority with proof of vaccines.
• What items are you Leaving? You will also need to list those things that you will leave behind, so you can decide if you want to sell them, gift them or just leave them.
• Do you Own Real Estate? What are you going to do with it, for example if you have a home, are you going to rent it? sell it? you will need to call your local realtor and tell him if it will be rented furnished or unfurnished.
• Do you have Vehicles? If you have a car, truck, boat or motorcycle then you can take it from usa to Mexico or sell it and buy a new one in Mexico.

Where are you Staying in Mexico?

• Do you need Temporary Accomodation? if you need to book a Mexico Hotel then do it now, the sooner you do it the cheaper is going to cost you, so plan ahead of time what day month and day you want to travel to Mexico.
• Do you want to Rent an Apartment? If you plan to move to a rented apartment you should start to look out for your options before your visa is confirmed.
• Do you want to Buy a House in Mexico? If so, then you need to start looking for available options and talk with your real estate agent so he can help you out and make the necessary arrangements before your visa is ready. Keep in mind that is recommended that you rent an apartment for some time before buying a house, so you can get a sense of the life in the city and look at the houses that you really like in the zone that you want.

Get Ready to Move

• Have you asked for Quotes from Moving Companies? Now that you have decided what you are going to take and leave, its time to ask for quotes to moving companies so you can get your personal items moved to Mexico. Choose an established company and ask for references, if you live in the USA your goods will be shipped by road.
• Do you want to leave your big items behind? You can rent a furnished apartment or house in Mexico or even buy everything again overtime if you want to. A good option is to travel to Mexico settle in and then once you are established you can have your personal items moved later on.
• Is your Accomodation in Mexico Ready? By now you should have you hotel booked or apartment agreement ready for rent. If you  are shipping all your personal items to Mexico, then those will arrive after you, because you are probably flying to Mexico. But you need to have a plan of where you are going to store your items when they arrive.
• How to import your Personal belongings to Mexico? You can import your personal items free of duty if you hold a Resident Visa and present a list of your personal items at the border.

• What can you Bring? All your personal and household goods such as clothes, books, appliances, furniture, computers, entertainment electronics, musical instruments. You can also bring scientific instruments and tools that are needed in your profession or hobby. Medical equipment such as, blood pressure, wheelchair, sugar monitor, oxygen generator are duty free.
  What you can not bring? Guns and ammunition you should not bring. You should not bring frozen or fresh food. However canned and packaged goods are usually allowed.
  Menaje de Casa: The Government allows you to move your used (6 months old)household belongings to Mexico without paying import duties. The Rules for preparing the Menaje vary among consulates, you should ask your local consulate. But it consist of the list that you prepare and a cover letter from the consulate. The Menaje is a good deal if you are moving move than just a few items.

• Have you make your Airline Reservations? You are probably going to fly to Mexico so is important that you check your flying options and make your reservations as soon as possible to get the best possible price.
• Contact about your change of Address? you may want to tell some organizations and people you care, about your change of address so you can get your correspondence at your new address.
• Get your Visas Confirmed. Before you keep making plans, pay hotel, flight and sell items you no longer need, be sure to confirm that you have your Visas ready and get all the paperwork and info of your family or people that are coming with you together such as passports, birth certificates, marriage certificates, professional qualifications, etc. double check and get copies and scan them if possible.
• Make the necessary financial arrangements. is important that you pay any receipts, debts and cancel credit cards that you will no longer need, avoid innecessary fees.
• Get your Financial Documents ready. if you are a retire, have all your pension and investment papers at hand, Mexican authorities may ask you for proof of income. Have your bank statements and recent pay bills at hand, because you may need them as proof of being employed or for your visa application. If you own real estate, having the documents that proof you are owner of real estate can be helpful.
• Be ready to Declare the amount of cash you are importing.  You must declare how much cash you import or export if the sum exceeds $10,000. There is no limit to how much money can be imported or exported from Mexico, but if it is over $10,000 you must declare it.

Final Checklist

• Have your Passports and Visas in one place
• If you are renting or selling your home you should have been given notice to the real estate agent and make final arrangements.
• You should be selling or donating your unwanted goods.
• You should have informed people and organizations that you are moving like telephone company, cel phone, tv companies, banks, financial institutions and any other one.
• Get your Medical Records and prescriptions Ready. You should go to your doctor and get copies of your familys medical records and prescription medicine.
• Confirm your moving date with your moving company, cleaner and any other service provider.
• Get all the personal belongings that you are going to take with you together in your luggage. Make sure that you have enough clothes while you wait for the shipping company to send all your stuff to Mexico.
• Cancel your land line phone service and cable tv, make final readings from the gas and electricity meters, pay your final bills.

