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Citizens Consular Services |
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DIRECTORY OF SERVICES TO U.S. CITIZENS Information on Travel Safety Abroad Information for Travelers to Mexico Emergency Services: Information for Victims of Crime in Mexico Missing Persons / Locating Someone in an Emergency Non-Emergency Services: Consular Report of Birth Abroad Social Security and Other Federal Benefits Bureau of Citizenship and Immigration (formerly INS) General Information: Marriage and Divorce in Mexico Obtaining Copies of Mexican Civil Documents Customs - Bringing Items into Mexico and the United States Locating a Missing Person in the United States Other links: |
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Welcome to
For after-hour
emergencies, please call the same number and ask The United States Government has no higher responsibility than to serve and protect its citizens, including those who reside or are temporarily abroad. The Citizens Consular Services (CCS) Unit provides prompt, courteous, and efficient services to United States Citizens and other clients, consistent with U.S. laws and regulations. The CCS Unit in Mexico City provides a wide range of services to American citizens traveling or residing in Mexico City, including applications for passports, registration of citizens living in or traveling in Mexico, information on voter’s registration, notarial services for documents to be used in the United States and certain emergency services relating to deaths, arrests and temporary destitution. U.S. citizens in Mexico are, of course, subject to Mexican laws and procedures. All questions about
visas for Mexican citizens must be directed to a visa
appointment and information service by calling
01-900-849-4949 from anywhere in Mexico. If
calling from the U.S. or using a calling or credit card,
please call: If you are going to be in Mexico for any length of time, please register to receive emergency e-mail notifications and our quarterly newsletter. Any information you give us is completely confidential and will only be released when authorized by you to do so. Message from Ambassador Tony Garza Dear Fellow American, I've now been in Mexico for over a year, and have had the chance to meet many of you. I'd like to take this opportunity to introduce myself to those of you I have not yet met, and hope we will meet soon. Many of you have been in Mexico for a long time; others are only short-time visitors. But if your experience has been like mine, you have probably found Mexico to be a welcoming and fascinating country. The Embassy's Consular Section has been active in recent months in disseminating information on threats to Americans. As we move through these troubled times, we need to recognize that the environment here, as in other countries, could increasingly take on an anti-American overtone, that may manifest itself unexpectedly in public places such as supermarket parking lots, taxi stands, or at tourist sites. While probably less likely here than elsewhere, I wanted to let you know that we in the Embassy are taking measures to reduce the possibility of being placed in situations where we are targets of any potential anti-American sentiment. For example, I have asked my colleagues here to be conscious that our clothing, speech or other mannerisms may identify us as Americans, and to avoid emotional discussion with strangers on the broader global situation. In addition, we should all review the Worldwide Caution issued April 29, 2004 available below or at http://travel.state.gov/travel/wwc1.html. The Department of State has no higher priority than the safety of American citizens abroad. I want you to know that I share that priority, and will continue to promote this goal in all my work here as Ambassador. With best regards, I am Sincerely, Antonio O. Garza, Jr. World Wide Caution - April 29, 2004 This Public Announcement is being updated to remind U.S. citizens of the continuing threat of terrorist actions and anti-American violence against U.S. citizens and interests overseas. This supersedes the Worldwide Caution dated March 23, 2004 and expires on October 23, 2004. The Department of State is deeply concerned about the heightened threat of terrorist attacks against U.S. citizens and interests abroad. The Department is also concerned about the potential for demonstrations and violent actions against U.S. citizens and interests overseas. U.S. citizens are reminded to maintain a high level of vigilance and to take appropriate steps to increase their security awareness. The Department of State remains concerned by indications that al-Qaida continues to prepare to strike U.S. interests abroad. Al-Qaida and its associated organizations have most recently struck in the Middle East and in Europe but other geographic locations could also be venues for attacks. Future al-Qaida attacks could possibly involve non-conventional weapons such as chemical or biological agents as well as conventional weapons of terror. We also cannot rule out that al-Qaida will attempt a catastrophic attack within the U.S. Terrorist actions may include, but are not limited to, suicide operations, hijackings, bombings or kidnappings. These may involve aviation and other transportation and maritime interests, and may also include conventional weapons, such as explosive devices. Terrorists do