New entry procedures in effect in Mexico

The new “Single Entry Authorization” (Autorización de Internación Única) is required for all foreign registered aircraft and is valid for 180 days; during that time aircraft may enter and depart Mexico freely.

Foreign registered aircraft currently in Mexico under the old single-entry permit may continue to operate but must not exceed the 180-day period allowed. The permit will expire if the aircraft leaves the country.

Operators are urged to request the new single-entry authorization two days before the aircraft arrives in Mexico.

Each AFAC office at an international arrival must request a permit number from the central AFAC headquarters in Mexico City; the authorization is not valid without that official permit number.

Receipt of new authorizations may not be instantaneous, and it is unclear how aircraft continuing to other airports within Mexico or making a drop-off are likely to be handled; if aircraft will be allowed to leave before the permit number is received or if they must remain at that airport remains to be seen.

The documents required to request an authorization are the same as with the previous procedure:

• Airworthiness certificate.
• Registration certificate.
• Insurance policy.
• Pilot certificate.
• Medical certificate.

In addition, AFAC also requires a Layout of Passenger Accommodations, which is similar to the aircraft diagrams normally found in the "Weight and Balance" section of the aircraft's pilot’s operating handbook or aircraft flight manual.

It is unknown at the time of this article's publishing how the authorization is to be requested. Emails are being sent to local AFAC offices at airports, but they do not include details as to how the request should be submitted. It is recommended that operators contact the Civil Aviation Authority at the airport they plan to use.

The cost of the authorization is about 2,182 pesos or about $128 in U.S. currency.

At this time, no aeronautical information circulars or notams have been issued to warn operators of the new requirements.