Mexico is a popular vacation destination for people all around the world. With its incredible food scene, beautiful nature sights, sunny beaches, and historical architecture, it’s no wonder why millions of tourists travel to America’s southern neighbor each year. And if you travel at the right time, you may even get to experience cultural Mexican festivals like the Spring Equinox or the Huamantla Fair.
Since Mexico and the U.S. share a border, are American travelers required to bring passport before entering Mexico? Learn whether you need a passport to go to Mexico and what documents you will need to bring.
What do you need to bring before entering Mexico?
When packing for your trip to Mexico, you’ll want to pack essentials like clothes, sunscreen, and comfortable shoes for walking. But do you need to add your passport to the list of things to bring? The short answer is, yes. A valid passport is required for traveling outside of the U.S., and Mexico is no exception. Although there are certain situations where a passport book isn’t necessary, it’s always a good idea to bring it with just in case.
You will also need to fill out a tourist form called a Forma Migratoria Multiple (or FMM for short) before arriving to Mexico. If you are traveling by plane, your airlines will likely provide one for you before landing. Travelers who are entering by car will need to obtain one ahead of time from the Government of Mexico’s website.[1] Visitors who are staying for longer than six months will need to apply for a temporary residence visa.
Were passports always required for U.S. citizens traveling to Mexico?
If you were ever able to travel to Mexico without a passport, you may have done so before the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative was enacted. Before the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative, U.S. citizens were able to travel to Mexico with a government-issued ID like a driver’s license. However, as of June 1, 2009, all U.S. citizens must show their passports to enter and exit Mexico.
Do you need a passport if you are driving to Mexico?
Driving to Mexico may be a more convenient and cost-effective method for people who live close to the U.S.-Mexico border. If you decide to drive to Mexico, you can cross the border with a passport book or a U.S. passport card.[2] U.S. passport cards were created for visitors who regularly drive to Mexico to travel or visit family. Although passport cards cannot be used for traveling by plane, they are easy to store and cost less than standard passport books. U.S. citizens who live in Michigan, Minnesota, New York, Vermont, and Washington also have the option to apply for an Enhanced Driver’s License, which is a driver’s license that functions like a passport card. Make sure your vehicle’s registration is up to date before leaving for your trip.
Do you need a passport if you are taking a cruise to Mexico?
The only instance where you won’t need to bring a passport when traveling by boat is on a closed-loop cruise. A closed-loop cruise starts and ends at the same U.S. port and does not leave the Western Hemisphere. However, it’s still a good idea to bring your passport just in case you need to leave in the middle of the cruise for an emergency. For other types of cruises and boat travels, you’ll need to show a valid passport book, passport card, or Enhanced Driver’s License.
Spending your money in Mexico
Whether you’re using a credit card or cash, it helps to check the USD to MXN exchange rate to prepare for your finances. If you need to make a money transfer to Mexico from the United States, Western Union makes it easy to send and receive money whenever you need. You can send money online, in the money transfer app, or find an agent location to make your transaction
