6. LOCAL LAWS AND CUSTOMS
You are subject to local laws. A serious violation may lead to a jail sentence. The sentence will be served in local prisons. However, Canada and Mexico have a treaty that permits a Canadian imprisoned in Mexico to request a transfer to Canada to complete the sentence in a Canadian prison. The transfer requires the agreement of both Canadian and Mexican authorities and can be a lengthy process.It is against the law to be drunk in public in Mexico.
Canadians arrested or detained have the right to contact the responsible Canadian government office (embassy, high commission, etc.) listed in Section 7 below. Arresting officials have a responsibility to assist you in doing so. Canadian consular officials can provide a list of local lawyers upon request.
The Department publishes A Guide for Canadians Imprisoned Abroad, specifically targeted at incarcerated Canadians. Its prime objective is to inform Canadian detainees, their families, and friends about available assistance and advice.
Penalties for drug offences are strict, and convicted offenders can expect jail sentences of up to 10 years. Several Canadians are currently imprisoned in Mexico for drug-related activities. Visitors are strongly advised to avoid any involvement with controlled substances or those who deal with them. Never borrow a vehicle or pick up hitchhikers; drivers are legally responsible for their vehicle's contents. Hitchhiking is strongly discouraged.
The Mexican government strictly enforces its laws concerning possession, entry, and trafficking of firearms and drugs. Anyone (including foreign armed forces personnel) entering Mexico with a firearm or even a single round of ammunition without prior written authorization from Mexican authorities is subject to a penalty of up to five years in jail.
You should avoid demonstrations and other activities that might be deemed political by the Mexican authorities. Political activities by foreigners are prohibited by the Mexican constitution, and such actions may result in detention and/or deportation.
Mexico strictly controls the possession of archaeological artifacts. Travellers should keep this in mind, particularly when visiting archaeological sites and their surroundings. Foreigners may be charged and imprisoned for possession of these artifacts.
Canadians (and other foreigners) may acquire real estate in Mexico, and they have the same rights as Mexican citizens except for three principal restrictions: - They cannot own mineral or water rights, or property for agricultural or forestry purposes.
- They must apply for a permit to own land.
- They may not own property within a 100-km band along the borders or a 50-km zone along the coasts.
All foreigners must obtain an additional permit from the Mexican Ministry of Foreign Affairs (Secretaría de Relaciones Exteriores, or SRE).Indirect foreign ownership of land within the border and coastal zones can be arranged using a fideicomiso – a bank trust with a 50-year term. The bank holds legal title to the property, but the buyer is the beneficiary and may use and enjoy the property. A fideicomiso can also be used outside the restricted zones to establish multiple owners or successor rights. To prevent the assembly of large estates, Mexican law restricts property size, depending on the type of land involved. For example, the limit is 100 hectares for irrigated land and 300 hectares for non-irrigated land. Mexican real estate transactions can be complex, and Canadians should research potential property purchases carefully. Real estate agents are not licensed or regulated. Zoning laws may restrict the use of some properties, and financing is not generally available. It can be extremely difficult to evict existing tenants. Closing costs are usually borne by the buyer and include agents’ commissions and transfer taxes. The buyer also pays the fee for a notary public (notario), who must handle all real estate transactions.
Reports of problems with time-share arrangements (including the cancellation of contracts) have increased. Be prepared for the possibility of being approached by persistent time-share representatives on the street, as well as at the airport or on the way to your hotel. Exercise caution as salespeople often offer free tours, breakfast or gifts, and can be aggressive in their sales techniques. If you do attend a presentation on time-share opportunities, it is recommended that you gather as much information as possible, research the properties and even get a legal opinion before buying. If you do decide to buy, be sure to carefully review the contract to ensure that promises made are confirmed in writing. Anything not included in the contract may not be honoured. Only provide your credit card if you are certain you wish to make the purchase. Time-share companies have been known to request that their clients sign a waiver that prevents them from cancelling the contract. Such practices are illegal. Mexican law stipulates that consumers are legally entitled to cancel a time-share contract without penalty; however, the cancellation must be done within five working days starting from the day following the original date of purchase. Cancellations of contracts must be done in writing and must be presented directly to the time-share company. Keep copies of any correspondence. If you experience any difficulties in Mexico with a time-share company, you should immediately contact the Mexican consumer protection agency, Procuraduría Federal del Consumidor (PROFECO). Further information on PROFECO, including points of service throughout Mexico, can be found on their Web site www.profeco.gob.mx.
