Conducting Scientific Research in Mexico

In addition to the required application forms, scientists must submit the supplemental information described below.

1. Detailed research prospectus, including:

• Name of chief scientist and related institutions;
• Dates of research period;
• Purpose and objectives of the research;
• Detailed list of all scientific equipment to be used;
• Detailed list of names (common and scientific) of species to be collected (if any) and the estimated number of each.  If you do not know what species will be found, or you are planning to collect undescribed species, please make a note of this fact and include your rationale and objectives for collecting such specimens;
• Methodology for collection and transportation of samples and specimens;
• Indication of the physical form in which data will be collected, stored and evaluated, and where the data will be available;
• Chart of the proposed research area;
• Indication of research funding sources;
• Links (if any) with other past or present research projects.  If the research is part of a larger project with components outside of Mexico, this should also be mentioned.

2. A detailed written summary of the project in Spanish, including all relevant data such as goals and objectives, methodology, justification for samples to be collected, collaborative efforts with Mexico, etc.

3. Brief summary (2-3 paragraphs maximum) of the project in English describing the purpose of the project, its short and long term goals, and the nature of the collaboration with Mexican institutions or scientists.

4. A curriculum vitae and 2 passport-sized photographs of the chief scientist and, if applicable, the co-chief scientist.

5. A detailed list of all participants, including name, citizenship, academic specialty, institution, and a brief description of each person’s participation in the proposed project.

6. A formal letter of endorsement from the head of your institution.

7. A formal letter from the chief scientist committing not to use harmful methodologies that may be detrimental to the ecosystem and/or wildlife of the proposed research site.

8. A formal letter of endorsement from the Head of the Mexican counterpart’s institution supporting and, describing their proposed participation in the research. Please note that the Government of Mexico expects the applicant to pay all travel expenses for at least one Mexican government participant.

9. A letter from your Mexican counterpart’s institution expressing their agreement to receive the partial collection and commit to safeguard such samples is required for research where specimens or samples are collected.

10. Appropriate fees.  If specimens are to be collected, scientists must pay a collection fee (a fee for “exploitation of natural resources” that is required by Mexican law). This fee is currently 12,061 Mexican pesos. It must be paid with an international draft or cashier’s check payable to: TESORERIA DE LA FEDERACION. Alternatively, checks for an equivalent amount in dollars may be submitted.  Only scientists working under joint formal agreements with a Mexican government or private institution, or with a Mexican scientists certified by Mexico’s National Researchers System (Sistema Nacional de Investigadores – SNI), will be exempted from paying this fee. 

SUBMISSION OF APPLICATIONS

FOR GENERAL RESEARCH, applicants should submit their completed applications to the U.S. Embassy in Mexico City

By email: MexicoSciencePermits@state.gov or by air-courier (DHL, FedEx, etc.) directly to the Embassy at:

Graciela Alvarez  
Science Affairs Assistant 
U.S. Embassy, Mexico City 
Reforma 305, Col. Cuauhtemoc 
06500 Mexico, D. F. 
Mexico

Fax: (5255) 5080-2373 

FOR MARINE RESEARCH, applicants should submit their completed applications to the U.S. Department of State, Office of Oceans Affairs:

Ms. Elizabeth Tirpak 
OES / OA 
U.S. Department of State 
Washington, D.C. 20520 
Tel: (202) 647-0240 
Fax: (202) 647-1106

In addition to all the requirements listed above, projects that involve the use of a research vessel should also include the following: 

• Name of the vessel owner and operator;
• Physical description of the vessel (gross tonnage, length, draft, etc.);
• Name of the vessel’s captain;
• Number of crew members and scientific staff on board;
• Identification of other persons on board not related to the scientific party or the ship’s crew and purpose for their participation (photographers, journalists, observers, etc.);
• Vessel’s radio call sign and monitored emergency frequencies.  Indication of the number of berths available for Mexican participants (the Mexican government requires space for at least one Mexican participant);
• Dates, places, and purpose for proposed port calls, if any.

FOR AERIAL RESEARCH, applicants should submit their completed applications to the U.S. Department of State, Office of Science and Advanced Technology:

OES / SAT 
U.S. Department of State 
Washington, D.C. 20520 
Tel: (202) 202-647-2392 
Fax: (202) 647-1106

In addition to the requirements listed, applications should include also a complete description of the aircraft and related information, including:

• Flight tracks;
• Copy of the pilot’s license;
• Copy of the aircraft’s registration;
• Copy of the aircraft’s Certificate of Airworthiness; and,
• Copy of the aircraft’s insurance policy, or letter from its owner committing to cover any expenses that may result fin case of an accident.  expenses that may result in case of an accident  expenses that may occur in case of an accident.