not distinguish between official and civilian targets. These may include facilities where U.S. citizens and other foreigners congregate or visit, including residential areas, clubs, restaurants, places of worship, schools, hotels and public areas. U.S. citizens are encouraged to maintain a high level of vigilance and to take appropriate steps to increase their security awareness. U.S. Government facilities worldwide remain at a heightened state of alert. These facilities may temporarily close or suspend public services from time to time to assess their security posture. In those instances, U.S. embassies and consulates will make every effort to provide emergency services to U.S. citizens. Americans abroad are urged to monitor the local news and maintain contact with the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate. As the Department continues to develop information on any potential security threats to U.S. citizens overseas, it shares credible threat information through its Consular Information Program documents, available on the Internet at http://travel.state.gov. In addition to information on the Internet, travelers may obtain up-to-date information on security conditions by calling 1-888-407-4747 toll-free in the U.S., and from Mexico on a regular toll line at 001-317-472-2328. |
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DIRECTORY OF SERVICES TO U.S. CITIZENS Information on Travel Safety Abroad Information for Travelers to Mexico Emergency Services: Information for Victims of Crime in Mexico Missing Persons / Locating Someone in an Emergency Non-Emergency Services: Consular Report of Birth Abroad Social Security and Other Federal Benefits Bureau of Citizenship and Immigration (formerly INS) General Information: Marriage and Divorce in Mexico Obtaining Copies of Mexican Civil Documents Customs - Bringing Items into Mexico and the United States Locating a Missing Person in the United States Other links: |
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ADDRESS:
WORKING HOURS (Central Time)
The Embassy provides consular services to United States citizens in the states
of
U.S. citizens in other areas of Mexico should seek the assistance of the U.S. Consulates or Consular agencies located throughout the country. A directory and information on U.S. Consulates and Consular Agencies in Mexico is available at http://www.usembassy-mexico.gov/edirector.html
Information for Travelers to Mexico The Consular Information Sheet includes such information as the location of the U.S. Embassy and Consulates in the country, immigration practices, health conditions, minor political disturbances, unusual currency and entry regulations, crime and security information, and drug penalties. If unstable conditions exist in a country, a description of the condition may be included. The Consular Information Sheet for Mexico can be obtained in the CCS Unit or may be found on the State Department's Home Page at http://www.travel.state.gov/travel/mexico.html. Additional information on travel in and to Mexico can be found in the State Department publication Tips for Travelers to Mexico. For Consular Information Sheets for other countries, please visit http://travel.state.gov/travel/warnings_consular.html. |
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DIRECTORY OF SERVICES TO U.S. CITIZENS Information on Travel Safety Abroad Information for Travelers to Mexico Emergency Services: Information for Victims of Crime in Mexico Missing Persons / Locating Someone in an Emergency Non-Emergency Services: Consular Report of Birth Abroad Social Security and Other Federal Benefits Bureau of Citizenship and Immigration (formerly INS) General Information: Marriage and Divorce in Mexico Obtaining Copies of Mexican Civil Documents Customs - Bringing Items into Mexico and the United States Locating a Missing Person in the United States Other links: |
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EMERGENCY SERVICES:
Lost or Stolen Passports: In the event that your passport is lost or stolen please come in person to the Passport & Citizenship Unit (Working Hours). You will need proof of citizenship and a photo ID, such as a driver's license or school ID.
Medical Assistance: If you are injured or seriously ill, the Embassy can help you find medical assistance and, at your request, notify your family or friends. Click on the following if you'd like a list of doctors or hospitals in Mexico City. You may also request the lists by e-mail at ccs@usembassy.net.mx or by telephone at (01-55) 5080-2000, Ext. 4780 (Working Hours). The CCS Unit cannot recommend a particular physician and assumes no responsibility for the quality of service provided. More information is available on the Internet at http://travel.state.gov/travel/medical.html.
Legal Assistance: The Embassy cannot represent U.S. citizens in court nor provide legal counsel. Instead, you may wish to consult with an attorney in Mexico, who can provide advice on your options and remedies within the Mexican legal system. The Embassy in Mexico maintains a list of local attorneys who speak English. However, the Embassy cannot recommend a particular attorney and assumes no responsibility for the quality of service provided. Click on the following for current lists for a) attorneys in Mexico City, and for b) attorneys in the states that comprise the consular district of the Embassy in Mexico City.
