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2 Best CIEE Travel Grants for College Students

September 5, 2023

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If you’re planning for a study abroad adventure, chances are you’re starting to get organized and assess what needs to be done ahead of your travels. And one of the most important steps: Exploring your study abroad scholarship and grant options .  

Let’s dive in as we discuss two of the best CIEE travel grants for students like yourself and learn more about how you can make your study abroad dream a reality!  

GAIN Travel Grant  

CIEE’s GAIN Travel Grant is part of our need-based scholarship offerings based on students’ Estimated Family Contribution (EFC)* from their Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) at their enrolled institution.  

This travel grant helps students with their travel costs to and from their study abroad or internship program destination ( up to $1,500 for semester and quarter programs , and up to $500 for summer and single block programs ).  

Any student with an EFC below 10,000 is guaranteed to receive this grant, while those over 10,000, will still be considered post-deadline. Important to note: The deadline for this grant is October 15 for spring programs and April 1 for summer and fall programs.   

The steps to apply for the GAIN Travel Grant are super simple:  

• Step 1: Students upload their FAFSA Student Aid Report 
• Step 2: Submit a CIEE Scholarships and Grants application by October for spring programs/April 1 for summer and fall programs

This is an incredible opportunity for students to receive some extra assistance with their travel costs!  

Trailblazer Grant  

Also part of our travel grants is the Trailblazer Grant, which is considered in our third category of scholarship offerings, deemed “other,” based on specific study abroad programs. This particular grant is awarded to students who travel on a new 2024 spring , summer , or fall study abroad program with CIEE.  

CIEE offers many qualifying spring, summer, and fall programs for this specific travel grant that span several countries including:  

• England  
• Estonia  
• France  
• Scotland  
• Italy  
• Spain  
• Greater China  

Make sure to check out each of the specific study abroad programs and cities on our Trailblazer Grant page .  

Students may receive up to $1,500 in the form of a flight voucher for their eligible CIEE program and, like our other scholarship and grant options, the steps to applying are straightforward. Once you’ve decided on your new 2024 spring, summer, or fall program, all you’ll need to do is the following:   

• Step 1: Fill out the form to receive details about your flight voucher 
• Step 2: Select one of our qualifying programs  
• Step 3: Start your CIEE application   

The Trailblazer Grant is a simple way to gain some extra assistance with your study abroad travels!  

Travel Grant FAQs  

While the application process for our travel grants and travel scholarships is relatively straightforward, we’re sure you have some questions. And we don’t blame you! It can seem like a complicated process and it’s all brand-new information.  

We’ve compiled some of our most frequently asked questions about our travel grants and answered them!  

What is a travel grant?  

Starting with the very basics, a grant is a non-refundable endowment given by an individual, organization, or government department for a specific purpose linked to public benefit. Travel grants – in the case of studying abroad – are awarded to students from a non-profit organization, (that’s us: CIEE), to assist students in their international education. And the public benefit is robust – creating global citizens who will make the world a better place (that’s you)!  

It’s important to note that travel grants aren’t just awarded to students. For example, researchers can apply for travel grants to expand their studies, and many other instances.  

Do scholarships cover travel expenses?  

Yes! Some of our travel scholarships cover travel expenses, but some are specific to program fees. For example, while the GAIN Travel Grant helps cover travel costs, the Gilman Go Global Grant helps cover semester program fees. Take a close look at each of our offerings on our scholarships and grants page to best understand what type of aid covers specific aspects of your study abroad program and travels.  

Read More: Study Abroad Scholarships: Everything You Need to Know    

How do I ask for travel funding?  

As the question implies, simply asking for travel funding is perfectly acceptable!  

We always have CIEE staff available to help point you in the right direction. As we’ve mentioned, exploring our scholarships and grants page is a great place to start, as well as consulting with your on-campus study abroad office; they might have some additional travel grants and scholarships related to your specific institution. Your academic advisor might even be able to provide some helpful resources.  

What’s important to note is that there are a lot of different places and people to look to for help with travel funding, and CIEE is another wonderful resource to support you and help make your study abroad program affordable and accessible.  

How to apply for a travel grant?  

As we’ve mentioned, applying for a travel grant with CIEE is simple! On your CIEE application, make sure to fill out the scholarship and grants portion. And if you have any questions, we’re happy to help!  

Studying abroad is possible with the many different travel grants and scholarships available – check them out today!  

EXPLORE TRAVEL SCHOLARSHIPS   

Get Your Grant Today! 

Now that you know our two travel grant offers for studying abroad, as well as answers to commonly asked grants questions, we encourage you to check out our 200+ study abroad program offerings and find one that best suits your interests! 

*Note: EFC (Expected Family Contribution) is being replaced by SAI (Student Aid Index) for the 2024-2025 FAFSA cycle. Due to unexpected FAFSA delays during the transition, CIEE will accept the 2023-2024 FAFSA (EFC) or the 2024-2025 FAFSA (SAI) for Fall 2024. For students who provide the 2023-2024 FAFSA (EFC), we will continue to guarantee GAIN Travel Grants to those with EFCs of 10,000 or less. For students who provide the 2024-2025 FAFSA (SAI), we will guarantee GAIN Travel Grants to Pell Eligible students. Applications must received by the April 1st deadline for the guarantee. Students with high need should still apply even if they do not meet the criteria noted above.

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Trip planning, travel destinations, destination highlights, mexico lifestyles, living & lifestyle, lifestyle planning, real estate, healthcare & wellbeing, leisure assistance, lifestyle assistance, insurance coverages, property assistance, about mexperience, mexico essentials, discover more, mexico entry requirements—for leisure, business or residency.

This guide explains what you need to know about entry requirements when you are visiting Mexico for leisure, for business, or to take up residency here.

Mexico entry requirements for tourists and short term visitors

Mexico visitors permit, fmm.

Passport holders from countries on Mexico’s no visa required list do not need to apply for a formal visa to visit Mexico. They may, instead, use a visitor’s permit, known as a FMM ( Forma Migratoria Multiple ).

For the countries that don’t need a visa , a Mexico Visitor’s Permit (FMM) is issued in place of a visa. Learn more about Mexico’s visitor permit, the FMM .

How long is your Mexico visitor permit valid?

When you enter Mexico as tourist or business visitor, the immigration official at the port of entry will grant you a number of days stay in Mexico and write this on your visitor permit. This will be a maximum of 180 days; but it may be less than 180 days.

Check to see how many days you are granted to determine your exit date.

Learn more about the number of days being granted  to people arriving in Mexico under the auspice of a visitor permit, FMM.

Visitor permits cannot be extended or renewed

The Visitor Permit (FMM) will always expire after the number of days written on the permit: it cannot be extended beyond the number of days the immigration official grants when you arrive in Mexico, even if this is less than the maximum allowance of 180 days; and cannot be renewed.  You must leave the country before it expires.

Your Mexico Visitor Permit, FMM

Do I Need A Visa to Visit Mexico

Entry to Mexico: Essential Information for All Travelers

Regardless of whether you come to Mexico for leisure, for business or to take up residency here, take note of the following:

Required documentation

For a summary of the documentation required to enter Mexico, see Documents required for travel and entry to Mexico

Minors traveling to Mexico alone

Minors traveling to Mexico alone, or unaccompanied by at least one parent or their legal guardian: Read Traveling with Minors to Mexico .

Passport validity

The maximum period of time that a visitor/tourist may stay in Mexico under the auspice of a visitor permit (FMM, see above) is six months.

Therefore we recommend that your passport, regardless of country of origin, should be valid for a minimum period of six months, however long you intend to stay to avoid any potential problems at the port of entry.

Immigration authorities at the port of entry may allow or deny entry of any person into Mexico. If you have a passport that is valid for less than six months and you intend to stay in Mexico for a short period of time —perhaps a vacation— the Immigration Officer might allow you entry, especially if you can show a return air ticket.

Notwithstanding this, we recommend that you and your family members hold passports valid for at least six months from the date you intend to enter Mexico.

For holders of U.S. Passport Cards

U.S. passport cards are less expensive than passport books and can be used by U.S. citizens who cross the border between the United States and Mexico by land or sea. These look like a driver’s license, and are more robust and less bulky than a passport book. You can learn more about Passport Cards on this page of the US State Department web site. If you are a holder of a U.S. Passport Card, please note that this is NOT valid for air travel to Mexico . Passport Cards can only be used to cross the border between the United States and Mexico by land or sea ports. A passport is required for air travel to and from the the United States.

Traveling to Mexico via the United States:

In January 2009 the United States government introduced new rules for travelers entering the country using the Visa Waiver Program (US State Dept). See Also: Travel to Mexico via the USA

Arriving to Mexico by cruise ship

If you are traveling on a cruise ship that visits Mexico, you will be asked to complete a Visitors Permit/FMM (see information above) at your first Mexican port-of-call.  This permit will be valid for a maximum of 21 days.  Ask your cruise company for details.

Traveling in transit through Mexico

As of February 2004 foreigners passing through one of Mexico’s international airports to a third country no longer require a visa or any migratory documentation, provided that they remain at the airport and depart Mexico within 24 hours of arrival. See Also: Entry Procedure at Mexican Ports

Entry requirements for business visits to Mexico

Mexico welcomes business visitors and makes the immigration procedure for short visits straightforward by means of a special section on the Visitor’s Permit described above.

Business visits to Mexico

If you are traveling on business, or representing a company to conduct business in Mexico, and you hold a passport from a country on Mexico’s “ no visa required list ” you do not need to apply for a formal visa to visit Mexico. You can, instead, use a visitor’s permit —the same entry permit and procedures used by tourists to enter Mexico (see section above for full details).

If the country you hold a passport for does not appear on the no-visa list , you should check with your nearest local Mexican Consulate  for details of visa requirements before you travel to Mexico.

Longer-term business visits to Mexico

If you plan to work or live in Mexico longer periods ( more than 180 days ), you will need to apply for a business visit visa.

This visa enables the visitor to live, work and do business in Mexico, provided that certain criteria are satisfied. You can get more detailed information about long-term living and working permits on Mexperience by connecting to the Immigration Page that contains lots of information and advice about living and working in Mexico. See also: Working in Mexico

Entry requirements for residency in Mexico

People wishing to travel to Mexico to live, work, or retire must meet certain criteria to do so. Mexperience has comprehensive sections of information dedicated to these topics of interest:

Residency visas and immigration

Our guide to Mexico Visas and Immigration page gives an overview of the requirements for temporary and permanent residency in Mexico. Also see the regularly-updated  Mexico Immigration FAQs page for the most-commonly asked questions about immigration to Mexico.

Entry Procedure at Mexican Ports

The entry procedure will vary depending on where you arrive in Mexico and whether you arrive as a visitor or as resident. See also: Procedures for Entering and Leaving Mexico

Mexican Customs procedures and allowances

Like all countries, Mexico has policies on what can be brought in to the country without paying duties or taxes.

Your customs allowances when entering Mexico

Allowances are subject to change without notice, but listed below are the principal items followed by some tips about entry to Mexico.

• Personal Luggage: including new and used goods for personal use to include clothes, footwear, personal hygiene and beauty items which, according to the form: ‘reasonably respond to the duration of the trip and that due to its quantities may not be used for commercial purposes’;
• Two photographic or video cameras and twelve rolls of film or videotapes;
• Two mobile phones or pagers;
• One used or new laptop; one used or new printer; one projector;
• Two used or new items of sports gear;
• One CD player or portable music player; one DVD player;
• One musical instrument;
• Three surfboards; four fishing rods; a pair of skis;
• Ten packs of cigarettes (200 cigarettes total), twenty-five cigars OR 200 grams of tobacco (over 18s only);
• Vaping imports banned: The commercial import of vaping products was banned in February 2020; however, small quantities  for personal use by visitors to the country should not be confiscated (vaping itself is not illegal in Mexico); bringing an ‘excess’ deemed reasonable for personal use may cause your entire supply to be confiscated.
• Three liters of liquor AND six liters of wine (if the person is aged over 18 years);
• There is a US$300 tax exemption on items you import (in addition to those already listed above) when you enter the country by means or air or maritime transport; the exemption is reduced to US$50 if you travel in by land, except at Easter, Summer Holidays and Christmas time, when the land exemption limit is increased to US$300.

Please Note:  Refer to the Mexican Customs web site for full details about customs allowances as these limits are subject to change with little or no notice .

MEXICAN CUSTOMS: TIPS & ADVICE FOR TRAVELERS

Bringing prescription drugs to Mexico:  You are allowed to bring prescription drugs into Mexico provided that you have the accompanying documentation which proves a medical need. If you or a member of your family are taking prescription drugs, be sure to take the prescription/doctor’s note with you, which includes the patient’s name and the name of the medication(s) to prove medical need of the drugs you are carrying in case your luggage gets inspected.

Don’t bring firearms or ammunition!   A foreign firearms license is not valid in Mexico ; if you own a gun, don’t take it to Mexico with you and don’t bring any ammunition with you either. The only exception is a firearm and ammunition used for hunting purposes; but you will need to apply for a special permit – contact your local Mexican Consulate . Being in possession of lethal knives, firearms of all types, and even a single round of ammunition is a Federal crime in Mexico: caught in possession of a firearm can land you in very serious trouble—even if you have a license for it that was issued in your home country. See Also: Mexico’s Strict Gun Laws

Type and quantity of items : Don’t bring anything that obviously looks like you’re planning to resell goods; for example, several laptop computers. These items will get heavily taxed or confiscated. Items for personal use will be allowed, new or used, but only in quantities that are commensurate with the definition of ‘personal use.’ If you are carrying large quantities of anything, or if the Customs Inspector believes you are trying to commercialize any of the goods you are carrying, then you may be interviewed further.

Drug smuggling: Every year, foreign nationals are arrested and convicted for drug smuggling in Mexico.  Don’t attempt to smuggle any narcotics – not even small amounts of ‘soft’ drugs, e.g. cannabis/marijuana. You may be required to present documentary evidence for any powerful prescription drugs you need to carry on your person (i.e. doctor’s prescription, see note above about prescription drugs.) Narcotic offenses (use of, import, export, dealing) are likely to land you in a Mexican prison for many years. Don’t expect your consulate to bail you out because it won’t be able to. 20-25 year prison sentences for drug and serious firearm-related offenses are not uncommon in Mexico.

What you may take home from Mexico

Customs allowances into your home country will depend on where you live.

If you are planning to do a lot of shopping in Mexico, you should check at the information desk at (air)port of departure in your home country for the latest duty-free allowances.

Most goods classed as art and craft work are free of import taxes and you can bring as many home as many as you like, provided the quantities would be considered ‘for personal enjoyment’. Check with your local port/customs authorities for details.

The following items are are typical of duty-free allowances in many countries:

• 200 Cigarettes;
• 50 Cigars or 250g of Tobacco;
• 2 liters of wine;
• 1 or 2 liters of liquor (depending on country);
• 60cl of perfume;
• In addition to the above: a US dollar or euro amount of goods, ranging from about US$300-$500, depending upon the country. If you go over the monetary limit, duty and tax is usually payable on the whole amount not just the sum above the limit;
• Exact rates and amounts vary by country/trading block. Check with the information desk at your home country’s port of departure for the latest details on allowances

Leaving Mexico and Consular Contacts

Leaving mexico.

There are some procedures to follow when you depart Mexico, whether you are a visitor, or resident here:

If you are in Mexico as a tourist/visitor: When you leave Mexico, you will need to show your visitor permit you were issued with when you arrived. See also: Your Mexico Visitors Permit, FMM

If you are resident in Mexico be sure to the immigration desk at the airport or land border to show your residency card and get passport stamped before you leave the country . See also: Procedures for entering and leaving Mexico

Foreign Embassies and Consulates

Foreign nationals may be able to get assistance from their country’s consulate.  Read our article about seeking consular assistance in Mexico for further details.

Directory of Mexican Consulates Abroad

Directory of Foreign Consulates in Mexico

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The Americans retiring to Mexico for a more affordable life: ‘We are immigrants’

There’s been much ado about northbound migration across the Mexico-US border – but some are moving in the other direction

Don’t call Jym Varnadore an expat.

Yes, he and his wife, Renee Varnadore, are living abroad. But they left the United States in search of a quality of life that’s no longer in reach for them stateside. Now, the clear blue waters of Rosarito Beach are quickly becoming home.

Their condo is just the right size for two. It’s intimate but not without its luxuries, like a huge bathtub with jacuzzi jets. Then there’s their balcony, overlooking a world of ocean that bleeds into the horizon. It’s a view reserved for millionaires and billionaires in the US, but not here.

“We are immigrants. And I think it’s disingenuous to call us anything else,” Jym said. “When I decided that I wanted to move out of the US, it was eyes wide open with that word in mind. I am an immigrant.”

If the Varnadores’ life in Mexico is a choice, they say that moving away from San Diego wasn’t. Jym had been working his way through biweekly bill payments when he decided to check in on his 401(k) and social security. As he started crunching the numbers, he found that – after retirement in a matter of years – they would be able to afford either groceries or the mortgage on their condo, but not both.

His epiphany coincided with the 2016 presidential election, a political train wreck that had also been bothering Jym. But when he called Renee over to talk, the question he posed was first and foremost about financial planning.

They had two options, he told her: stay in San Diego and substantially lower their standard of living, or leave the city she had resided in for most of her life.

“We’re gonna move,” Renee said, without missing a beat.

