Traveling To Mexico: Real Id Requirements And Restrictions

If you're a U.S. citizen planning to travel to Mexico, you'll need to have certain documents with you to cross the border. The documents you need depend on how you're travelling. If you're flying, you must have a valid passport. You cannot fly internationally with a passport card, and you cannot travel to Mexico with a Real ID. If you're travelling by land or sea, you can use a passport card or Enhanced Driver's License at the border.

Flying to Mexico requires a passport, not a Real ID

If you're planning a trip to Mexico, it's important to know that the documentation requirements differ depending on your mode of travel. While a Real ID can be used for domestic travel within the US, it is not sufficient for international travel, including to Mexico. So, if you're flying to Mexico, a passport is required, and a Real ID will not suffice.

For US citizens, travelling by air between the US and Mexico requires a valid passport. This is because a Real ID is not considered acceptable identification for international air travel. This applies whether you are flying directly to Mexico or taking a connecting flight from a US airport. It is important to note that a passport card, which is a cheaper alternative to a passport book, also cannot be used for international air travel.

In contrast, if you are travelling to Mexico by car or boat, a passport book is not required. For land or sea travel, a passport card or an Enhanced Driver's License (available in some US states) can be used as identification. However, additional documentation, such as a Mexico tourist card and a temporary vehicle importation permit, may also be needed.

It is always a good idea to check the latest travel advice and documentation requirements before planning a trip to Mexico, or any other international destination, as these requirements can sometimes change. Additionally, it is worth allowing plenty of time to renew your passport if it has expired, as this can take several months.

Driving to Mexico requires a passport, not a Real ID

If you're planning a road trip to Mexico, you'll need to bring along a few essential documents. While a Real ID is not acceptable for crossing the border into Mexico, it's important for air travel within the US. So, if you're driving to Mexico, you'll need to carry a valid passport or a passport card, which is a cheaper alternative to the passport book.

Crossing any international border, including the Mexico-US border, requires a passport. While a driver's license is not sufficient proof of identification, a passport card is a valid alternative. A passport card is only useful for land and sea crossings and will only allow you to enter and exit Canada, Mexico, Bermuda, and the Caribbean. If you're flying to Mexico, you'll need a passport book.

Additionally, if you're driving to Mexico, you'll need to obtain Mexican car insurance, and if you plan to travel outside the Mexico Free Zone, you'll need a temporary vehicle importation permit and a Mexico tourist card or entry permit. These additional documents ensure a smooth journey and compliance with legal requirements.

Remember, even if you have a Real ID, it won't be sufficient for crossing the border into Mexico. A valid passport or passport card is essential for a successful road trip to Mexico, along with the other necessary documents mentioned.

A passport card is cheaper than a passport book but can't be used for flying

If you're a US citizen, you don't need much documentation to cross the border into Mexico. However, the documents you need depend on how you're travelling. You can use a passport card or an Enhanced Driver's License (EDL) to travel by car or boat. An EDL is available to residents of some US states.

However, to travel by air, you must have a valid passport. You cannot fly internationally with a passport card, and you cannot travel to Mexico with a Real ID. If you're flying, you'll also need a Mexico tourist card, which you can fill out on the plane or at the border if travelling overland.

A passport card is cheaper than a passport book, but it can't be used for flying. The passport card is a wallet-sized, plastic card with no visa pages. It is proof of US citizenship and identity and has the same length of validity as the passport book. The card is for US citizens who travel by land and sea from Canada, Mexico, Bermuda, and the Caribbean. It is not valid for international travel by air.

The passport book is a small booklet available to US citizens and non-citizen nationals. It can be used for international travel by air, sea, or land. For travellers aged 16 or older at the date of issue, the books are valid for 10 years. Younger travellers are given passports that are valid for five years. The standard book has 28 pages, but you can request a 52-page book if you anticipate frequent international travel.

Passport books for first-time applicants cost $165 for adults and $135 for children. Passport cards for first-time applicants cost $65 for adults and $50 for children. When renewing, adult passport books cost $130 to renew, and adult passport cards cost $30.

A passport card is ideal for returning to the US from Mexico

If you're a US citizen planning a trip to Mexico, you'll be happy to hear that you don't need much documentation to cross the border. However, it's important to note that your choice of transport makes a difference in the required documents. While a Real ID is sufficient for domestic travel within the US, it cannot be used for international travel, including to Mexico.

To obtain a passport card, you can apply using the same application as the passport book, indicating your preference for the card. If you already have a passport book and are eligible to use Form DS-82, you can apply for a passport card by mail as a renewal, even if it's your first card. Similarly, if you have a passport card and are eligible to use Form DS-82, you can apply for a passport book as a renewal.

In addition to the passport card, other acceptable documents for land and sea travel to Mexico include Trusted Traveler cards (such as SENTRI or FAST), Enhanced Driver's Licenses, Enhanced Tribal Cards, US Military IDs, US Merchant Mariner credentials, Native American Tribal photo IDs, and Form I-872 American Indian Cards. It's important to note that these documents are only valid for land and sea travel, and you will need a passport for international air travel.

A Real ID can't be used for border crossings into Mexico

A Real ID cannot be used for border crossings into Mexico. If you are a US citizen planning a trip to Mexico, you will need more than a Real ID to cross the border. While the specific documentation depends on your mode of transport, a Real ID will not suffice.

If you are travelling to Mexico by air, you must have a valid passport. You cannot fly internationally with a passport card, and you cannot use a Real ID. A passport book is required for flying, whereas a passport card is only valid for land and sea crossings.

If you are travelling by land or sea, you can use a passport card or an Enhanced Driver's License (EDL) at the border. An EDL is available to residents of Washington, Michigan, Minnesota, New York, and Vermont. Other accepted documents for land and sea travel include:

• Trusted Traveler cards (SENTRI or FAST)
• State-issued Enhanced driver's license (when available)
• Enhanced Tribal Cards (when available)
• U.S. Military ID with military travel orders
• U.S. Merchant Mariner credential when travelling in conjunction with official maritime business
• Native American Tribal photo ID card
• Form I-872 American Indian Card

Regardless of your mode of transport, you will also need a Mexico tourist card, also known as an FMM. This is a government form that declares your intention to visit Mexico for tourism and must be carried with you while in the country.

Frequently asked questions