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7. ASSISTANCE FOR CANADIANS ABROAD
You can obtain consular assistance and further consular information at the following addresses:
Mexico - MEXICO CITY, Embassy of Canada
Address: calle Schiller No. 529, Rincón del Bosque, Colonia Polanco, 11580, México, D.F., Mexico
Postal Address: P.O. Box Apartado Postal 105-05, 11580, Mexico, D.F., Mexico City, Mexico
Tel.: 52 (55) 5724-7900 Ext.: 3322
After hours tel.: 01-800-706-2900
Toll Free: 01-800-706-2900
Fax: 52 (55) 5724-7943
E-mail: embassy@canada.org.mx, mxico@international.gc.ca
Internet: http://www.mexico.gc.ca
Mexico - ACAPULCO, Consulate of Canada
Address: Centro Comercial Marbella, local 23, Prolongación Farallon s/n, Esq. Miguel Alemán, Acapulco, Gro, Mexico 39670
Postal Address: Acapulco, Mexico
Tel.: 52 (744) 484-1305, 481-1349
Fax: 52 (744) 484-1306
E-mail: acapulco@canada.org.mx
Mexico - CANCÚN, Consulate of Canada
Address: Plaza Caracol II, 3er piso, local 330, Boulevard Kukulcán Km 8.5, Zona Hotelera, 77500, Cancún, Quintana Roo, Mexico
Postal Address: Cancún, Mexico
Tel.: 52 (998) 883-3360/1
Fax: 52 (998) 883-3232
E-mail: cancun@canada.org.mx
Mexico - GUADALAJARA, Consulate of Canada
Address: Hotel Fiesta Americana, Local 31, Aurelio Aceves 225, Col. Vallarta Poniente, 44100, Guadalajara, Jalisco, Mexico
Tel.: 52 (33) 3615-6270, 6215, 6266, 3616-5642
Fax: 52 (33) 3615-8665
E-mail: mxicogjara@international.gc.ca
Mexico - MAZATLÁN, Consulate of Canada
Address: Avenida Playa Gaviotas # 202, Zona Dorada, Mazatlán, Sinaloa, Mexico, 82210
Postal Address: P.O. Box 614, 82110, Mazatlán, Sinaloa, Mexico
Tel.: 52 (669) 913-73-20
Fax: 52 (669) 914-66-55
E-mail: mazatlan@canada.org.mx
Mexico - MONTERREY, Consulate General of Canada
Address: Edificio Kalos, Piso C-1, Local 108-A, Zaragoza 1300 Sur y Constitución, 64000, Monterrey, Nuevo Léon, México
Postal Address: P.O. Box 1300 sur y Constitución, 64000, Monterrey, N.L., Mexico
Tel.: 52 (81) 8344-32-00, 27-53,29-06, 29-61, 8345-9105, 9045
Fax: 52 (81) 8344-30-48
Internet: mxicomntry@international.gc.ca
Mexico - OAXACA, Consulate of Canada
Address: Pino Suarez 700, Local 11B, Multiplaza Brena, Colonia Centro, 68000, Oaxaca, Oaxaca, Mexico
Postal Address: P.O. Box Apartado Postal 29, Sucursal C, Colonia Reforma 68050, Oaxaca, Mexico
Tel.: 52 (951) 513-3777
Fax: 52 (951) 515-2147
E-mail: oaxaca@canada.org.mx
Mexico - PUERTO VALLARTA, Consulate of Canada
Address: Edificio Obelisco Local 108, Avenida Francisco Medina Ascencio 1951, Zona Hotelera Las Glorias, 48300, Puerto Vallarta, Jalisco, Mexico
Postal Address: Puerto Vallarta, Mexico
Tel.: 52 (322) 293-0098/9
Fax: 52 (322) 293-2894
E-mail: vallarta@canada.org.mx
Mexico - SAN JOSÉ DEL CABO, Consulate of Canada
Address: Plaza José Green, Local 9, Boulevard Mijares s/n, Colonia Centro, 23400, San José del Cabo, Baja California Sur, Mexico
Postal Address: San José del Cabo, Mexico
Tel.: 52 (624) 142-4333
Fax: 52 (624) 142-4262
E-mail: loscabos@canada.org.mx
Mexico - TIJUANA, Consulate of Canada
Address: Germán Gedovius No.10411-101, Condominio del Parque, Zona Río, 22320, Tijuana, Baja California Norte, Mexico
Postal Address: Tijuana, Mexico
Tel.: 52 (664) 684-04-61
Fax: 52 (664) 684-03-01
E-mail: tijuana@canada.org.mx
When making long-distance calls within Mexico, callers have to dial 01, the area code, and the number; when calling internationally from Mexico to Canada or the United States you must dial 001, the area code, and the number; all other international calls from Mexico must be dialed with 00; when calling internationally to Mexico the country code is 52.
