Mexico Visa problem
 

Here's my problem. We recently visited Mexico. When crossing the border at Deming, NM (Columbus really) we got our passports stamped and were issued a visa good for 180 days. As is typical for Mexico visas, we were supposed to visit a bank while in Mexico and pay the visa fee, then show the receipt when leaving Mexico to get our passports stamped out.

However, we were only in Mexico a short time over the holidays, and never got a chance to visit a bank during banking hours. When we got back to the border to leave Mexico we could not get our passports stamped out because we had not paid the visa fee. And, it was New Year's Day so all banks were closed. So, we exited Mexico without getting our passports stamped out.

Somehow in the next 6 months I have to pay the fee and get my passport stamped, or I won't be allowed to enter Mexico next time. Does anyone know how I can pay the visa fee and get my passport stamped from here in the US? Thanks.

Story

That's a problem alright. The only two things I can think of would be one: go back into Mexico without getting stamped in, get the visa stamp in a bank, then leave Mexico again with a proper exit stamp. The casualness of the Mexican boarder would allow this, but it's probably inconvienient from Colorado. TWO: "loose" your passport and get a new one from the US passport agency. This will cost you $55.00 or whatever, but it will solve your problem.

I'm certain that I could reenter Mexico, pay the fee, then exit. But I'm hoping to resolve this without having to drive back to Mexico.

While "losing" my passport would get me a new passport without the Mexican entry stamp, it wouldn't help if they entered my visa information into their computers, which I assume they've done. Of course, it's possible they've never entered the information, or that their computer database will be erased before the next time I visit, but I'd really not risk getting turned away at the border.

Story

Well, here's a thought:

Leticia Calzada is the Consul General of Mexico in Denver, Colorado. Contact numbers (including e-mail addresses) are at their website:

http://www.consulmex-denver.com/eng/contact.html

Why not just drop in (or e-mail them if you aren't close to Denver) and explain your situation, see what they suggest. I would do this before going the more radical step of getting your passport replaced, only to find out that they do have some record in their system which may cause you trouble?

If the Consulate can't stamp your passport for you, they might be able to give you a letter which you can take with you for the border crossing.

Good luck.
Susan

Thanks Susan! I will try the Denver Consul and see what he recommends. I'll post a followup here for others that might have the same problem.

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