Getting to Loreto is easy if you are on the West Coast or near Texas. There are direct flights to Loreto from Los Angeles and on June 7th, Houston. If you live in Phoenix you can get to Loreto through Hermosillo, Mexico as well as Los Angeles.

Before leaving for your vacation be sure that you have a few things with you.

U.S. citizens – in order to enter Mexico you will need any of these items – a photo ID (such as a driver’s license, birth certificate or a passport), a tourist card or F.M.N.A and a valid proof of citizenship. A tourist card is a two part document that is your “permission” from the Mexican government to visit Mexico. It is available free of charge. The airlines always have an ample supply upon check-in. You can also obtain this form in Mexican Immigration upon arrival. A birth certificate must include your given name and surname, date and place of birth, date the birth record was filed, and seal or other certification of the official custodian of such records. Hospital certificates are not acceptable.

Canadian citizens – Canadian versions of the above documents are accepted; notarized affidavits must be executed in Canada. The “Canadian Landed Immigrant” card is accepted as well.

Mexican citizens – any of the following is accepted: a passport, which may be expired, a birth certificate (Acta de Nacimiento), a consular registration form (Matricula Consular), a military service card (Cartilla Militar) or a voter’s registration card (cedula de Empadronamiento).

Clients coming from other countries other than the U.S., Canada or Mexico will need a valid passport from their country. In addition they may need a visa to enter Mexico. Contact the Mexican Consulate for more information.

Minors traveling in Mexico
There are very strict regulations for minors traveling into Mexico. Every minor must have a tourist card, proof of citizenship and sometimes other documents such as an original notarized letter signed by both parents. A photo ID is not required until the age of 18. Minors traveling with either legal parents or guardians need nothing else. Minors traveling unaccompanied or with anyone other than their legal parents or guardians they must obtain an original notarized letter of permission signed by both parents. Minors traveling with only one parent must have notarized written permission from the other parent. In the case of deceased or divorced parents the minor must have legal proof such as a death certificate in order for just one signature on the letter.

When entering Mexico your first stop will be at the Mexican Immigration where proof of citizenship is inspected, and tourist cards are validated. Be sure to hold on tight to your tourist card! Your next stop is at customs. Mexico has instituted a European-style customs inspection system, with a twist. Here’s the way it works:

Customs information
Visitors complete a customs declaration form and choose to either declare or not declare that they are importing items beyond their allowance. Those declaring items have their belongings searched, and duty is collected. Those not declaring items are asked to push a button on a street traffic light that is mounted on a post inside customs area. A green light allows you to pass without inspection. A red light will signal an inspection. In the event that items are found that were not declared, heavy fines and penalties apply.

You are allowed to bring in any of the following up to value of $300 USD if traveling by air:

• Personal items, i.e. clothing, footwear, toiletries, all in reasonable quantities according to trip duration.
• Books and magazines.
• Medicine for personal use, with medical prescription in the case of psychotropic substances.
• Used or second-hand sporting equipment.
• One portable TV set, one portable typewriter, one VCR, one laptop style computer, one portable printer.
• Up to 20 CD’s and five DVD’s.
• A musical instrument.
• Fishing equipment and two tennis rackets.
• Three liters of alcohol or wine, if carrier is over 18 years old.
• One video camera and one regular camera and up to 12 rolls of film, or up to 12 video cassettes.