So they started scouring the US for a new home – maybe Oregon, or northern California, or Seattle. Renee would look up real estate prices online, and often, they’d go scout especially promising locations in person. They even visited Hawaii – another place mainlanders flock to , not without controversy – and found a potential property there, but the cost ended up being much the same as their expenses in San Diego, defeating the purpose.

One day, Renee came to Jym, despondent. The only places they could afford long-term in the US either had terrible weather, terrible politics or – she felt – no culture.

It was time to start thinking beyond the US’s all-too-limiting borders. Soon, they were looking south.

I t’s true that San Diego tends to drain its residents’ pocketbooks, continuously ranking high among US cities with the most expensive housing costs. Amid a deepening housing shortage, plus dwindling state and federal funding to produce and preserve local housing, the southern California metropolis’s typical home value has reached nearly $1m.

Renters in the area have to make almost three times the city’s minimum wage just to pay the average monthly rent, while roughly a third of homeowners exist at or beyond the boundary of the federal definition for cost-burdened, spending 30% or more of their household income on monthly property costs alone.

But similar circumstances exist across the US. Nearly half of Americans say that the availability of affordable housing is a major problem in their communities, and even during a Covid-induced economic downturn, the price tag for a single-family home has soared over the last few years. Rents have soared, too, turning something as basic as reliable shelter into a luxury around the country.

Such a lack of viable housing options for so many Americans is just one of myriad signs pointing to growing inequalities. Among those whose families make less than $100,000, nearly one in 10 cannot get the medical care they need because of the cost. And as the middle class shrinks , both income and wealth inequality have surged higher in the US than in nearly any other developed nation.

These systemic failings exact a heavy toll on the US’s ageing and elderly, who are rapidly comprising more and more of the country’s population. Almost half of families in the US have no retirement account savings whatsoever, while more than 15 million Americans aged 65 or over are considered economically insecure. “The retirement system does not work for most workers,” according to the Economic Policy Institute – especially not for Black, Latino, lower-income and non-college-educated Americans, though it often fails more affluent, white professionals as well.

Overburdened by student loans, medical bills and other near-constant financial drains, some older Americans have reconciled themselves with the morbid reality that living in the US with so few safety nets means they will need to work until the day they die.

Others with the agency to make a choice have been unwilling to accept this bleak future – and have started seeking security and opportunity elsewhere. Their path – punctuated by bureaucratic hurdles and cultural adjustments – is not always as easy or romantic as it may seem. Yet even so, it can be worth the peace and security that comes next.

N o one visits the Contreras’s house in Baja California, Mexico, without letting out a “wow”. The view from their huge deck is what elicits such a strong reaction – smack-dab on the Pacific Ocean, deep blue water all around and waves crashing just below. The word “paradise” immediately comes to mind.

“We’re lucky. We’re very, very lucky,” Mary Contreras said from her immaculately curated living room.

Surrounded by such humbling expanse and calm, it’s hard to imagine anywhere someone would rather be. Yet for decades, when Mary traveled to Mexico for getaways, she had never thought that she and her husband, Chuck, would end up here full time. After all, they had roots back in the US. She was an educator and fourth-generation Californian. He worked for a non-profit, providing assistance dogs to kids and adults. They lived in Carlsbad, California, for the better part of three decades.

After a great career helping people, Chuck had every intention to meet his goal of retirement before the age of 60. But on Mary’s salary alone, in an economy that doesn’t value education as much as other professions, they couldn’t realistically continue thriving in the community they called home, where she had served so many other families as an English teacher and principal.

“That I can’t continue living there – having worked my entire life and worked hard – that to me is just like, something’s wrong. Something’s really wrong,” Mary said.

“I feel incredibly blessed and fortunate to be living here,” she said of her life in Mexico. “I love living here. So it’s not that,” she quickly clarified. But “every now and then I get in touch with some anger … We had a beautiful home up there, and we had a beautiful life there. And why that couldn’t continue?”

Similarly, Renee taught English and drama to middle schoolers and high schoolers in California for more than a decade. Jym, meanwhile, comes from a military family and spent years in intelligence for the navy, working in the informational nerve center of a ship.

You can take the boy out of the navy, but you can’t take the navy out of the boy, as Jym says. So when, during tours of Mexican real estate, he walked into a unit where he could see the vastness of the ocean through a floor-to-ceiling glass wall – in a huge apartment with a price tag far below what they were paying for their condo in San Diego – he turned to Renee and told her he was ready to sign a lease.

“I love it, I live for it. People write songs about this stuff, you know? ‘The sea’s in my veins. My tradition remains.’ It’s true. It’s true,” Jym said.

For Renee, the decision to move to Rosarito Beach wasn’t so easy. She didn’t have particularly fond memories of Mexico, a country that for her was defined by a family vacation gone awry and uncomfortable drives to Tijuana as a teenager for orthodontics. Plus, the look and feel of Rosarito bothered her – rusted-out houses on the brink of collapse, juxtaposed right next to luxury high-rises where many of the expats lived.

But then, Renee started to connect with Rosarito’s more humane approach to – among other issues – homelessness. There, unhoused people’s possessions were not trashed and disrespected in the kinds of police sweeps that often defined life on the streets in San Diego, and meanwhile, Baja California was jam-packed with community-based organizations doing good, which she learned from reading the region’s English-language newspapers like the Gringo Gazette .

Once the Varnadores made up their minds, it took about two weeks for them to fix up their home in San Diego, and another week to get six offers on it. When they had a garage sale to get rid of much of their stuff, Renee cried.

But, about six months into living by the ocean in Mexico, walking on the beach every day and feeling the waves come in, something had changed inside her.

“I started healing, not only physically, but emotionally and spiritually,” Renee said.

O n the drive to the San Ysidro land port of entry that cuts between Tijuana and southern California, English-language billboards advertise beachfront properties and luxury condos. “Own the dream in Baja,” reads one, adorned with an idyllic image of a home by the ocean.

“Starting at 347 K,” reads another, promising opulence for less in Rosarito Beach.

It’s not hard to conceive of the signs’ target audience: middle-class Americans, drawn to Baja for a holiday, now on their way back to the US and dreading it. The billboards vocalize what many of these vacationers have probably been quietly imagining since they arrived: a new American dream, here in Mexico. Property ownership. A place to go for weekends, and maybe even to eventually retire. Pura vida.

“It’s great to think about it and talk about it, but doing it is a different story. ’Cause you’re actually really doing it. You’re moving to another country. You’re leaving a country that you were born and raised in, and you have friends and family,” said Chuck Contreras.

“It’s gonna be tough. It’s gonna be hard. It’s gonna be scary,” he continued. “But most things that are worth it, you know, are hard.”

There’s been much ado – now, and for the last century plus – about northbound migration across the Mexico-US border. Meanwhile, traffic in the other direction has flown comparatively under the radar. But it’s always been there, in a history that often says just as much about the shortcomings of the US as it does about the appeal of other countries.

Before the civil war, people fled enslavement in the US to Mexico. After the second world war, American veterans moved there in search of a “GI paradise”. And during the cold war, political types stateside went south as a red scare “exile” to evade persecution under McCarthyism.

Often, though, Americans have simply turned to their southern neighbor to live better and more cheaply while staying relatively close to the US – to get ocean views for a fraction of the price , and still be able to visit family across the border on weekends. Especially post-pandemic, as remote work has surged, younger US professionals have descended on popular metros like Mexico City in such droves that they’ve at times clashed with locals, some of whom view these newcomers as gentrifiers taking advantage of Mexico’s lower cost of living to party away their youth.

Whatever the motivations, when US citizens move to Mexico, they are crossing an international line, a choice that brings with it not only culture shocks, but also serious legal obligations. The Varnadores and the Contrerases were both careful to follow Mexico’s immigration laws, but the process wasn’t easy. Jym described hoop after administrative hoop he and Renee had to jump through to build their lives aboveboard in Rosarito Beach – consular appointments, photos, paperwork, fingerprinting. One of the toughest, or even insurmountable, hurdles for many applicants are high financial requirements to show “economic solvency”, demonstrated through bank statements, investment reports or other records.

For Americans moving to Baja because it’s where they can afford a roof over their heads – who are renting apartments for $300 or less – those economic thresholds can be untenable. So instead, Renee said, people come in on tourist visas and overstay, much like the US’s own undocumented community.

Then, there are Americans with the means and qualifications to immigrate legally, who simply don’t want to follow the process – a particular pet peeve for Mary.

“I have a real issue with people who live here – and some of our friends who have been here longer than us – who don’t have permanent residency,” she said. “To me, you know, how dare you talk to me about immigration, or any issues with immigration, if you’re not gonna do what the country you’re in requires you to do.

“You don’t have a voice then. You know, and don’t talk about it [immigration] about the United States, either.”

She and Chuck felt strongly about doing everything the law required, from following immigration rules to getting local car insurance and healthcare. They’ve also bought two “memberships” at a funeral home, the ultimate permanent residence.

“We want to make this our home,” Mary said. “Truly, our home. We’re not visiting. We’re living here. And we want to be a part of the community.”

F or Día de los Muertos, the Mexican holiday to commemorate the dead, Jym and Renee install an altar at their home. They decorate it with photos of the loved ones they’ve lost, surrounded by beautiful ephemera like marigolds and candles.

Some of the honorees, including Jym’s mother, have been up there for a long time. Others, like Renee’s mom, are more recent additions.

One is their pet cat that crossed the border with them years ago, whose photo and ashes they place alongside a dish of water and some food. The food is gone by morning. Was it their other, living cats who ate it? Maybe so, but the Varnadores like to think otherwise.

“This holiday makes sense to us,” Jym said. They and the Contrerases embrace Mexican traditions, do their best to learn Spanish, find ways to give back to the local community and are acutely aware of not imposing US norms on to Mexico.

In essence, they try.

Admittedly, Mary has learned some hard lessons after misguided steps or language-related miscommunications during community work. Now, she has conversations with non-profits and the people who lead them about how to make a positive difference alongside their Mexican neighbors.

“The thing that I think we have to be sensitive to and aware of is that we’re not doing it at them, but with,” she said. “Involving them and asking what is it they need and want from us, you know, rather than coming in and looking like the Americans who know it all and can fix things and make it, you know, everything better. It does not work, and it’s not appropriate or right.”

That’s not to say that Americans in Baja don’t still celebrate their culture from home. They do, just like diasporic communities in the US. It just may look a little different.

Around Thanksgiving, the Contrerases had decked out their dining table with gourds, flowers and a big “thankful” centerpiece. Their neighbors and friends were coming over for Friendsgiving – a celebration their son had started with them while he was in college – and their table was laid with themed napkins and cups.

But instead of turkey, they’d be eating Chuck’s tacos. “He makes utterly incredible tacos,” Mary gushed.

The Contrerases’ home is filled with little mantras: a hanging scroll that reads “In a world where you can be anything, be kind!” and a stone that simply says “gratitude”, next to a rendering of the Virgen de Guadalupe.

Yet the words that ring most meaningful are stitched on a pillow, simple and even a little basic but somehow also profound: “I love this place.”

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Seattle, 28 November 2023

$1.5M in Grants Issued to Organizations Working to Remove Barriers to Travel  

Today on Giving Tuesday Expedia® announced its Made to Travel™ Fund , a new program that awards grants to nonprofits that share the common goal of removing barriers to travel. In its first year, the Fund has awarded more than $1.5M in grants to a diverse set of organizations working with underserved or underrepresented travelers. Whether it’s making air travel more accessible, sponsoring birthright trips to Africa or helping kids in under-resourced communities get passports, each grant recipient is committed to creating greater access to life-changing travel experiences. 

The Made to Travel Fund is part of Expedia Group’s Open World™ global social impact and sustainability strategy, which focuses on enabling more accessible and inclusive travel. Expedia is now accepting Fund applications and will be awarding grants on a rolling basis. 

“We launched the Made to Travel Fund because travel is transformative and has the power to change perspectives and serve as an economic driver for many communities,” said Aditi Mohapatra, vice president, Global Social Impact and Sustainability at Expedia Group. “We have a vision to power travel for everyone, everywhere, and through these grants Expedia is able to invest in a diverse group of organizations that are doing impactful work to increase equity and access to travel in their communities.”  

Here’s a look at 2022-23 Made to Travel Fund grant recipients:  

• All Wheels Up   
• ARRAY Alliance   
• Birthright AFRICA  
• Boyz N The Wood  
• Cultural Heritage Economic Alliance  
• Disability Rights Fund  
• Family Holiday Charity  
• Girls Going Global   
• Global Glimpse   
• IGLTA Foundation  
• Paralyzed Veterans of America  
• Rainbow Railroad   
• The National Park Foundation™  
• The Venture Out Project®  
• Too Fly Foundation   
• UnTours Foundation  
• World Affairs Council   

Visit http://www.madetotravelfund.com/ to learn more about the grantees and the Made to Travel Fund, and read about Expedia Group’s Open World ™ programs here . 

More information on how these organizations are putting travel grants to work can be found below. 

• All Wheels Up’s mission is to increase awareness for safer and more dignified accessible air travel through research and advocacy. 
• ARRAY Alliance works to advance social justice through art. Myriad programs range from grantmaking, mentorship, education and more.  
• Birthright AFRICA helps youth and young adults of African descent to explore their cultural roots and legacy through free educational trips to Africa. 
• Boyz N The Wood aims to build connection, fortify mental well-being, provide personal development opportunities and strengthen community for Black men through nature and outdoor-based experiences. 

Quote from the organization: “We believe that Black men deserve to live full and thriving lives. At Boyz, we use the outdoors to help them restore & reignite the best versions of themselves. Historically, Black people have not had a high degree of access to travel and the outdoors. These grants will support us in co-creating a world where Black men are able to travel and immerse themselves in the outdoors, embracing them both as environments for personal transformation. We will be able to remove barriers of awareness, cost, and gear while simultaneously introducing them to new experiences that provide opportunities for adventure, challenge, and growth. We are thrilled to see what happens when barriers are removed, and Black men can actively apply tools that support their total well-being and authentically show up for themselves, each other, and their communities.” 

• Cultural Heritage Economic Alliance’s vision is to create broader access, diversity, inclusion and equitable opportunity for small BIPOC businesses to fully participate and profit in the global travel and tourism industry. 
• Disability Rights Fund is a grantmaking collaborative between donors and the global disability rights community that provides resources to organizations of persons with disabilities.  

Quote from the organization: “In-person connection is a key tool for activists – one that is often inaccessible to the global disability rights movement. The Expedia Made to Travel Fund’s generous grant will support disability rights activists’ movement-building by resourcing accessible travel accommodations. Safe and accessible travel opens the door to building and mobilizing a more inclusive movement. DRF appreciates the Expedia Made to Travel Fund for recognizing that equitable access is critical for organizing and advocating to realize human rights.”

• Family Holiday Charity helps in-need families get time away together, often for the first time ever, to create happy memories, reconnect and build hope for the future. 

Quote from the organization: “At Family Holiday Charity, we serve the community of families with dependent children who are currently excluded from travel for reasons of low income and a multitude of other circumstances which aggregate to create barriers to their inclusion in tourism. We aim to transform their lives with the anticipation, enjoyment and memory of a break by providing a chance to connect, revitalize and discover. The grant from Expedia will enable us to develop our services to unblock barriers to travel and help even more families facing tough times to benefit from improved well-being, confidence and hope for the future. To give them a chance to enjoy time away together. To explore. To have new experiences. To meet new people. To have fun.”

• Girls Going Global empowers African American and other underrepresented girls to give them the tools to explore the world at large and become global citizens. 

Quote from the organization: “The Made to Travel Grant will allow Girls Going Global to invest in our capacity-building efforts which will create long-term effectiveness, scale, and sustainability! We are unblocking barriers to travel by exposing our students to the diversity of travel experiences available such as study abroad, interning abroad/int’l careers, and serving abroad!”

• Global Glimpse empowers students from diverse backgrounds to work together, build empathy, connect with the world, and prepare for the future. 

Quote from Eliza Pesuit, founding executive director of Global Glimpse: “This grant will provide travel scholarships to hundreds of high school students from low income and underrepresented backgrounds across the United States, unlocking a world of opportunity and allowing them to believe that they too are made to travel.”

• IGLTA Foundation has a long-standing commitment to promoting equality and diversity within the travel industry, supporting initiatives for industry organizations, leaders and communities to advance LGBTQ+ travel around the world. 
• Paralyzed Veterans of America serves Veterans with spinal cord injuries or diseases like MS and ALS, and helps them live full, independent lives.  

Quote from the organization: “Expedia’s funding helped PVA continue our efforts to improve access to air travel for passengers with disabilities, particular wheelchair users. We continue to work to educate PVA members about their rights and responsibilities under the Air Carrier Access Act. We also advocate for improvements directly with the industry and other stakeholders to address the lack of properly trained assistance, injuries to passengers, and damage to wheelchairs. These efforts have raised awareness of the difficulties encountered by passengers with disabilities and fostered opportunities to make improvements in the future.”

• Rainbow Railroad helps at-risk LGTBQI+ people get to safety worldwide. 

Quote from the organization: “Rainbow Railroad is an international organization with a mission to support at-risk LGBTQI+ people around the world who are facing violence and persecution and help them get to safety. Support from Expedia’s Made to Travel Fund will assist our organization in its core Emergency Travel Support and Complimentary Pathways programs which help plan a pathway for individuals out of their current location to a safer country where they can live openly and authentically. Funds will also assist in our ongoing crisis response in Afghanistan and Uganda. The individuals who reach out to Rainbow Railroad are facing an immediate and severe threat to their lives and well-being and often do not have the means to escape their current country. Through the support of our organization, and thanks to the generosity of the Expedia Made to Travel Fund, we can help vulnerable LGBTQI+ people travel to safety and begin new lives.”

