Mexico Travel Tips Rental Agencies &

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U.S. Consulate General - 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

Mexico

U.S. Department of Homeland Security Customs and Border Protection

There is an $800 exemption for gifts and personal articles, but all articles acquired in Mexico must be declared. Cuban cigars are prohibited. Check with U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) about importing any medications prior to crossing into Mexico. CBP has a zero-tolerance policy on illegal drugs. Any type, in any amount may result in serious fines, seizure of vehicle, federal record and/or imprisonment. It is also illegal to carry firearms or ammo into Mexico.

Switchblade knives, sea turtle boots or any other articles of endangered species (i.e. spotted cats, coral, crocodile, elephant, etc) are prohibited.

What types of documents are accepted for entry into the United States?

U.S. citizens can present a valid U.S. Passport; Passport Card; Enhanced Driver’s License; Trusted Traveler Program card (NEXUS, SENTRI or FAST); U.S. Military identification card when traveling on official orders; U.S. Merchant Mariner document when traveling in conjunction with official maritime business; or Form I-872 American Indian Card, or (when available) Enhanced Tribal Card.

U.S. and Canadian citizen children under the age of 16 (or under 19, if traveling with a school, religious group, or other youth group) need only present a birth certificate or other proof of citizenship. The birth certificate can be original, photocopy, or certified copy. The Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative (WHTI) does not affect U.S. Lawful Permanent Residents, who are still required to present their permanent resident card (Form I-551) or other valid evidence of permanent residence status. Canadian citizens can present a valid passport, Enhanced Driver’s License, or Trusted Traveler Program card (NEXUS, SENTRI or FAST). Bermudian citizens are required to present a valid passport. Mexican citizens, including children, are required 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 identity and citizenship.

Importation of Alcohol

A person traveling into Texas from another state or country can bring a maximum of 1 gallon of distilled spirits, 3 gallons of wine; and 24 twelve-ounce containers of beer every 30 days. You must be 21 years of age to possess alcoholic beverages, if you are not 21, the alcohol will automatically be confiscated. If you show false or altered personal identification, the ID will be confiscated, and you will be prosecuted. There are no substitutions between the types of alcoholic beverages. The importation of alcoholic beverages must be for personal use, and the person making the importation must accompany the alcoholic beverages. Minors (persons under 21 years of age) or intoxicated persons may not bring alcoholic beverages into Texas. All alcoholic beverage containers imported into Texas are subject to the state liquor tax and a $3.00 administrative fee. This fee is included in the posted tax rates. Payment of the fees and taxes are documented by a tax stamp placed on the bottle. Please note that failure to pay the tax and obtain the appropriate stamp will subject violators to a fine ranging from $100 to $1,000 and/or a jail term of up to one year.

Importation of Cigarettes

TABC Ports of Entry personnel are also responsible for ensuring that the laws relating to cigarettes are observed. Persons 18 years of age or older may import one carton of both Mexican and duty-free cigarettes. A tax of $1.50 is due on each pack of cigarettes imported into the state, and a stamp is placed on each cigarette pack to indicate payment of the tax.

Bringing Food into the U.S.

Many agriculture products are prohibited entry into the United States from certain countries because they may carry plant pests and foreign animal diseases. All agriculture items must be declared and are subject to inspection by a Customs and Border Protection Agriculture Specialist at ports of entry to ensure they are free of plant pests and foreign animal diseases. Prohibited or restricted items may include meats, fresh fruits and vegetables, plants, seeds, soil and products made from animal or plant materials. For generally allowed food items please visit USDA Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service.

Declared agriculture items, in non-commercial quantities, that are found to be prohibited or restricted by the CBP Agriculture Specialists can be abandoned at the port of entry should the traveler wish to continue into the U.S. However, undeclared prohibited agriculture items will be confiscated, and can result in the issuance of a civil penalty to the traveler for failure to declare the prohibited item. All agricultural items that are abandoned or confiscated at ports of entry are destroyed in accordance with USDA approved destruction methods to prevent spread of pests and diseases.

Agricultural pests and diseases are a threat to U.S. crop production and to the livestock industry. Some animal diseases can be highly contagious and could cause severe economic damage to livestock and result in losses in production, which could lead to increased costs for meat and dairy products. Plant pests and disease, as well as invasive plant material can cause crop loss and also damage lawns, ornamental plants, and trees. Plant pest infestations can result in increased costs to consumers due to pest eradication efforts as well as lower crop yields. High risk plant pest and animal disease outbreaks within the U.S. could also adversely affect the economy as a result of reduced trade of U.S. origin goods to countries around the world.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture and the Department of Homeland Security are partners in the effort to protect American agriculture against the introduction of pests and diseases at our nation’s ports of entry. USDA’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service determines what agricultural products are admissible into the U.S. and what products pose a risk and should be prohibited or restricted entry. U.S. Customs and Border Protection enforce these agricultural rules and regulations at ports of entry. For more information regarding traveling to and from http://www.cbp.gov/travel/us-citizens/cbp-reqs-mexico ` Mexico go to:

FUN AND SHADE

(956) 761-2212

33384 State Park Road 100 South Padre Island, Texas 78597

JETSKI RENTALS

Take an adrenaline break from lounging on the sandy beach of South Padre Island! Riding at full speed over the Laguna Madre Bay, you’ll clear your mind and enjoy sightseeing the area, including a glimpse of the SpaceX Launch Facility. COUPLES SPECIALS

GO PARASAILING

Parasail 600 feet above the coast of South Padre Island, then go feel the thrill of our jetski rentals. Ascend into the sky, getting panoramic views of the spectacular South Padre coastline.