| | |  Travel & Outdoors | December 2008 
So You Want to Visit Juarez? Some Crossing, Visiting Tips
 Renee de Santos - What's Up Weekly
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| | Enrique Gonzalez sticks a permit on his windshield that allows him to temporarily drive his US-registered car in Mexico at the customs office in Ciudad Juarez, Mexico, Thursday, Nov. 27, 2008. Gonzales and his family, who live in Phoenix, Ariz, and are originally from Chihuahua, were en route to visit their relatives in Mexico. Nearly 1 million Mexican migrants living in the U.S. are expected to head home for the holidays, but many are simply moving back after losing their jobs in the U.S. economic crisis. (AP/Ricardo Lopez) | |
With El Paso uniquely set on the U.S.-Mexico border, some tourists traveling to the area for the Sun Bowl may want to go abroad for the day to experience the Mexican culture, shopping, and dining.
Tourists opting to cross the bridge need to be aware of crossing requirements and be vigilant – especially with the recent rise in violence in Juarez.
U.S. citizens returning at an international land border crossing like El Paso’s must present a passport, pass card or other Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative (WHTI) compliant document to re-enter the U.S.
However, there are still border crossing options for those who do not possess a WHTI document at this time.
“(U.S. Customs and Border Protection) is currently in a transition period, so those U.S. citizens who do not have a WHTI document can still legally enter the country by presenting a government issued photo ID and proof of citizenship (birth certificate) to the CBP officer at the port of entry,” said Ana Hinojosa, CBP director of field operations in El Paso.
“This is fairly common knowledge for those living in border states, but we certainly want our guests from Oregon and Pennsylvania to be prepared in advance if they wish to visit Mexico while they are in El Paso supporting their teams,” she said.
CBP also encourages visitors to check out the “Know Before You Go” guide on their website.
“It is also important that travelers declare all items they acquired abroad to CBP officers when they arrive for inspection,” Hinojosa said. “Knowing what is allowed and what is prohibited can help travelers avoid fines and penalties when they return to the U.S.”
Once in Juarez, the Juarez Tour Guide offers a few things to consider when visiting Ciudad Juárez or any place in Mexico.
• Don’t cross with a firearm – a no-brainer. It is against the law to have in your possession anything relating to firearms and the law is strictly enforced.
•Don’t park anywhere questionable without asking if it’s OK to park there. Visitors who park in a restricted area may come back and find their license plates have been confiscated until they come into the station and pay a fine.
• You can get a ticket for no seat belts.
• If you get a ticket, the officer will take your license and take it to the police station. It will stay there until you come to pay the fine.
• Do not have anything to do with drugs. Avoid anyone who uses drugs, offers to get drugs for you or even mentions them. It will be your burden to prove your innocence in the Mexican criminal justice system, not the state’s burden to prove your guilt.
• Avoid the area in el centro west of Avenida Juarez towards the south end of Avenida Juarez as you approach Ave. 16 de Septiembre. According to the travel guide, visitors may be accosted by drug addicts and streetwalkers. Avoid this area of Juarez at all costs – especially at night.
• Stay on the beaten path until you get to know the city. The website offers information and listings of a variety of Juarez attractions.
The site reminds guests to Juarez that the minute they cross the border, they are agreeing to abide by Mexican law, just as people agree to abide by U.S. law when they enter the United States. Generally, what is against the law in the United States is also illegal in Mexico. |
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