President Obama Announces Intent to Nominate Carlos Pascual as U.S. Ambassador to Mexico

Mexico City, June 4, 2009 – Today President Obama announced his intent to nominate Carlos Pascual, Vice President and Director of the Foreign Policy Studies Program at the Brookings Institution, as U.S. Ambassador to Mexico.  Mr. Pascual’s nomination requires approval by the U.S. Senate.

In announcing his intent to nominate Mr. Pascual and other officials, President Obama said, “I am grateful that these individuals will help represent our nation abroad during this important time for our country and the world. They bring a depth of experience and I look forward to working with them in the months and years to come.” [more]

Land and Sea Phase of WHTI Takes Effect June 1

Mexico City, May 19, 2009 – The U.S. Embassy would like to remind the public that the land and sea portion of the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative (WHTI) will enter in effect on June 1, 2009. WHTI requires all travelers to present a passport or other approved secure document denoting citizenship and identity for all land and sea travel into the United States. WHTI applies to all who were previously exempt, including citizens of the U.S., Canada and Bermuda.

The U.S. Embassy strongly urges all U.S. citizens currently in Mexico who do not have a passport or WHTI-compliant documents such as a passport card or a Trusted Traveler Card (NEXUS, SENTRI and FAST) or Enhanced Driver’s License (EDL) to apply for a passport in the near future as they will need one to enter or re-enter the United States after June 1.
Standardized, secure and reliable documentation will enable Customs and Border Protection officers to quickly and accurately identify travelers at land and sea ports of entry, resulting in a more secure and efficient border. WHTI went into effect for air travel in 2007.

Document requirements for Mexican citizens are not impacted by WHTI. All Mexican nationals, including children, are currently required to present a passport with a nonimmigrant visa or a laser visa Border Crossing Card to cross the U.S. border. This requirement applies to SENTRI program members as well.

For more information on WHTI and the types of documents for land, air and sea travel, please visit http://www.cbp.gov/xp/cgov/travel/vacation/ready_set_go/.  For general information on WHTI or other travel-related programs, please visit www.travel.state.gov.

WARDEN MESSAGES

Travel Alert - 15 May, 2009
The Department of State wishes to inform U.S. citizens traveling to and residing in Mexico that on May 15 2009, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) lifted its recommendation that American citizens avoid all nonessential travel to Mexico.  As a result of the CDC's decision, the State Department's Travel Alert relating to the 2009-H1N1 influenza outbreak is no longer in effect. (read more) 
http://mexico.usembassy.gov/eng/eacs_warden_090427update_FluOutbreak.html

New Consulate’s Telephone Number

Monterrey, NL December 5, 2008 --- In order to update and improve service, as of December 5 the U.S. Consulate General in Monterrey will replace its previous phone number (81) 8345-2120 with:

(81) 8047-3100

This is not a number for visa information, appointments or applications. Visa applicants should continue to schedule their visa interview through the website http://www.usvisa-mexico.com/ or via telephone by calling:

Visas: 01-800-112-8500