Information for Victims of Crime in Mexico: Being the victim of a crime in a foreign country can be a devastating and traumatic experience. While no one can undo the emotional trauma, physical injury, or financial loss you may have experienced, our office can give you information about dealing with the immediate practical consequences of the crime as well as information about the criminal justice system in Mexico.
Financial Assistance: Should you lose your money and other financial resources, the Embassy can help you contact your family, bank, or employer to arrange for them to send funds. To transfer funds through the State Department, information is available on the Internet at travel.state.gov/travel/money.html. To transfer funds commercially to Mexico, your family in the U.S. should go to the closest Western Union office and instruct them to send the money to an "Elektra" store in Mexico. To send money through the Elektra store (telephone 011-52-55-5525-1608) closest to the Embassy in Mexico City, the funds should be sent as follows:
You can find other locations for Elektra in the Mexican telephone Yellow Pages (http://www.seccionamarilla.com.mx/) or on their website at www.elektra.com.mx. The senders must provide you with a 10-digit confirmation number prior to your going to pick up the money. They should also give you their correct name and telephone number and the name, address and telephone number of the Western Union office in the U.S. from which the money was sent. You must take photo identification.
Missing Persons / Locating Someone in an Emergency: If you need to reach someone in Mexico because of an emergency or because you are worried about his or her health or welfare, please contact the Embassy directly at 011-52-55-5080-2000, Ext. 4780, during working hours. After working hours, please contact the Embassy and ask to speak to the Duty Officer. You may also contact State Department's Office of Overseas Citizens Services at (202) 647-5225. The State Department will contact the Consular Section of the Embassy in Mexico City, which will attempt to locate the person and pass along the urgent messages. More information is available on the Internet at www.travel.state.gov/travel/wwflyer.html.
Child Abductions: The Government of the United States has designated the Office of Children's Issues of the Department of State as its central authority for child abduction cases. General information on the Office of Children's Issues and international child abduction is available on the Internet at www.travel.state.gov/family/abduction.html and Mexico-specific details can be found at http://travel.state.gov/family/abduction_mexico.html.
Arrest of a U.S. Citizen: If you are aware that a U.S. citizen is under arrest in Mexico, please ask the authorities to notify the Embassy immediately. The Embassy can work to help protect the person and ensure fair treatment. The Embassy will also visit the prisoner; provide information about the local legal process, as well as a list of local attorneys; and notify family and friends. More information is available on the Internet at http://travel.state.gov/law/arrest.html and at http://travel.state.gov/travel/transfer.html.
Death of a U.S. Citizen: When a U.S. citizen dies abroad, the Embassy can notify the family at home and provide information about the options and costs of disposition of the remains. Costs for preparing and returning the remains from Mexico City to the U.S. are high and the family must pay all costs. The Embassy also prepares a Report of Death based on the local death certificate. This Report can be used as proof of death in most legal proceedings in the United States. More information is available on the Internet at travel.state.gov/law/deathrep.html, travel.state.gov/law/return.html, or travel.state.gov/law/estates.html. |
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DIRECTORY OF SERVICES TO U.S. CITIZENS Information on Travel Safety Abroad Information for Travelers to Mexico Emergency Services: Information for Victims of Crime in Mexico Missing Persons / Locating Someone in an Emergency Non-Emergency Services: Consular Report of Birth Abroad Social Security and Other Federal Benefits Bureau of Citizenship and Immigration (formerly INS) General Information: Marriage and Divorce in Mexico Obtaining Copies of Mexican Civil Documents Customs - Bringing Items into Mexico and the United States Locating a Missing Person in the United States Other links: |
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NON-EMERGENCY SERVICES:
Registration: The State Department recently launched a secure online travel registration website which will allow you, as an American citizen, to record foreign trip and residence information that the Department of State can use to communicate with you and assist you in case of an emergency. U.S. citizens around the world who travel or reside abroad can access this site directly at https://travelregistration.state.gov/ibrs or through a link on http://travel.state.gov. We invite you to register yourself and your family and get acquainted with travel registration. If you are already registered with this Embassy, please re-register on line to update your records. The new Internet travel registration service for American citizens allows you to register and update your contact information on the Internet at any time, making it easier for you to keep your information current. The site also provides you with up-to-date travel information customized to your unique travel agenda and itinerary. The data you provide is secured behind Department of State firewalls, accessed only by cleared personnel in Embassies, Consulates, and the Department of State, and releasable only under the provisions of the Privacy Act. Let us know how you like the new site. If you encounter any difficulties or have any questions about our travel registration website, please send an e-mail to CAIbrs@state.gov. If you have specific questions about your registration with this Embassy, please contact us at ccs@usembassy.net.mx.
