Mexico is beautiful, with endless sunshine, delicious food, and friendly people. If you plan a trip to Zihuatanejo, Mexico, you'll need to know the entry process at the OMA Zihuatanejo Airport. It's a two-part system that starts at home before you even board the plane. In this post, we'll take you through the step-by-step process to make your entry into Mexico as smooth as possible.
Step 1: Fill Out Mexico Tourist Card
Before you board your flight, go online and fill out the Mexico Tourist Card. This simple form collects basic information about the traveler, including their name and nationality, and should list ALL family members TRAVELING with you. You only need to complete the form once. The great thing is, you can complete it on your computer at home. And, you don't even have to worry about printing it or carrying it with you. However, we recommend printing or flagging the email on your smartphone email, just in case. You can read all the details about the online Mexico Toursit cards in our post.
Step 2: Complete the Customs Declaration Form
During your flight, the flight attendants will provide you with a customs declaration form to fill out. This form is one per family traveling and living together. Make sure you answer all the questions honestly and completely. This form will help the customs officers to determine if there are any restricted items in your luggage, that you're bringing into the country.
StayPV TRAVEL TIP: Fill it out on the customs declaration form on the plane; otherwise, you will be stopped and pulled aside to complete the form while in customs.
Step 3: Deplaning
Zihuatanejo Airport is a small airport with no jetways. You will be required to deplane using push stairs. When packing, be mindful that everything you could roll onto the plane must be carried off down a flight of stairs. That 30-pound carry-on might sound like a great idea, but it may be more than some people, especially small children, can handle down a flight of stairs.
Step 4: Immigration
After you land and deplane, follow the signs to immigration. Here, you'll need to present your passport and answer any questions the immigration officer may have. The officer will scan your passport and process your Tourist Card that was submitted online. Once cleared, proceed to baggage claim and collect your checked baggage. At the time of this post, no fingerprinting or photos are taken of tourists entering Mexico at Zihuatanejo Airport.
Step 4: Collecting Check Baggage
Because Zihauntanehjo airport is small, baggage check arrives fast at the carousels. This is another reason why checking bags might not be a bad idea. Also, you may encounter an inspection office with a dog while in baggage claim. The inspection dogs are not to be petted.
Step 5: Customs Inspection
After collecting your luggage, head to customs. Travelers also call this the "Red Light or Green Light" area. You must place all your belongings on the x-ray machine here. Make sure you hand your completed customs form to the waiting agent. There's a kiosk with a button on the other side of the x-ray machine. Press it. A Green light indicates you can proceed, and a red light means you must step aside for an inspection. You can leave without further inspection if you are lucky enough to get the green light. Remember, customs has the right to inspect any items entering Mexico.
Step 5: Meet Your Transfer
Finally, after you've cleared customs, Carlos will be waiting to take you and your group to your luxury villa at Pacific Vacations. Carlos will greet you at the arrivals area. He'll have a sign with your name on it.
Conclusion:
We hope this guide has given you a better understanding of what to expect when entering Mexico via Zihuatanejo Airport. The entry process at OMA Zihuatanejo Airport is relatively stress-free, with helpful officers guiding you each step of the way. Once you've cleared customs, you're finally on vacation with no worries, and there are only fun-filled days ahead in Zihuatanejo, Mexico!
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