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| Area: 1,953,162 sq km (754,120 sq miles). Population: 100,349,766 (2000). Population Density: 51.4 per sq km. Capital: Mexico City. Population: 9,815,785 (2000). Geography: Mexico is at the southern extremity of North America and is bounded to the north by the USA, northwest by the Gulf of California, west by the Pacific, south by Guatemala and Belize, and east by the Gulf of Mexico and the Caribbean. Mexico's geographical features range from swamp to desert, and from tropical lowland jungle to high alpine vegetation. Over half the country has an altitude above 1000m (3300ft). The central land mass is a plateau flanked by ranges of mountains to the east and west that lie roughly parallel to the coast. The northern area of this plateau is arid and thinly populated, and occupies 40 per cent of the total area of Mexico. The southern area is crossed by a range of volcanic mountains running from Cape Corrientes in the west through the Valley of Mexico to Veracruz in the east, and includes the magnificent volcanoes of Orizaba, Popocatépetl, Ixtaccíhuatl, Nevado de Toluca, Matlalcueyetl and Cofre de Perote. This is the heart of Mexico and where almost half of the population lives. To the south, the land falls away to the sparsely populated Isthmus of Tehuantepec whose slopes and flatlands support both commercial and subsistence agriculture. In the east the Gulf Coast and the Yucatán peninsula are flat and receive over 75 per cent of Mexico's rain. The most productive agricultural region in Mexico is the northwest, while the Gulf Coast produces most of Mexico's oil and sulphur. Along the northwest coast, opposite the peninsula of Baja California, and to the southeast along the coast of Bahía de Campeche and the Yucatán peninsula, the lowlands are swampy with coastal lagoons. Government: Republic since 1917. Gained independence from Spain in 1821. Head of State and Government: President Vicente Fox Quesada since 2000. Language: Spanish is the official language. English is widely spoken. Religion: 90 per cent Roman Catholic. Time: Mexico spans three different time zones: South, Central and Eastern Mexico: GMT - 6 (Central Standard Time). (GMT - 5 from first Sunday in April to Saturday before last Sunday in October.) Nayarit, Sonora, Sinaloa and Baja California Sur: GMT - 7 (Mountain Time). (GMT - 6 from first Sunday in April to Saturday before last Sunday in October.) Baja California Norte (Pacific Time): GMT - 8 (GMT - 7 from first Sunday in April to Saturday before last Sunday in October). Electricity: 110 volts AC, 60Hz. US 2-pin (flat) plugs are usual. Communications: Telephone: IDD is available. Country code: 52. Outgoing international code: 00. Long-distance calls are very expensive. Mobile telephone: AMPS network is operated by IUSACELL. No GSM network exists at present. Handsets can be hired. Fax: Major hotels have facilities. Internet/E-mail: ISPs include DSICom Internet (website: www.dsi.com.mx) and Internet Mexico (website: www.internet.com.mx). Cybercafés exist in all regions, particularly the main tourist areas. Telegram: Services are operated by Telegrafos Nacionales and international telegrams should be handed in to their offices. The main office is situated in Balderas y Colón, México 1DF. Press: The major daily newspapers published in Spanish are Excélsior, El Universal, La Prensa and El Día. The English-language papers available are New York Times, The News, Mexico City Times, and USA Today. |
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| AIR: Mexico's national airlines are Aeroméxico (AM) and Mexicana
(MX). British Airways operates three direct flights each week from Heathrow to Mexico City and two direct flights
per week from Gatwick to Cancún. Approximate flight times: From Mexico City to Los Angeles is 4 hours 20 minutes; to New York is 6 hours; to Singapore is 22 hours 45 minutes and to Sydney is 19 hours, to London is 11 hours 25 minutes. International airports: Mexico City (MEX) (Benito Juárez) is 13km (8 miles) south of the city. Buses run to and from the city at regular intervals (journey time - 35 minutes). Underground trains and taxis are also available. Airport facilities include duty-free shops (0600-2400), restaurants (0700-2400), bank/bureau de change, 24-hour bar, 24-hour snack bar, chemist (0500-2200), 24-hour shops, tourist information (0900-2000), 24-hour left luggage, post office (0900-1900), first aid (with vaccinations for cholera and yellow fever available) and car hire (Avis, Hertz, Budget and Dollar). Guadalajara (GDL) (Miguel Hidalgo) is 20km (12 miles) southeast of the city (travel time - 35 minutes). Airport facilities include restaurant, bar, snack bar, bank, post office and shops. Acapulco (ACA) (General Juan N Alvarez) is 26km (16 miles) southeast of the city (travel