For emergency assistance after hours, call the Embassy of Canada in Mexico City and follow the instructions provided on the recording. You may also call Foreign Affairs Canada in Ottawa toll-free from Mexico at 001-800-514-0129 or collect at (613) 996-8885.
Canada Direct, offered by Canada's major telecommunications companies, provides travellers with toll-free access to the Canadian telephone network. The Canada Direct access number from Mexico is 01-800-123-0200 or 01-800-021-1994, where a Canadian operator is always available. For more information, call 1 800 561-8868 or visit the Canada Direct Web site.
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8. ENTRY/EXIT REQUIREMENTS
Do not leave your Canadian passport as collateral for any debts incurred in Mexico.
It is the sole prerogative of each country to determine who is allowed to enter. All countries have special requirements for persons intending to reside for extended periods (usually more than 90 days) or who plan to work, study, or engage in non-tourist activities. To obtain information on specific entry requirements, contact the nearest diplomatic or consular office of the country or countries to be visited. Conditions are subject to change.
Selling, altering, or allowing another person to use your passport is a criminal offence. It could lead to the laying of charges and imprisonment if convicted. It could also lead to the denial of future passport services.
For travel to Mexico, Canadians must be in possession of a tourist card entitled the Multiple Migratory Form. Canadians are only required to be in possession of valid official photo identification (such as a driver's licence) and proof of citizenship (such as a birth certificate) in order to obtain a tourist card. Mexican authorities require that Canadians born in the Province of Québec present a birth certificate issued after January 1, 1994, in order to prove Canadian citizenship. However, we strongly recommend that a valid passport be carried for all visits to Mexico. Tourists carrying passports will be processed faster than those carrying other forms of identification.
There have been reports of Mexican authorities allowing travellers to enter Mexico without the required documentation mentioned above. Canadians attempting to exit Mexico in the same manner have experienced difficulties. You should travel with at least one of the three documents mentioned above (valid official photo ID, proof of citizenship, passport) to avoid the inconvenience of lost time and the additional fees associated with the required purchase of an emergency passport.
Tourists must fill out the Multiple Migratory Form, which is provided by the airlines or at points of entry. An immigration official will determine the number of days you can remain in Mexico and will stamp the form. Do not assume that you will be granted the full 180 days. The authorities can demand this form at any time. You must therefore carry this form, or a copy, at all times and must surrender the original on departure. Failure to surrender the original will result in a fine, which is currently at US$42
Your tourist card is stamped on arrival. If travelling by bus, make sure that you obtain such a card and have it stamped by immigration authorities at the border. If you do not receive a stamped tourist card at the border ensure that, when you arrive at your destination within Mexico, you immediately go to the closest National Institute of Immigration, present your bus ticket, and request a tourist card.
Canadians entering Mexico by car should make sure their tourist card is stamped by an immigration officer at the port of entry, particularly if they are driving to the Baja California peninsula. See Section 17 of this Travel Report for more information regarding Mexico’s regulations on the entry of foreign motor vehicles. If the tourist card has not been stamped at the port of entry, it can be stamped at the immigration offices in the following cities on the Baja California peninsula: Tijuana, Ensenada, or Guerrero Negro. Travellers who fail to have their tourist card stamped may be fined or expelled from the country.
