New Entry Requirements

Groups meeting in Mexico can experience the best of both worlds: a unique culture with all the professionalism and state-of-the-art facilities you'd expect to find in North America. Mexico welcomes 22 million inter- national visitors every year and now offers 59 international airports. In 2006, a record number of new flights linked cities across the United States with Mexico's top destinations.

Mexico is ranked ninth worldwide in the number of events it hosts. Before you bring your attendees to this sunny country just south of the border, there are a few things to keep in mind.

As of Jan. 23, 2007, all people, including U.S. citizens, traveling by air between the United States and Canada, Mexico, Central and South America, the Caribbean, and Bermuda are now required to present a valid passport, Air NEXUS card, or U.S. Coast Guard Merchant Mariner Document, or an Alien Registration Card.

As early as Jan. 1, 2008, all people, including U.S. citizens, traveling between the United States and Canada, Mexico, Central and South America, the Caribbean, and Bermuda by land or sea (including ferries), may be required to present a valid passport or other documents as determined by the Department of Homeland Security. While recent legislative changes permit a later deadline, the Departments of State and Homeland Security are working to meet all requirements as soon as possible.

U.S. citizens seem to be paying attention: Applications for passports are up 53 percent in the United States from the previous year. Four years ago, seven million passports were issued; this year, 16 million will be issued, said Frank Moss, deputy secretary of state for passport services.

If your nationality is not Mexican and you have no other migratory form in Mexico, you must have one tourist migratory form (FM-1) per person in order to enter the country. These forms are obtained at the first port of entry, at the borders, or at Mexican consulates and embassies. Make sure your migratory form is stamped and authorized by the migratory authority. Your permit is good for a maximum of 180 working days. You must have the migratory form with you while you remain in Mexico, and turn it in when you leave the country.

Business travelers must complete a form (FM-N) when they arrive in Mexico, authorizing business, but not employment, for a 30-day period.

Mexico, like many countries, charges a fee of about $20, usually included in the airline ticket price, for the authorization of non-immigrant migratory status. Mexico's departure tax of around $20 is also usually included in the price of the airline ticket. Domestic air travel within Mexico requires a departure tax of about $15 per person.

Michelle Russell is Convene's editor. Meeting in Mexico is sponsored by Mexico Tourism. Visit its Web site at http://www.visitmexico.com, where you may now also complete your RFP, by clicking on the Meeting and Incentive Planners section.