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: Mexico Tourist Card
As of September 19, 2024 the Tourist Card is no longer used for entrance at Zihautanejo Airport. The information is collected by immigration. A valid passport is required for every person entering Mexico.
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 ground crew instructions 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 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 Zihuatanejo 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: Transportation to Pacific Vacation via Transporte Terrestre Booth
New regulations have been introduced at Ixtapa-Zihuatanejo International Airport (ZIH), walk outside the double sliding doors to the Transporte Terrestre Booth to arrange either a shutter, taxi or suburban.
Please provide our address to the taxi service:
Pacific Vacation in Puerto Mio, Paseo del Morro MZ-17, Lote 19-22, Zihuatanejo, Guerrero, Mexico 40880
Access to Puerto Mio is through the top gate with a security booth. The guard will verify your group upon arrival and grant access to the villas.
You can read about the new regulations here.
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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