The Mexican government is vigorously enforcing immigration and entry laws. The Mexican authorities have specified that persons seeking to enter Mexico for purposes other than tourism are required to have a proper visa. Those entering for recreational sports, or cultural events and activities; business or commercial activities; academic, scientific, or technical research; and those entering as human rights investigators, electoral observers, or members of a non-profit organization (e.g. religious persons/ministers, missionaries, volunteers, remunerated or unremunerated interns) should ensure they have the proper visa. Foreigners involved in unauthorized activities will be expelled.
If a prospective employer is processing your work visa for you, ensure that you receive copies of all correspondence between the employer and Mexican immigration authorities, and that these copies are stamped by the immigration authorities as proof that your papers are indeed being processed. You should also request a receipt from your employer for any documents (e.g. your Canadian passport) that you provide for purposes of obtaining the visa. Once your documents are returned to you and you receive the visa, keep it in a safe place and carry a copy of it at all times. It is preferable that this copy be certified. It is not recommended that your employer keep your passport or visa for you.
Business travellers engaging in business activities such as meetings, marketing, attendance at trade shows, and market research, who do not intend to enter the local job market and/or whose stay is less than 30 days, do not require a business visa. However, A Multiple Migratory Form must be completed (provided by the airlines or at points of entry) and certain documentation, such as a letter from the employer stating the purpose of the trip, must be presented. Business travellers should confirm these requirements with the Mexican Embassy prior to every business trip.
Business travellers engaging in business activities other than meetings, marketing, attendance at trade shows, and market research, intending to enter the local job market and/or whose stay is more than 30 days, do require a business visa.
Anyone travelling abroad with a minor (less then 18 years old) should carry a notarised letter of consent signed by both parents, complete information on the child and trip, and telephone numbers where the parents can be reached in case of doubt. The letter is not required by Mexican authorities but will be asked by airlines prior to boarding. Mexican authorities are entitled to refuse entry in cases where photo ID is not available, it is therefore required to obtain an affidavit of identity with the picture of the child, mentioning the child's name, place and date of birth, and signed before a lawyer or notary public. If the minor has been the subject of a custody agreement, the accompanying adult should carry the appropriate documentation. If the minor is travelling with only one parent and the other parent is deceased, it is necessary to carry the death certificate. If original documents are not available, you must obtain and carry a certified statement. Even when both parents are travelling with the child, it is wise to bring the child's long-form birth certificate (which identifies the parents). Unaccompanied minors must carry a valid passport (or original birth certificate) and a certified letter of consent for travel, with details of the trip. Ensure that someone will meet them at the airport on arrival.
Mexican authorities impose a "tourism tax" for all visitors to Mexico. The amount changes every year but is usually around US$20. This fee is usually included in airline ticket prices. Visitors arriving by road (car or bus) will be asked to pay this fee at any bank in Mexico (there is a bank representative at every port of entry). The bank will stamp your tourist card, which you will have to return to immigration authorities on departure. Visitors to the northern border area and those going to Mexico on cruise ships are exempt.
All Canadian citizens bringing gifts to friends and relatives in Mexico should be able to demonstrate to Mexican customs the origin and value of the gifts. Televisions, video cassette players, computers, bicycles or any electronic item valued at US$50 or more must be declared to Mexican customs. The visitor should have the receipt for the gift's purchase and should be prepared to pay any assessed duty.
Tourist Card: Required (Multiple Migratory Form provided by airlines or at points of entry)
Business Visa: Required
Student Visa: Required
Visitor Visa: Required (for purposes other than tourism)
Special and diplomatic passport holders should verify visa requirements for this and other countries, as they may differ from those that apply to regular passport holders.
Although same-sex marriages are legal in Canada, many countries do not recognize them. Attempting to enter as a same-sex married couple may result in refusal by local officials. For more information, contact the foreign government office accredited to Canada.
Foreign Affairs Canada’s Office of Protocol provides contact details for the Embassy of the United Mexican States and its consulates, where you can obtain further information on entry and exit requirements.
