Mexico-Bound Spring Breakers: What to Know Before You Go
Phoenix, Ariz.,
March 4, 2008 – Spring break is around the corner, which means thousands of Arizonans will soon head to Mexico for a well-deserved break from work and/or school. In fact, last March, over 718,000 passenger vehicles traveled into Mexico by way of an Arizona border. While the majority of travelers will enjoy their week-long vacation without incident, those who are not aware of new border requirements and other restrictions in Mexico could find themselves in the middle of a spring break nightmare.
“Because of its proximity to Arizona, many travelers headed to Mexico fail to remember that when they cross the border, they are subject to Mexican law,” said AAA Arizona Public Affairs Manager Linda Gorman. “We want spring breakers to enjoy themselves, but we also want to remind them to keep safety at the forefront of their travel plans.”
To ensure an incident-free trip, AAA Arizona encourages spring break travelers to use common sense and be aware of the following while planning, enjoying and returning from their stay across the border:
Before You Go:
- Be prepared for new border requirement laws. U.S. citizens 19 years of age or older will be required to present both a government-issued photo ID and proof of citizenship, such as a passport or a birth certificate and drivers license. Citizens 18 or younger will be required to present proof of citizenship, such as a passport or birth certificate. Passports and birth certificates must be original or certified copies, photocopies will not be accepted.
- If traveling by vehicle, buy Mexico auto insurance. U.S. auto insurance is not valid in Mexico, even though some companies extend their coverage a certain number of miles from the border, Mexican officials will not recognize this. If a collision occurs, a Mexican auto policy is the only form of insurance the authorities will accept as evidence of financial responsibility. If you cannot provide Mexico auto insurance, you could be arrested and sent to jail.
- Pack smart. Leave valuables and other irreplaceable items at home.
- Bring copies of important documents. Make copies of your passport, birth certificate and driver’s license and store them separate from the originals.
- Leave a copy of your itinerary with a friend or family member at home. Include approximate arrival and departure times as well as destination information so that people know where and when you are expected and how to get a hold of you in case of an emergency.
During Your Stay:
- Be responsible. Remember that in Mexico, you are assumed guilty until proven innocent. This means that if you are arrested for any reason, you may be jailed until you can prove your innocence. For this reason, obey all laws in Mexico.
- Stay with your party at all times and avoid sharing your travel itinerary with people you meet on vacation.
- Buy or bring a money belt to carry your money and passport underneath your clothing.
- Do not hail a taxi yourself. If you need a taxi, ask someone from your hotel or a restaurant to summon an authorized taxi for you.
- If you plan on renting recreational vehicles, such as jet skis and ATVs, use extreme caution. These may be uninsured, under-insured or not covered by your personal insurance. Read the rental contract carefully and do not operate these vehicles recklessly. If you incur damage to other vehicles or people while operating the rented vehicle, you could be subject to arrest until full restitution is made.
- Drive carefully. When driving in Mexico, remember that speed limits are posted in kilometers rather than miles per hour. Obey the speed limits and other traffic controls, even if others motorists are ignoring them.
Upon Your Return:
- Pick your return day and time carefully. According to the U.S. Customs and Border Protection, peak wait times at the border are Sundays and Mondays between noon and 7:00 p.m. Avoid returning on these days and arrive at the border before 9:00 a.m. or after 9:00 p.m. to reduce delays.
- Be prepared with all required documents for everyone in your traveling party before approaching border patrol agents.
- Be sure to answer all questions truthfully and declare all items acquired while in Mexico. Each person in your traveling party is allowed to bring $50.00 worth of new merchandise back across the border, not including personal items such as clothing, toiletries, fishing tackle and toys.
“By taking a couple of extra precautionary steps, travelers will enjoy a safe and memorable spring break with friends and family,” said Gorman.
Motorists interested in purchasing affordable Mexico auto insurance can do so at any AAA branch office or by visiting http://www.aaaaz.com/insurance/mexico.htm.
For additional information on document requirements and prohibited or restricted items, travelers can visit the U.S. Customs and Border Protection website at www.cbp.gov.
AAA Arizona, the Arizona affiliate of AAA, provides automotive, insurance and auto travel services to nearly 775,000 Arizona members. Annually, AAA’s Emergency Road Service responds to more than 450,000 calls for help on the streets and highways of the state as well as providing insurance, travel, and financial services to AAA members and motorists. Since its founding in 1927, AAA Arizona has been a leading advocate for the safety and security of all travelers.
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