San Miguel FAQ

Four Year Work Permits Now Available for U.S. Citizens in Mexico (April 27, 2021)
The governments of Mexico and the United States continue to work together to facilitate regular, safe, and productive travel that strengthens ties between our countries. U.S. citizens are now eligible to obtain Mexican work permits valid for up to four years, eliminating the need to renew work permits annually.

The process of obtaining a Mexican work permit normally begins with applying for a work visa. Prospective employers in Mexico submit an application for a temporary residency visa with permission to work to the Instituto Nacional de Migración (INM). Once INM approves the application, U.S. citizens must request a consular interview at the Mexican Embassy or the nearest Mexican Consulate in the United States. If the interview is favorable, the visa will be issued. Within 30 days of arrival in Mexico, the U.S. citizen should exchange the work visa for a work permit.  The duration of the work permit will be based on the employer’s request and the length of the employee’s contract. More information on obtaining work permits and work visas in Mexico is available here in English only.

U.S. citizens currently residing in Mexico whose work contracts are extended by their employers can renew their temporary residence card in Mexico. However, it must be done within 30 days prior to the expiration of your temporary residence card and you will need to present proof of employment continuity. Please check the INM website for additional information. ...
Four Year Work Permits Now Available for U.S. Citizens in Mexico (April 27, 2021)

Security Alert – Cartel Violence Mexicali Valley April 23, 2021.
This Security Alert replaces the Security Alert of April 9, 2021.
Travelers should avoid the Mexicali Valley until further notice due to the heightened possibility of violence between rival cartel factions. The boundaries of the Mexicali Valley are defined by the area east of Highway 5 (but not including Highway 5), the area south of Highway 2D/Highway 2 (but not including Highways 2D and 2), the area west of the Baja California/Sonora border, and north of La Ventana/Gulf of California in the state of Baja California. ...
Security Alert – Cartel Violence Mexicali Valley April 23, 2021.

Health Alert: Mexico Travel Advisory Change: Level 4: Do Not Travel Due to COVID-19 (April 20, 2021)
The U.S. Department of State updated the Travel Advisory for Mexico on April 20, 2021, to better reflect the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) science-based Travel Health Notices that outline current health issues affecting travelers’ health.

Do not travel to Mexico due to COVID-19. Some areas have increased risk. Read the entire Travel Advisory, including detailed information on all states in Mexico. Read the country information page for Mexico.

Read the Department of State’s COVID-19 page before you plan any international travel.    Visit the Embassy’s COVID-19 page for more information on COVID-19 in Mexico. ...

More at ...
Health Alert: Mexico Travel Advisory Change: Level 4: Do Not Travel Due to COVID-19 (April 20, 2021)

Security Alert – Cartel Violence April 9, 2021.
Security Alert – U.S. Consulate General Tijuana, Mexico – (April 9, 2021)
Location: Mexicali and the Mexicali Valley, Baja California
Event: Cartel Violence

Travelers should exercise increased caution when traveling in and around Mexicali, the Mexicali Valley, and the western part of the state of Sonora due to the possibility for heightened violence between rival cartel factions.

Members of the embassy community have been advised to avoid the Mexicali area until further notice.

Actions to Take ...
Security Alert – Cartel Violence April 9, 2021.

Health Alert -Mexico COVID-19 Update April 9, 2021.
COVID-19 cases in Mexico continue to decrease after peaking in the first week of January 2021. As of April 1, Mexico City, Mexico State, Guanajuato, Puebla, and Queretaro report the highest number of active cases. As of April 6, Puebla is the only state reporting a hospital occupancy rate above 30 percent for regular COVID-19 beds. Mexican health authorities reiterated calls for people to follow prevention measures, including leaving home only for essential activities, maintaining social distance, washing hands frequently, and wearing masks (particularly indoors). Schools remain closed in nearly all states.