time - 35 minutes). Coaches and taxi services run to the city. Airport facilities include restaurant, bank, post office and car hire. Monterrey (MTY) (General Mariano Escobedo) is 24km (15 miles) northeast of the city (travel time - 45 minutes). Coach and taxi services run to the city. Airport facilities include restaurant, bar, bank, post office, shops and car hire. Departure tax: Approximately US$18; children under two years and transit passengers are exempt. The tax is sometimes included in the price of the ticket. SEA/RIVER: The major cruise ports in Mexico are Cozumel, Acapulco, Tampico, Zihuatanejo/Ixtapa, Manzanillo, Puerto Vallarta and Mazatlán. Regular passenger ships run from the USA and South America. Principal shipping lines are P&O and Fred Olsen Lines. There are also riverboat services from Flores and Tikal (Guatemala) to Palenque, Chiapas in Mexico. Enquire locally for details. RAIL: Railway connections with Mexico can be made from any city in the USA or Canada. All trains are provided with pullman sleepers, restaurant cars, lounge observation and club cars. Most trains are air-conditioned. ROAD: Main points of entry from the USA are Mexicali from San Diego; Nogales from Phoenix/Tucson; El Paso/Ciudad Juárez from Tucson and Alberquerque; Eagle Pass/Piedras Negras from Del Río, San Angelo and El Paso; Laredo/Nuevo Laredo from Houston, San Antonia and Del Río; and Brownsville/Matamoros from Houston and Galveston. From Guatemala there are two main roads into Mexico. The Pan American Highway crosses into Mexico from Guatemala and continues through Central America and South America. There is also a road border crossing point from Belize near Chetmul and Corozal. |
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| Note: No brief account of the complex Mexican Passport/Visa regulations
is likely to be fully successful and visitors are advised to use the following for general guidance. Non-compliance
with visa regulations will result in fines and transportation (at the carrier's expense) to the visitor's country
of origin. PASSPORTS: Passport valid for at least 1 year after date of entry is required by all except the following: (a) 1. nationals of the USA holding a certified copy of a birth certificate and photo identification (eg driver's licence or student ID). Tourist cards: Available only to people entering Mexico on vacation, for reasons of health, or to engage in scientific, artistic or sporting activities which are neither remunerative nor lucrative. Valid for the holder only. Other persons (including minors) travelling on the same passport must have their own card. The card is a single-entry document and is issued free of charge. The Consular office retains the right to request further evidence of the applicant's intention to visit Mexico as a tourist whenever such intention has not been established to the Consul's satisfaction. The same right applies with regard to evidence of the applicant's financial means to sustain him/herself while in Mexico. Note: (a) Visitors eligible for Tourist Cards (see below) can be issued with Tourist Cards by any Mexican Consulate, on board the plane or at the point of entry in Mexico. (b) Tourist Cards must be kept by the visitor during the entire length of stay as they will have to be presented and stamped on leaving. Nationals of the following countries are eligible for a Tourist card: (a) 1. EU countries for stays of up to 180 days (except nationals of Austria, France, Greece and Luxembourg who can stay for up to 90 days); (b) 2. Australia, Canada, Japan and the USA for stays of up to 180 days; (c) Andorra, Argentina, Bermuda, Chile, Costa Rica, Hungary, Iceland, Liechtenstein, New Zealand, Norway, San Marino, Singapore, Slovenia, Switzerland and Uruguay for stays of up to 180 days; (d) Czech Republic, Israel, Monaco and Poland for up to 90 days; (e) Korea (Rep. of) for up to 60 days; (f) Brazil and Venezuela for up to 30 days. For requirements and regulations relevant to other nationalities, contact the Mexican Embassy. VISAS: Required by all except holders of a Tourist Card or visa-replacing document. Nationals of the following countries require a special authorisation from the Ministry of the Interior in Mexico: Afghanistan, Albania, Bangladesh, Bosnia-Herzegovina, Cambodia, China (PR), Croatia, Eritrea, Iraq, Iran, India, Jordan, Korea (DPR), Lebanon, Libya, Macedonia, Nigeria, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Syria, Taiwan, Turkey (unless permanent residents of UK), Vietnam and Western Sahara region. Authorisation takes approximately 3 to 4 weeks. Application requirements: Tourist Visa: (a) Passport with minimum of 6 months' validity. (b) Application form. (c) 1 passport-size photo. (d) Original return ticket. (e) Fee (payable in cash only). (f) Proof of sufficient funds (US$50 per day) to