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9. MONEY
The currency is the Mexican peso. U.S. dollars are widely accepted. Canadian currency and traveller's cheques are not widely accepted worldwide. Remain vigilant when using bank or credit cards as card information can be copied by unscrupulous vendors. Ask to swipe your card yourself or make every effort to ensure that it is only run through once. Make sure you obtain your copy of the transaction slip. If you use an ATM, do so during business hours at a location inside a bank, supermarket, or large commercial building. Check with your bank for information on ATM services in other countries. You can also check the VISA ATM locator page or the MasterCard ATM locator page for the addresses of ATMs around the world. Your bank can advise if you need a new personal identification number (PIN) for overseas access to your account. Credit cards and debit cards should be used with caution due to the potential for fraud and other criminal activity. ATMs should be used during business hours inside a bank, supermarket, or large commercial building. Leave copies of your card numbers with a family member in case of emergency.
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10. GENERAL INFORMATION
Mexico (capital: Mexico City) is located in North America and borders the United States, Guatemala, Belize, the Gulf of Mexico, the Caribbean Sea, and the Pacific Ocean. The official language is Spanish.
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11. TRAVEL MEDICINE PROGRAM
The Public Health Agency of Canada and the World Health Organization (WHO) report on disease outbreaks that occur throughout the world. For the latest travel health advisories and related information, visit the Public Health Agency of Canada’s Travel Medicine Program Web site.
The Public Health Agency of Canada strongly recommends that your travel plans include contacting a travel medicine clinic or physician six to eight weeks before departure. Based on your individual risk assessment, a health care professional can determine your need for immunizations and/or preventive medication and advise you on precautions to avoid disease. Travellers are reminded to ensure that their routine (childhood) immunizations (e.g., tetanus, diphtheria, polio, and measles) are up to date.
Standards of medical care may differ from those in Canada. Treatment may be expensive, and payment in advance may be required. Travellers are advised to arrange for medical insurance prior to departure. Prescription medications should be kept in the original container and packed in carry-on luggage.
The Public Health Agency of Canada also recommends that travellers who become sick or feel unwell on their return to Canada seek a medical assessment with their personal physician. Travellers should inform their physician that they have been travelling or living outside of Canada.
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12. ADDITIONAL HEALTH INFORMATION
Medical facilities are easily available in large cities. Care in more remote areas is limited. Private hospitals and clinics offer good-quality care but are generally expensive and expect payments in advance as many will not agree to deal directly with medical insurance companies. You should therefore be prepared to pay for treatment yourself and then seek a refund. Most of the major hotels have a doctor on staff or can refer patients to outside physicians or clinics. However, in several resort areas, hotel-referred care providers have a tendency to overcharge patients or provide unnecessary medical care. If medical services are required, contact the nearest Consulate of Canada or your tour representative to obtain a list of facilities or physicians in the area.
Pharmacies in main cities carry most drugs at reasonable prices. Although many prescription and over-the-counter medications are manufactured in Mexico by affiliates of U.S. or European firms, there may be minor differences. Consult a physician before purchasing locally manufactured medicine. It is better to bring along an adequate supply of prescription medications. If you carry prescription medicine, keep it in the original container. Carry a copy of the prescription and ensure that both the generic and trade names of the drug are included. As in Canada, the purchase of controlled medication requires a doctor's prescription. The Mexican list of controlled medication differs from that of Canada. Be aware that the Mexican Ministry of Health is extremely strict regarding the importation of medicine and medical equipment by mail and requires a previous authorisation.
Tap water is not safe to drink. Purify it or buy bottled water. Be aware that ice is frequently made from tap water. Likewise, fruits and vegetables cleaned in tap water may make you ill. Clean produce yourself in an iodine solution. Purchase only reliably pasteurized and refrigerated products and choose restaurants carefully. Ensure that fruits and vegetables are disinfected, peeled or cooked. Do not eat raw fish and seafood, and avoid eating food from street vendors such as ice creams or sorbets.
In addition to problems caused by high altitude, travellers to Mexico City may experience health problems caused by air pollution, which is at its peak during winter months. You may feel a lack of energy, shortness of breath, or headaches. Individuals with heart, lung, or respiratory problems are advised to consult with their doctor before booking their trip.
Useful numbers in Mexico City include:
Clínica Londres, Durango 50, Colonia Roma: (55) 52-29-84-00.
Hospital Metropolitano, Tlacotalpan 51, Colonia Roma: (55) 52-65-19-00.
Hospital Español, Ejército Nacional 613, Colonia Polanco: (55) 52-55-96-00.
Hospital ABC, sur 136 Esquina Observatorio, Colonia Tacubaya: (55) 52-30-80-00.