• The National Park Foundation™ helps guide charitable giving to the greatest needs within the National Park Service to sustain the vast landscapes and history of our national parks. 

Quote from the organization: “Our national parks have the power to reveal things about ourselves and the world. However, not everyone has an equal opportunity to have those formative experiences. With the generous support of the Made to Travel Fund, the National Park Foundation will continue its work to close that gap and connect diverse audiences to our national parks. Our work spans a continuum that starts with our nation’s youth and builds inclusivity and belonging for all at every stage of life. Our programming also ensures that natural and historical spaces are protected so people will have safe spaces to travel and cultivate connections for decades to come.”

• The Venture Out Project ® leads backpacking and wilderness trips for the queer and transgender community, and conducts inclusion workshops for educators, adventure professionals, summer camps and more.  

Quote from the organization: “The Made to Travel Fund equips The Venture Out Project with the financial resources necessary to run our first-of-its-kind programming for the LGBTQ+ outdoorsy community nationwide. Contributions from the fund enable us to pay our queer and trans staff and instructors an equitable wage for their expertise, reducing representation-related barriers to travel; to provide educational activations for beginner and experienced outdoor enthusiasts alike, reducing information-related barriers to travel; disperse big-ticket equipment items to participants, lowering gear-related barriers to travel; and offer sliding-scale pricing on all trips and events, creating a trust-driven and community-oriented payment system radical in the industry of trip-leading. We are so grateful to be a recipient!”  

• Too Fly Foundation equips students from under-resourced communities with passports, travel grants and educational experiences so they, too, can see the world.  

Quote from the organization: “The grant received from the Made to Travel Fund will equip the Too Fly Foundation with resources to continue our work in creating a world where every student has the opportunity to travel. The funds that are awarded to Too Fly will be granted to students from under resourced and/or underserved communities that have displayed a need for financial assistance to aid their efforts in exploring the world, as a part of their educational endeavors. As some students have never been offered an opportunity to leave their neighborhood, hometown, city, or state, the Made to Travel Fund will allow Too Fly to support students in obtaining their passports, equipping them with luggage, affording them a chance of a lifetime in seeing the world outside of their daily lives, and more! Through the support of Expedia, the Too Fly Foundation will be able be the bridge between students and opportunity by providing travel resources and experiences that will transform the minds and creativity of the next generation and, hopefully, generations to come.”

• UnTours Foundation supports small businesses that create jobs and support Fair Trade, economic justice and a green economy through financial support and mentorship. 
• World Affairs Council works to advance global understanding and cultivate engagement around critical global issues within its local community through global exchange programs, community events and more. 

Quote from the organization: “The mission of the World Affairs Council of Seattle is to advance global understanding and cultivate enduring relationships within our local community and with the world, one conversation at a time. We do this in part by bringing youth from around the world to Seattle for in-person exchanges with local peers. Youth from around the world who might not otherwise have had the opportunity to travel to Seattle come and experience the rich culture of our region. In turn, youth from Seattle interact with peers from around the globe, sparking their interest in becoming lifelong consumers of global culture—and becoming lifelong global travelers. When we travel, we build bridges and break down walls. Thanks to funding from Expedia, we will be able to enhance our youth exchange work, promoting greater mutual understanding and leadership development for the next generation of global leaders.”

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A Monarch Butterfly Teacher Travel Grant to Mexico!

By: Author Lillie Marshall

Posted on Published: September 14, 2018  - Last updated: December 4, 2021

Teaching Traveling: Love monarch butterflies and dream of an all-expenses-paid teacher travel grant to Mexico to study the beautiful insects?

Your dream can come true, because this fully-funded opportunity actually exists!

Read on to get the scoop on this educational scholarship from Court Whelan, the Director of Conservation Travel at Natural Habitat Adventures.

Court, tell us a bit about Natural Habitat Adventures and your role there to give background about this opportunity.

Court: Hello! Natural Habitat Adventures is a conservation travel company that plans and guides trips around the world to showcase amazing destinations, landscapes, and wildlife in remote locations.

We hold ourselves to the highest standard environmentally and feel that we are one of the world’s most sustainable travel companies.

Considering we are travel partners with the World Wildlife Fund, we contribute substantially to conservation both directly through WWF’s research, outreach, and advocacy, but also indirectly through education and adding value to the ecosystems we travel to.

When we show local communities the value of nature and wildlife, particularly through tourism dollars and local revenue, local communities become better stakeholders and protectors of their own natural resources.

I head up our Sustainability, Philanthropy, and Conservation Travel programs, along with guide a number of our trips, and work closely with WWF in many of our destinations to continually raise the bar on conservation.

As you can imagine, it’s a very multi-pronged approach!

TT: Fascinating. Why did Nat Hab decide to launch a travel scholarship grant program for teachers?

C: I often explain Nat Hab’s company philosophy by saying that we’re actually a conservation organization that is doing conservation via travel.

Being so conservation-minded, we’re always on the lookout for ideas on how to spread awareness, and increase understanding of some of our world’s most precious natural areas, animals, and in the case of the monarch migration, rare phenomena.

Thus, when we had the idea to teach the teachers about monarch butterfly education, everyone immediately got on board!

When I was personally guiding one of our monarch trips a few years back, I had two teachers who received a grant from their school for continued education to join our monarch trip, and I thought, “We have to do this as a company.”

Since this hits all the key points for conservation, our entire company was on board from the get-go!

See details and the application for the monarch butterfly teacher travel grant here ! Read on to hear more background about the opportunity, along with a tip for the types of applications we’re seeking…

TT: Nice! Why did you choose the Mexico as the destination for this monarch butterfly scholarship?

C: Having researched the monarch butterfly for nearly 15 years now, and it being a key part of my dissertation back in grad school, I’m very aware of how integral the monarch butterfly is in education across the U.S.

In fact, having teachers in my family, I also know that many primary education schools across the country use the monarch butterfly as their “study organism” for teaching elementary biology and ecology.

Considering that its migration is one of the most sensational and mystifying aspects of its biology, it’s only fitting to outfit our country’s best teachers with the experiential knowledge to convey that education (and inspiration!) onto future generations.

TT: Despite having been a teacher for 15 years , I never put together what you’re pointing out — but yes, butterflies do have a special place in education!

Now, what do you hope teachers will bring back to their classrooms after this trip?

C: Of course being on an educational journey like this with Expedition Leaders who have witnessed, studied, or have been observing this incredible phenomenon for decades sharing knowledge, we hope that teachers are able to bring back lessons, informal lectures, and discussions.

However, I feel like inspiration is another key thing they’ll bring back with them.

In a world where bad news makes the headlines so often, especially in the world of conservation, I hope that this can show our teachers, who will then show the world, that there is so much to fight for in terms of conserving our natural world, and so much beauty in the world left to explore.

When my guests first set their eyes on millions of monarchs soaring through the air, it often brings them to tears. It is just so very meaningful, symbolic, and breathtaking.

While we can’t get all 300 million plus people in the U.S. on a trip to experience the same thing, I feel that teachers, having a disproportionately large impact on sharing information and inspiring the next generation, are perfect candidates for seeing the migration first hand and sharing it with the world.

TT: Beautifully put! Tell us one moment from your travels that was particularly powerful.

C: I guide all over the world, from Antarctica to Zambia, and everything in between. I often have guests that travel nearly as much, too. They’ll have just gotten back from a 3 week safari in Botswana, or seeing the northern lights in the Arctic.

Then I’ll be next to these very same folks, with all their worldly travel experiences, and as we’re watching the butterflies line the fir trees and cloud the skies, they’ll turn to me and say “Court, THIS is the most amazing thing I’ve ever seen.”

Each time I hear that, it sends goosebumps up my arms, as I know how special this moment is for them. I know it will be with them forever, and they’ll shout from the mountaintops how amazing the monarch migration really is.

TT: So powerful! Tell us — how have your travels impacted you in your career, and as a person?

C: Massively. Travel is my career, and the monarch butterfly migration is really what got me into travel in such a big way. It was one of my earliest “ah hah” moments, knowing that I wanted to save the world via conservation travel.

While travel is certainly fun, it also continually inspires me to do better and be a better person when it comes to sustainability, conservation, and my own ethics.

Of course, the more you travel, the more creative ideas you get on how other countries operate, how conservation, research, and teaching works in other locales (oftentimes remote), and how local communities can get involved in helping to protect their own wild areas.

TT: So true. What advice do you have for teachers who want to apply for your monarch butterfly travel scholarship?

C: It’s our goal to help save the world via travel, and you are all an integral part of this now! Of course we want to attract influential, passionate teachers, but we also want people that can help tell the story of the monarch migration to a wide audience beyond the trip itself.

This audience certainly includes their classroom, but we also want to ensure that your stories, photos, and perhaps even videos will show the world why the monarch migration is so inspirational.

This means that the more we see your passion, drive, and ability to spread influence via the application, the better!

TT: Wonderful advice, and thanks again for offering this grant! Readers, what questions or comments do you have?

Photos by Court Whelan, Astrid Frisch and Fernando Romo.

The author, Lillie Marshall, is a 6-foot-tall National Board Certified Teacher of English from Boston who has been a public school educator since 2003. She launched TeachingTraveling.com in 2010 to share expert global education resources, and over 1.6 million readers have visited over the past decade. Lillie also runs AroundTheWorld L.com Travel and Life Blog, and DrawingsOf.com for educational art. Do stay in touch via subscribing to her monthly newsletter, and following @WorldLillie on social media!

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Mexico Travel Advisory

Travel advisory august 22, 2023, see state summaries.

Reissued after periodic review with general security updates, and the removal of obsolete COVID-19 page links.

Country Summary: Violent crime – such as homicide, kidnapping, carjacking, and robbery – is widespread and common in Mexico. The U.S. government has limited ability to provide emergency services to U.S. citizens in many areas of Mexico, as travel by U.S. government employees to certain areas is prohibited or restricted. In many states, local emergency services are limited outside the state capital or major cities.

U.S. citizens are advised to adhere to restrictions on U.S. government employee travel. State-specific restrictions are included in the individual state advisories below. U.S. government employees may not travel between cities after dark, may not hail taxis on the street, and must rely on dispatched vehicles, including app-based services like Uber, and regulated taxi stands. U.S. government employees should avoid traveling alone, especially in remote areas. U.S. government employees may not drive from the U.S.-Mexico border to or from the interior parts of Mexico, except daytime travel within Baja California and between Nogales and Hermosillo on Mexican Federal Highway 15D, and between Nuevo Laredo and Monterrey on Highway 85D.

Read the  country information page  for additional information on travel to Mexico.

Do Not Travel To:

• Colima state  due to  crime  and  kidnapping .
• Guerrero state  due to  crime .
• Michoacan state  due to  crime  and  kidnapping .
• Sinaloa state due to  crime  and  kidnapping
• Tamaulipas state  due to  crime  and  kidnapping.
• Zacatecas  state due to  crime  and  kidnapping .

Reconsider Travel To:

• Baja California  state due to  crime  and  kidnapping .
• Chihuahua state  due to  crime  and  kidnapping .
• Durango state  due to  crime .
• Guanajuato state  due to  crime and kidnapping .
• Jalisco state  due to  crime  and  kidnapping .
• Morelos state  due to  crime .
• Sonora state  due to  crime  and  kidnapping .

Exercise Increased Caution When Traveling To:

• Aguascalientes  state due to  crime .
• Baja California Sur state  due to  crime .
• Chiapas state  due to  crime .
• Coahuila state  due to  crime .
• Hidalgo state  due to  crime .
• Mexico City  due to  crime .
• Mexico State  due to  crime .
• Nayarit state  due to  crime.
• Nuevo Leon  state due to  crime  and  kidnapping .
• Oaxaca state  due to  crime .
• Puebla state  due to  crime  and  kidnapping .
• Queretaro state  due to  crime .
• Quintana Roo state  due to  crime .
• San Luis Potosi state  due to  crime and kidnapping .
• Tabasco state  due to  crime .
• Tlaxcala state due to  crime .
• Veracruz state  due to  crime .

Exercise Normal Precautions When Traveling To:

• Campeche state
• Yucatan state

Visit our website for  Travel to High-Risk Areas .

If you decide to travel to Mexico:

• Keep traveling companions and family back home informed of your travel plans. If separating from your travel group, send a friend your GPS location. If taking a taxi alone, take a photo of the taxi number and/or license plate and text it to a friend.
• Use toll roads when possible and avoid driving alone or at night. In many states, police presence and emergency services are extremely limited outside the state capital or major cities.
• Exercise increased caution when visiting local bars, nightclubs, and casinos.
• Do not display signs of wealth, such as wearing expensive watches or jewelry.
• Be extra vigilant when visiting banks or ATMs.
• Enroll in the  Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP)  to receive Alerts and make it easier to locate you in an emergency.
• Follow the Department of State on  Facebook  and  Twitter .
• Follow the U.S. Embassy on Facebook and Twitter .
• Review the  Country Security Report  for Mexico.
• Mariners planning travel to Mexico should check for U.S. maritime  advisories  and  alerts , which include instructions on reporting suspicious activities and attacks to Mexican naval authorities.
• Prepare a contingency plan for emergency situations. Review the  Traveler’s Checklist .
• Visit the CDC page for the latest travel health information related to your travel. 

Aguascalientes state – Exercise Increased Caution

Exercise increased caution due to crime.

Criminal activity and violence may occur throughout the state.

There are no restrictions on travel for U.S. government employees in Aguascalientes state.

Baja California state – Reconsider Travel

Reconsider travel due to crime and kidnapping.

Transnational criminal organizations compete in the border area to establish narco-trafficking and human smuggling routes. Violent crime and gang activity are common. Travelers should remain on main highways and avoid remote locations. Of particular concern is the high number of homicides in the non-tourist areas of Tijuana. Most homicides appeared to be targeted; however, criminal organization assassinations and territorial disputes can result in bystanders being injured or killed. U.S. citizens and LPRs have been victims of kidnapping.

U.S. government employees must adhere to the noted restrictions:

• Mexicali Valley:  U.S. government employees should avoid the Mexicali Valley due to the heightened possibility of violence between rival cartel factions.  The boundaries of the restricted area are: to the east, the Baja California/Arizona and Baja California/Sonora borders; to the south, from La Ventana (on Highway 5) due east to the Colorado River; to the west, Highway 5; and to the north, Boulevard Lazaro Cardenas/Highway 92/Highway 1 to Carretera Aeropuerto, from the intersection of Highway 1 and Carretera Aeropuerto due north to the Baja California/California border, and from that point eastward along the Baja California/California border.
• Travelers may use Highways 2 and 2D to transit between Mexicali, Los Algodones, and San Luis Rio Colorado during daylight hours. Travelers may also use Highways 1 and 8 to transit to and from the Mexicali Airport during daylight hours.  Travel on Highway 5 is permissible during daylight hours.

There are no other travel restrictions for U.S. government employees in Baja California state. These include high-traffic tourism areas of border and coastal communities, such as  Tijuana ,  Ensenada , and  Rosarito .

Baja California Sur state – Exercise Increased Caution

There are no restrictions on travel for U.S. government employees in Baja California Sur state.

Campeche state – Exercise Normal Precautions

Exercise normal precautions.

There are no restrictions on travel for U.S. government employees in Campeche state.

Chiapas state – Exercise Increased Caution

There are no restrictions on travel for U.S. government employees in Chiapas state.

Chihuahua state – Reconsider Travel

Violent crime and gang activity are common. Most homicides are targeted assassinations against members of criminal organizations. Battles for territory between criminal groups have resulted in violent crime in areas frequented by U.S. citizens and U.S. government employees, including restaurants and malls during daylight hours. Bystanders have been injured or killed in shooting incidents. U.S. citizens and LPRs have been victims of kidnapping.

U.S. government employee travel is limited to the following areas with the noted restrictions:

• Ciudad Juarez:  U.S. government employees may travel to the area of Ciudad Juarez bounded to the east by Bulevar Independencia; to the south by De los Montes Urales/Avenida Manuel J Clouthier/Carretera de Juárez; to the west by Via Juan Gabriel/Avenida de los Insurgentes/Calle Miguel Ahumada/Francisco Javier Mina/Melchor Ocampo; and to the north by the U.S.-Mexico border.  Direct travel to the Ciudad Juarez airport (officially called the Abraham González International Airport) and the factories located along Bulevar Independencia and Las Torres is permitted.  Travel to San Jerónimo is permitted only through the United States via the Santa Teresa U.S. Port of Entry; travel via Anapra is prohibited.

U.S. government employees may only travel from Ciudad Juarez to the city of Chihuahua during daylight hours via Federal Highway 45, with stops permitted only at the Guardia Nacional División Caminos station, the Umbral del Milenio overlook area, the border inspection station at KM 35, and the shops and restaurants on Federal Highway 45 in the city of Ahumada.

