Are U.S military personnel allowed to travel to Mexico for personal trips during free time?

Question

What are the rules and regulations for military members traveling to Mexico from the U.S.?.

Answer 1

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"All personnel from active duty, reserve, guard, DOD civilians and contractors considering traveling to Mexico need to be aware of the following changes presented in the United States Army North Force Protection Directive 19-001. The USARNORTH FP Directive 19-001 enacted the Official Priority Information 2019-008, which establishes the Mexico travel guidance.

Personnel will follow the requirements for all travel, official or otherwise. Be aware that all other DOD travel guidance cited in this directive and the foreign clearance guidance take precedence over the following changes.

Here are some key take-aways from OPI 2019-008: All personnel listed who are planning travel to Mexico will need to notify their local counterintelligence representatives of the dates and specific locations they intend for their travel.

When entering Mexico, for any reason, all personnel should have a valid U.S. passport. For unofficial travel, such as leave, pass or liberty, personnel will need to be aware of restricted and non-restricted states. Personnel may not cross a restricted state to get to an unrestricted state. The Foreign Clearance Guide has the most up to date information on restricted states. These guidelines still apply for individuals planning travel to a resort or tourist area.

There are some exemptions to the restricted state travel. If an individual needs to conduct official State Department business for themselves or a family member, travel is limited to daytime only with no overnight stays in the restricted states. This will require chain of command O-6, or civilian equivalent, approval. The approval authority must ensure the individual has a communication plan for their travel.

Emergency travel to restricted states will require Aircraft and Personnel Automated Clearance System, or APACS, for all active duty and reserve components currently on Title 10 orders.

Many states within Mexico have entered either level 3, “Reconsider Travel”, or level 4, “Do Not Travel”, advisory risks."

https://www.af.mil/News/Article-Display/Article/17...

Answer 2

Wha' happen in Mehico, stay in Mehico, gringo.

Answer 3

Much of the country is off limits.  

Answer 4

The rules are published by NORTHCOM and are also available on the Foreign Clearance Guide.  If you can't pull them up, then they are FOUO and not available to the public.

Some parts are almost completely off limits, mostly some of the seedier border towns.  Travel to any part of Mexico requires approval by at least an O-5 and for some places even higher along with complying with FP procedures.  

Answer 5

Some places are off limits, including border towns. You can’t just go because you are off, you actually need permission from your command/unit to go. If you do not  have it and go then you can face consequences when you return. 

Answer 6

Each Command will have it's own Rules.   There is no blanket ban on traveling to Mexico, but it is not recommended.

Answer 7

there ARE NO RULES or regulations covering personal travel to mexico

Answer 8

Americans can go anywhere they want

Answer 9

Why don't you enlist and find out?

Answer 10

Why don't you check with your local company commander?