Vacation to Mexico? Is it allowed?

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 08 Dec 2013 21:31:20 -0500

I'm on active duty, but I'm wondering if it's possible to go on leave to Mexico while on Active duty or not? Are there any special instructions for going on leave out of the country? My family (parents/siblings) are going to Mexico and February and I'd like to go with them, but not sure how this works since I'm active duty?

Response by SSG Laureano Pabon made Dec 8 at 2013 9:35 PM

SSG Laureano Pabon — Sun, 08 Dec 2013 21:35:53 -0500

Your better off talking to your NCOIC and CO about that, so they can inform you correctly on that matter. If you get approved have a great time with your family.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 8 at 2013 9:39 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 08 Dec 2013 21:39:00 -0500

Check with your unit first, you might need a clearance from them, before you make that travel some location are not permitted.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 8 at 2013 9:48 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 08 Dec 2013 21:48:04 -0500

It depends on your situation do you have a clearance, are you driving or flying. If you plan on driving in to Mexico you will probably not be authorized to go. If you are flying and staying only at a resort area like Cancun you will probably be authorized. Any time you leave the country you should talk to your security manager and they will give you a country brief. If you have a security clearance the securtiy manager will tell you what countries your absolutely not allowed to visit.

Response by SGM Matthew Quick made Dec 8 at 2013 11:11 PM

SGM Matthew Quick — Sun, 08 Dec 2013 23:11:20 -0500

It's important to note that the entire country of Mexico is not off limits, just selected states within the country...most border the U.S. though; so driving would probably be out of the question.<br><br>COL/Brigade Commanders are currently the approval authority for travel to Mexico.

Response by SFC James Baber made Dec 8 at 2013 11:36 PM

SFC James Baber — Sun, 08 Dec 2013 23:36:48 -0500

Being that my last duty before retiring was BDE S2 NCOIC, I can tell you from the AT/FP Security POV is check with your BN S2, they have the updated OPSEC and AT info as it is incorporated into their positions and most installations also require you to get an approval and security briefing from your S2 anytime you are going to a country on the State Department's hot list. You will get a briefing and have your itinerary reviewed and they will issue you a letter stating you have received the current brief and for your Commanders endorsement to attach to your 31 for record, and your will also need to keep a copy of that letter with you to go with your passport for departure and return to country to help with the expediting your re-entry in country as well. At least that was part of my responsibilities 3 years ago, so doubt it has changed much since then.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 8 at 2013 11:52 PM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 08 Dec 2013 23:52:39 -0500

I just went through this process because I was planning on going to Cancun/Cozumel for New Year's Eve. After informing my 1st line supervisor, I had to talk to the battalion S2 NCOIC.

The NCOIC said that Cancun and Cozumel are on the approved list, but unless you're arriving by cruise ship, it's recommended that you check in with the U.S. Consulate in Merida when you get there. U.S. soldiers are prime targets for kidnapping in Mexico.

It isn't worth the risk for me, so I changed my plans.

Response by CW3(P) Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 9 at 2013 12:11 AM

CW3(P) Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 09 Dec 2013 00:11:28 -0500

I hope everyone including you have a passport.

Response by SSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 9 at 2013 7:46 PM

SSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 09 Dec 2013 19:46:07 -0500

I would not go there until they get that drug cartel influence out of there.

Response by SGT Javier Silva made Dec 19 at 2013 4:05 PM

SGT Javier Silva — Thu, 19 Dec 2013 16:05:20 -0500

SPC Callis,

One of the biggest requirements that falls on the unit is a request through APACS for all types of travel for military personnel (personal or business). APACS has the most up-to-date information on what areas of Mexico are off limits to personnel, which require a buddy system, and which allow solo travel. Also, it tells you who is the authorized approver for the travel location. On top of this, APACS will also provide the information on the consulate in the specific area of Mexico. You may not be required to personally show up at the consulate but a phone call may be required; however, you may want to know how to get to the consulate if trouble ever starts. Remember that approval to a certain country does not give you permission to break the law; therefore, you will be held responsible for whatever laws are broken. Approvals are usually pretty quick depending on the country you are visiting.