|
Advice on Dual Nationality
U.S. law recognizes that Americans may also be citizens of other
countries. As of March 20, 1998, Mexican law recognizes dual nationality
for Mexicans by birth, those born in Mexico or born abroad to
Mexican parents. U.S. citizens who are also Mexican nationals
should be aware that they will be considered Mexican by local
authorities and that their dual nationality status could therefore
hamper U.S. government efforts to provide consular protection.
Dual nationals will not, however, be subject to compulsory military
service. It is important to note that travelers possessing both
U.S. and Mexican nationalities must carry with them proof of their
citizenship of both counties. Under Mexican law, dual nationals
entering or departing Mexico must identify themselves as Mexican
citizens or face a stiff fine. Under U.S. law, U.S. citizens must
enter U.S. territory with documents proving U.S. citizenship.
A Guide to Entry and Exit Regulations
Getting Into Mexico
U.S. citizens visiting Mexico for no more than 72 hours and
remaining within 25 kilometers of the border do not need a permit
to enter. Those wishing to travel past the 25 kilometer border
area of Mexico must be properly documented. Those transiting Mexico
to another country need a transit visa which costs a nominal fee
and is valid for up to 30 days.
Tourist Cards. All U.S. citizens visiting Mexico for
tourism or study for up to 180 days need a document, called a
tourist card (in English) or FMT (in Spanish), to enter and leave
Mexico. The tourist card is free and may be obtained from Mexican
consulates, Mexican tourism offices, Mexican border crossing points
and from most airlines serving Mexico. If you fly to Mexico, you
must obtain your tourist card before boarding your flight; it
cannot be obtained upon arrival at an airport in Mexico.
The tourist card is issued upon presentation of proof of citizenship,
such as a U.S. passport or a U.S. birth certificate, plus a photo
I.D., such as a driver s license. Tourist cards are issued for
up to 90 days with a single entry, or if you present proof of
sufficient funds, for 180 days with multiple entries.
Upon entering Mexico, retain and safeguard the pink copy of
your tourist card so you may surrender it to Mexican immigration
when you depart. You must leave Mexico before your tourist card
expires or you are subject to a fine. A tourist card for less
than 180 days may be revalidated in Mexico by the Mexican immigration
service (Direccion General de Servicios Migratorios.)
Visas. If you wish to stay longer than 180 days, or if
you wish to do business or conduct religious work in Mexico, contact
the Mexican Embassy or the nearest Mexican consulate to obtain
a visa or permit. Persons conducting religious work on a tourist
card are subject to arrest and deportation.
Residing or Retiring in Mexico. If you plan to live or
retire in Mexico, consult a Mexican consulate on the type of long-term
visa you willneed. As soon as possible after you arrive in the
place you will live, it is a good idea to register with the U.S.
Embassy or the nearest U.S. consulate or consular agent. Bring
your passport or other identification with you. Registration makes
it easier to contact you in an emergency. (Registration information
is confidential and will not be released to inquirers without
your express authorization.)
Traveling Minors. A child under the age of 18 traveling
with only one parent must have written, notarized consent from
the other parent to travel, or must carry, if applicable, a decree
of sole custody for the accompanying parent or a death certificate
for the other parent. Children traveling alone or in someone else
s custody must have notarized consent from both parents to travel,
or, if applicable, notarized consent from a single parent plus
documentation that the parent is the only custodial parent.
Operating Citizens Band (CB) Equipment
American tourists are permitted to operate CB radios in Mexico.
You must, however, obtain a 180 day permit for a nominal fee by
presenting your U.S. citizen s band radio authorization at a Mexican
consulate or Mexican Government Tourist Office. This permit cannot
be obtained at the border.
Transmissions on CB equipment are allowed only on channels 9,
10 and 11 and only for personal communication and emergency road
assistance. Any device which increases transmission power to over
5 watts is prohibited. CB equipment may not be used near radio
installations of the aeronautical and marine services.
|