Passports - General : The Passport & Citizenship Unit of the Embassy accepts passport applications, provides additional passport pages, and amends or extends passports as applicable. All passport applicants must apply in person. To obtain a U.S. passport you must either provide your most recently issued passport, an original certified copy of your birth certificate, a Consular Report of Birth Abroad, or a naturalization certificate. You must also have photo identification. A driver's license, social security card, or a voter registration card does not constitute proof of citizenship. Since August 19, 2002, Passport fees are as follows: Two U.S. passport-size photographs are required and may be taken at the Embassy for an extra fee. For additional information, please contact the Passport & Citizenship Unit at
Passport forms are available at http://www.travel.state.gov/passport/forms_overview.html. More information on passports is available on the Internet at http://www.travel.state.gov/passport/index.html.
Passports for Minors: Children must appear in person, accompanied by a parent. Evidence required for all applicants under age 14 includes: certified birth certificate; photo identification of both parents; written consent of any parent not present with the child; and proof of the child's U.S. citizenship, such as a previous U.S. passport, a Naturalization Certificate, or a certified U.S. birth certificate or Consular Report of Birth Abroad along with a photo identification. Extensive additional information, including the application form, is available on the Internet at http://www.travel.state.gov/passport/get_minors.html, or you can contact the Passport and Citizenship Unit at (01-55) 5080-2000, Ext. 4326; fax: (01-55) 5207-5153. (Working Hours)
Passports - Amendments: You will need to present evidence in support of whatever change you wish to have made in your passport. Depending on the nature of the change you wish to make, you may need to bring a copy of one of the following: birth or marriage certificate, divorce decree or other court order. Amendments generally are completed the same day and there is no fee. (Working Hours)
Consular Report of Birth Abroad: A child born abroad to U.S. citizen parent(s) usually acquires U.S. citizenship at birth. In addition to the application form, the parent(s) will need to provide an original certified birth certificate for the child; proof of the parent(s)' U.S. citizenship, such as a previous U.S. passport, a Naturalization Certificate, or a certified U.S. birth certificate or Consular Report of Birth Abroad along with a photo identification; the parents' marriage certificate, if applicable; medical records from the hospital or clinic from before and during the birth of the child; proof of parents’ entry into Mexico; and proof of the U.S. citizen parent(s)' physical presence in the United States prior to the birth of the child, such as school transcripts, tax returns, W-2 forms, employment records, or other documentation. Additional information is available on the Internet at http://travel.state.gov/family/issues_birth.html, or you can contact the Passport and Citizenship Unit at (01-55) 5080-2000, Ext. 4326 (Working Hours). Information about dual nationality is available on the Internet at http://travel.state.gov/law/dualnationality.html.
Notarial Services: Notarial services are performed on a walk-in basis from 8:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at the Passport and Citizenship Unit, (01-55) 5080-2000, Ext. 4326 (Working Hours). Please bring the documents to be notarized, proof of identity such as a passport or driver's license, and cash in U.S. dollars or the Mexican equivalent as follows: US$30.00, for the first seal, and US$20.00 for each additional seal of each transaction. There is no fee to notarize U.S. Government documents. You must arrange for your own witnesses, if necessary. The Embassy can only notarize signatures, and cannot vouch for the veracity of the content or the authenticity of a notarized document. Information regarding authentication or legalization of documents, including how to obtain an apostille, is available at http://travel.state.gov/law/notarial_authentication.html.
Social Security and Other Federal Benefits: Answers to questions about Social Security, Civil Service, Veterans, or Railroad Retiree benefits can be obtained by calling the Embassy at (01-55) 5080-2000, Ext. 2706 or 2852, Monday-Friday, 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. More information is available on the Internet at www.ssa.gov.