• U.S. government employees may travel between Ciudad Juarez and Ascension via Highway 2.
• Nuevo Casas Grandes Area (including Nuevo Casas Grandes, Casas Grandes, Mata Ortiz, Colonia Juárez, Colonia LeBaron, Paquimé and San Buenaventura):  U.S. government employees may travel to the Nuevo Casas Grandes area during daylight hours via Mexico Federal Highway 2, and subsequently Federal Highway 10, to Nuevo Casas Grandes.  Employees are permitted to stay overnight in the cities of Nuevo Casas Grandes and Casas Grandes only.
• City of Chihuahua:  U.S. government employees may travel at any time to the area of the city of Chihuahua bounded to the north by Avenida Transformación; to the east by Avenida Tecnológico/Manuel Gómez Morín/Highway 16/Blvd.José Fuentes Mares; to the west by the city boundary; and to the south by Periférico Francisco R. Almada.
• U.S. government employees may travel on Highways 45, 16, and 45D through the city of Chihuahua and to the Chihuahua airport (officially called the General Roberto Fierro Villalobos International Airport). 
• U.S. government employees may travel to Santa Eulalia to the east of the city of Chihuahua, as well as to Juan Aldama via Highway 16 to the northeast.
• U.S. government employees may travel south of the city of Chihuahua on Highway 45 to the southern boundary of Parral, including each town directly connected to Highway 45, including Lázaro Cárdenas, Pedro Meoqui, Santa Cruz de Rosales, Delicias, Camargo, Ciudad Jiménez, and Parral itself.
• U.S. government employees may only travel on official business from the city of Chihuahua on Highway 16 to Ciudad Cuauhtémoc bounded by Highway 21 to the north and east, Highway 5 to the west, and Bulevar Jorge Castillo Cabrera to the south. 
• Ojinaga:  U.S. government employees must travel to Ojinaga via U.S. Highway 67 and enter through the U.S. Port of Entry in Presidio, Texas.
• Palomas:  U.S. government employees may travel to Palomas via U.S. highways through the U.S. Port of Entry in Columbus, New Mexico, or via Highway 2 in Mexico.

U.S. government employees may not travel to other areas of Chihuahua, including  Copper Canyon .

Coahuila state – Exercise Increased Caution

Violent crime and gang activity occur in parts of Coahuila state. 

U.S. government employees must adhere to the following travel restrictions:

• Zaragoza, Morelos, Allende, Nava, Jimenez, Villa Union, Guerrero, and Hidalgo municipalities : U.S. government employees may not travel to these municipalities.
• Piedras Negras and Ciudad Acuña:  U.S. government employees must travel directly from the United States and observe a curfew from midnight to 6:00 a.m. in both cities.

There are no other restrictions on travel for U.S. government employees in Coahuila state.

Colima state – Do Not Travel

Do not travel due to crime and kidnapping.  

Violent crime and gang activity are widespread. Most homicides are targeted assassinations against members of criminal organizations. Shooting incidents between criminal groups have injured or killed bystanders. U.S. citizens and LPRs have been victims of kidnapping.  

Travel for U.S. government employees is limited to the following areas with noted restrictions: 

• Manzanillo:   U.S. government employee travel is limited to the tourist and port areas of Manzanillo.  
• Employees traveling to Manzanillo from Guadalajara must use Federal Toll Road 54D during daylight hours.  

U.S. government employees may not travel to other areas of Colima state. 

Durango state – Reconsider Travel

Reconsider travel due to crime.

Violent crime and gang activity are common in parts of Durango state.

• West and south of Federal Highway 45:  U.S. government employees may not travel to this region of Durango state.

There are no other restrictions on travel for U.S. government employees in Durango state.

Guanajuato state – Reconsider Travel

Gang violence, often associated with the theft of petroleum and natural gas from the state oil company and other suppliers, occurs in Guanajuato, primarily in the south and central areas of the state.  Of particular concern is the high number of murders in the southern region of the state associated with cartel-related violence. U.S. citizens and LPRs have been victims of kidnapping.

• Areas south of Federal Highway 45D:  U.S. government employees may not travel to the area south of and including Federal Highway 45D, Celaya, Salamanca, and Irapuato.

There are no other restrictions on travel for U.S. government employees in Guanajuato state, which includes tourist areas in:  San Miguel de Allende ,  Guanajuato City , and  surrounding areas.

Guerrero state – Do Not Travel

Do not travel due to crime.

Crime and violence are widespread. Armed groups operate independently of the government in many areas of Guerrero. Members of these groups frequently maintain roadblocks and may use violence towards travelers. U.S. citizens and LPRs have been victims of kidnapping in previous years.

Travel for U.S. government employees is limited to the following area with the noted restrictions:

• Taxco:  U.S. government employees must use Federal Highway 95D, which passes through Cuernavaca, Morelos, and stay within downtown tourist areas of Taxco. Employees may visit Grutas de Cacahuamilpa National Park during the day with a licensed tour operator.

U.S. government employees may not travel to other areas of the state of Guerrero, including to tourist areas in  Acapulco ,  Zihuatanejo , and  Ixtapa .

Hidalgo state – Exercise Increased Caution

There are no restrictions on travel for U.S. government employees in Hidalgo state.

Jalisco state – Reconsider Travel

Violent crime and gang activity are common in parts of Jalisco state. In Guadalajara, territorial battles between criminal groups take place in tourist areas. Shooting incidents between criminal groups have injured or killed innocent bystanders. U.S. citizens and LPRs have been victims of kidnapping.

• Jalisco-Michoacan border and Federal Highway 110:  U.S. government employees may not travel to the area between Federal Highway 110 and the Jalisco-Michoacan border, nor travel on Federal Highway 110 between Tuxpan, Jalisco, and the Michoacan border.
• Federal Highway 80:  U.S. government employees may not travel on Federal Highway 80 south of Cocula.

There are no other restrictions on travel for U.S government employees in Jalisco state which includes tourist areas in:  Guadalajara Metropolitan Area ,  Puerto Vallarta (including neighboring Riviera Nayarit) ,  Chapala , and  Ajijic .

Mexico City (Ciudad de Mexico) – Exercise Increased Caution

Both violent and non-violent crime occur throughout Mexico City. Use additional caution, particularly at night, outside of the frequented tourist areas where police and security patrol more routinely. Petty crime occurs frequently in both tourist and non-tourist areas.

There are no restrictions on travel for U.S. government employees in Mexico City.

Mexico State (Estado de Mexico) – Exercise Increased Caution

Both violent and non-violent crime occur throughout Mexico State. Use additional caution in areas outside of the frequented tourist areas, although petty crime occurs frequently in tourist areas as well.

There are no restrictions on travel for U.S. government employees in Mexico State.

Michoacan state – Do Not Travel

Do not travel due to crime and kidnapping.

Crime and violence are widespread in Michoacan state. U.S. citizens and LPRs have been victims of kidnapping.

Travel for U.S. government employees is limited to the following areas with the noted restrictions:

• Federal Highway 15D:   U.S. government employees may travel on Federal Highway 15D to transit the state between Mexico City and Guadalajara.
• Morelia:  U.S. government employees may travel by air and by land using Federal Highways 43 or 48D from Federal Highway 15D.
• Lazaro Cardenas:  U.S. government employees must travel by air only and limit activities to the city center or port areas.

U.S. government employees may not travel to other areas of the state of Michoacan, including the portions of the  Monarch Butterfly Reserve  located in Michoacan.

Morelos state – Reconsider Travel

Violent crime and gang activity are common in parts of Morelos state.

There are no restrictions on travel for U.S. government employees in Morelos state.

Nayarit state – Exercise Increased Caution

Criminal activity and violence may occur throughout Nayarit state.

There are no restrictions on travel for U.S government employees in Nayarit state.

Nuevo Leon state – Exercise Increased Caution

Exercise increased caution due to crime and kidnapping.

Criminal activity and violence may occur throughout the state. U.S. citizens and LPRs have been victims of kidnapping.

There are no restrictions on travel for U.S. government employees in Nuevo Leon state.

Oaxaca state – Exercise Increased Caution

Criminal activity and violence occur throughout the state.

U.S. travelers are reminded that U.S. government employees must adhere to the following travel restrictions:

• Isthmus region:  U.S. government employees may not travel to the area of Oaxaca bounded by Federal Highway 185D to the west, Federal Highway 190 to the north, and the Oaxaca-Chiapas border to the east.  This includes the cities of Juchitan de Zaragoza, Salina Cruz, and San Blas Atempa.  
• Federal Highway 200 northwest of Pinotepa:  U.S. government employees may not use Federal Highway 200 between Pinotepa and the Oaxaca-Guerrero border.

There are no restrictions on travel for U.S. government employees to other parts of Oaxaca state, which include tourist areas in:  Oaxaca City ,  Monte Alban ,  Puerto Escondido,  and  Huatulco .

Puebla state – Exercise Increased Caution

There are no restrictions on travel for U.S. government employees in Puebla state.

Queretaro state – Exercise Increased Caution

There are no restrictions on travel for U.S. government employees in Queretaro state.

Quintana Roo state – Exercise Increased Caution

Criminal activity and violence may occur in any location, at any time, including in popular tourist destinations.  Travelers should maintain a high level of situational awareness, avoid areas where illicit activities occur, and promptly depart from potentially dangerous situations. 

While not directed at tourists, shootings between rival gangs have injured innocent bystanders.  Additionally, U.S. citizens have been the victims of both non-violent and violent crimes in tourist and non-tourist areas.

There are no restrictions on travel for U.S. government employees in Quintana Roo state. However, personnel are advised to exercise increased situational awareness after dark in downtown areas of Cancun, Tulum, and Playa del Carmen, and to remain in well-lit pedestrian streets and tourist zones.

San Luis Potosi state – Exercise Increased Caution

Criminal activity and violence may occur throughout the state.  U.S. citizens and LPRs have been victims of kidnapping.

There are no restrictions on travel for U.S. government employees in San Luis Potosi state.

Sinaloa state – Do Not Travel

Violent crime is widespread. Criminal organizations are based in and operating in Sinaloa. U.S. citizens and LPRs have been victims of kidnapping.

• Mazatlan:  U.S. government employees may travel to Mazatlan by air or sea only, are limited to the Zona Dorada and historic town center, and must travel via direct routes between these destinations and the airport and sea terminal.
• Los Mochis and Topolobampo:  U.S. government employees may travel to Los Mochis and Topolobampo by air or sea only, are restricted to the city and the port, and must travel via direct routes between these destinations and the airport.

U.S. government employees may not travel to other areas of Sinaloa state.

Sonora state – Reconsider Travel

Sonora is a key location used by the international drug trade and human trafficking networks. Violent crime is widespread. U.S. citizens and LPRs have been victims of kidnapping. Travelers should maintain a heightened level of awareness of their surroundings in all their travels in Sonora.  Security incidents may occur in any area of Sonora.

• Travel between Hermosillo and Nogales:  U.S. government employees may travel between the U.S. Ports of Entry in Nogales and Hermosillo during daylight hours via Federal Highway 15 only. U.S. government employees may not use ANY taxi services, public buses, nor ride-share applications due to a lack of secure vetting and/or dispatching procedures. Travelers should exercise caution and avoid unnecessary stops as security incidents, including sporadic, armed carjackings, and shootings have been reported along this highway during daylight hours. Travelers should have a full tank of gas and inform friends or family members of their planned travel.
• Nogales:  U.S. government employees may not travel in the triangular area north of Avenida Tecnologico, west of Bulevar Luis Donaldo Colosio (Periferico), nor east of Federal Highway 15D (Corredor Fiscal). U.S. government employees also may not travel in the residential and business areas to east of the railroad tracks along Plutarco Elias Calle (HWY 15) and Calle Ruiz Cortino, including the business area around the Morley pedestrian gate port-of-entry. U.S. government employees may not use ANY taxi services, public buses, nor ride-share applications in Nogales due to a lack of secure vetting and/or dispatching procedures and the danger of kidnapping and other violent crimes.  
• Puerto Peñasco:  U.S. government employees may travel between Puerto Peñasco and the Lukeville-Sonoyta U.S. Port of Entry during daylight hours via Federal Highway 8 only. They may not travel on any other route to Puerto Peñasco. U.S. government employees may not use ANY taxi services, public buses, nor ride-share applications in Puerto Peñasco. due to a lack of secure vetting and/or dispatching procedures and the danger of kidnapping and other violent crimes.
• Triangular region near Mariposa U.S. Port of Entry:  U.S. government employees may not travel into or through the triangular region west of the Mariposa U.S. Port of Entry, east of Sonoyta, and north of Altar municipality.
• San Luis Rio Colorado, Cananea, and Agua Prieta : U.S. government employees may travel directly from the nearest U.S. Port of Entry to San Luis Rio Colorado, Cananea (via Douglas Port of Entry), and Agua Prieta, but may not go beyond the city limits. Travel is limited to daylight hours only. Travel between Nogales and Cananea via Imuris is not permitted. U.S. government employees may not use ANY taxi services, public buses, nor ride-share applications in these cities due to a lack of secure vetting and/or dispatching procedures and the danger of kidnapping and other violent crimes.
• Eastern and southern Sonora (including San Carlos Nuevo Guaymas and Alamos):  U.S. government employees may not travel to areas of Sonora east of Federal Highway 17, the road between Moctezuma and Sahuaripa, and State Highway 20 between Sahuaripa and the intersection with Federal Highway 16. U.S. government employees may travel to San Carlos Nuevo Guaymas and Alamos; travel to Alamos is only permitted by air and within city limits.  U.S. government employees may not travel to areas of Sonora south of Federal Highway 16 and east of Federal Highway 15 (south of Hermosillo), as well as all points south of Guaymas, including Empalme, Guaymas, Obregon, and Navojoa.  U.S. government employees may not use ANY taxi services, public buses, nor ride-share applications in these areas due to a lack of secure vetting and/or dispatching procedures and the danger of kidnapping and other violent crimes.

U.S. government employees may travel to other parts of Sonora state in compliance with the above restrictions, including tourist areas in: Hermosillo , Bahia de Kino , and Puerto Penasco .

Tabasco state – Exercise Increased Caution

There are no restrictions on travel for U.S. government employees in Tabasco state.

Tamaulipas state – Do Not Travel

Organized crime activity – including gun battles, murder, armed robbery, carjacking, kidnapping, forced disappearances, extortion, and sexual assault – is common along the northern border and in Ciudad Victoria. Criminal groups target public and private passenger buses, as well as private automobiles traveling through Tamaulipas, often taking passengers and demanding ransom payments.

Heavily armed members of criminal groups often patrol areas of the state and operate with impunity particularly along the border region from Reynosa to Nuevo Laredo.  In these areas, local law enforcement has limited capacity to respond to incidents of crime. Law enforcement capacity is greater in the tri-city area of Tampico, Ciudad Madero, and Altamira, which has a lower rate of violent criminal activity compared to the rest of the state.

U.S. citizens and LPRs have been victims of kidnapping.

• Matamoros and Nuevo Laredo:  U.S. government employees may only travel within a limited radius around and between the U.S. Consulates in Nuevo Laredo and Matamoros, their homes, the respective U.S. Ports of Entry, and limited downtown sites, subject to an overnight curfew.
• Overland travel in Tamaulipas:  U.S. government employees may not travel between cities in Tamaulipas using interior Mexican highways. Travel between Nuevo Laredo and Monterrey is limited to Federal Highway 85D during daylight hours with prior authorization.

U.S. government employees may not travel to other parts of Tamaulipas state.

Tlaxcala state – Exercise Increased Caution

There are no restrictions on travel for U.S. government employees in Tlaxcala state.

Veracruz state – Exercise Increased Caution

Violent crime and gang activity occur with increasing frequency in Veracruz, particularly in the center and south near Cordoba and Coatzacoalcos. While most gang-related violence is targeted, violence perpetrated by criminal organizations can affect bystanders. Impromptu roadblocks requiring payment to pass are common.

There are no restrictions on travel for U.S. government employees in Veracruz state.

Yucatan state – Exercise Normal Precautions

There are no restrictions on travel for U.S. government employees in Yucatan state, which include tourist areas in:  Chichen Itza ,  Merida ,  Uxmal , and  Valladolid .

Zacatecas state – Do Not Travel

Violent crime, extortion, and gang activity are widespread in Zacatecas state. U.S. citizens and LPRs have been victims of kidnapping.

• Zacatecas City : U.S. government employee travel is limited to Zacatecas City proper, and employees may not travel overland to Zacatecas City.
• U.S. government employees may not travel to other areas of Zacatecas state.

Travel Advisory Levels

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Funding and Scholarships

Funding is many students' main concern when considering studying abroad. Most UNM students utilize a combination of financial aid, scholarships, and their own money to study abroad. In almost all cases, you can use your financial aid (Pell Grant, New Mexico Lottery Success Scholarship, The Opportunity Scholarship, loans, etc.) to study abroad!

Studying abroad is considered a high-impact practice with numerous benefits for student development. As a result, many organizations are willing to help fund your time abroad - including UNM.

Start your research into scholarship opportunities early. Many national scholarship deadlines will happen up to a year in advance of your planned departure. Use the tabs below to explore different scholarship opportunities. 

Remember, not all programs carry the same costs. If finances are of particular concern to you, speak with your study abroad advisor at GEO to discuss your options. Some opportunities can be less expensive than being at UNM for the semester.

Check out any of our presentations below:

• Budgeting for Study Abroad

National Study Abroad Scholarships

• Study Abroad Scholarship Writing

Gabriella, Universidad Carlos III de Madrid, Fall 2022

UNM Based Study Abroad Scholarships

Provider program study abroad scholarships, graduate scholarships, other study abroad scholarship resources, budgeting and fundraising resources, using financial aid, maintaining aid and scholarships while abroad.

Review each scholarship opportunity below for specifics regarding eligibility, deadlines, and application requirements. There may be more scholarships available from different departments and colleges across UNM!