Hospital Angeles del Pedregal, Camino a Santa-Teresa No. 1055: (55) 56-52-11-88.
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13. RETURNING TO CANADA
Please consult the Current Issue on returning to Canada.
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14. INTERNATIONAL ADOPTIONS
Provincial and territorial authorities in Canada are responsible for authorizing international adoptions. If you are thinking of adopting a child from another country, you must first obtain information about the adoption regulations of the province or territory in which the child will reside. While adoption is a provincial/territorial responsibility, Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC) is responsible for allowing an adopted child entry into Canada. Entry can be refused if the child does not hold the appropriate immigrant visa. A visa may be denied, even if the adoption has already been completed. For more information contact CIC at 1 888 242-2100 (in Canada only), check the CIC Web site or contact your provincial or territorial government.
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15. TRAVEL TIPS
Please consult our Traveller's Checklist.
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16. HEALTH AND TRAVEL INSURANCE
In recent years, Canadian citizens have reported cases of overcharging in health-care facilities in beach-resorts.
Do not rely on your provincial health plan to cover all expenses if you get sick or are injured while abroad. It may cover nothing or only a portion of the costs. Understand the terms of your supplementary insurance policy. Some credit cards offer their holders health and travel insurance. Do not assume the card alone provides adequate coverage. Carry details of your insurance with you. Also, tell your travel agent, a friend or relative, and/or travelling companion how to contact your insurer. Get a detailed invoice from the doctor or hospital before you return to Canada. Always submit original receipts for any medical services or prescriptions received abroad. Most insurance companies will not accept copies or faxes.
Cancelling a scheduled trip abroad could cost you money. Before cancelling a scheduled trip, you should discuss the matter with your travel agent, your travel insurer, or the airline. The decision to travel is the sole responsibility of the traveller.
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17. FOR MORE INFORMATION
Vehicle Importation
Mexico has very strict rules regarding the entry of foreign motor vehicles. Travellers are allowed to bring only one vehicle into the country at a time. Those travelling with a recreational vehicle are not entitled to tow a second vehicle, unless it is registered in the name of an accompanying traveller. It is the owner's responsibility to obtain a Temporary Vehicle Importation Permit (solicitud de importación temporal de vehículos) at the customs office at the U.S.-Mexico border or, in some cases, within 30 km of the authorized border zone (zona fronteriza). Travellers should ensure that they obtain a permit upon entry and cancel this permit before exiting Mexico. Watch for signs indicating customs checkpoints and Banjercito Bank locations (where permits can be issued and cancelled). Do not proceed to the interior of Mexico without having obtained the proper permit. Travellers without a vehicle importation permit may be incarcerated, fined and/or have their vehicles seized at immigration/customs checkpoints.
The following documentation is required:
a) valid immigration document (passport, tourist card, etc.);
b) valid driver's licence; and
c) documents to prove legal ownership of the vehicle.
Additional information (in Spanish) is available from Aduana México.
In the case of a rental vehicle, the contract must be in the traveller's name and include a full description of the vehicle. If the vehicle is owned by a company, the traveller must produce proof of employment by that company and proof of the vehicle's ownership by the company. If the car is owned by a relative, the person driving the car must have documentation to prove the relationship, such as marriage or birth certificates.
When applying for the Temporary Importation Permit, present the original and a copy of all documents. Originals will be returned. While in Mexico, other persons are allowed to drive the car only if the permit holder is in the car with them.
The fee for the Temporary Importation Permit is US$34 plus local tax, which is not refundable. In addition to the fee, tourists are required to leave a guarantee in any of the following forms:
a) imprint of an international credit card (Visa, American Express, Diners Club, MasterCard) issued outside of Mexico;
b) bond purchased from an authorized company at the border. The bond company will require a deposit, which varies according to the vehicle model and the length of the visit in Mexico. Bond charges will be deducted from the deposit and the balance will be refunded if the traveller and the vehicle exit Mexico on or before the date indicated on the Temporary Importation Permit; or
c) refundable cash deposit at Banjercito Bank for a percentage of the total value of the vehicle, which varies according to the vehicle model and the year.
Requirements for a temporary vehicle importation permit are the same for both regular vehicles and recreational vehicles. Travellers should contact the Embassy or Consulate of Mexico in Canada to verify the latest regulations regarding recreational vehicles. Large trucks require an additional permit.