Moving Day

• The Moving company should arrive early and leave empty the property so you can clean it.
• Leave the property clean especially if you are renting it or selling it.
• Make a final check of the property to make sure that you are not leaving anything you need behind and ensure that everything is in order.
• Make sure that all your travel documentation and paperwork are passports, visas, etc. are all easily accessible.
• If you are handing the property to someone arrange this to happen the day after your move.

Arriving to Mexico

• There is a straightforward process for arrival to the port of entry.

• Use your Resident Mexican Visa for Entry. The officer at the port o entry will stamp a page on your passport marking your date of entry to the country. You have 30 days from this date to register on the foreign residents register via your local immigration office in Mexico. Check Mexico Immigration contacts for their nearest offices located where you are in Mexico.

• Importing your personal belongings. You are allowed to import all your personal goods free of duty when you hold a resident visa

• Get transport to your hotel. You will need a Taxi to take you to your hotel, if you are renting a property in Mexico the owner of the house or apartment may receive you at the airport.

• Get some Local currency. You need to exchange some money to get mexican pesos and pay for your taxi and any other things. 

I'm Canadian - do I need a passport to travel to Mexico?

about.com

By Suzanne Barbezat

Question: I'm Canadian - do I need a passport to travel to Mexico?

 

The U.S. Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative is phasing in passport requirements for travel between the U.S., Canada and Mexico. How does this affect Canadians planning to travel to Mexico?

Answer: 

As of March 1st, 2010, all Canadian citizens need a valid passport to enter Mexico. Canadian citizens without a valid passport will not be allowed entry into Mexico and will be returned to Canada.

Canadian permanent residents need to present a Resident Card, Certificate of Identity, or Refugee Travel Document. Airlines may refuse to allow boarding to travelers who do not carry sufficient identification.
A passport is the best form of international identification and having one can help prevent hassles! Here is the official take on the matter from Passport Canada's Web Site.

Medical Travel Tips For A Successful Experience

Posted by Dr. Santiago Hernandez, October 10, 2013
chapalamed.com
 

 

Medical travel in Mexico is becoming increasingly popular for a number of reasons. The standard of service is as good as or better than your local hospital, yet the cost is far less expensive and you get the opportunity to visit and recuperate in tropical surroundings. However, like any hospital or holiday, medical tourism is not without its mishaps, so to ensure you have a positive experience in Mexico here are some tips you should follow through before booking medical travel.

Research the hospital

Medical travel is a little different to your average holiday and you want to ensure that nothing goes wrong. But it is also quite natural for patients to feel some apprehension therefore by thoroughly researching the medical facility where you will receive your treatment you will avoid the stress and it will give you peace of mind.

Read reviews left by other patients on online travel sites such as TripAdvisor and see what other people are saying about their experience, the professionalism of the hospital staff and the standard of the equipment used in the hospital. To give some measure against the information you find, the majority of medical facilities in Mexico use state of the art equipment, are extremely clean and employ English speaking staff.

Questions to ask before booking medical travel

When enquiring about medical travel you want to make sure that the agency and medical facility you use are going to provide you with everything you require. Some medical procedures can be very stressful so you need to ensure that the travel package caters for your every need so that you have nothing to worry about other than the success of the operation.

You need to know that the procedure you need can be performed, how long it takes, what experience the doctor has and what aftercare you will receive. Bear in mind that aftercare is often essential after a medical procedure and you should expect it to be included in the package.

Accommodation is important on any holiday and you will want to know what facilities there are at the hospital. This may be crucial to your recuperation process depending on the type of surgery you have undertaken. Ideally you want to be accommodated in a quiet, peaceful hotel preferably with a spa.

Keep your doctor in the know

Before you have any surgery it is always best to tell your GP – especially if you are considering medical travel overseas. It is advisable to consult with your local doctor to ask his opinion about medical travel and for him to confirm you are safe to travel. Keeping your doctor up-to-date with your medical history also allows him or her to prepare for any post-treatment care once you return home. You also need to ask your doctor for a copy of your medical records to take with you.

To avoid unnecessary stress it is also a good idea to prepare our documents ahead of your journey. Make sure your passport is still valid and apply for visa. Take photocopies of each and keep them separate. You may also need a valid driving license. Follow this advice and you will enjoy a successful medical travel experience.