Undergraduate Education Abroad Grant

• For UNM undergraduate students  participating in a UNM approved study abroad program.

UNM Study Abroad Application Fee Grant

• For UNM undergraduate students receiving a Federal Pell Grant.

GEO Passport Grant

For UNM students to cover the cost of their new U.S. Passport. 

Graduate International Travel Grant

• For UNM graduate students p anticipating in a UNM approved study abroad program or travel opportunity.

UNM Benjamin Sacks Endowment Fund

• For UNM students studying history in Europe or Africa.

Joseph C. Gallagher Scholarship for Study in Ireland and Europe

• For UNM students studying at an institution in the Republic of Ireland or Northern Ireland, or to study an Irish subject at any European university.

Jane E. Thomas-Frey Study Abroad Scholarship

• For students who studied abroad in High School and are participating in a semester long study abroad program. 

International Study Institute Scholarships

• Various scholarships offered by the International Study Institute.

Spanish and Portuguese Department Scholarships 

• Various scholarships offered by the Spanish & Portugese Department. 

UNM Scholarship Search

• Various scholarships offered by the UNM Scholarship Office.

LAII Funding

• Various scholarships offered by the Latin American and Iberian Institute. 

College of Arts and Sciences Scholarships

• Various scholarships offered by theCollege of Arts and Sciences. 

U.S. Department of State’s Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship Program

• To be eligible for the Gilman Program, applicants must be a  citizen or national of the United States; an undergraduate student in good standing; receiving a Federal Pell Grant during the time of application; in the process of applying to, or accepted to, a credit-bearing study abroad or internship program in a country or location with an overall Travel Advisory Level 1 or 2 . Scholarship awards may be up to $5,000.
• Critical Need Language Award :  Applicants who are studying a critical need language while abroad in a country or location in which the language is predominantly spoken can apply for a supplemental award of up to $3,000, for a combined total of up to $8,000.

U.S. Department of State’s Gilman-McCain Scholarship

• To be eligible for the Gilman-McCain Scholarship, applicants must be a  citizen or national of the United States; an undergraduate student in good standing; a dependent (child or spouse) of active or activated United States military personnel during the time of application (including Air Force, Air Force Reserve, Air National Guard, Army, Army National Guard, Army Reserve, Coast Guard, Coast Guard Reserve, Marine Corps, Marine Corps Reserve, Navy, Navy Reserve, Space Force, NOAA Commissioned Corps, and USPHS Commissioned Corps); a recipient of any type of Title IV federal financial aid during the time of application or provide proof that they will be receiving Title IV federal financial aid during their study abroad program or internship; in the process of applying to, or accepted to, a credit-bearing study abroad or internship program in a country or location with an overall Travel Advisory Level 1 or 2 . Scholarship awards for $5,000.

Boren Awards: Scholarships and Fellowships

• Scholarships: up to $25,000 to f und study abroad by  U.S. undergraduate students  in world regions critical to U.S. interests.
• Fellowships: up to $25,000 to f und  research and language study proposals by  U.S. graduate students  in world regions critical to U.S. interests.
• Study in  Western Europe, Canada, Australia, or New Zealand are ineligible.
• UNM contact: Todd Karr ([email protected])

Fund for Education Abroad

• For students that are U.S. citizens or permanent residents; currently enrolled as an undergraduate at a college or university in the U.S.; study abroad program must be eligible for credit at the student’s home institution.
• Looking at financial need, academic prepardness, and demographic factors (minority backgrounds, first-generation college students, community college experience).

Critical Language Scholarship

• The Critical Language Scholarship (CLS) Program is an immersive summer opportunity for American college and university students to learn languages essential to America's engagement with the world. Applications due in mid-late fall for summer study abroad.

Diverse International Women of Color Study Abroad Scholarship (DIWC)

The Diverse International Women Of Color Study Abroad Scholarship is intended to assist women of color who are exceptional in their studies and in need of financial assistance to study abroad. DIWC will award $500 scholarships to women of color who have been accepted to a In-Person Study Abroad Program.

The Voyager Scholarship

• The Voyager Scholarship was created by the Obamas and Brian Chesky, Airbnb Co-founder, and CEO, to help shape the next generation of public service leaders.  This scholarship is for college juniors working towards a career in the public service sector who will be studying abroad during their junior year.

Project GO Scholarship

• A scholarship search engine for ROTC students.

Phi Kappa Phi Study Abroad Grants

• Funds $1000 for undergraduate study abroad.

Barry M. Goldwater Scholarship

• For undergraduate study leading to careers in STEM areas. Must 1) be a sophomore or junior at the time of application (majoring in STEM fields), 2) be a US citizen or a permanent resident, 3) have a highly competitive GPA, 4) have research experience in the fields, and 5) plan to pursue a Ph.D. in STEM. UNM contact is Kiyoko Simmons ([email protected]).

Udall Undergraduate Scholarship

• For undergraduates who intend to pursue careers related to (1) the environment, (2) tribal public policy, or (3) Native health care. Must be a Native American to apply for (2) and (3). Must 1) be a sophomore or junior at the time of application, 2) be a US citizen or permanent resident. UNM contact is Kiyoko Simmons ([email protected]).

Killiam Fellowship Program

• Scholarships are available for US undergraduate students studying abroad in Canada.

German Academic Exchange Services (DAAD)

• This grant is a small view of the aid the German government will distribute, please visit their website for more information. 

US-Japan Bridging Scholarship

• Funds $4,000 for study in Japan.

Monbukagakusho (MEXT) Scholarship

• Funding for Study in Japan. 

IIE Freeman Awards for Study in Asia

• Freeman-ASIA accepts applications from U.S. citizens or permanent residents studying at the undergraduate level at a two-year or four-year college or university who demonstrate a financial need to study abroad in East or Southeast Asia.

Study Abroad Scholarships for American Students of Minority and Heritage Communities

These scholarships are awarded to eligible undergraduate and graduate students who have been accepted to a language program or university study abroad program in Turkey, the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC), or Bosnia and Herzegovina (BiH).

Foreign Language and Area Studies Fellowships Program 

• This program provides grants to colleges and universities to fund undergraduate students and graduate students undergoing training in modern foreign languages and related areas of international studies. 

If you decide to study abroad through a third-party program, look out for additional scholarships offered through the provider. Many organizations will offer special scholarships for qualified students enrolled in their programs.

The organizations listed below offer scholarships specifically for UNM students. Some programs from each of these providers are featured on our website, but please be aware that these companies offer many other study abroad programs as well. If you do not see a program of interest on our site, feel free to research each provider's website and meet with a UNM Study Abroad advisor for more information on applying through UNM.

Note: These scholarships are exclusively for students attending a program organized by the respective study abroad organization. They cannot be applied to an exchange program or any other type of study abroad experience.

• APIConnect Scholarships:  As an APIConnect member, all UNM students will receive an automatic APIConnect "First Award" Scholarship of $ 1,000 for semester and $500 for internship or summer programs. These awards will be deducted from the student's invoice, and they will receive notification of the award within 5 days of acceptance.
• API Financial Aid Boost Scholarship:  Students with additional unmet financial needs, can complete the API Financial Aid Boost Scholarship application (which includes their Financial Aid Verification Form).
• Please, note individual scholarship deadlines and view more API Scholarship listings here!
• UNM students traveling with CIEE qualify for an immediate $2,000 Minority Serving Institutions Grant.
• Additional grants and scholarships are available, particularly for students receiving Pell Grant funding.   See more details, here . Contact your advisor for additional details.
• The Frederick Douglass Global Fellowship provides a 4-week, all-expense paid study abroad seminar for 10 accepted students from Minority Serving Institutions (like UNM!)   See more details here .

CRCC Asia- Vietnam 

• 2024 HCMC Scholarship Program -  The program provides a fully-funded internship for one month in  HCMC , Vietnam. The internship will start on  June 27, 2024 , and end on  July 24, 2024 . 

IFSA-Butler

• UNM students qualify for an IFSA-Butler State School Scholarship, between $500-$2000 per program (Engage and Alliance programs, excluded).
• IFSA-Butler also offers a   First Generation scholarship program , as well as   additional funding options . One popular scholarship is the Upfront Auckland Scholarship, which offers up to $7,500 for students attending the IFSA-Butler Auckland program. Contact your advisor for additional details. 
• UNM students traveling with KEI during the academic year qualify for a $1,000 Affiliation grant. Contact your advisor for details.   Additional KEI scholarships are available .
• UNM students traveling with USAC can apply for a dedicated UNM/USAC scholarship. Contact your advisor for details.   Additional USAC scholarship opportunities are available.

Semester at Sea

DiversityAbroad.com Scholarship   - awarded to four students per voyage, covers airfare and a $5,000 tuition reduction

HACU Scholarship   - $10,000 award for one student per voyage

Alumni Support Scholarships   - a group of about 40 donor-funded awards ranging from $500-$10,000

Pell Grant Match   - SAS will match one semester of a student's Pell Grant if they can provide an award letter

Student Assistant Grants   - $4,000 tuition reduction in return for working in a position on board the ship for two hours each day the ship is at sea. The positions include Computer Lab, Library, Administrative Assistants, etc. 

Chateaubriand Scholarship

For doctoral students 4-9 months fully funded. STEM and Humanities.

Fulbright-Hays--Doctoral Dissertation Research Abroad 

This program provides grants to colleges and universities to fund individual doctoral students who conduct research in other countries, in modern foreign languages and area studies for periods of six to 12 months.

Harry S. Truman Scholarship

For students who plan to pursue a career in public service. Awards up to $30,000 for graduate study. Must 1) be an undergraduate junior or a senior in the 3rd year, 2) be a US citizen, 3) have a highly competitive GPA, 4) plan to work in public service (government, education, a nonprofit org., etc.), and 5) plan to pursue a graduate degree in law, public administration, public health, social work, education, public policy, international affairs, etc. UNM contact is Kiyoko Simmons ( [email protected] ).

Yenching Academy of Peking University

For a one-year Master's degree in Chinese Studies at Peking University. Must 1) have a conferred bachelor's degree before the start of the grant, and 2) have an outstanding academic record and leadership potential. Preference is given to candidates age 25 or younger. UNM contact is Kiyoko Simmons ( [email protected] ).

Schwarzman Scholars Program

For one year of study in Public Policy, Economics & Business, and International Studies at Tsinghua University, Beijing, China. Must 1) have a conferred bachelor's degree before the start of the grant. Must be at least 18 but not yet 29 years old as of June 30 of the program year. UNM contact is Kiyoko Simmons ( [email protected] ).

Churchill Scholarship

For graduating seniors or recent graduates who are pursuing a one-year Master's degree in a STEM field at the University of Cambridge. Must 1) be a US citizen, 2) be a senior enrolled in UNM or one of the participating institutions of the Churchill Scholarship or recent graduate within the past 12 months, and 3) have outstanding academic achievement, proven talent in STEM research, and outstanding personal qualities. UNM contact is Kiyoko Simmons ( [email protected] ).

Gates Cambridge Scholarship

An international scholarship program to enable outstanding graduate students from outside the United Kingdom to study at the University of Cambridge. Must 1) be citizens of any country outside the United Kingdom, and 2) apply to pursue one of the full-time residential courses of study. UNM contact is Kiyoko Simmons ( [email protected] ).

Marshall Scholarship

For full-time graduate study in any UK graduate program for two years. Must 1) be a US citizen, 2) have a minimum GPA of 3.7, 3) have earned an undergraduate degree within the last 2.5 years, and 4) present an academic plan and demonstrate the potential to make a significant contribution to society. UNM contact is Kiyoko Simmons ( [email protected] ).

Rhodes Scholarship

For study towards a master's degree at Oxford for two years. Must 1) be between 18 and 23 years of age on 10/1 of your application year, 2) be a US citizen or permanent resident, 3) have a competitive GPA, and 4) have demonstrated record of academic achievement, leadership, and concern for others. UNM contact is Kiyoko Simmons ( [email protected] ).

Philipp Schwartz Initiative for Threatened Foreign Researchers

Important Information: This scholarship provides German universities and research institutions with means to host threatened foreign researchers for 24 months.

Fulbright Program

Important Information: Funds a wide variety of potential programs. Applicants must have completed their undergraduate degree at the time of application. UNM contact is Kiyoko Simmons ( [email protected] ).

IIE Study Abroad Funding

GoAbroad Scholarships

Abroad 101 Scholarship Directory 

Helpful articles on applying for study abroad grants and scholarships

GoAbroad's list of 10 Programs that Offer First Gen & Minority Study Abroad Scholarships

12 Study Abroad Scholarships for LGBT Students

One of the most important steps in preparing to study abroad is   creating an accurate budget   and gathering funds based on the information you collect. 

To calculate your estimated expenses, as well as your available resources, use this prepared   Study Abroad Budget Template . Check in with your study abroad advisor if you have questions!

Students should account for the following budget categories:

• Tuition (may be the same as a semester at UNM if on an exchange program)
• Airfare and additional travel
• International health insurance
• Entertainment and personal expenses

Once you have reviewed your budget, you might find you still need additional funds to make your study abroad dream a reality. In addition to the   scholarships   listed on the other tabs on this page, we invite you to think creatively about   other funding opportunities !   We've collected examples from previous students in our   Student Funding Resources document. 

Additional resources:

NY Times - How to Travel Cheaply

In almost all cases,   you can use your financial aid to study abroad ! This includes the Lottery Scholarship, Opportunity Scholarship, Federal Pell Grants, and many other scholarships you may receive at UNM.

For students studying abroad for a Fall and/or Spring semester:

If you choose an Exchange program , you will pay UNM tuition as normal. This means that your financial aid and scholarships will automatically apply to your tuition at UNM. There will be no change in your tuition fee if you normally pay for 15 credits (12 credits for graduate students). You will register for the study abroad placeholder class ISEP 888 to notify financial aid and the bursar that you are studying abroad on exchange.

If you choose a Direct Enroll/Non-UNM program , you will be able to have your financial aid and scholarships disbursed to you. If you have direct deposit set up with the Bursar’s office, the money will come directly to your checking account. You can use this money to pay your tuition and/or travel costs for your program! Pell grants, Lottery Scholarships, Presidential and Woodward scholarships, and most student loans CAN be used for direct enrollment study abroad, however, the Amigo Scholarship cannot be used. You will register for the study abroad placeholder class ISEP 999 to notify financial aid and the bursar that you are studying abroad on a direct enrollment program.

For students studying abroad on a summer program: Pell grant recipients can receive funding for summer study abroad!

Tuition scholarships may not be available for use in summer if they do not typically include summer enrollment.

You will register for the study abroad placeholder class ISEP 999, to notify financial aid and the bursar that you are studying abroad.

It is your responsibility to know the requirements for you scholarships (GPA, credit hours, etc.) and maintain these while you are abroad. International schools may have different grading scales, modes of instruction, and expectations for students. Your study abroad advisor can help you choose the best program and courses to maintain your scholarships - please ask!

In the case that you do not achieve the appropriate grades or credits to maintain your scholarships, you can work with Scholarships office to Petition for Scholarship Reinstatement:   https://scholarship.unm.edu/Resources/petition-process.html . Please contact the Scholarships office for questions, and let your GEO advisor know if you have issues.

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Tourism Event Growth & Sustainability Program

Fy25 application window opens march 18 - april 16, 2024, 5:00pm (mdt).

This program provides technical assistance, marketing, and sponsorship to qualified tourism events within New Mexico to support their growth and sustainability.

What qualifies as an eligible event ?

Eligible events for this program will do all of the following things:

• Drive out-of-state travel
• Drive in-state travel resulting in overnight stays
• Provide an experience aligned with the New Mexico True brand of "adventure steeped in culture."

Who's eligible ?

Eligible entities include: 

• Nonprofit tourism-related organizations
• For-profit organizations
• Municipalities and counties
• Tribal governments 

All eligible entities must have a fiscal agent - Municipalities, counties, and tribal governments may serve as their own fiscal agent.

For-profit and some nonprofit applicants must partner with a government entity to serve as their fiscal agent. 

Nonprofit applicants and fiscal agents must be in good standing with the New Mexico Secretary of State and the New Mexico Office of the Attorney General now known as the NM Department of Justice. 

*FY25 Application Guidelines and  Definitions Document - please review prior to completing application. 

FY25 TEGS program offers three options for support :

Accelerator.

Builds and improves events to prepare them for sponsorship. Technical assistance offering recommendations for improvement may include an Online Discoverability audit assessing the event's web and social presence, as well as an onsite audit assessing on-the-ground operations. Upon successful completion of the audit process, the event may receive up to $5,000 in reimbursement-based funding to execute approved deliverables.

To participate, applicants must provide proof of event success/track record, local commitment, and a readiness to accelerate the event.

Cooperative Marketing

Secures marketing and advertising for events through a 2:1 matching investment marketing program. Awarded events select from a media menu up to an award amount of $10,000.

To participate, applicants must have digital access to event website and social accounts and the website must show conversion potential.

Sponsorship

Provides up to $50,000 in sponsorship from NMTD, based on event size, and provides the opportunity to co-brand event with New Mexico True.

To participate, applicants must provide brand impressions equal to the contract amount and demonstrate advertising potential and the ability to grow the event. Events must have a marketing plan, financial plan/budget, tourist-centered website and social media, and attendee and economic impact data.

For further information or program assistance, please contact Tourism Development Department at g [email protected] .

To apply for the FY25 TEGS Program, please visit Survey Monkey Apply at  https://nmtourism.smapply.io/  

Compatible browsers are Chrome, Firefox, Safari and Microsoft Edge. 

