Mexico is giving travelers a break this summer and making it easier to cross the border through Aug. 31 with its “Programa Paisano Verano 2009.”

The idea is to allow Mexican nationals and tourists to enter and travel in Mexico without delays or problems, according to the Mexican Consulate in Phoenix.

“This program is intended for paisanos (Mexicans living in the United States), but tourists can take advantage of it, too,” said Mario Figueroa, deputy Mexican consul in Nogales.

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During the program, travelers may bring up to (U.S.) $300 in merchandise to Mexico without paying import taxes, Figueroa said. But that exemption does not apply to items such as alcohol or tobacco.

The government is trying to make driving in Mexico safer, Figueroa said. “There are more boots on the ground watching the roads and patrolling the highways.”

Travelers may pick up a free guidebook in Spanish titled “Guia Paisano” at any Mexican consulate to learn what items they can bring to Mexico, documents they will need, and how to bring a vehicle into the country.

In Tucson, the consulate office is 553 S. Stone Ave. Consulate offices are also located at 571 N. Grand Ave., Nogales, and 1201 F Ave., Douglas.