cover length of stay. (g) Postal applications must be accompanied by a covering letter specifying the purpose of the trip and the dates of entry and departure. Applications should be made in a stamped, self-addressed envelope with recorded or registered delivery. Business Visitors Card: (a)-(b) and, (c) 2 passport-size photos. (d) Letter from applicant's employer accepting financial responsibility to cover the applicant's stay, which also states the nature of business to be undertaken and the name and address of the business contact(s) in Mexico. For visits of more than 30 days, a multiple-entry card is needed, as well as a letter from the local Chamber of Commerce (or Department of Trade and Industry) confirming the sponsoring company is a member of either body. (e) Fee (payable in cash, postal order or company cheque). (f) Postal applications must be accompanied by a stamped, self-addressed envelope with recorded delivery. Note: 3. If intending to undertake business or work of a technical or scientific nature, normal visa regulations do not apply, and it is necessary to obtain a Visitors Card. It is vital to contact the local Mexican consular representative well in advance of the intended date of departure in order to secure the necessary authorisation (see address section). Non-British Nationals seeking to visit Mexico on business are advised to check with the Consulate regarding visa requirements and fees. |
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| Misc. Info. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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SAFETY AND SECURITY: The U.S. Embassy recommends that U.S. citizens traveling to the state of Chiapas exercise caution. Armed rebels and armed civilian groups are present in some areas of the state. In the mountain highlands north of San Cristobal de Las Casas, the municipality of Ocosingo, and the entire southeastern jungle portion of the state east of Comitan, tension and violence ebb and flow. Furthermore, some segments of the local population resent the presence of foreigners and openly express their hostility. Two insurgent groups, the Popular Revolutionary Army (EPR) and the Insurgent People's Revolutionary Army (EPRI), operate in the states of Guerrero and Oaxaca. Although these groups have been quiet in the last few years, they have attacked police and military targets and have kidnapped civilians in the past. There is no evidence, however, that U.S. citizens or other tourists have been targeted. Nonetheless, U.S. citizens may encounter military roadblocks while traveling, and tourists should be prepared to show identification and have their vehicles searched. Army, police, and immigration roadblocks are most common in the states of Chiapas, Guerrero and Oaxaca. CRIME: Crime in Mexico continues at high levels, and it is increasingly violent, especially in Mexico City, Tijuana and Ciudad Juarez. Low apprehension and conviction rates of criminals contribute to the high crime rate. Other metropolitan areas have lower but still serious levels of crime. Travelers should leave valuables and irreplaceable items in a safe place, or not bring them. All visitors are encouraged to make use of hotel safes when available, avoid wearing obviously expensive jewelry or designer clothing, and carry only the cash or credit cards that will be needed on each outing. Travelers are discouraged from bringing very large amounts of cash into Mexico because officials may suspect money laundering or other criminal activity. Any U.S. citizen victims of crime in Mexico are encouraged to report the incident to the nearest police headquarters and to the nearest U.S. consular office. Visitors should be aware of their surroundings at all times, especially when visiting bars or nightclubs. Some establishments, especially in port cities such as Cabo San Lucas, Puerto Vallarta, Mazatlan and Acapulco, can be havens for drug dealers and petty criminals. Some establishments may contaminate or drug the drinks to gain control over the patron. Victims, who are almost always unaccompanied, have been robbed of personal property, abducted and then held while their credit cards were used at various businesses and Automatic Teller Machines (ATM). U.S. citizens should be very cautious in using ATMs in general in Mexico. If an ATM must be used, it should be accessed only during the business day at large protected facilities (preferably inside commercial establishments, rather than at a glass-enclosed, highly visible ATM on streets where criminals can observe financial transactions). Recently, there have been cases in which U.S. and Mexican citizens have been accosted on the street and forced to withdraw money from their accounts using their ATM cards. Kidnapping, including the kidnapping of non-Mexicans, is increasing. So-called "express" kidnappings have reportedly taken place on well-traveled highways such as the Toluca Highway leading out of Mexico City. These kidnappings are an attempt to get quick cash in exchange for the release of any individual, and they often appear to target not only the wealthy, but also middle class persons. U.S. businesses with offices in Mexico or concerned U.S. citizens may contact the U.S. Embassy or any U.S. consulate to discuss precautions that they should take. Criminal assaults occur on highways throughout Mexico. Therefore, travelers should exercise caution when traveling on all highways in Mexico and use "toll" ("cuota") roads, rather than the less secure "free" ("libre") highways, whenever possible. Reported incidents include robbery, kidnapping, and the 1998 murder of an Egyptian diplomat. For safety reasons, the U.S. Embassy advises all U.S. citizens to exercise extreme caution when traveling on any highways after dark. U.S. citizens should not hitchhike or accept rides from or offer rides to strangers anywhere in Mexico. All bus travel should be during daylight hours and on first-class conveyances. Although there have been several reports of bus hijackings and robberies on "toll" roads, buses on "toll" roads have a markedly lower rate of incidents than buses (second and third class) that travel the less secure "free" highways. While many of the assaults have occurred in daylight, the U.S. Embassy nevertheless encourages daytime travel to lower the chance of vehicle accidents. The Embassy also advises caution when traveling by bus in the area north of the border between the states of Oaxaca and Guerrero (south of Acapulco). Armed robberies of entire busloads of passengers have recently been reported to the Embassy. Tourists should be wary of persons representing themselves as Mexican police or other local officials. In some instances, Americans have become victims of harassment, mistreatment and extortion by Mexican law enforcement and other officials. Mexican authorities are concerned about these incidents and have cooperated in investigating such cases. However, one must have the officer's name, badge number, and patrol car number to pursue a complaint. Please make a note of this information if you are ever involved with police or other officials. Tourists should not hike alone in back-country areas, nor walk alone on lightly-frequented beaches, ruins or trails. In 1998, three Americans were killed in separate incidents when they ventured alone into such areas. Local authorities have reported an increase in armed robberies in the popular tourist destination of northern Sinaloa, especially near the fishing resorts. Caution should be exercised when visiting this area. CRIME IN MEXICO CITY: In Mexico City, the most frequently reported crimes involving tourists are taxi robbery, armed robbery, pickpocketing and purse snatching. In several cases, tourists have reported that men in uniforms perpetrated the crime, stopping vehicles and seeking money, or assaulting and robbing tourists walking late at night. The area behind the U.S. Embassy and the Zona Rosa, a restaurant/shopping area near the Embassy, are frequent sites of street crime against foreigners. Caution should be exercised when walking in these areas. Metro (subway) robberies are becoming more frequent in Mexico City. If riding the Metro, U.S. citizens should hold valuables and belongings tightly. Avoid using Metro during busy commuting hours in the morning or afternoon. Tourists and residents alike should avoid driving alone at night anywhere in Mexico City. TAXICAB CRIME: Robbery and assaults on passengers in taxis are frequent and violent, with passengers subjected to beatings, shootings and sexual assault. U.S. citizens visiting Mexico City should avoid taking any taxi not summoned by telephone or contacted in advance at the airport. In December 1997, a U.S. citizen was murdered in a taxi robbery. When in need of a taxi, please telephone a radio taxi or "sitio" (pronounced "C-T-O"), and ask the dispatcher for the driver's name and the cab's license plate number. If you walk to a "sitio" taxi stand, use only a driver known to you. Please ask the hotel concierge or other responsible individual calling on your behalf to write down the license plate number of the cab that you entered. Passengers arriving at Mexico City's Benito Juarez International Airport should take only airport taxis (which are yellow, with an airport symbol on the door) after pre-paying the fare at one of the special booths inside the airport. Radio taxis may be called at tel. 5-271-9146, 5-271-9058, and 5-272-6125 (within Mexico City). U.S. citizens should avoid taking taxis parked outside the Bellas Artes Theater, waiting in front of nightclubs or restaurants, or cruising throughout the city. TRAVELING TO/THROUGH NUEVO