Barra de Navidad Tourist Information

Delegacion Regional de Turismo Costalegre

Club Privado Las Palmas, BWGL. # 11
Col : Centro
Barra de Navidad, Jalisco, 48987
Phone: 011 523 355100
Fax : 011 523 355100

Passports:

You will need a valid passport or your original birth certificate (US and Canada). It must be presented at the airline check-in. Once on the plane you will be given two forms to fill out - one for immigration (Tourist Visa) and another for customs. There are restrictions as to what you can bring to Mexico.  Some of these restrictions are limits for "duty free" and some are absolute, such as fire arms without a permit (not to mention drugs).

Most commonly encountered restrictions are:

• Most food items - especially plants, fruits and seeds.
• Cigars and cigarettes - over 20 packs per person may be subject to duty.
• Liquor and wine - over 2 bottles per person may be subject to duty.
• Controlled substances and drugs - a no no!
• Firearms - only for hunting and must obtain a permit from the Mexican Consulate in advance.

Immigration:

The Immigration counter is your first stop after you disembark the plane. Here you will have to present your passport (or birth certificate) along with the Tourist Visa you filled out on the plane. Your tourist visa and passport will be stamped to make your arrival official. (You will need to keep your passport and tourist visa with you at all times while in Mexico) Next you'll proceed to the baggage claim area for your luggage.

Customs:

Customs is the last step, here you will need to have your Customs Declaration Form handy (the other form you were given on the plane). Recently Mexico adopted a "Red Light - Green Light" system for customs. If you have put "Nothing to declare" on this form, you will be asked to push a button. If the light is green you can exit without inspection; if the light is red you will be subject to inspection. This is a random system, and therefore there is no way to know whether you will get a green or red light. Consequently you need to be honest on your Customs Declaration and declare anything over and above what is allowed, paying all applicable duties. If you do not, and are caught by a red light, the fines may be very steep.

Health:

Vaccinations are not obligatory, never the less, avoid drinking the tap water.

Language:

Spanish is the official spoken language and English is spoken by many of the personnel of  ZPESCA.

Money:

The unit of money is the Mexican Peso, but all expenses can be paid in American dollars. The hotels accept Visa and American Express Cards.

Money Exchange:

There is no bank in Barra de Navidad. They exchange at the liquor store across from the Barra de Navidad Hotel on the main street. We have found the rate at the liquor store to be fair and sometimes better than the airport.  There is also a Money Exchange Window located close to the Ice Plant.