Mexico travel restrictions reemphasized by 12th Air Force commander

Published July 14, 2009
By Senior Airman Samantha S. Crane
366th Fighter Wing Public Affairs Office

MOUNTAIN HOME AIR FORCE BASE, Idaho -- After an increase in violence in Mexico escalating over the past year, Lt. Gen. Norman Seip, 12th Air Force commander, released a policy in February restricting travel in certain areas. Since that time, a new policy has been released as of June 30.

"In February this year I issued a Mexico travel policy in response to the violence taking place in that country as a result of its government's fight against illegal Drug Trafficking Organization (DTOs)," the general wrote in a memorandum. "Since that time there has been relatively little change in the amount of violence taking place country-wide; indeed it now appears tourist areas are not exempt from attacks."

One of the biggest changes Air Force members may notice is the restriction of "traveling from the United States to or through any portion of Mexico located within 50 statute miles of the U.S.-Mexico border," according to the memo.

"This includes, but isn't limited to the communities of Nogales, Acuna, Reynosa, Las Palomas, Agua Prieta, Sasabe, Naco, Sonoyta, Matamoros, Piedras Negras, Cuidad Juarez, Nuevo Loredo and Tijuana," wrote General Seip. "Additionally, personnel are prohibited from traveling anywhere in the state of Chihuahua."

To travel to any other location, 12th Air Force and subordinate active duty members, activated reservists and guardsmen on Title 10 orders traveling to Mexico for leisure (by air or cruise ship) must complete a foreign travel statement prior to departure and obtain wing commander approval.

Failure to comply with the above mentioned restrictions may result in prosecution under Article 92 of the Uniform Code of Military Justice or any other applicable article of the UCMJ as appropriate.

While the policy directive doesn't apply to other 12th Air Force personnel, including Department of Defense civilian employees, contractors and family members, General Seip strongly discourages "traveling to Mexico specifically by land across the U.S./Mexico border."

Mexico Travel Notification Statements and further information can be obtained through unit anti-terrorism officers.

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Mexico travel restrictions reemphasized by 12th Air Force commander

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