LAREDO: Tourists are very vulnerable when visiting the local "red light district," particularly if they are departing alone in the early hours of the morning. Municipal and traffic police are aware of the danger and regularly check the area for persons carrying weapons or drugs and for drunk drivers. U.S. citizens visiting relatives who reside in the outskirts of the city and who walk or drive in deserted areas or particularly dark streets with which they are unfamiliar may also be victims of random violence. All U.S. citizens bringing gifts to friends and relatives in Nuevo Laredo or the interior of Mexico should come prepared to demonstrate to Mexican Customs the origin and the value of the gifts. Televisions, video cassette players, computers, bicycles or any electronic item valued at $50.00 U.S. currency or more must be declared to Mexican Customs. Any tourist carrying such items should enter the "Merchandise to Declare" lane at the first Customs checkpoint. The tourist/purchaser should have the receipt for the gift's purchase and should be prepared to pay any assessed duty. Failure to do so may result in the seizure of the goods as contraband, plus the seizure of the vehicle in which the goods are traveling for attempted smuggling. The recovery of the seized vehicle involves the payment of substantial fines and attorney's fees. TRAVELING TO CIUDAD JUAREZ: Several U.S. citizens, including innocent bystanders, have been killed in drug-related shootings in Ciudad Juarez over the past three years. In recent months, some of these shootings have taken place on principal thoroughfares and outside popular restaurants and other public places, including convenience stores, a currency exchange, and a gas station. In other instances, U.S. citizens have been kidnapped and scores imprisoned after getting involved in the sale or purchase of illegal drugs. U.S. citizens are advised to avoid any involvement with controlled substances or those who deal in them. U.S. citizens should be particularly alert to their surroundings when visiting Ciudad Juarez. TRAVELING TO CANCUN: Cancun is now a fairly large city, approaching 500,000 inhabitants. Approximately 3 million Americans travel there each year, including as many as 100,000 American teenagers and young adults during "Spring Break," which normally begins in mid-February and runs about two months. In the holiday atmosphere of Cancun, visitors are sometimes caught off-guard by unfamiliar surroundings and differences in local practices. Americans have died in automobile accidents, after falls from balconies, after falls into open ditches, by drowning, and in water-sports mishaps, among others. Visitors often purchase inexpensive, all-inclusive vacation packages and travel on charter flights. These flights sometimes experience delays, from a few hours to several days. In some cases, tour operators go out of business, leaving travelers to find their own flights home. Travelers considering purchasing such packages are encouraged to deal with reputable travel agents, and to inquire as to their options in the event of flight delays or cancellations. It is also important to have both U.S. and Mexican emergency numbers to call if they experience any problems with flights or ground operators. Travelers should also consider bringing extra cash or a credit card for emergencies. As the population of Cancun has increased, so have reports of crime. Therefore, it is important for travelers to be aware of their surroundings and to take general precautions. There has been a significant increase in the number of pickpocketing incidents, purse snatchings and hotel room thefts. Public transportation is a particularly popular place for pickpockets. Valuables should be left in a safe place, or not brought at all. Please keep track of your luggage when getting in and out of ground transportation from the airport to the hotel, and vice versa. Excessive alcohol consumption, especially by Americans under the legal drinking age in the United States, is a significant problem in Cancun. The legal drinking age in Mexico is 18 years of age, but even that is not uniformly enforced. Alcohol is implicated in the majority of arrests, violent crimes, accidents and deaths suffered by American tourists in Cancun. Several rapes have been reported to the U.S. Consular Agency in Cancun. Most of these occurred at night or in the early morning hours, and they involved alcohol and the discotheque environment. The victim commonly finds him/herself in a vulnerable situation and is taken advantage of after being separated from friends. There has been a noticeable increase in the number of reports of police harassment, abuse, and extortion in Cancun. Local authorities are concerned about these incidents and have cooperated in investigating such cases when they have been