To have the refundable cash deposit returned upon departure, visitors must have the Temporary Importation Permit cancelled by the Banjercito Bank and then present it at the Mexican customs office. Both are located at the border. If a bond was purchased from the Insurgentes or Mexicana companies, the deposit can also be recovered at the Banjercito Bank. Otherwise, the bond deposit must be recovered directly from the issuing company.
Tourists and their vehicles are not allowed to remain in Mexico beyond the return date indicated on the Temporary Importation Permit, usually up to six months. Since requirements may vary for those who have obtained temporary residence in Mexico, it is recommended that the precise requirements be verified with Mexican customs authorities. In case of an accident or theft of the vehicle, a police report should immediately be obtained and presented to the nearest customs office, no later than two days after the occurrence.
Canadian automobile insurance is not valid in Mexico and you must obtain a separate auto insurance at the Mexican border before crossing into Mexico, including if you are driving a rented vehicle. Full coverage is recommended, including coverage for legal assistance. Auto insurance is much more expensive in Mexico than in Canada, and you should be precisely informed about your coverage. Be aware that many local drivers do not have any form of car insurance. Canadians involved in traffic accidents may face serious legal problems, including imprisonment. They will be taken into custody until it can be determined who is responsible for the accident and until all penalties are paid. Depending on the extent of injuries or damages, drivers may face criminal charges. Motor vehicle insurance is considered invalid in Mexico if the driver is found to be under the influence of alcohol or drugs, or if the driver has no valid driver's licence.
Foreigners wishing to purchase a car in Mexico must be holders of either an FM3 or an FM2 visa as proof that they reside in Mexico and are therefore able to pay vehicle taxes and obtain Mexican licence plates. Tourists, who hold only an FMT, are not authorised to purchase vehicles in Mexico.
It is illegal to sell your vehicle in Mexico. If you do, or if you stay beyond the date indicated on the Temporary Importation Permit, the vehicle may be impounded and become the property of the Mexican Ministry of Revenue. You could be subject to a fine and deportation.
Upon exiting Mexico, you must ensure that your temporary importation permit is cancelled and that you receive a copy of this cancellation. According to the Mexican Ministry of Finance, foreigners must return their temporary importation permit, in person and with the corresponding vehicle, at their time of departure from Mexico. Procedures to return and cancel the permit may be carried out at any customs office on the Mexican border; however, we strongly recommend that travellers contact the Embassy or a consulate of Mexico in Canada to verify the latest regulations regarding vehicle importations. The Embassy of Canada in Mexico and Foreign Affairs Canada can no longer return these permits to the Mexican Ministry of Finance on behalf of Canadian citizens. In addition, it is not possible to mail your permit to the border point as it will not be cancelled and will consequently remain outstanding. As long as the permit remains outstanding, you will be unable to import another vehicle into Mexico. Mexican authorities have advised that you can cancel the permit on a future visit to Mexico if you enter at the same border point. However, a fine may be imposed. We are not in a position to advise what that fine may be, as the amount will vary depending on the time elapsed and changes in Mexican law.
There are time restrictions on driving in Mexico City and in parts of the state of Mexico in order to reduce air pollution. Based on the last digit of your licence plate number, there will be at least one day each week when you are not allowed to drive. This applies equally to permanent, temporary, and foreign plates. There is no specific provision regarding plates with letters only. These regulations are strictly enforced. Offenders face heavy fines and temporary confiscation of their vehicle. Information is available in Spanish at www.hoynocircula.com.mx.
Monday: No driving if licence plate ends with 5 or 6.
Tuesday: No driving if licence plate ends with 7 or 8.
Wednesday: No driving if licence plate ends with 3 or 4.
Thursday: No driving if licence plate ends with 1 or 2.
Friday: No driving if licence plate ends with 9 or 0.
Saturday and Sunday: All vehicles may be driven.
For additional information concerning Mexican driver's permits, vehicle inspection, road tax, mandatory insurance, etc., please contact the Mexican Ministry of Tourism (SECTUR) at tel.: 01-800-903-9200. This number is for calls made from Canada. You may also visit their Web site at www.sectur.gob.mx.
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18. ANNEX
N/A
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