Effective January 26, all airline passengers to the United States ages two years and older must provide a negative COVID-19 viral test (PCR or antigen) taken within three calendar days of travel. Alternatively, travelers to the United States who have been sick and recovered from COVID-19 in the 90 days preceding travel may provide proof of a positive COVID-19 viral test along with documentation from a licensed health care provider confirming their recovery. Check the CDC’s Frequently Asked Questions for additional information. This requirement does not currently apply to travelers entering the United States by land or sea or to children under two years of age. It applies to U.S. citizens, as well as foreign nationals, regardless of vaccination status.
Health Alert -Mexico COVID-19 Update April 9, 2021.

SMA Consular Agent Passport Renewal Program.
**NEW: ADULT RENEWAL PROGRAM**
We are pleased to announce that the Consular Agency in San Miguel de Allende is now accepting applications for renewal of some adult regular 10-year validity passports. We will also accept applications for the exchange of limited validity emergency passports for regular full passports (within one year of emergency passport issuance). We are
scheduling appointments on April 16 and April 30 at the U.S. Consular Agency located at Plaza La Luciernaga, locales 4 y 5, Libramiento Manuel Zavala 165, San Miguel de Allende, Guanajuato 37745.
To request an appointment please email ConAgencySanMiguelatstatedotgov and specify you are requesting an appointment for the ADULT RENEWAL PROGRAM
Renewal applicants at other locations should confirm directly with the consulate or consular agency whether a similar program is available.
You can renew your passport at the Consular Agency using this program if your most recent passport:
● Is submitted with your application
● Is undamaged (other than normal “wear and tear”)
● Was issued when you were age 16 or older
● Was issued within the last 15 years
● Was issued in your current name (or you can document your name change with an original or certified copy of your marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order)
● Was issued either as a 10-year regular validity passport book OR was issued as a limited validity emergency passport within the last year and you were advised at the time of issuance that you were eligible to replace it free of charge.
Prepared application packets MUST include all of the requirements listed below or they will not be accepted for processing. Applicants with incomplete packets will be asked to return with complete application materials at a later date.
If you are renewing an adult 10-year validity passport, you will need the following:
● Completed and signed form DS-82 available at
https://pptform.state.gov/?Submit2=Complete+Online+%26+Print
● A color photo (5×5 cm) for a U.S. passport (taken no more than 6 months ago). See photo requirements here.
● The fee payable in U.S. dollars or Mexican pesos at the posted exchange rate. We accept credit cards preferably or cash (Mexican pesos or USD). ● Your form must include a contact phone number or email address, complete biographic information, your signature, and your Social Security Number. If you do not have a social security number, you must submit an signed affidavit to that affect (please see exemplar of affidavit with all necessary information).
● Proof of name change, if applicable.
● Current passport.
Processing time is 6 to 8 weeks.
If you are exchanging a limited-validity emergency passport within one year of its issuance for a full-validity passport, you will need the following:
● Completed and signed form DS-5504 available at
https://pptform.state.gov/?Submit2=Complete+Online+%26+Print
● A color photo (5×5 cm) for a U.S. passport (taken no more than 6 months ago). See photo requirements here.
● Your form must include a contact phone number or email address, complete biographic information, your signature, and your Social Security Number. If you do not have a social security number, you must submit an signed affidavit to that affect (please see exemplar of affidavit with all necessary information). ● Proof of name change, if applicable.
● Current passport
Processing time is 6 to 8 weeks.
If you need your passport sooner, please make an appointment or contact your nearest location to request an emergency appointment for urgent travel.
** ALL OTHER PASSPORT SERVICES – APPOINTMENTS REQUIRED **
There is no walk-in service for U.S. citizens who require services related to passports or notary services. These services are by appointment only. All applicants must be present, no matter the age.
Many locations currently offer limited routine (non-emergency) passport appointments, although availability is subject to change with health and safety conditions. If not requesting an emergency appointment, we ask for your continued patience in checking for appointment availability:
We are currently scheduling emergency appointments for applicants with an urgent need. If you have emergency travel plans or otherwise require a passport urgently, please email us at ConAgencySanMiguelatstatedotgov to request an emergency appointment.

More at ...This is from the SMA Consular Agent regarding their Passport Renewal Program. (Facebook page)
Civil List (groups.io)

GW: Both of those links above are to private groups. I have seen this information posted from a US Embassy CLV (Citizen Liaison Volunteer) and believe it to be accurate. I have not seen it on any official site or any public site.

