This two part document is your "permission" from the Mexican government to visit Mexico. It is available free of charge, although sometimes difficult to obtain in large quantities. The airlines always have an ample supply upon check-in. Or, if all else fails, you can obtain one in Mexican Immigration upon arrival. Here are a few words of advice about tourist cards:

Brides will have an easier time if tickets are issued in their maiden name to match their documents. For U.S. airport security purposes the name on the driver’s license and the name on the ticket must match.

Women traveling with tickets in their married name whose driver’s license (or state issued ID) is in their married name, but who are using a birth certificate as proof of citizenship will be fine as long as the first name and date of birth on their driver’s license and their birth certificate match.

Natural U.S. Citizens born outside the United States may use a Certificate of Citizenship, a Report of Birth Abroad, a Consular Report of Birth (Form FS-240) or Certification of Birth (Form DS-1350 or FS-545).

U.S. Naturalization: If you claim citizenship through naturalization you may use your Certificate of Naturalization or Certificate of Citizenship or laminated Naturalization card. Note: Some airlines/charter companies may still accept the Notarized Affidavit of Citizenship or possibly a Voters Registration Card.

Canadian versions of the above documents are acceptable; notarized affidavits must be executed in Canada. The "Canadian Identification Card" is an acceptable proof of citizenship document as well.

Most foreign citizens traveling to Mexico from the U.S. need a valid passport and U.S. “Alien Registration” card only. Contact the airlines serving Mexico or the Mexican Consulate for more details or specific situations.

Any person under 18 years of age is considered a minor for travel purposes. Very strict regulations govern international travel by minors into Mexico. Every minor must have a tourist card, proof of citizenship and sometimes other documents listed below.

EXCEPTION: Mexican children often have a stamp on their passports that reads, “El titular del presente pasaporte viaja de conformidad con El Articulo 421 del Codigo Civil Vigente.” This allows the child to travel with only one parent and without a notarized statement.

Your first stop is at Mexican Immigration (Migración) where proof of citizenship is inspected, and tourist cards are validated. DON'T LOSE YOUR TOURIST CARD!

Next stop is at Customs (Aduana). Mexico has instituted a European-style customs inspection system, with a twist. Here's the way it works:

You are allowed to bring in any of the following:

You are allowed to enter free of duty any purchases with a combined value of up to $400. For Canada the amount is $500 Canadian, IF travelers have been outside of Canada at least seven days. This allowance may be claimed every 30 days. With a verbal declaration a returning Canadian resident can claim duty-free entry for articles (excluding tobacco products or alcoholic beverages) that do not exceed a total value of $20 upon return from each trip of more than 24 hours.

For the U.S. this limit does not include items listed on the Generalized System of Preferences List (G.S.P.), which are allowed in duty free. For a detailed list contact the U.S. Customs Service,

Make two copies of all your travel documents: the first page of your passport, airline tickets, travelers check records, vouchers, etc. Carry one set of copies apart from your documents and leave the other with someone at home. Leave your business card in each bag for identification. Laminating the copy of your passport is a good idea.

Empty your wallet or purse of anything you won’t be using during your trip. Leave your expensive watches, rings, and jewelry at home. If you can’t bear to lose it, don’t bring it. A money belt worn under your clothes is very handy. A small waist belt or "fanny" pack is helpful for keeping your essentials accessible.

Remember to travel light. In some places, or on some trips, you may be responsible for handling your own bags. All group participants will receive a packing list appropriate to their destination.

For safety’s sake, assume that your checked baggage (if any) will be delayed or lost by the airline. Always carry your passport, travel documents, cash, traveler’s checks, medicines, glasses, camera, film, etc., on the plane with you.

Also carry on a toiletry kit and a change of clothes. Your daypack is ideal for this purpose. If your trip requires hiking boots, consider wearing them on the plane. Bring with you a sturdy quart bottle filled with water. You’ll appreciate having it if you experience any delays.

In most places we visit, the local people are more conservative than we are at home, although attitudes are changing. Because we are guests we try to respect local customs.

Shorts are seldom worn by either men or women in most cities; skirts or long pants on women are the norm, especially at night. Small towns tend to be more conservative, so take your cue from the local people and your guide. Swim suits belong only on the beach and/or swimming pools.

We will attract enough attention to ourselves without trying, so leave the revealing, outrageous, or goofy stuff at home.

Traveler’s checks can be difficult to cash and will usually exchange at a slightly lesser rate than cash. We generally recommend taking about 30% of your money in traveler’s checks. It’s best to purchase the smaller denominations (mostly $20) of a well known brand.

Remember that you can use a major credit card in many places. Take lots of small bills ($1’s, $5’s & $10’s); you can tip with them, and they are more readily changeable to local currency in hotels, shops, and restaurants.

Many trips present excellent opportunities to purchase locally produced products. Some markets and stores have fixed prices easily visible, others aren't marked. When prices are marked the owner will probably not haggle with you. Haggling is a bit more complicated than making a counter offer of a lower price.

To properly negotiate you usually need to be speaking the same language. The negotiation is supposed to be fun for both sides, but many travelers rather rudely bark out a price without understanding the subtlety of the process.

If you don't speak the local language ask your guide for help. Also, keep in mind that you may find yourself refusing to pay the asked price when the cost difference is negligible. Lighten up! — you're talking about pocket change. If you have questions about bringing items into the U.S. try the U.S. Customs Home Page.

Our intention is to have minimal impact on the areas we visit and on the people who live there. Non—judgmental appreciation of how other people live, an open mind, and common courtesy governed by local custom will make you a welcome visitor anywhere.

Make an attempt to speak the local language, even if it’s only to say "hello", "excuse me", or "thanks." Your efforts will be appreciated, and local folks will often initiate the encounters that make traveling so much fun.

Photography can be a touchy issue. Use your camera with courtesy and discretion. If you first attempt to engage someone in conversation you may then be allowed to take a photo, and you might make a friend.

Facial expressions are understood in every language, so remember that a smile will take you a lot farther than a frown.

We are likely to see poverty and living conditions that may make us feel uncomfortable. You will possibly be approached by beggars. In some areas begging is discouraged, but if you feel like giving a few small coins to the truly needy/disabled that will be all right. Consult your guide. You can’t cure an individual’s or a country’s economic ills by yourself, so don’t try.

One of the questions most frequently asked is, "Is it safe to visit Copper Canyon?" While there are no guarantees, you will probably be safer during your trip than you are at home. Theft is probably less common where we travel than at home, but it happens. When visiting regions with a lower standard of living than ours, be prudent. Possessions we take for granted can present a huge temptation.

For example, your camera could easily cost a local person six months pay. A small lock for your bag is a good idea. Keep an eye on your things, and help your fellow travelers watch their gear, too. Wear a money belt, and don’t carry all your money in one place. Use a hotel safe if available. Be aware of your surroundings. Just use common sense.

For additional info about safety and security in the countries we visit, you can go to the US State Department Bureau of Consular Affairs page.