FY25 TEGS Application Webinar

• FY25 TEGS Program Applicaiton Webinar Slides 
• FY25 TEGS Program Grant Guidelines 
• FY25 TEGS Program Sample Application 
• FY25 TEGS Program Definitions Document 
• FY25 TEGS Program Economic Impact Calculator 
• New Mexico True Brand Resource Hub

Past Participants

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What are you searching for?

Travel grants.

Travel Grants are awarded to help students attend conferences, present posters and papers, collect data for experiments, and more. Students must review and be aware of the submission guidelines before submitting.  Travel Grant awards are also offered through other associations and departments. 

Both your application and your advisor recommendation letter must be submitted online before the deadline or you will not be considered for travel funding.

For international students who have received a grant, please fill out the “ foreign student travel tax questionnaire .”

A complete list of the application rules are uploaded on our website

GSA Travel Grant Forms:

Travel grant applications are processed through Google Forms, click on the link to fill out the application.

Travel Grant Application Form

Advisor recommendation letter notifications should automatically be sent to your advisor. If not, please contact the GSA at [email protected] . A direct link for the recommendation form is also available: 

Advisor Recommendation Form

Current GSA Grant Due Dates:

* Note: These are priority deadlines. Applications may be submitted for consideration up to 1 month before the proposed conference. Please be advised that proposals submitted before the funding period's deadline will be given first priority. 

  * NMT Graduate Students are also eligible to apply for the travel grants from SGA (Student Gov't Association)

Other Travel Grant Opportunities for Graduate Students:

• Office of Research   - Contact VP of Research Dr. Nelia Dunbar ( [email protected])
• Office of Student Life   - Contact Dr. Peter Phaiah ( [email protected] )
• Presidents' Office
• Student Government Association   - Contact SGA for more information
• If you are   traveling for conference presentation , most of the time they have student travel support.
• Contact your department head about additional student travel support opportunities.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Q: What do I do after I have been awarded a GSA travel grant?

A:  You will receive an email from our Travel Grants Officer with instructions to fill out a travel form before you travel. You can find a list of rules for filling out the travel form here , and a visual guide here .

Q: I’ve submitted my abstract to a conference, but won’t know whether it has been accepted until after the grant proposal deadline. Can I still apply for a travel grant?

A: You may still apply for GSA funding even if you are not sure that you will be able to travel. Indicate in your Project Summary that your travel is contingent upon approval from the other organization. If a decision is made after you submit the proposal, notify the GSA of the decision as soon as possible at [email protected]. If no decision has been made by the time of the GSA Grants Committee meeting, the committee will still evaluate your proposal.

Q: I would like to attend a conference, but will not be presenting a poster or giving a talk. Can I still receive travel funding from the GSA?

A: Yes. While preference is given to those students who are formally presenting their research, it is possible to receive some funding to attend a conference if the budget allows.

Q: My advisor wants me to attend a conference in less than a month. I hadn't planned on attending this conference and the deadline for travel grant proposals for this funding period has already passed. Can I still apply for funding?

A: No. The GSA normally receives more proposals than it can fund each semester. Any unused travel funds will be rolled over to the next travel period.

Q: What kind of proposals receive higher priority for funding?

A: Proposals submitted early and before the deadline will receive first consideration. In general, proposals that require only domestic travel and proposals for oral talks will receive the highest priorities. The full priority list is listed below (highest to lowest): 

• Oral Presentation & domestic travel
• Poster Presentation & domestic travel
• Oral Presentation & international travel
• Workshop & domestic travel
• Poster Presentation & international travel
• Workshop & international travel

Have more Questions? email us at [email protected]  

General Proposal Suggestions:

Here we provide a list of suggestions to help improve your proposal preparation. These suggestions are based on comments from previous grant recipients and on comments from proposal reviewers.

• Plan your travel early. The proposal deadline may be more than four months before your travel date. Late proposals are not accepted, so determine what travel you might want to do well ahead of time.
• Start writing the proposal early. Pro­posals written at the last minute are usually poor in comparison to other proposals.
• Give your advisor plenty of time to write a letter of recommendation. Do not assume that your advisor will have time to write something up on the afternoon of the proposal deadline.
• Communicate with your advisor. Discuss potential travel for the next grant period with your advisor. Learn about important meetings before the grand deadlines, not after.
• Communicate with your audience. If the reviewers cannot understand your proposal, it will probably not get funding.
• Have someone else read over your proposal. Often, a different reader can catch errors that you miss. The Writing Center is also available to help students be successful in their writing; for more information, refer to: https://www.nmt.edu/academics/class/center.php . If your English is poor, get assistance from a friend with better English skills. Again, the Writing Center is available to help students.
• Use a spell-checker.
• Check your budget carefully. Do not request funding for items not allowed by the GSA. Make sure your cost estimates are reasonable.
• Double check your math.
• Attempt to share a room with another person to reduce room costs. Rooms at conference hotels are often substantially higher than rooms in other hotels nearby. Check the prices of nearby hotels. If you need to stay at a location with a substantially higher price, include a justification in your Project Summary.
• Check for student prices for conference fees and hotel room prices.
• Look for alternate sources of funding. The GSA Travel Grant is partially need based, so you need to demonstrate that alternate sources of funding are not available. Check other sources in addition to your advisor. Does someone else on your thesis committee have funding that you can use? Does your department have funding? Does the conference you are attending offer funding for students?
• Do you belong to a professional organization? Many conferences have reduced registration fees for organization members. Many organizations also have grant programs for student research and travel which you can apply for.
• Follow the instructions. Failure to provide requested information can be cause your proposal to not be considered.

Example travel grants are available to help you with the application:  Example Travel Grants    

  Last Updated on July 19 th , 2022

clock This article was published more than  2 years ago

8 ways to find free or subsidized travel in 2022

Grants, teaching programs and seasonal jobs can help unattached travelers looking to fund their adventures.

Even if you’re backpacking on a shoestring budget or hostel-hopping through Europe, you have to spend money to travel. There’s the price of eating and sleeping on the road, plus the financial toll of leaving your job, children, pets or other responsibilities behind.

Fortunately for people with flexibility in their schedules — and even more flexibility with their relationships — there are ways to finagle free (or even paid) travel, particularly for artists, scuba divers, animal lovers, teachers and lucky contest winners.

There’s always a catch, of course, whether it’s working your way through a trip or producing something to show from your experience by the end.

Here are eight ways to see the world on someone else’s dime.

You tested positive in a foreign country. Here’s what you should do.

Sign up to be a sitter

Have you always dreamed of visiting Boston but can’t afford a hotel? Do you want access to the slopes of Tahoe without paying peak-season rates? Generally responsible people can find gigs caring after homes and pets. Companies like Nomador and TrustedHousesitters connect people who love to travel with people who need help looking after their homes or pets in exchange for room and board. There are blogs dedicated to this lifestyle for people looking to learn more about the opportunity before jumping into a trip.

Apply for a travel grant

Just like scientists who apply for research funding, you can try to get a grant to sponsor your travel goals. Scoring one is tough, as not many exist, and many people want free travel.

One way to find them is by entering terms like “grant” or “travel grant” into a search engine alongside topics that relate to your job, interests or field of study.

For example, a quick search of “scuba diving grant” will pull up more than $500,000 in grants and scholarships for divers, according to the Professional Association of Diving Instructors. Try “grants for hikers,” and you will find options such as the American Alpine Club’s McNeill-Nott Award , offering $5,000 a year to female amateur climbers and alpinists (applications are open Oct. 1 through Dec. 31).

There are also widely known grants, such as the Fulbright-National Geographic fellowship that offers U.S. students a paid year of “storytelling on a globally significant theme.” Grantees — or “storytellers” — get standard Fulbright benefits covering travel, health care and a general stipend, plus a reporting allowance and additional materials. They will also get instruction on storytelling techniques by National Geographic staff before they start their adventure. They will have the chance to pitch stories for the publication’s platforms. Although applications are closed for the 2022-2023 competition, you can apply for the 2023-2024 year when applications open this April .

Adventure awaits in Central America. Now it just needs tourists to return.

Teach English

An old-school route for travelers is to become an English teacher abroad. A good place to start your search for opportunities is TEFL, a membership network that provides accreditation and offers a connection to more than 30,000 employers, according to its website. Members can access jobs around the world, whether they want to work four hours a day in Moscow or full time in Santiago, Chile.

Another route is online teaching. Because of the pandemic, there are more online English teaching jobs that could enable you to work from anywhere you would like to travel. Teachers with Magic Ears earn between $22 and $26 per hour, for example.

A viral TikTok showed how to get $1,000 if you’re bumped from a flight. We unpack that.

Study microelectronics from an RV

Roadtrip Nation is sending three people on a three-week RV trip across the country in the name of microelectronics. They are looking for applicants who want to pursue a career focused on microelectronics, semiconductors and microchips, so if you’re into AI or adaptive manufacturing, this gig is for you.

The trip — set to begin in May, although it could get shifted depending on the pandemic — will be filmed, resulting in a documentary that may end up shown on public television. All expenses will be covered, and road trippers will also get a daily stipend. Applications are due Feb. 6 at 11:59 p.m. Pacific time.

Become an ‘artist-in-residence’

For the creative set, one opportunity for free or subsidized travel is an artist residency.

The National Parks Arts Foundation (NPAF) lists opportunities that support visual artists, writers, musicians, and other creatives, typically for about two to four weeks. One such gig is the Death Valley National Park artist-in-residency program that has two residencies each year. Artists get a $3,000 stipend and are housed (and fed) in a hotel right inside the park.

For writers, there is the chance to stay in a “poet’s cottage” in Central Pennsylvania through the Philip Roth Residence in Creative Writing . The program gives recipients four months of time to work, plus a stipend of $5,000. Applicants must be writing their first or second book of fiction or creative nonfiction. The deadline for applications is Feb. 1.

Retreat to Peterborough, N.H., for the MacDowell program, which invites emerging and established artists and provides accommodations, use of a studio and three prepared meals per day for as many as six weeks. Applicants must work in disciplines including architecture, film or video arts, interdisciplinary arts, literature, music composition, theater and visual arts. The deadline for fall residency applications is Feb. 10.

Traveling to Europe? What to know about 5 countries during omicron.

Become a flight attendant

Should a career change suit you, you may want to consider becoming a flight attendant. With airlines’ labor shortage and staffing issues, many are hiring flight attendants — and offering bonuses and extra pay — to make sure flights can take off on schedule. And, obviously, the job is all about travel.

Several big names are hiring right now, including American Airlines , United and Delta . But there are flight attendant openings from lesser-known regional and corporate carriers, too.

How 3 travelers with disabilities or chronic illness navigate the world

Find a seasonal job

Like airlines, tourist destinations have been hurting for staff throughout the pandemic. Cool Works is a seemingly endless portal of seasonal jobs that appeal to travel lovers, including operating a gondola at a Telluride ski resort, becoming a chef right outside a national park or tending to a historic Cape Cod inn . The website features openings in categories broken down by type of job — brewery, winery and distillery, camp jobs or general labor, for example — as well as season or location, help wanted now, interesting regions and more.

If you have dreamed of shadowing a pasta maker in Italy or learning about permaculture in Malawi , you can also pick up short-term gigs working just about anywhere in the world through WWOOF, the Worldwide Opportunities on Organic Farms. Founded in 1871, the organization features opportunities in more than 130 countries. WWOOF’s mission is to connect travelers with organic farmers in the spirit of cultural and educational exchange while promoting good farming and sustainability practices.

Apply to live rent-free in Sicily

In its latest marketing stunt, Airbnb is offering one lucky applicant the opportunity to spend a year rent-free in the rural village of Sambuca in Sicily. The concept was inspired by Sambuca’s 2019 “1 Euro House” campaign that aimed to solve the town’s declining population problem by enticing new investments through cheap real estate. If you win, you will have to list one of the rooms of the house on Airbnb. You may also be able to learn Italian through a mentorship program.

More spring travel tips

Trends: Cheaper spring break | Cool all-inclusives | Let ChatGPT plan your day | Is it safe to go to Mexico? | Book a free night in Sicily

The basics: Tip without cash | Traveling with kids | Decide where to stay | A pre-trip checklist of house chores | How to get your passport | Plan a ski trip | Eat without feeling terrible | Budget for your next trip | Plan a cheaper Disney trip

Flying: Fly like a decent human being | How to set airfare price alerts | Flying with an injury | PreCheck vs. Global Entry vs. CLEAR | Can I fly with weed? | AirTag your luggage | Airport parking 101 | Deal with airport crowds | Why Stalk airfare after booking

Driving: 9 tips for road tripping with a baby | Try the Airbnb of rental cars | Rent an EV | Do I need an international license to drive abroad? | Avoid big rental car fees

Greener travel: Bike to the airport | How environmentalists travel | How to find ‘greener’ flights | Make your travel better for the planet

Pets: How to travel with pets | Why the pet fee? | Pet flying 101 | Alternatives to flying with your pet

In case of emergency: Manage airport disasters | Your flight is canceled | How to get a human on the phone | What to do if your car gets stuck | Find your lost luggage | How to get a refund for a canceled flight | Deal with a bad hotel room | When you’re bumped off your flight | If you get rebooked without your family | What are my rebooking rights? | Recover a lost item at TSA, the airport or your flight

• GSA Website

• Students & Early Career
• Travel Grants

In this Section

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• Section Home

GSA Sections, Divisions, and Associated Societies are ready to help you get to the meeting! Various groups are offering grants to help defray your costs for registration, field trips, travel, etc. Eligibility criteria and deadline dates may vary by grant.

GSA Sections (North America & Mexico)

Gsa section travel grants.

Application deadline: 13 Sept. 2023

Application deadline passed

GSA Sections offer travel grants to help students attend GSA Connects 2023. Check the eligibility requirements  for your Section. The application form is available from this page  only  during the pre-registration period.

IMPORTANT NOTES:

You must be registered for the meeting before you can apply. If you are not chosen to receive a grant and cannot attend the meeting, GSA will refund your registration fee.

Travel grant awards will be distributed to the recipient following the GSA Connects 2023 Meeting.

Contact William Cox, [email protected] , with questions regarding the Connects 2023 Section Travel Grants.

GSA International Travel Grants

Application deadline: 2 June 2023

Get eligibility details and apply

GSA International offers travel grants to help support the participation of international scientists and students at GSA Connects 2023 in Denver. Travel grant funds are limited; grants will not cover the full cost to attend the meeting but are intended to help offset the combined cost of registration, housing, and travel. Applicants will be notified about their status (successful or not) by 23 June 2023.

Check with your Division or Section

Many GSA  Divisions  and  Sections  offer grants as well as best-paper awards. Be sure to check with yours for GSA Connects-related funding.

Interested in helping students participate in the meeting?

Every year, a large percentage of students apply for travel grants for the meeting but do not receive an award due to limited funds. You can help reduce this number by donating as little as US$10 via your registration application. 100 percent of funds collected go to students!

On To the Future Travel Awards

Application deadline: 31 May 2023

The On To the Future (OTF) program supports students from diverse communities to attend GSA Connects by offering partial travel funding if attending in-person, full meeting registration, one-year membership, mentorship, and special sessions with leadership during the meeting.

Learn more and apply

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How to Request Mexico Tourism Tax Refunds for Mexican Citizens, Residents & Transiting Visitors [UPDATED September 2017]

Originally Posted in January 2017 – Updated with new data points in September 2017!

Buenos dias!

If you or someone you know has a Mexican passport or resident card, they might be leaving money on the table when they purchase airline tickets to/from/through Mexico.

When you purchase a plane ticket to Mexico, the fare has a tourism tax built in – similar to US customs and immigration fees.  This fee goes toward the cost of immigration processing and the arrival / departure card required for foreign visitors. The fee is 500 Mexican Pesos, which is roughly $28 USD. (The fee increased from 390 pesos at some point in 2017). On your ticket receipt you may see this referred to as UK (the IATA code for this tax) or DNR (the Spanish abbreviation).

Screenshot from ITA Matrix showing the Mexico tourism tax – tax and exchange rate as of December 18, 2016.

However, not everyone is required to pay this fee.  If you have a Mexican passport or resident card, or are spending less than 24 hours in Mexico, you’re exempt from this tax. (Infants under 2 and diplomats are also exempt.) This is outlined (in Spanish) on this Mexican government FAQ page, question 16 .

Description of tax refund eligibility requirements on the Alaska Airlines website.

Mexican carriers typically know not to charge this fee to Mexican citizens based on the citizenship information you enter at the time of booking, but otherwise, there’s a good chance this fee will end up on your ticket even when it shouldn’t. (There’s actually a class action lawsuit pending against several US and Mexican airlines for this practice.) Fortunately, most airlines are pretty good about giving you a refund upon request.

Alaska Airlines Difficulty: MEDIUM

Alaska was the first airline I found that documents the existence of this tax refund on their website . You can present your documentation to an airline representative at checkin to have a refund request submitted for you, or you can submit copies by mail or fax after travel is completed. After my trip on Alaska’s inaugural flight from San Francisco to Mexico City , I sent a fax with the ticket numbers and IDs and received an email about two days later letting me know the refund had been processed.

American Airlines Difficulty:  EASY

American now has a page on their website about Mexico tourism tax refunds too. In the past, I used to submit refund requests via Twitter. Now, you can contact Reservations before your trip, or submit a refund request through their website after travel has been completed. The online refund request is very easy – I just selected ‘refund of taxes’ as the reason and uploaded a copy of my resident card, and the refund was back on my credit card within a few days.

