Before you go to Mexico you need to read this!
I have reported several times (via e-newsletters) that some passengers have been denied boarding on a WestJet flight bound for Mexico because of the condition of their passport. I recently read another report just the other day that two passengers (from Vancouver) were denied boarding due to water marks on the back cover. Why is this happening?
Apparently, Mexican Customs and Immigration officers have become very strict in their examination of the passports of those passengers wishing to visit their country and have denied a handful of Canadians entry because of tips, tears, missing corners or water damage to the cover or inside pages.
As it is the responsiblity of the airline to transport the denied visitors back to Canada immediately, airline officials are now doing closer passport examinations upon check-in and are denying boarding to those they feel will be denied entry upon their arrival into Mexico.
Although WestJet officials clearly state that Mexico has adopted a tougher approach this year, the Mexican Embassy in Ottawa insists there have been no change in their passport policy relating to what customs and immigration staff are instructed to do relating to the condition of passports. They state that passports in generally good condition, as can be expected under normal use, are no problem.
So what is one to do? For travellers, the warning from WestJet presents a dilemma. No one wants to bet put in a position of having to renew passports any earlier than their expiry date. Forewarned and is forearmed! So as a precaution, I highly recommend that you check your passports now and make your own assessment about its condition, or go to the airport ahead of time to check with the airline personnel you will be traveling with to Mexico. It is best to be safe than sorry and take whatever action you can in advance to avoid disappointment.
Take good care of those passports!
WestJet ‘s posted advisory on their website: http://www.westjet.com/guest/en/travel/basics/identification.shtml
moesneverhome 