If you're a US citizen travelling to Mexico, you will need a valid passport to enter the country by air. For travel by land or sea, adults should have a passport, passport card, enhanced driver's license, or a trusted traveller card. Children under the age of 16 may travel with only a birth certificate, as may children under the age of 19 who are travelling with an organised group. However, if you travel beyond the 'border zone' into the interior of the country, you will typically need a passport.
If you need a passport to Mexico in a hurry, you can apply for an emergency passport if your immediate family member outside of the US is dying or has a life-threatening illness or injury.
Characteristics | Values |
---|---|
Can I travel to Mexico with an emergency passport? | No |
What is required for air travel to Mexico? | A valid passport |
What is required for land or sea travel to Mexico? | A passport, passport card, enhanced driver's license, or a trusted traveler card |
Can children under the age of 16 travel with only a birth certificate? | Yes |
Can children under the age of 19 travel with only a birth certificate if they are with an organized group? | Yes |
Is a passport required to return to the US from Mexico? | Yes |
Is a passport required to travel beyond the "border zone" into the interior of Mexico? | Yes |
Is a passport required for closed-loop cruises? | No |
Is a passport required for US citizens to enter Mexico? | Yes |
Is a passport required for Mexican citizens to operate US-registered vehicles in Mexico? | No |
Is a passport required for US citizens to fly to Mexico? | Yes |
What You'll Learn
What documents do I need to enter Mexico?
To enter Mexico, you will need a valid passport. This applies to all US citizens, regardless of age, when entering Mexico by air. For travel by land or sea, adults should have a passport, passport card, enhanced driver's license, or a trusted traveler card (like NEXUS, FAST, or SENTRI). Children under the age of 16 may travel with only a birth certificate, as may children under the age of 19 who are traveling with an organized group like a school, church, or sports group.
If you are traveling to Mexico by plane, you will need to provide a negative COVID-19 viral test taken within three calendar days of travel. Alternatively, you may provide documentation from a licensed health care provider of having recovered from COVID-19 in the 90 days preceding travel.
If you are a US citizen with a life-or-death emergency, you may qualify for an appointment to get a passport. To qualify, you must be traveling to a foreign country in the next two weeks because your immediate family member outside of the United States is dying (hospice care) or has a life-threatening illness or injury.
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Do I need a visa to enter Mexico?
Whether or not you need a visa to go to Mexico depends on two factors: how you’re getting there and how long you’re planning to stay.
If you're travelling by air, you will need a valid passport to enter Mexico. However, if you are travelling by land or sea, adults should have a passport, passport card, enhanced driver’s license, or a trusted traveller card like NEXUS, FAST, or SENTRI. Children under the age of 16 may travel with only a birth certificate, as may children under the age of 19 who are travelling with an organised group like a school, church, or sports group.
If you are a US citizen, you will not need a visa if you are staying in Mexico for less than 180 days. However, if you are planning to stay longer than this, you will need to apply for a visa at your nearest Mexican consulate.
If you are a citizen of another country, you should check the Mexican government's visa requirements to see if you need a visa to enter Mexico.
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What happens if I lose my passport in Mexico?
Losing your passport while travelling in Mexico can be stressful, but there are steps you can take to resolve the issue. Here is a guide on what to do if this happens to you:
Contact the Nearest Embassy or Consulate
Get in touch with the embassy or consulate in the city you are located in. For instance, there is a US Consular Agency in Cancun, which you can get to quickly or phone while in Mexico. They will help you replace your passport and advise you on the next steps.
Provide Documentation
You will likely need to provide documentation, such as your birth certificate, driver's license, or other identification documents, to replace your passport. Keep these documents with you at all times, as you may need them to verify your identity.
File a Police Report
After contacting the nearest embassy, you may want to file a report at the local police station. They will ask for your private information and details about the incident. This information will be recorded on an official certificate that you can give to your embassy.
Take New Passport Photos
You will need new passport photos to replace your lost passport, so make sure to get these done as soon as possible. You can find photo booths and photographers in most places in Mexico.
Apply for a New Passport
After taking your new passport photos, you will need to fill in a form before going to the Embassy or Consulate. The form will depend on your specific situation, such as whether your passport was lost or stolen. For US citizens, there are different forms for standard passport applications and for lost or stolen passports.
Pay the Fee and Wait for Your New Passport
Once you have submitted all the required documents, you will need to pay the regular passport fee. The cost varies depending on your citizenship and the type of passport you are applying for. Unfortunately, it can take some time to receive your new passport, so you may be stuck in Mexico for a few extra days.
It is important to note that embassies and consulates are usually closed on weekends and holidays, so keep this in mind if your flight is coming up soon. Additionally, once you receive your new passport, you will need to return the emergency passport if one was issued to you.
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What is the border zone in Mexico?
The Mexico Free Zone, also known as the Mexico Free Border Zone, is an area of the country that does not require a vehicle permit. It was established to encourage trade and tourism in the country's border areas. The zone is typically 12 to 16 miles (20 to 26 km) from the border and includes the entire Baja Peninsula, a large portion of Sonora, and Quintana Roo.
Within the Mexico Free Zone, travel without a temporary importation permit (TIP) is permitted and unrestricted. However, if you plan to drive outside the Free Zone, you will need to purchase a TIP before leaving the border.
It is important to note that while the Free Zone previously did not require travel permits (FMMs) for visitors, Mexico began requiring these permits for all foreign visitors in 2015, regardless of whether they are within the border areas or further into the country. All foreign visitors to Mexico, including those within the Mexico Free Zone, must carry a Mexico visitors permit (Forma Migratoria Múltiple or FMM). To obtain the FMM permit, you will need a valid passport or passport card.
In addition to the FMM, there are several other requirements for travelling in the Free Zone. These include having a valid driver's license, vehicle registration, and Mexican vehicle insurance. It is also recommended to have a full tank of gas and inform others of your planned travel route.
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What is the 'Official Entry Immigration Form' (FMM)?
The Forma Migratoria Múltiple (FMM) is a multiple immigration form that applicants need to fill out to enter Mexico. The FMM can be obtained through the Institute website, and foreigners entering the country by land can obtain it through facilities aimed at international transit. The FMM is valid for a maximum of 180 days and is valid for one entry only.
To obtain the FMM, applicants must:
- Hold a valid and current passport or card passport (Tarjeta Pasaporte) according to international law regulations. If the country of citizenship requires it, the passport must have a valid, unexpired visa.
- Complete the information needed in the FMM request, as it appears in their passport.
- Acknowledge that the card passport can only be used at border crossings by land and for visiting the border zone. It cannot be used to travel to the territory of the Mexican Republic or for international air trips.
- Agree that the status condition of stay obtained will only be as a visitor without permission to work.
- Print and bring the FMM to the facility aimed for international transit where they wish to enter.
- Produce a valid and current passport or card passport, as well as the FMM when their entry is requested.
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