Travel Alert

This information is current as of Fri Aug 21 08:25:27 2009.

Mexico

August 20, 2009

The Department of State has issued this Travel Alert to update security information for U.S. citizens traveling to and living in Mexico.  It supersedes the Travel Alert for Mexico dated February 20, 2009, and expires on February 20, 2010.

While millions of U.S. citizens safely visit Mexico each year (including tens of thousands who cross the land border every day for study, tourism or business), violence in the country has increased.  It is imperative that travelers understand the risks of travel to Mexico, how best to avoid dangerous situations, and who to contact if one becomes a crime victim.  Common-sense precautions such as visiting only legitimate business and tourist areas during daylight hours, and avoiding areas where prostitution and drug dealing might occur, can help ensure that travel to Mexico is safe and enjoyable. [More]

U.S. Ambassador to Mexico Carlos Pascual Biography
President Obama nominated Carlos Pascual as the next United States Ambassador to Mexico in June 2009.   The United States Senate confirmed the nomination on August 7 and Ambassador Pascual presented his credentials to the Mexican government on August 9, 2009. (complete text)

North American Leaders Summit August 9-10

Washington — The leaders of Canada, Mexico and the United States will meet in August to discuss security, economic and trade policies, health issues and regional challenges like the political crisis in Honduras, Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton said July 16.

The annual summit will be held August 9–10 in Guadalajara, Mexico, and will involve Mexican President Felipe Calderón, who is hosting the summit, Canadian Prime Minister Stephen Harper and President Obama. The leaders’ summit was created in March 2005 and is held annually.

[More]

LATEST NEWS ON THE NORTH AMERICAN LEADERS SUMMIT:

- Joint statement by North American leaders

- North American Leaders Summit: Energy Deliverables

- North American Leaders' Declaration on H1N1

- North American Leaders' Declaration on Climate Change and Clean Energy

Land and Sea Phase of WHTI Takes Effect June 1

Mexico City, May 19, 2009 – The U.S. Embassy would like to remind the public that the land and sea portion of the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative (WHTI) will enter in effect on June 1, 2009. WHTI requires all travelers to present a passport or other approved secure document denoting citizenship and identity for all land and sea travel into the United States. WHTI applies to all who were previously exempt, including citizens of the U.S., Canada and Bermuda.

The U.S. Embassy strongly urges all U.S. citizens currently in Mexico who do not have a passport or WHTI-compliant documents such as a passport card or a Trusted Traveler Card (NEXUS, SENTRI and FAST) or Enhanced Driver’s License (EDL) to apply for a passport in the near future as they will need one to enter or re-enter the United States after June 1.
Standardized, secure and reliable documentation will enable Customs and Border Protection officers to quickly and accurately identify travelers at land and sea ports of entry, resulting in a more secure and efficient border. WHTI went into effect for air travel in 2007.

Document requirements for Mexican citizens are not impacted by WHTI. All Mexican nationals, including children, are currently required to present a passport with a nonimmigrant visa or a laser visa Border Crossing Card to cross the U.S. border. This requirement applies to SENTRI program members as well.

For more information on WHTI and the types of documents for land, air and sea travel, please visit http://www.cbp.gov/xp/cgov/travel/vacation/ready_set_go/.  For general information on WHTI or other travel-related programs, please visit www.travel.state.gov.

Consulate’s New  Telephone Number

Monterrey, NL December 5, 2008 --- In order to update and improve service, as of December 5 the U.S. Consulate General in Monterrey will replace its previous phone number (81) 8345-2120 with:

(81) 8047-3100

This is not a number for visa information, appointments or applications. Visa applicants should continue to schedule their visa interview through the website http://www.usvisa-mexico.com/ or via telephone by calling:

Visas: 01-800-112-8500