Puerto Vallarta, Jalisco – June 5, 2024 – The Secretary of Tourism of Jalisco (Secturjal), Vanessa Pérez Lamas, has expressed her concern over the recent delays in procedures at the local office of the National Migration Institute (INM) in Puerto Vallarta. These delays have significantly affected foreigners seeking to regularize their stay in Mexico.
In a statement, Pérez Lamas acknowledged the frustrations caused by the delays, which have extended the process from a single day to as long as two to three weeks. “We do not have direct reports or complaints, but I am aware of the disagreements that have occurred. Let us remember that it is a process of the Federal Government. Normally, we find empathy for these officials because we have a high dependence on tourism. I hope they are regularized so we can have adequate attention,” said Pérez Lamas.
The issue began a few weeks ago when the operational procedures at the INM office in Puerto Vallarta changed. Previously, foreigners could complete their documentation and receive approval within a few hours. However, the new supervisor, Leticia Medina Sánchez, lacks the authority to approve these procedures directly. As a result, all documentation must be sent to Guadalajara for authorization, extending the wait time to up to 20 business days.
The delays have had significant repercussions, with many foreigners losing flights and money due to the extended processing times. The INM office in Puerto Vallarta has four counters, but only two are currently operational, further exacerbating the wait times as people endure hours-long waits to even submit their paperwork.
Pérez Lamas emphasized the importance of resolving these delays promptly, given Puerto Vallarta’s heavy reliance on tourism. The tourism sector is a critical component of the local economy, and efficient processing of migration procedures is essential to maintaining the sector’s vitality.
As the situation develops, stakeholders in Puerto Vallarta’s tourism and expat communities are hopeful that the federal authorities will address the issues swiftly to restore the efficient service that was previously provided.
For now, Pérez Lamas and Secturjal continue to monitor the situation, urging for a prompt resolution to ensure that the needs of tourists and foreign residents are met without undue hardship.
