Taking precautions while in Mexico over Spring Break can save you time, money and aggravation. Over 100,000 American teenagers and young adults travel to resort areas throughout Mexico over Spring Break each year. While the vast majority enjoy their vacation without incident, some don’t. Using some common sense will help travelers avoid these unpleasant and dangerous situations.
Keep in Contact
We encourage all U.S. citizens to call or text 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 traveling by air or land to the United States must present a valid passport. In lieu of a passport, an Alien Registration Card, form I-551, Air NEXUS card, or U.S. Coast Guard Merchant Mariner Document is acceptable. 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.
Have Fun Responsibly
It’s true you can drink at 18 in Mexico. But, if you drive with ANY alcohol on your breath it is illegal. What’s worse, if you get pulled over as a tourist and you scramble to find your paperwork and you slur…you might accidentally not show the respect you mean to. Its human nature to act different when we drink, which is precisely why we do it! THis is just a friendly reminder to maintain a safe environment for the fun. Your CAR is not a safe environment for fun, and nor are the roads of Mexico. If you can balance fun with repsonsibility you can almost guarantee a great time.
Mexican Law
If you get in trouble while driving, follow the MexInsurance.com® “How to File a MexInsurance Claim” instructions. These instructions came in an email, and are available to download. Your Mexican Car Insurance packet should be printed and in your glove box. No matter if it’s just a flat tire, or your car breaks down – call the claims hotline! They will send someone out to help you. The same goes for an accident, don’t panic. The insurance company will send legal representation to assist you. The police will be patient for your representative to arrive.
Also of note, 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 of that are minor in the United States. 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. 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.
Taking these precautions while on spring break in Mexico can really save you some hassle, frustrations and money. Make sure your spring break in Mexico is memorable for the right reasons.
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