Mexico does not require a visa to enter, but you do need a Tourist Card, usually obtained from the airline before you land or at the travel agent where you buy your ticket. This is an important document so look after it. Tourist cards are valid for up to 180 days, but agents at the airport will only validate 30 days when you enter. If you plan to stay longer, you'll have to visit an office of migration in one of the peninsula's larger cities. Failure to extend your card before the expiration date results in a lot of aggravation and a fine.

Customs allowances on the way in and out of Mexico are fairly simple - don't have drugs or firearms, period. Drug possession penalties in Mexico (even for the smallest amount) include harsh prison terms and the embassy can do little to help. It's just not worth it. The Yucatan is making a serious effort to curb drug trafficking so if you drive in the countryside expect to be stopped several times by Army anti-drug patrols.

You can carry into Mexico two bottles of any liquor and two cartons of your favorite coffin nails. Supposedly, there is a limit of 12 rolls of film, but we've carried in 60 rolls in a clear plastic bag and it never raised an eyebrow. Then again, we were never searched on their green light/red light system. You punch a button at inbound Customs and if the traffic light goes green, you can pass through unhindered. If it flashes red you are subject to either a cursory or complete luggage search.

On your return to the United States you can bring in US$ 400 per person, duty free, including only one litre of alcoholic beverages. Canadians are allowed $300 with a written exemption or $100 without. Unless you're Canadian, Cuban cigars are illegal and for both countries archeological artifacts or items made from endangered species are strictly forbidden.

AFTER SETP 11, 2001

Entry to Mexico

Since September 11 attacks in New York, Mexico requires entry VISA from Non American or Canadian Citizens from certain countries (Eastern Europe for example).  It takes between 2 - 4 weeks to get this visa and sometimes for various reasons entry visas are denied.  If you are a Permanent US Resident (holding a  Green Card) and carrying a different country passport you may need a visa.  We strongly recommend checking with the airlines or with the Mexican Consulate if you will need to obtain a Visa for your trip.

Airport Security

Airport security has increased and will continue to increase with time even more. We suggest to allow ample time before your scheduled departure, bags may be searched randomly, going out of the USA.  In high travel season we suggest to arrive at least 2 hours prior to departure.

In Mexico, at this time they do not have large scanners for lagguage and they are checking all bags manually, here we also recommend arriving at least 2 hours prior to your departure.