reported. Visitors should be careful when crossing streets in Cancun. Public transportation vehicles, specifically taxis and city buses, often do not obey the posted speed limits and do not stop at traffic lights. Warning flags on the beach should be taken seriously. If black flags are up, please do not go in the water. There is often a very strong undertow along the beach from the Hyatt Regency all the way south to the Sol y Mar. There is minimal lifeguard supervision in most areas. VISITING BEACH RESORTS: Visitors to Mexican resorts should carefully assess the risk potential of recreational activities. Sports and aquatic equipment that you rent may not meet U.S. safety standards nor be covered by any accident insurance. For example, unless you are certain that scuba diving equipment is up to standard, you should not use it. Inexperienced scuba divers should beware of dive shops that promise to "certify" you after a few hours instruction. Safe diving requires lengthy training. Parasailing is offered at many Mexican beach resorts. Please be aware that by putting your name on the passenger list, you may be relieving the boat operator and owner of responsibility for your safety. There have been cases in which tourists have been dragged through palm trees or slammed into hotel walls while participating in this activity. Please be extremely careful when renting jet-skis. Several tourists have been killed or injured in jet-ski accidents, particularly when participating in group tours. Often, inexperienced tour guides allow their clients to follow too closely or operate the jet-skis in other unsafe manners. In one case, the jet-ski rental company carried liability insurance limited to $2,500 U.S. dollars. Please make sure that the rental company has adequate medical/accident insurance, is staffed with personnel on-site with water rescue training, and properly demonstrates safe operation of the vehicle to you before you rent or operate such equipment. Please do not leave your belongings on the beach while you are swimming. Please keep your passport and other valuables in the hotel safe. Please do not use pools or beaches without lifeguards. If you do, please exercise extreme caution. Do not dive into unknown bodies of water because hidden rocks or shallow depths can cause serious injury or death. Newer resorts may lack comprehensive medical facilities. Some Mexican beaches, such as those in Cancun, have warning signs about undertow; please take them seriously. In Acapulco, please avoid swimming outside the bay area. Several American citizens have died recently while swimming in rough surf at the Revolcadero Beach near Acapulco. MEDICAL FACILITIES: Adequate medical care can be found in all major cities. Health facilities in Mexico City are excellent. Care in more remote areas is limited. Serious medical problems requiring hospitalization and/or medical evacuation to the United States can be very costly. MEDICAL INSURANCE: Doctors and hospitals often expect immediate cash payment for health services, and U.S. medical insurance is not always valid outside the United States. Charges may vary from doctor to doctor, and Americans may be charged more than the prevailing rate for services rendered to locals. You may wish to have the attending doctor explain procedures and costs before undertaking treatment. U.S. Medicare and Medicaid programs do not provide payment for medical services outside the United States. Uninsured travelers who require medical care overseas may face extreme difficulties. Please check with your own insurance company to confirm whether your policy applies overseas, including provision for medical evacuation. Please ascertain whether payment will be made to the overseas hospital or doctor, or whether you will be reimbursed later for expenses that you incur. Some insurance policies also include coverage for psychiatric treatment and for disposition of remains in the event of death. OTHER HEALTH INFORMATION: In
many areas in Mexico, tap water is unsafe and should be avoided. Bottled water and beverages are safe, although
visitors should be aware that many restaurants and hotels serve tap water. Ice made from tap water is also unsafe.
Visitors should exercise caution when buying food or beverages from street vendors. Air pollution in Mexico City
and Guadalajara is severe, especially from December to May. Safety of Public Transportation: Fair Please avoid excessive speed and, if possible, do not drive at night. Loose livestock can appear on roads at any time. Construction sites, abandoned vehicles or other obstacles are often unmarked or poorly marked. Be prepared for sudden stops. DRIVING INFORMATION: U.S.
driver's licenses are valid in Mexico. Mexican insurance is required for all vehicles, including rental vehicles. |
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