Travel to Mexico
Chichen Itza
Please visit the Country Specific Information sheet on Mexico.
Frequently Asked Questions:
1. Can the Consulate help me locate my loved one?
We will make every effort to locate Americans believed to be in Merida’s consular district (the states of Yucatan, Campeche or Quintana Roo) and are not in communication with family or friends. This is generally done at the request of a family member in the United States. Privacy Act provisions apply to the release of information. If an individual does not grant the consular officer permission, our only alternative after locating someone is to inform him/her that relatives are concerned and to ask the person to communicate directly with the concerned individuals. Please call or send us an email at meridacons@state.gov with as much information as possible about the individual (name, date and place of birth, physical description or a photo and travel plans).
2. What documents do children need to travel?
On January 31, 2013, the Mexican National Immigration Institute announced the Regulations of the Mexican Migration Law relating to the travel of minors were being suspended until January 24, 2014. The regulations would have required international air and sea carriers to verify that all minors (under 18 years of age) traveling alone or accompanied by a third party of legal age (grandparent, uncle/aunt, school group) possess a notarized document showing the consent of both parents or those with parental authority or legal guardianship, in addition to a passport, before entering or leaving Mexico. The implementation of these regulations will now be delayed.
We would like remind U.S. Citizens that Mexican law still allows Mexican authorities (e.g. Mexican immigration authorities) to require that any non-Mexican citizen under the age of 18 departing Mexico to provide written permission from any parent or guardian not traveling with the child to or from Mexico. The State Department recommends that the permission should include travel dates, destinations, airlines and a brief summary of the circumstances surrounding the travel. The State Department also recommends that the child carrying the original letter – not a facsimile or scanned copy – as well as proof of the parent/child relationship (usually a birth certificate or court document such as a custody decree, if applicable). Travelers should contact the Mexican Embassy or the nearest Mexican Consulate for current information.
3. How can I be kept informed of updates to the current situation?
We encourage all travelers to register their travel plans at the State Department website, not only for updates to the situation in the Yucatán, but also to facilitate contacting you in case of a family emergency. Register your travel plans with the State Department through a free online service at the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program site. We do not share your information with anyone without your specific approval by means of a Privacy Act Waiver.
4. What should I know if I’m going for Spring Break?
We recommend all travelers look at the “Spring Break in Mexico: Know Before You Go” for information regarding detailed information regarding safety in travel to the resort areas of Mexico
5. What about travel during hurricane season?
Hurricane season lasts from June 1 – November 30. During hurricane season, additional information is available at the Department of State’s Travel Information website Travel.State.gov.
Travelers should monitor the weather and register with the consulate so that we can send information if hurricanes threaten the consular district.
6. What should I know if I’m traveling on business?
Please visit the Overseas Security Advisory Council website.
7. What if I lose my passport?
Please contact the closest consular agency or the Consulate in Merida during office hours for instructions on applying for a replacement passport.
8. Who should I contact if I am a victim of crime or have some other emergency that can not wait for office hours?
You should call the closest consular agency or the Consulate to reach the duty officer. An American officer is on call during non business hours to assist you in your time of need.
9. How do I contact the closest consular agency or the Consulate?
See our Contact Information page.