Tax refund from American Airlines for a flight on September 21, 2016.

Delta Air Lines Difficulty: MEDIUM

Delta has information about tourism tax refunds buried on their Legal Notices page , and also on their “Pro” website for travel agents . The Legal Notices page directs you to their online refunds tool, but when I tried to submit a request for a refund for a previous flight, I got a big fat error message.  Attempting to request a refund for an upcoming flight forces you to cancel the ticket first, which isn’t helpful either. I reached out to their Twitter team for assistance, but they told me to call the International Reservations Sales Team at 1-800-241-4141 for assistance.

Update: I sent a fax with ticket numbers and ID copies to Delta’s Passenger Refunds department at 404-715-9256 and received an email about two days later saying that the refunds had been processed to the original forms of payment.

No luck requesting a refund from Delta online.

Jetblue Airways Difficulty: IMPOSSIBLE

JetBlue has an unnecessarily convoluted system for requesting tax refunds. In theory, it’s relatively simple: you show your receipt and your documents to Jetblue agents at checkin and they submit the refund request on your behalf. In practice, this is way harder than it sounds. Their Twitter team told me that you can’t just submit a copy of your e-ticket – you have to request a  Comprobantes Fiscal Digital por Internet (CFDI) receipt through a third party website  at least 48 hours but no more than 30 days after purchase.

This website (in Spanish) is buggy and full of inaccurate and conflicting information.  For example, on the first page you have to enter your ticket number and date of purchase, but if you enter the actual date of purchase it doesn’t work. The site shows a sample boarding pass with the ticket number and departure date highlighted, but that doesn’t work either – their system doesn’t allow you to select dates in the future.

When I reached out to their Twitter team for help, they suggested entering the date I was requesting the receipt as the date of purchase (even though I bought the ticket last month) – that didn’t work either. Their Twitter team then directed me to email [email protected], who couldn’t help with a receipt or refund, but sent me a $50 Jetblue voucher for my trouble.

Inaccurate sample ticket image from the JetBlue CFDI website

Southwest  Airlines Difficulty: NOT SO BAD

I’ve had good luck getting Southwest to refund tourism taxes via Twitter. Since Southwest tickets are so flexible, you have to wait until travel is completed to submit a refund request. Their Twitter team told me to fax a copy of my documents to their Refunds Department (972-656-2568) with my confirmation number. The first time I requested a refund, it took nearly two months – I submitted my documents on April 5, and didn’t receive a refund until the end of May.  When I followed up with the Twitter team on May 20th, they said the Refunds department was still handling requests from March 21st. However, I submitted a request for a different ticket via Twitter on October 4th and was able to get a refund processed the next day without having to resubmit my documents.

Quick refund processing from @SouthwestAir on Twitter.

Spirit Airlines Difficulty: EASY

Bill reported in the comments that he was able to obtain a refund easily by sending an email to customer service, presumably with the relevant ticket numbers/record locator(s) and a copy of the necessary documents.

United Airlines Difficulty: EASY

I used to use Twitter to get tax refunds from United, but now I just use the United Refunds website . Select the “Contact United Refunds” option, fill out the form with your ticket details, and upload a copy of your resident card or passport; you’ll get an email in a few days informing you that the refund has been processed. As a bonus, United automatically removes the taxes from roundtrip itineraries originating in Mexico.

Aeromexico Difficulty: EASY

The first time I traveled to Mexico, I had separate tickets from LAX to Mexico City and an onward connection (within 24 hours) from Mexico City to Santiago, Chile – which meant that I was exempt from both the tourism tax and Mexico City’s steep international departure tax. If I had booked that as a single ticket, those taxes would have been removed automatically, but their US refunds team (amusrefunds@ aeromexico .com) was able to process the refund quickly. That’s also the department for requesting tourism tax refunds based on citizenship or residency – just email them your ticket number and a copy of your passport or residency card.  Note: From the comments, others have reported difficulty with Aeromexico. YMMV.

All Nippon Airways (ANA) Difficulty: HARDER/TBD

I booked an ANA award ticket earlier this year that included a United segment from SFO to Mexico City. I reached out to ANA on Twitter and was directed to call them at 1-800-235-9262 for assistance. But I hate making phone calls, so I haven’t gotten around to it yet.

Air France / KLM Difficulty: IMPOSSIBLE

Last year, I booked two award tickets for my partner on Aeromexico using Flying Blue miles and was charged tourism tax on both tickets. I tried multiple times to reach out to Flying Blue, Air France / KLM, Delta (which handles some of their customer service in the US), and Aeromexico, both myself and through an agent at  getservice.com . Air France told us to contact Aeromexico, and subsequent requests to contact either airline – even through executive channels – were met with complete silence. Ultimately, getservice recommended that I initiate a chargeback with my credit card company, and I also considered filing a complaint with the US Department of Transportation, but at that point the tickets were so old that I didn’t want to bother with it anymore.

Air Transat Difficulty: IMPOSSIBLE

Isabelle in the comments reports that despite reaching out by both phone and Twitter, Air Transat just pointed her to the fiscal receipt request page on their website and said that she would have to request a refund from the Mexican government.

Volaris Difficulty: IMPOSSIBLE

The Volaris website asks you if you have a Mexican passport when you book your ticket, but since I have a US passport, there is no way to avoid being charged the fee automatically. I reached out to their Twitter team for advice, who incorrectly told me that since I have a foreign passport, I have to pay the fee regardless of my residency status.

I then reached out to the Volaris chat support team, who directed me to email Customer Relations at [email protected]. I’ve gone back and forth with them via email multiple times – they don’t seem to have a great grasp of how the law works, and in any case have decided that it’s my fault that the tax was charged because I selected “US Citizen” instead of “Mexican Citizen” at booking. Their policy (apparently) is that customers are completely responsible for whatever charges appear on the website at time of booking, and it sounds like they wouldn’t refund me even if I had a Mexican passport. Volaris told me that to avoid this fee in the future, I should just say that I am a Mexican citizen during the booking process. I ended up filing a chargeback on my Citi Prestige card, but since the amount was so small Citi just granted me a permanent credit without investigating.

“Thank you for writing, I inform you that [a refund] is not possible since on the return flight you would be entering Mexico as a foreigner, which is why the charge was applied.”

Frankly, this is an annoying process and requires quite a bit of record keeping and hassle. The savings definitely add up over time, due to the amount of travel that I do.  The amount of money saved on taxes will more than cover the cost of my one-year temporary resident card. There’s relatively little information about this process online, so I’m hoping this article will help people save some time and money.  I still have a few unresolved tax issues, but hopefully the refund process gets simpler, easier, and quicker in the future.

Check Out These Related Posts:

73 thoughts on “ how to request mexico tourism tax refunds for mexican citizens, residents & transiting visitors [updated september 2017] ”.

Can you ask for reimbursement after the flight was taken? Thks

Hi Jorge, yes several of these were reimbursed after the flight was taken. (In fact, some airlines like Southwest require it.) Was there a specific airline you’re curious about?

Thanks! Yes, Aeromexico to be exact.. You just drop an email requesting the refund with the tix and passport info?

That should work! Let me know how it goes.

Here is a big no from Aeromexico they don’t care … Southwest takes two months

Dear Mr. Sang:

Thank you for taking the time to contact us.

Receive an apology for the delay in the response.

It is important to state taxes are not paid to Aeromexico, those are pays to government; therefore cannot be refunded.

Also it is important to acknowledge you that we only keep records for our flights and reservation for a yearlong.

Best regards,

That’s really disappointing – thanks for the data point.

Sorry, but NOT easy at all with AeroMexico. We E-mailed them a copy of the ticket, passport and Residency card, and they told us you have to have joint citizenship – contrary to what it clearly states on the government web site. We have now E-mailed them a copy of the government’s remarks to see how they will respond. Very disappointing, AeroMexico!

Sorry to hear that! Let me know if you have more luck with a second representative.

Is a mexican passport required to go on a flight to mexico from the airline volaris? Because I am Mexican American and I already bought tickets for my family. Although I have a USA passport.

Not at all – you can use any passport to travel on them, they just ask if you have a Mexican passport so they can adjust the taxes accordingly.

Did you ever manage to get the refund from Delta? I’m trying to do it with them now and I’m going round in circles!

No I still haven’t tried. Let me know if you have any luck.

I spoke to them over the phone and by email, over the phone was a bit more of a challenge as the guy genuinely had no idea what I was talking about but he went out of his way to find out. APPARENTLY we were never charged it in the first place so they couldn’t refund it. It was actually quite painless and they were very good at responding to the emails!

Hi Rebecca! I was able to get a refund from Delta via fax. Updated information in the post :)

Great news Tonei! I’ve got an upcoming flight with Jetblue next month. Not holding my breath as have never been able to get in back in the past, but it’s worth a shot right ;)

I have residency in Mexico, and I’m legally not required to pay this tax. However, on the Volaris booking, there’s no option to select residency, just passport country. For my family, this means we pay an extra $100 that we shouldn’t have to pay. I’ve seen one other place online where people just say “Select Mexico!”. I don’t want to get stranded at the airport however. Anyone actually tried this?

That’s the same thing Volaris’ own reps told me to do – as far as I can tell, the only thing that option does is toggle the tourism tax. I haven’t flown Volaris in a while though, so I haven’t personally tried it.

From my experience with Volaris, it also toggles the ability to pay using anything but a México-based payment method. Of course it may have changed since I last tried it!

Good catch! I think last time I bought a Volaris ticket I ended up using PayPal to circumvent that restriction.

You are right. When we have booked on Air Canada there is nothing to state country of residence – just passport. As there are no longer Visa restrictions for Canada, I shall be using my Mexican passport from now on to avoid ther tax But this won’t be available to my husband who has permanent residency in Mexico.

Has anyone had any experience getting the Mexico Tourist Tax Refund from Spirit Airlines? I appreciate any advice or assistance. Thanks! Bill

I haven’t flown Spirit internationally – good luck, and let me know how it goes!

FOLLOW-UP—SPIRIT AIRLINES

My wife and I have Residente Permanente from when we lived in Mexico. I applied for the Mexican Tourist Tax Refund from Spirit. We got an almost immediate response from Spirit. Jorge in their customer service department was extremely helpful in crediting the refund to us. A lot of people like to pick on Spirit but I find them transparent in their advertising.

Nice! Glad to hear that this worked out so easily.

Hello Bill, Could you please give me details about how you proceed with Spirit? I have a claim with them and they said they have never refunded this Mexican tourism tax. By the way, I possess an Mexican permanent residence as well. Many thanks in advance for your response

Hi, This is what I received from the Spirit Team regarding my request: “Please be advised that any refund requests for government taxes paid for at the airport should be requested at the airport directly before boarding the flight. Otherwise, it may not be granted. We strongly encourage you to coordinate with our team members at the airport ticket counter for further help” In other words, they didn’t provide me with any procedure to request my Mexican tax refund due to my last flight with Spirit on December 2017. Any other suggestion to get this refund are more than welcome. Thanks

I contacted them and they processed the refund

With Air Transat, seem impossible. I contact them by phone & twitter. Both send me to this link. They said they cannot refound it, it need to be done by the mexican governement. https://webportal.edicomgroup.com/customers/airtransat/pasaje/consulta-ticket-cfdi-airtransat.html

https://webportal.edicomgroup.com/EdiwinViewer00/ayuda/FormAyuda.jsp?tipocliente=anonimo&idioma=ES&dominio=ATA870429CZ5

I am trying now to get a refound from Interjet. First thing their billing doesnt explain if we got charge for it or not.

I contact them by twitter, no helpfull. By email they send me this: “Agradecemos los minutos que nos otorga de su día para el envió de este mensaje, es importante considerar que a pesar de ser residente el impuesto de salida es mandatorio por cuestiones migratorias razón por la cual este no es rembolsable, sin embargo, requerimos que pueda señalarnos que impuesto expone ya que hay diversos impuestos que ya esta precargados en su compra. ” Basicaly they don’t event know if we got charge & say it’s mandatory to pay the DNR. Wil see what happen whit that & uptade.

Update, what a complicated thing with Interjet. By email they said to contact by phone. After spending an hour on the phone with them, they come to the conclusion that we have not been charge. On the confirmation of purchase there is no description of impuestos. At first they did not understand what I was talking about but at the end apparently we don’t have that charge & they cannot send me a detail or proof of that. Will see the day of the flight!

I did reach out to INM too about that & the official name of that taxe is DNR. This was the response I got from them: 28/08/2017 5:14 pm    Instituto Nacional de Migración Buen Día En atención a su consulta Le comento, el DNR es el derecho que deben de pagar los extranjeros cuando ingresan a México bajo la condición de estancia de visitante sin permiso para realizar actividades remuneradas (turista), por vía aérea, terrestre o marítima. Actualmente es de $500 por persona. Si la estancia de los extranjeros es menor a 7 días en territorio mexicano, no se paga el DNR. Saludos Cordiales

It’s the number 16: https://www.gob.mx/inm/articulos/preguntas-frecuentes-del-programa-paisano

Does anyone know how to file the tax return from Mexico after the fight was taken? I was trying to file the tax return in the airport ,but I’ve been told they do not have one in terminal 4 which they only have it in terminal 3 and 2 , and they told me that I can’t go to the other terminals but I can file it on the airplane which later on the flight attendant told me they do not have it on the plane

They may have thought you were trying to get a sales tax refund for purchasing items in the country…as far as i know the only way to get this tax refunded is through the airline, typically their refunds department.

Any experience with LAN? Have a transit in MEX on separate tickets with the tax collected by LAN.

Nope – but let me know how it goes!

I sent by USPS mail to Alaska Airlines at their address in Seattle a written letter with three past flights, including flight numbers, dates, and e-ticket numbers. Received a credit on my (Alaska Airlines/BofA) credit card about 3 weeks later.

Hey Tonei, Any ideas for Virgin Atlantic, I just asked them on their instant chat and the poor girl had no idea what I was talking about! I only just got the ticket today so I’ve got plenty of time to figure it out!

I would try their social media team first, and if they can’t help email or fax their refunds department. Let me know how it goes!

I just had a look at the fare breakdown on the ticket and it doesn’t even list the Tourism Tax (UK) as one of the taxes included in the total.. It’s got the TUA but not the UK which is interesting… This is the price breakdown that they provide! Base Fare Carrier-imposed Surcharge (YQ) Mexico – Transportation Tax – IVA (XO) United Kingdom – Air Passenger Duty (APD) (GB) Mexico – Airport Departure Tax – TUA (XD) United Kingdom – Passenger Service Charge (UB)

What’s your routing?

Cancun-London-Cancun Direct Flights both ways.. and I booked using the details from my UK passport, not the Mexican one!

I’ve send an email to Aeromexico (to the email address mentioned in the article), but Aeromexico wants the tour operator to refund it. This is nonsense, right? According to Mexican law, the airlines are the ones obliged to refund the tourist tax, right? Any advice on how to request the tourism tax back from AeroMexico? Thank you! Yvonne

Great article! I’m glad to hear there is a lawsuit pending. I have residency status in Mexico, but fly to the US for business at least 6 times per year. My carrier is United, and after going through a huge merry-go-round with them trying to get them to waive this tax when I fly, I’ve finally given up! No one there seems to understand what I’m talking about, and I have been told many different things by many different people there. At one point I was told that there was no way to remove it or refund it since I was booking on-line. So then I tried to book with a phone call and have it waived at that point, and got transferred around to different departments, speaking with people who had no understanding of what I was referring to, to eventually be told that everyone except for diplomats pays that tourism tax! This is why, just now, booking with American Airlines I am very pleased to see the notification for a possible refund. Hope the other airlines catch up soon!

That’s really disappointing to hear! I’ve had nothing but positive experiences with united on this front – they don’t charge the tax on round trip tickets originating in Mexico, and when I have had a ticket that included the tax, a request through their online refunds form with a copy of my resident card has been quickly resolved.

I just booked a United ticket online today and the Mexican tourism tax is there. I called them and the “supervisor” said I had to be a Mexican citizen for a refund. I am a resident with a residency card. My last two flights have the tax on them and I cannot get them removed apparently. Also, they do have a refund site but you have to choose a dropdown menu reason and this is not one of the choices. FYI.

Hi Derrick,

Customer service tends to be pretty clueless. Try submitting a request with the “E-Ticket refund” option – I think that I’ve had success with that in the past. If that doesn’t work, you could also try sending them a fax or a request by mail – unfortunately it looks like they’ve removed the option to contact them via email.

1-872-825-9364

United Airlines

United Refunds

P.O. Box 4607, Dept. NHCRF

Houston, TX 77253-3046

Thank you. I called back and persisted on the matter with someone in international flights for a good 30min and think it will work. It is a battle for 500 pesos but it can add up. It definitely isn’t automatic leaving out of Mexico and back. I will use the above idea to avoid the call and see how it goes.

As you can see from their reply to my request for a refund, Aeromexico is stone-walling still if one doesn’t have a Mexican Passport. Residency Card doesn’t qualify, even tho Mexican regulations accept it.

Dear Mr. Dailey,

Thank you for contacting us.

Our requirement to process Mexican Tourism tax refund is a valid Mexican passport, if you do not have it please contact [email protected] .

Any question, please do not hesitate in contact us.