Message for U.S. Citizens – Change in Availability of American Citizen Services (March 19, 2021)
Effective March 19, the U.S. Embassy and all Consulates General in Mexico have resumed limited appointments for routine passport, citizenship, and notarial services. Limited routine services are also available at some Consular Agencies. Please see our website for the most up to date information on service availability at each location. Appointment availability will be strictly limited due to physical distancing requirements in our offices and public waiting rooms. All visitors to the embassy and consulates age two and older must wear a mask.

In some locations, qualified applicants may be able to utilize a drop-off program for adult passport renewals without appointment. Please see our website (making an appointment) for more information on locations, hours, and qualifications to participate in these programs.
Message for U.S. Citizens – Change in Availability of American Citizen Services (March 19, 2021)

Passport Services **NEW: ADULT RENEWAL DROP-OFF PROGRAM** (March 2021)
We are pleased to announce that the Embassy in Mexico City is now accepting unscheduled walk-in applications for renewal of some adult regular 10-year validity passports. We will also accept applications for the exchange of limited validity emergency passports for regular full passports (within one year of emergency passport issuance). We are accepting prepared and complete application packets on March 10, 17, 24, and 31, 2021, from 11:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at the U.S. Embassy in Mexico City.

Renewal applicants at other locations should confirm directly with the consulate or consular agency whether a similar program is available.

You can renew your passport at the Embassy using this program if ... (more at the link)
Passport Services **NEW: ADULT RENEWAL DROP-OFF PROGRAM**

COVID-19 Information for U.S. Citizens in Mexico Last updated: [01/26/21]
...

• You may also consider returning to the United States to receive your vaccine. For more information on how to register for the COVID-19 vaccine in your home state, visit your U.S. state’s Health Department website.
• Information from the CDC regarding COVID-19 vaccination.

COVID-19 Information for U.S. Citizens in Mexico

Status of U.S. Consular Operations in Mexico in Light of COVID-19 (Updated November 25, 2020)
The U.S. Embassy in Mexico City and all U.S. consulates general in Mexico suspended routine consular and visa services March 18 due to COVID-19.

U.S. citizens in need of 24/7 emergency assistance should call 55-8526-2561 from Mexico or 1 (844) 528-6611 from the United States. For information on other services, see below.

American Citizens Services (ACS)/Passport Services:
Effective October 20, the U.S. Embassy in Mexico City and Consulates General Guadalajara, Hermosillo, Matamoros, Merida, Monterrey, Nogales, Nuevo Laredo, and Tijuana will resume limited appointments for some routine passport, citizenship, and notarial services. Passport, citizenship, and notary appointment availability will be strictly limited due to physical distancing requirements in our offices and public waiting rooms. Each applicant requires their own appointment. All visitors to the embassy and consulates age two and older must wear a mask.

At this time, Consulate General Ciudad Juarez and Consular Agencies Acapulco, Los Cabos, Cancun, Mazatlan, Oaxaca, Playa del Carmen, Piedras Negras, Puerto Vallarta, and San Miguel de Allende, are only able to provide emergency services. Please contact these locations by email or call +52 55-8526-2561 for more information on the availability of emergency passport or notarial services at these consulates and consular agencies. ...

If you cannot find an open appointment and have urgent travel plans (within the next month) or another emergency need for a passport, please contact the location nearest you by email or call +52 55-8526-2561 to request an emergency appointment.

More at the link:
Status of U.S. Consular Operations in Mexico in Light of COVID-19 (Updated November 25, 2020)

Video: U. S. Consular Agent. Ericka Montez Ruiz, Midday Rotary Club of San Miguel de Allende Oct 13


SMA Consular Agency resuming limited in person services by October 13

From this Facebook post from Erika Montes Ruiz (the new SMA Consular Agent):

Hello American expat community!

I'm happy to announce that our Consular Agency has been certified by Proteccion Civil. As such, we are resuming limited in person services by October 13. At the moment, we can only offer emergency passport and notary services, by appointment ONLY. No walk ins will be accepted in order to comply with city guidelines on operating during the pandemic. ...