Internal Revenue Service:
Information on Absentee Voting In order to register and/or cast an absentee ballot, an eligible U.S. citizen must complete a Federal Post Card Application (FPCA) and then submit it to the proper state election official. Citizens outside the United States may vote in the state or territory where they last resided immediately prior to departing the United States. In all states and territories, the Federal Post Card Application serves as a valid request for registration and/or absentee ballot. This Embassy is prepared to forward the FPCA on your behalf to the U.S. There is also an On-Line Federal Post Card Application (OFPCA) available from the Federal Voting Assistance Program website, which you may use as an alternative when you cannot obtain the postage-paid cardstock FPCA. The on-line version may be filled-in on-line, printed out, signed, dated, placed in an envelope with the proper postage and mailed to the appropriate local election official. Upon receipt of an absentee ballot, it is advisable to complete the ballot and return it as soon as possible, however, some states and territories count absentee ballots after Election Day if it is postmarked on or before the date of the election. The Federal Write-In Absentee Ballot (FWAP), which may be obtained at the Embassy or Consular Agencies, is a back-up ballot that may be used by voters in general elections. To be eligible one must be located outside the United States, apply for a regular ballot early enough so that the appropriate local election official received the request at least 30 days before the election; and not have received the requested regular absentee ballot from the state. The Passport & Citizenship Unit, at the American Embassy in Mexico City, has Federal Post Card Applications in stock, as do Consulates General and Consular Agencies in Mexico. You may obtain them during normal business hours. Additional information, including an Election Date 2004 Schedule, can be found at the Federal Voting Assistance Program's website, which is located at http://www.fvap.gov. This site provides voting related information for citizens, including downloadable forms, all of the FVAP informational materials in electronic format and links to other pertinent sites containing election information. The following website addresses will also allow access to the FVAP website: On behalf of the Ambassador,
Department of Homeland Security (DHS)/ Questions about filing of immediate relative petitions and other immigration related questions can be addressed by calling (01-55) 5080-2000, ext. 3492 and 3494, or coming to the DHS office at the Embassy Monday - Thursday from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Additional information is also available at http://www.usembassy-mexico.gov/einsinfo.html. |
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DIRECTORY OF SERVICES TO U.S. CITIZENS Information on Travel Safety Abroad Information for Travelers to Mexico Emergency Services: Information for Victims of Crime in Mexico Missing Persons / Locating Someone in an Emergency Non-Emergency Services: Consular Report of Birth Abroad Social Security and Other Federal Benefits Bureau of Citizenship and Immigration (formerly INS) General Information: Marriage and Divorce in Mexico Obtaining Copies of Mexican Civil Documents Customs - Bringing Items into Mexico and the United States Locating a Missing Person in the United States Other links: |
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GENERAL INFORMATION:
ENTRY REQUIREMENTS FOR MEXICO: The Government of Mexico requires that all U.S. citizens present proof of citizenship and photo identification for entry into Mexico. While U.S. citizenship documents such as a certified copy of a U.S. birth certificate, a Naturalization Certificate, a Consular Report of Birth Abroad, or a Certificate of Citizenship are acceptable, the U.S. Embassy recommends traveling with a valid U.S. passport to avoid delays or misunderstandings. U.S. citizens boarding flights to Mexico should be prepared to present one of the above documents as proof of U.S. citizenship, along with photo identification issued by a competent authority. Driver's permits, voter registration cards, affidavits and similar documents are not sufficient to prove citizenship for readmission into the United States. U.S. citizens do not require a visa or a tourist card for tourist stays of 72 hours or less within "the border zone," defined as an area between 20 to 30 kilometers of the border with the U.S., depending on the location. U.S. citizens traveling as tourists beyond the border zone or entering Mexico by air must pay a fee to obtain a tourist card, also known as an FM-T, available from Mexican consulates, Mexican border crossing points, Mexican tourism offices, airports within the border zone and most airlines serving Mexico. Upon arrival in Mexico, business travelers must complete and submit a form (Form FM-N 30 days) authorizing the conduct of business, but not employment, for a 30-day period. Travelers entering Mexico for purposes other than tourism or business or for stays of longer than 180 days require a visa and must carry a valid U.S. passport. U.S. citizens planning to work or live in Mexico should apply for the appropriate Mexican visa at the Embassy of Mexico at 1911 Pennsylvania Avenue N.W., Washington, D.C. 20006, telephone (202) 736-1000, or any Mexican consulate in the United States. In an effort to prevent international child abduction, many governments have initiated procedures at entry and exit points, including requiring documentary evidence of relationship and permission of the parent(s) or legal guardian not present for the child's travel. Parents of minor children (under 18 years old) should carefully document legal custody prior to traveling to Mexico. If a minor child is traveling with only one parent, the absent parent should provide notarized consent. If only one parent has legal custody, that parent should be prepared to provide such evidence to airlines and Mexican authorities. In cases in which a minor child is traveling to Mexico alone or in someone else's company, both parents (or the sole, documented custodial parent) should provide notarized consent. If a child traveling to Mexico has a different last name from the mother and/or father, the parents should be prepared to provide evidence to airlines and Mexican authorities, such as a birth certificate or adoption decree, to prove that they are indeed the parents. Mexican entry regulations require Spanish translations of all legal documents, including notarized consent decrees and court agreements. Enforcement of this provision is not always consistent, however, and English-language documents are almost always sufficient.
