Court Reporting in Mexico

Mexico is a party to The Hague Evidence Convention, and permits the taking of voluntary depositions of willing witnesses regardless of the nationality of the witness, with no special requirements. The requirements for taking depositions in Mexico are straightforward and easy to follow using the Planet Depos checklist specific to Mexico depositions.

Allowing enough time (approximately 4-6 weeks is best) for scheduling depositions overseas is extremely important because of the logistics associated with the scheduling and planning processes; however, Planet Depos is accustomed to providing last-minute coverage. Counsel will determine whether their witness is willing to be deposed. If so, both parties can stipulate and begin the process of setting up the deposition.

If the witness is unwilling and must be compelled to testify, a letter rogatory is required. For additional information regarding service of process, including steps for a letter rogatory, visit the International Judicial Assistance Website for the Bureau of Consular Affairs.

1. Select the deposition services needed:
   • U.S.-trained court reporter
   • U.S.-trained legal videographer
   • Any language interpreter
2. What is the location of the deposition in Mexico?
   • Do you need Planet Depos to reserve a conference room for you?
3. If not participating in person, do you require videoconferencing services? (If not, please skip to the next item on the checklist.)
   • Do you need a location in Mexico?
   • Do you need a location in the U.S.?
   • Can you attend from your firm’s videoconferencing suite?
   • Ask about Planet Depos’ Mobile Videoconferencing capabilities!
   • Document production:
     • Do you need assistance with exhibit printing?
4. Select your deposition date
   • • Start time
     • End time
5. Visa restrictions: there is no visa required for travel to Mexico for U.S. citizens
6. Make travel arrangements
   • • Flight
     • Car rental
     • Hotel accommodations
       • Contact Planet Depos for information about corporate discounts with our partner hotels
7. Have you filled out the Planet Depos Standing Order Form? It’s an easy process that takes less than 60 seconds and will let us know:
   • • Transcript turnaround time (regular or expedited)
     • Who should receive the rough ASCII and final transcript
     • The number of realtime laptops needed
     • Preferred video format (DVD, MPEG1, Loaded DVD, Synchronized Viewer)
8. Send out Notice of Deposition to all counsel, your witness, and Planet Depos
9. Send prep materials to Planet Depos for reporter’s deposition preparation
   • • Notice of deposition
     • Complaint
     • Subpoena
     • Previous transcript(s)
     • Word index
10. Obtain emergency contact information for Planet Depos representatives
11. Provide emergency contact information for counsel
12. Travel safely to Mexico and contact Planet Depos with any questions once you’ve arrived!

With teams living nearby, Planet Depos offers 24/7 assistance for all of your deposition needs in Mexico. Our teams have been covering depositions in Mexico for over 15 years, and are therefore considered a leading expert in anything pertaining to depositions in Mexico. We will be more than glad to share this expertise and guide you through the scheduling process, travel and document assistance in Mexico.

Entry Requirements for Mexico

There is no special visa required to enter Mexico, though your passport should show at least 6 months’ validity, and one blank page for the entry stamp. (Planet Depos recommends never traveling internationally without at least 6 months validity on your passport and at least 2 blank pages for visa stamps.) You will need to check any countries you pass through for any transit visa requirements, if you are not on a direct flight to Mexico.

For more information, you can also contact the Mexican Embassy (1911 Pennsylvania Ave. NW Washington DC 20006)

Flying to Mexico

There are a few international airports in Mexico. The three busiest are listed below.

• Benito Juárez International Airport (MEX) in Mexico City – http://www.aicm.com.mx/en/
• Cancún International Airport (CUN) in Cancún – https://www.cancun-airport.com/
• Miguel Hidalgo y Costilla International Airport (GDL) in Guadalajara – https://www.aeropuertosgap.com.mx/en/guadalajara.html

Airlines flying to Mexico include:

• United (unitedairlines.com)
• American Airlines (aa.com)
• Delta Airlines (delta.com/)

Travel in Mexico

For updated travel alerts and information, please visit the State Department’s webpage

You can also download the SmartTravel App for your smartphone created by the U.S. Department of State.

Staying in Mexico

There are several locations where U.S. depositions may be taken in Mexico. For example, Mexico City has luxury hotels offering comfortable accommodations as well as conference rooms to host your depositions. We are more than happy to assist you with your conference room needs and hotel recommendations.

Medical Information for Mexico

Major cities such as Mexico City have adequate medical care available, but training and availability of emergency responders will not be up to U.S. standards, and care is very limited in more remote areas. For a list of hospitals with English-speaking staff, please visit: http://mexico.usembassy.gov/eng/eacs_medical_info.html

For updated health information, including health travel alerts and immunizations, please visit Mexico specific website for the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

Money Matters

Mexico’s currency is the Mexican Peso. ATMs are widely available, and Master Card and Visa are widely accepted by businesses catering to tourists. Smaller stores will require local currency for transactions. For up-to-date information on the local conversion rate, please visit a reputable currency converter website such as OANDA which also offers an app for smartphones.

Weather

Mexico touches both the Gulf of Mexico and the Pacific, and each coast has its own weather patterns. April and May are Mexico City’s hottest months, and January and February are the coolest. Dry season lasts November to May, followed by significant rain from December to April. September sees the highest humidity in Mexico City. Coastal areas tend to be hot and humid, while central Mexico is more temperate.

Important Websites & Resources

Embassy of the United States in Mexico City, Mexico

App Store for your iPhone

App Store for your Android

Interesting Mexico fact

Mexico City has the most museums in the world, over 160!