Kind Regards,

De: Robert Dailey Enviado: miércoles, 6 de junio de 2018 18:10 Para: AM US Refunds Asunto: Fwd: Refund Mex air tax

Dear Sirs, Note my attached ticket # AM 8139978598 and copy of my Mexican Temporary Resident card. These were requested by you after receiving my attached previous email. Thanks for your kind consideratioin. RH Dailey

It seems like I got lucky with Aeromexico my first time – my experience with their customer service hasn’t been great, so at this point I try to avoid booking through them if possible for flights arriving in Mexico (often it’s possible to book Delta codeshares for a similar price, and their customer service is much better).

Fingers crossed that escalating it and pointing to the regulation may help – i ultimately gave up on my last Aeromexico ticket because i was tired of fighting with them. Alternately, you may be able to do a chargeback on your credit card for the amount of the tax.

It is taking 150+ days now to get a TR in QRoo Mexico… can I get refunded for each flight in/out to get permission to leave the country again to continue the TR process?

I’m not 100% sure – but definitely worth a shot, depending on the airline you may be able to just provide them with a copy of the visa issued by the Mexican embassy, or perhaps a copy of your permission de salir y regresar with the letter showing that your application is in progress. (And so dsorry it’s taking this long!)

Tonei I’ve got 4 refunds cooking- with AM, Delta, American and SWA. The experience with AM has been laughable, surreal, and hard to believe. I think they just aren’t making refunds, and making excuses to nix the requests. They can’t really be as ignorant as they profess [eg, only Mex. passport holders are eligible, etc]. Anyway, I look at all of this as part of my miles/points hobby and a learning experience. If I lived in the real world instead of being retired, I couldn’t possibly be able to rationally pursue such rabbit warrens… If I can, I’ll let you know of any successes. Don’t hold your collective breaths.

I booked a flight with Volaris today and when I selected U.S. passport there was a blue line that popped up: “People from other countries and without a residence should pay a fee on the counter.” In addition, I was charged $40 per ticket in taxes but only $4 in fees. So I think they’ve begun to make you pay at the counter when you check in.

Aeromexico now says that they have paid the taxes to the government and you must request reimbursement from the government not them. I went through about 4 emails and a copy of the government website rules to no avail. So it seems their level has risen to impossible now. American airlines was great and fast.

Exactly my experience with AM

Pingback: How to get a refund of the Mexican Tourism tax on your Mexico flights - TexMexExpats

SUCCESS PROCEDURES WITH SOUTHWEST AIRLINES

SEND YOUR SWA REFUND REQUEST TO: [email protected] SEND: your name; confirmation no.; ticket no., Residency documentation.

Kudos for SWA!!! I’ve attached their procedure, and if one follows it closely,…success will follow: But, be aware: 1] You must send them front & BACK your resident card. 2] Your boarding pass is a good way to show you have travelled, and it has the confirmation no. on it. 3] However, the required 10 digit ticket number does not appear on the boarding pass. It is a) at the end of your original email confirmation [along with the breakdown of fees and taxes with the Mex. Tourist Tax clearly marked], and b) also surprisingly on your credit card statement that you used for payment. I emailed the required info [see below], and within 2 weeks received an approval; the refund is made to the credit card used in ticket purchase. I currently have refund requests in to Delta, American and United, and I’ll report my results as I get them. I have just finished with an unsuccessful prolonged refund attempt with Aeromexico. I won’t torture you, dear reader, with the blow by blow. It was Sysiphean & futile. But, I recently gave them one more chance, and resubmitted a new request. NOTE; it failed! I hope this info is correct and helpful. If I’m in error on any of this, kindly so inform me. Thanks.

IMG_0279.jpg

A RAY OF HOPE WITH AEROMEXICO FLIGHT REFUNDS!!

You can get the refund on Aeromexico flights ONLY if the flight was a partner miles/points award written by Delta, NOT if the flight was obtained from Aeromexico. The award CANNOT be obtained on-line from Delta; the refund site is there, but has been non-functional forever [the Delta agent confirmed this]. One must do it by phone, as follows: phone 800-847-0578, [Delta] and ask for “refunds dept”; you’ll be transferred. You’ll be asked for your ticket number [on boarding pass and your purchasing credit card statement] and your Mex. Resident card no. [on its back] plus personal identifying info. You will be on hold for quite some time while the agent confers with several other depts. You will, finally, be given a reference no. and email, and a positive response will come by email in a week or two. Others on the internet have reported success with this methodology. Don’t bother trying to get this refund from Aeromexico. It’s a fools errand.

Nicely done! I should clarify in the post that it’s always the ticketing airline that you need to deal with – in examples like this where you have an Aeromexico flight on a Delta ticket, since Delta is the ones that collected the money, they’re the ones responsible for issuing the refund.

Can you update your United information. They still charge me the tourism tax when my round trip ticket originates in Mexico and ends there .great information I appreciate this article!!

Are you booking directly on united.com? I just tried booking a ticket MEX-IAH roundtrip and it didn’t have the tax attached. I wasn’t signed in to my MileagePlus profile, either.

https://www.dropbox.com/s/1xdnz3s7nb5ad3y/Screenshot%202018-11-29%2000.24.46.png?dl=0

I just purchased a ticket to Mexico for my wife, who is Mexican, and myself, and once I put in her nationality, it took around $20 off the ticket price. No refund request needed, I ended up at this site because I was trying to figure out what that meant exactly.

This is a bit off topic but do you know if every airlines already include the DNR in their airfare? I was about to book with Volaris because it had the cheapest price but when I chose my nationality the DNR fee was added automatically but at Aeromexico or Delta, the airfare didn’t change at the time of payment so I’m not sure if they include this fee automatically in the airfare. Do you have any idea about this?

Yes, most airlines include it by default – the only exceptions I know of are Volaris (if you mark that you’re a Mexican citizen) and United (for round trips originating in Mexico).

Thank you so so much :))

I’m on the phone with JetBlue trying to get this issue resolved. They told me that we have to go through this process in person with the gate attendant at the airport before boarding the flight and they’d file whatever form is needed on our behalf.

I actually found out about this tax when we purchased our last tickets through American Airlines because once you put in your nationality, they subtract the amount of the tax from the total amount due, which lowers the total ticket price.

Thanks for that info! I always found it challenging to get people at JetBlue who had any idea what I was talking about or how to deal with it.

Do you have another link for Jet Blue? The one in the article isn’t working for me. I asked a representative and they told me I had to go about the reimbursement directly with “Mexico.” As if that is not a very vague concept… haha

Pingback: Mexico increases tourist tax on your Mexico flights; How do you get a refund - The Mazatlán Post

So what happens if I’m a us citizen and I put I have a mexican passport to get out from paying the tourism tax. Do I have to pay at the counter? Will they find out?

Same question here…. Still dont know what to do now! :(

I’ve just been doing the phone dance with AeroMexico. I am a Mexican permanent resident, and as others have reported AM says they only reimburse for citizens. This is clearly different to the Mexican federal law. They actually told me that Mexican law doesn’t apply to foreign citizens. I might try quoting that next time I pass through immigration / get stopped by the police / walk out of a shop without paying!

https://www.gob.mx/inm/articulos/preguntas-frecuentes-del-programa-paisano

But, I think it isn’t worth the effort. If you have a choice, book through Delta on a codeshare. Their process is straightforward.

Pingback: The Era of Visa-Free Living in Mexico is Over

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New Mexico One and the Southwest specialty fleet

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M.  (KRQE) – Of the 800 aircraft that make up Southwest Airlines’ fleet, only 13 are currently part of their specialty fleet. A handful of planes with eye-catching paint jobs are always a treat to see when they pull into the Albuquerque International Sunport, including one created to honor the many years of service to Albuquerque called New Mexico One.

Corporate Historian for Southwest Richard West said the first plane painted to celebrate the communities the company serves started in November of 1990 with Lone Star One, for Southwest’s home state of Texas. Since then, the company has painted planes highlighting states like California, Colorado, and of course, New Mexico.

New Mexico One made its debut on September 18, 2000. “It was a pretty big event that actually took place out there at the [Sunport], it featured the governor, a lot of different Southwest leaders, and a performance out there in celebration of our service,” said West.

The New Mexico One livery has been taken on by two separate planes. West said the original New Mexico One was a 737-700. “One thing that we do is when aircraft reach the end of their service life, we’ve taken those liveries and moved them onto a new aircraft,” he said. In 2023, Southwest moved the New Mexico One honors to a 737-800 plane. “So last year, New Mexico One actually grew by 19 feet,” West adds.

The process to get one of these paint jobs on a plane can take months from the planning stages to the finished product. West said their most recent addition to the fleet, Imua One, is their most complex paint job to date. “Just everything that went into it to make such a beautiful design come to life, is a lot of fun to see,” West said.

Southwest also honors its heritage with its specialty aircraft. The company’s founder, Herb Kelleher, was celebrated with a brand new 737-8 MAX in November 2022, whose flight registration number, N871HK, features Kelleher’s initials. The plane resembles Southwest’s original livery of Desert Gold.

West said the specialty planes are a ‘Southwest first.’ “..When you rewind back to some of the different things that we’ve tried, particularly in those really visible places like that fuselage of our aircraft lying around, that’s something that we’re really proud of – the fact that we do stand out in a crowd. And it’s something particular our employees and fans of our brand just love to see at the airport,” said West.

Below is a list of state livery planes Southwest Airlines has featured:

• Lone Star One (Texas) debuted in 1990
• Arizona One debuted in 1994
• California One debuted in 1995
• Nevada One debuted in 1999
• New Mexico One debuted in 2000
• Maryland One debuted in 2005
• Illinois One debuted in 2008
• Florida One debuted in 2010
• Colorado One debuted in 2012
• Missouri One debuted in 2015
• Tennessee Oone debuted in 2016
• Louisiana One debuted in 2018
• Freedom One (all 50 states) debuted in 2021
• Imua One (Hawaii) debuted in 2023

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KRQE NEWS 13 - Breaking News, Albuquerque News, New Mexico News, Weather, and Videos.

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GPSA is pleased to offer several grants to graduate degree-seeking students who are GPSA members and looking to fund their research, travel expenses, professional development, and/or the cost of research materials. Please visit UNM's Graduate Studies for additional funding opportunities.

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• Applicants must be enrolled in at least 6 credit hours during the semester in which they apply.
• Applicants must submit a complete application  by the submission deadline for consideration.
• Provides up to  $1000  in need-based funding to help offset tuition, books and fees.
• International Students Applying for GSF : Because international students cannot apply/submit a FAFSA Form, applicants will need submit a completed  State Aid Form with the UNM Financial Aid Office for the current academic year to complete the GSF application. International students are encouraged to check eligibility with the UNM Financial Aid Office .
• For additional information, please see the GSF Section of the Grants Code .
• Offered Summer, Fall, & Spring semesters for clinical rotations completed in each semester.
• Applicants must submit a complete application  by the submission deadline for consideration. The HSC Rural Rotation grants open for submission later in the semester, after the regular grant cycle has closed.
• Provides up to  $750 per student to offset the costs associated with rotation(s) in rural areas.
• Will not fund expenses associated with rotations in Albuquerque, Las Cruces, Rio Rancho, and Santa Fe unless the clinical rotation serves an underserved population.

 **Note: All stipends, grants and scholarships may be eligible to be taxed in accordance to UNM Guidelines.**

Application Information

The Fall 2023 Competitive Grants Cycle has closed.  The Spring 2024 Competitive Grants Cycle has now closed.  The Summer 2024 Competitive Grants Cycle will open in June. All grants must be applied for online via our Grants AwardSpring website .  

Applicant Information Sessions and Workshop

The grants presentation is intended to help guide graduate student applicants about the requirements for submitting applications for the Spring 2024 semester. Below is the schedule of the sessions to be conducted:

GPSA Grants Information Presentation - Spring 2024

Please email  [email protected]  with any questions and see the GPSA Bylaws, Section IX. Grants Code for more information about GPSA's grant rules and how award decisions are made. 

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Dean’s Travel Grant Awards

Unm’s college of fine arts dean’s office is pleased to announce once again the availability of travel grants to select cfa students..

Launched in 2013, the CFA Dean’s Travel Grant Award program has been able to send over 200 students to study and perform around the globe. What these students bring back to our College, campus and community is priceless.

Applications are now being accepted for the next round of CFA Dean’s Student Travel Grant Awards. The deadline for proposals is now Friday , February 1st, 2019 at 5:00pm.

Application Process for the College of Fine Arts Dean’s Travel Grant Award

This grant is awarded to CFA majors who would like to participate in a learning experience, course, competition, festival, workshop, conference or other educational program outside of New Mexico. This grant can be up to $1,000.

You must be a CFA major currently registered at the University of New Mexico.

Your application must include the following:

1. Your name and contact information (please include your major and year of study)

2. Description of travel (what, where, why, etc.)

3. Itemized budget

4. Portfolio of maximum 10 minutes of music, video or performance (via website, links to playlist or video, etc.) or maximum 10 images (pdf or jpg)

5. If you have received a CFA Dean’s Travel Grant Award before, you must let us know and include your report

6. Letter of recommendation (separately, see below)

If you do not have an artistic portfolio, you may submit an academic paper, lesson plan, report or other demonstration of your talents, abilities, analysis, etc. as a CFA student.

Email your application to A.J. Carian, assistant to the CFA Dean’s Office, at [email protected] . Please indicate in the subject line: YOUR NAME_CFA DEAN’S TRAVEL GRANT APPLICATION

For your portfolio, if you do not have content online or a way to share files, you may drop off a CD or DVD to the CFA Dean’s Office (CFA Room #1017). Please clearly label mark all of your materials with your NAME and “CFA DEAN’S TRAVEL GRANT APPLICATION”

Additionally, you must solicit one letter of recommendation from a UNM faculty member. The UNM faculty member must send this recommendation independently of your application directly to A.J., again via email ( [email protected] ) or hand-delivered.

For more information, please contact A.J. at (505) 277-2112 or [email protected] .

18 apr 7:30 PM 9:00 PM Featured Music from the Americas: Rodrigo Neftalí UNM Center for the Arts & Art Museum, Albuquerque, NM 87106

Event Details

The Music from the Americas series presents music by artists born or residing in the American continent. This concert will feature Rodrigo Neftalí, guitarist from México. Tickets at the box office

The Music from the Americas series presents music by artists born or residing in the American continent. This concert will feature Rodrigo Neftalí, guitarist from México.

Tickets at the box office or unmtickets.com. This concert is included with the Faculty Concert Series Pass.

apr 18 (thursday) 7:30pm - apr 18 (thursday) 9:00pm

Keller Hall

UNM Center for the Arts & Art Museum, Albuquerque, NM 87106

$15 general admission, $10 seniors and UNM employees, $5 students.

Calendar GoogleCal

19 apr (apr 19) 7:30 PM 27 (apr 27) 7:30 PM Featured The Imaginary Invalid UNM Center for the Arts & Art Museum, Albuquerque, NM 87106

Written by Moliére and directed by Alejandro Tomás Rodriguez, this satirical comedy follows the hypochondriac Argan, who falls victim to the persuasive schemes of unscrupulous doctors and pharmacists. As the

Written by Moliére and directed by Alejandro Tomás Rodriguez, this satirical comedy follows the hypochondriac Argan, who falls victim to the persuasive schemes of unscrupulous doctors and pharmacists. As the plot unfolds, we witness the consequences of unchecked reliance on medication and the manipulative nature of pharmaceutical greed. The play feels even more relevant now than it did 500 years ago.

April 19th, 20th, 25th, 26th and 27th at 7:30pm, April 21st and 28th at 2pm Rodey Theatre, Center for Fine Arts

ASL Translation Thursday, April 25th

Ticket Prices: $15 General, $12 Faculty & Seniors, $10 Staff & Students

Tickets available at unmtickets.com or the UNM Bookstore

apr 19 (friday) 7:30pm - apr 27 (saturday) 7:30pm

Rodey Theatre

unmtickets.com or the UNM Bookstore

02 may 7:30 PM 9:00 PM Featured UNM Symphony Orchestra UNM Center for the Arts & Art Museum, Albuquerque, NM 87106

Program details coming soon! Tickets at the box office or unmtickets.com. This concert is included with the Student Concert Series Pass. Photo credit Terry Behal.

Program details coming soon!

Tickets at the box office or unmtickets.com. This concert is included with the Student Concert Series Pass.

Photo credit Terry Behal.

may 2 (thursday) 7:30pm - may 2 (thursday) 9:00pm

Popejoy Hall

UNM Distinguished Alum and Grammy Award Winner Col. Jim Keene conducts The UNM Symphony Orchestra

The University of New Mexico Symphony Orchestra presented a special performance on Thursday, March 28, at 7:30 p.m., at Popejoy Hall on the UNM campus. The UNM Symphony orchestra features the top music students in New Mexico and is a part of the University’s...

The UNM Art Museum invites you to explore the world of museum careers on Saturday, April 27, 2024, from 11:00 AM – 7:00 PM.

Featured News

Whether you’re a student, emerging museum leader, or simply curious about the inner workings of museums, this event is the perfect platform for exploration, inspiration, and networking in the vibrant world of museum careers. Everyone is welcome, but (free)...

Acclaimed Native American actor guest of Film & Digital Arts Mentor Series

Featured News , Film & Digital Arts

Renowned actor Gary Farmer, known for his work in TV series Resident Alien and Reservation Dogs, appeared at The University of New Mexico Department of Film and Digital Arts as part of its ongoing Mentor Series. The talk was Monday, Feb. 19, 2024 at 7:30 p.m. in...

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