Please keep in mind that our services are by appointment only. Once your appointment has been confirmed, we will provide additional information on the requirements and sanitary procedures. We request your patience as we resume limited services, as we are making every effort to do so safely for both our staff and the U.S. citizens we serve. If you have a general question, please email us to ConAgencySanMiguelatstatedotgov
SMA Consular Agency resuming limited in person services by October 13 (Facebook post)

Subject: Mexico Travel Advisory – Level 3: Reconsider Travel – U.S. Embassy Mexico City ~~~~~
Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP).
The Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) is a free service to allow U.S. citizens and nationals traveling and living abroad to enroll their trip with the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate.

• Receive important information from the Embassy about safety conditions in your destination country, helping you make informed decisions about your travel plans.
• Help the U.S. Embassy contact you in an emergency, whether natural disaster, civil unrest, or family emergency.
• Help family and friends get in touch with you in an emergency.
  More info.
  

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Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP). More info.
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The SMA Consular Agency is closed to routine services.

Notarials - Embassy is doing only Emergency notarials. If you have any questions, send an email to MexicoCityPassportatStatedotgov.
Also https://www.notarize.com/ has been used to notarize documents overseas. Your state might or might not allow it.

Passports are being renewed on an Emergency basis only. All inquiries should be sent to MexicoCityPassportatstatedotgov.

Currently the Embassy is taking EMERGENCY appointments only. If someone has a real emergency (expiring passport is not an emergency) they can write to MexicoCityPassportatstatedotgov and explain their case. If it is deemed an emergency, then they will be given an appt. They will then be given an Emergency passport which is good for 1 year. The COST is the same as regular passport. $145 first time, $110 renewal. And they can exchange within one year for the full validity passport (10 yrs for 16yo and up) at no additional cost. $115 for minors 15 and under, either first time or renewal.

Questions regarding appointments for emergency services such as US passports, visas, notarial services, CRBA (Consular Report of Birth Abroad) - send appointment requests to MexicoCityPassportatstatedotgov.

The U.S. Embassy in Mexico City is scheduling a limited number of routine appointments for U.S. passport, CRBA, and notary services. If no appointments are available when you first check the online calendar, please keep checking the calendar for added and/or canceled appointments. The Embassy continues to provide limited emergency consular services, including emergency passports and notarial services, to U.S. citizens by appointment only. Email MexicoCityPassportatstatedotgov to request an emergency service. — U.S. Embassy

The U.S. Consulate General in Guadalajara continues to provide essential consular services to U.S. citizens by appointment only.

Some routine appointments can be scheduled online by ....

Email ACSGDLatstatedotgov to request an emergency service. Please do not come to the Consulate without an appointment. — U.S. Embassy

The U.S. Consular Agency in San Miguel de Allende suspended routine American Citizen services starting March 18, 2020, until further notice. A small number of appointments are available at the Agency for those requiring in-person emergency services. Those requiring emergency consular services, including emergency passports and notarial services to U.S. citizens should contact ConAgencySanMiguelatstatedotgov . If the Agency is unable to accommodate your emergency appointment, you may also request the Embassy at MexicoCityPassportatstatedotgov to request an appointment in Mexico City. For U.S. citizen emergencies after close of business, please call and ask to be connected to the duty officer in Mexico City.

Telephone from Mexico: 55-8526-2561
Telephone from United States: 844-528-6611
Email: ConAgencySanMiguelatstatedotgov
Plaza La Luciernaga,
Libramiento Jose Manuel Zavala No. 165, Locales 4 y 5
Colonia La Luciernaga — U.S. Embassy

For the latest information, see: Making an Appointment for contact information for other locations and the latest status.
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• U.S. Embassy & Consulate: Mexico Alerts & Messages
• U.S. Embassy & Consulates in Mexico (with phone numbers and email)
• U.S. Embassy Mexico City (with after hours emergency contact)
• US Embassy in Mexico Facebook | Twitter

• U.S. Dept. of State: Mexico Travel Advisory
• US Department of State Facebook | Twitter
• U.S. Federal Voting Assistance Program (Absentee voting)
• US Border Wait Times