Policy Change 2019: Need ID to Get on the Bus      

Policy Change 2019: Need ID to Get on the Bus      

Tara A. Spears

Earlier this summer AMLO, the Mexican president, changed the way the country wide bus service has operated for years. No longer can a foreigner simply flag a long distance bus down and hop on, you must show your ORIGINAL document.

I accidentally learned about this change when I happened to be traveling by bus in early June- which turns out to be the first day the policy went into effect. I arrived at the La Penita bus station with luggage, Mexican driver’s license, Mexican senior discount card (both with my photo) and a prepaid round trip ticket purchased online. The bus representatives loaded my luggage but not me!  I had to grab a taxi, go home, get my passport and Mexican visa, flash these official documents and then I was allowed to climb into the bus. Upon returning home from my trip, I researched as to why I was denied entrance onto the bus and discovered the new policy.

This major change is an effort to slow down the passage of Central American immigrants to the United States. However, this measure only applies to the purchase of long-distance tickets. If you are in an urban area and wanting to take a local neighborhood bus, there is no change. Pay and hop on. Effective June 2019 buses traveling from town-to-town now are required to ask for identification to purchase tickets and board the units. At the request of the government, most long distance bus companies have applied the measure. Foreigners must now present a document that proves their legal status in the country or or you will be denied service. My experience in a small town with only a two person staff is indicative of how stringently the companies are enforcing the policy.

The notion of “official identification” tends to be ambiguous in Mexico. Although the CURP is part of this, in general a photo ID is required. What is ironic is that not all documents that have photographs, such as driver’s license, are considered “official.” 

By being prepared in advance you can enjoy the excellent Mexican bus service. These are the current requirements to board the bus. Remember that you must show up 15 minutes before the departure time in the scheduled platform and have the following:

1. Your printed ticket if you purchase online (which gets a discounted rate) and give it to the clerk at the bus station, at least 15 minutes before departure. 2. Present your official ID. If you are an international traveler, you must show passport and Mexican visa plus another form such as a driver’s license. 3. If you are over 60 years old and have requested a ticket with the senior discount you must present your official INAPAM card.

A few of the main bus lines that service La Penita or other area coastal towns are listed below. Be aware that the highway buses stop operating at 10 pm- so if you fly in at 11 pm, get a room and continue in the morning. You should also check the return schedule in order to not get stranded on your day trip.

Primera Plus : www.primeraplus.com.mx or in English online: https://www.busbuster.com/en/primera-plus-bus-tickets       Gives discounts for seniors, online purchase and getting a round trip.  First class, AC, nice seats, good selection of routes.

Puerto Vallarta Plus:  www.vallartaplus.com/english/index.php   First class nice options.

Autobus Pacifico:  Schedule/tickets in English:  https://www.checkmybus.com/coach-providers/pacifico       

ATM (Autostransportes Medina) is big in Nuevo Vallarta area.  Runs from old Walmart PV along the coast to Riviera Nayarit towns. Not extensive schedule but good busses.

TAP, Futura, Omnibus de Mexico and ETN are a few of the better lines that each has their own website to check schedules.                                    

You see the ubiquitous white Compostela Busses zipping along 200 running from Tepic to Puerto Vallarta. They are very inexpensive and make many stops. It’s not the best choice for long distance. Autobus Compostela has a Facebook page to leave a message but no separate website with schedules. You need to go in person to the bus terminal and look for their window or stand on highway 200 and wave.

Traveling throughout Mexico is a safe, inexpensive, and enjoyable way to see the country. Don’t forget to bring your passport and Mexican visa to get on the bus!