A typical policy may not cover lawyer's fees and bail unless the buyer pays extra. An additional policy may be needed to pay for translating and notarizing documents, such as a driver's license. The new fee angered drivers and caused backups at crossing points all along the 2,000-mile border. There's been some bad publicity in San Diego, but it hasn't had an impact on the number of people traveling to Mexico. Some in the tourist industry tell a different story.
People are afraid to come.
In the wake of the controversy, four San Diego-area Republican congressmen have introduced a congressional resolution asking President Clinton to broker a deal with Mexico guaranteeing the right to evacuate injured Americans. The San Diego County Board of Supervisors voted to start an advertising campaign warning travelers of potential pitfalls. The State Department does have travelers warnings posted on its Mexico Web page that recommend Americans traveling in Mexico buy Mexican insurance. Some Mexican officials have tried to stem the tide of criticism. Baja California Gov. Alejandro Gonzalez Alcocer recently sat down with San Diego Mayor Susan Golding to discuss the issue.