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Mexico

Stay Informed. Sign up for the
free Smart Traveler Enrollment
Program (STEP) to receive the Travel Tips
latest travel updates and infor-
mation! When you sign up, you
will automatically receive the U.S. Department of Homeland Security -
most current information we Customs and Border Protection
compile about the country where There is an $800 exemption for gifts and personal articles, but all articles acquired in Mexico
you will be traveling or living. You must be declared. Cuban cigars are prohibited. Check with U.S. Customs and Border Protection
will also receive updates, includ- (CBP) about importing any medications prior to crossing into Mexico. CBP has a zero-tolerance
ing Travel Warnings and Travel policy on illegal drugs. Any type, in any amount may result in serious fines, seizure of vehicle,
Alerts (where appropriate). You federal record and/or imprisonment. It is also illegal to carry firearms or ammo into Mexico.
only need to sign up once, and Switchblade knives, sea turtle boots or any other articles of endangered species
then you can add and delete trips (i.e. spotted cats, coral, crocodile, elephant, etc) are prohibited.
from your account based on your
current travel plans! What types of documents are accepted

Enrolling in STEP provides the for entry into the United States?
State Department the ability to U.S. citizens can present a valid U.S. Passport; Passport Card;
assist you better in the case of Enhanced Driver’s License; Trusted Traveler Program card (NEXUS,
an emergency, such as if you lose SENTRI or FAST); U.S. Military identification card when traveling on
your passport or it is stolen while official orders; U.S. Merchant Mariner document when traveling in
you are abroad. They also assist conjunction with official maritime business; or Form I-872 American
U.S. citizens in other emergen- Indian Card, or (when available) Enhanced Tribal Card.
cies, such as in natural disasters. U.S. and Canadian citizen children under the age of 16
(or under 19, if traveling with a school, religious group, or
The travel and contact infor- other youth group) need only present a birth certificate or
mation you enter into STEP other proof of citizenship. The birth certificate can be
will make it easier for consular original, photocopy, or certified copy. The Western
officers in U.S. embassies and Hemisphere Travel Initiative (WHTI) does not affect U.S.
consulates around the world to Lawful Permanent Residents, who are still required to present
contact you and your loved ones their permanent resident card (Form I-551) or other valid evidence
during an emergency—includ- of permanent residence status. Canadian citizens can present a valid
ing situations where your family passport, Enhanced Driver’s License, or Trusted Traveler Program card
or friends in the U.S. are having (NEXUS, SENTRI or FAST). Bermudian citizens are required to present
problems trying to contact you a valid passport. Mexican citizens, including children, are required
with important news. to present a passport with visa, or a Border Crossing Card.
Travelers without WHTI-compliant documents
will be delayed at the border as U.S. Customs and
Border Protection officers work to verify iden-
U.S. Consulate General tity and citizenship.
- Matamoros
Calle Primera #2002
Colonia Jardín
Matamoros, Tamaulipas,
México 87330
Phones: From Mexico:
(868)-208-2000
From the U.S.:
52 11 (868) 208-2000
E-mail: MatamorosUSCitizens@
state.gov or MatamorosACS@
state.gov
Consulate of Mexico -
Brownsville, TX
301 Mexico Blvd, Suite F-2
Brownsville, TX 78520
Phone: 956-542-4431 or
956-542-2051
conbrownsville@sre.gob.mx

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