Working in Mexico: Americans who wish to work in Mexico must have employment visas. For more information, contact the Mexican Embassy or Consulate nearest you in the United States. You may also wish to contact the Mexican Immigration Office, Telephone: (You should expect that the person who answers your call will speak only Spanish.): The Mexican Immigration office also maintains an internet website: www.inami.gob.mx. The U.S. Embassy does not maintain information on employment opportunities in Mexico.
Marriage and Divorce in Mexico: As in the United States, each state in Mexico determines its marriage and divorce procedures. You should contact the office of the Registro Civil in the jurisdiction where you plan to get married for complete information about the requirements. A marriage that is properly executed in Mexico is valid in the United States provided the marriage would be legal in the United States. To obtain a divorce in Mexico, you must be a resident of Mexico. Usually this process takes several months and you must reside here for at least 6 months before applying for the divorce. You may wish to retain an attorney in Mexico with experience in divorce proceedings.
Obtaining Copies of Mexican Civil Documents: In Mexico, many official documents are issued and maintained locally. Documents such as birth, marriage and death certificates can be obtained from the local civil registry (Registro Civil).
Customs - Bringing Items Into Mexico and the United States: The Mexican Customs Authorities provide information (in Spanish) regarding imports to and exports from Mexico. The U.S. Department of Homeland Security Office of Customs and Border Control provides information on regulations relating to goods brought into the United States. For information about bringing pets into Mexico you may wish to contact the nearest Mexican Consulate in the United States, or the "Dirección General de Inspección Fitozoosanitaria" in Mexico City, Tel. 011-52-55-5571-3124 Fax 011-52-55-5784-3231. The Secretariat of Agriculture, Livestock and Rural Development (SAGAR) has also set out Mexican regulations on its web page (in Spanish). You may also obtain useful information from several U.S. agencies, including:
For guidance regarding taking a car into Mexico, contact the nearest Mexican Consulate in the United States and Tips for Travelers. As explained in our Consular Information Sheet for Mexico, there are severe penalties for possessing firearms in Mexico. You must contact a Mexican Consulate in the United States before attempting to import weapons into Mexico or purchase any while in Mexico. Failure to do so will result in stiff fines and/or jail time.
Locating a Missing Person in the United States: The Embassy is unable to assist you in finding people in the United States. You may wish to use on-line locator services, such as www.switchboard.com or www.anywho.com in your search. If you are looking for a person in the U.S. who is not an American citizen, you may wish to contact the Embassy or Consulate of the country of which the person is a citizen. For example, if you are looking for a Mexican citizen who you believe is in the United States, you should contact the Mexican Embassy in the U.S.
Doing Business In Mexico: The U.S. Foreign Commercial Service, a part of the U.S. Department of Commerce, has a number of resources and services to foster American business interests in Mexico. Among the services available are: access to specialists familiar with your industry, market research, sector analysis, pre-arranged appointments with targeted businesses, and international company profiles. For more information, please consult http://www.usembassy-mexico.gov/eTrade1.htm . The Commercial Service is located at |
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Cultural and Information Service / U.S. Embassy in Mexico
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