If you're a U.S. citizen planning a vacation to Mexico, you'll be happy to hear you don't need much in the way ofdocumentation to cross the border. How you are traveling makes a difference, though. The documents you need to travel to Mexico by car or boat differ from what you need if you are flying. Though be aware that no matter which type of transport you choose, you can not travel to Mexico with a Real ID. Read on to discover just what you need to have with you to cross the southern border.
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/documents-needed-for-mexico-travel-3150203-v3-5b33f40cc9e77c0038547f93.png "What Documents Do You Need to Visit Mexico? (1)")
What documents do I need to fly to Mexico?
To travel between the US and Mexico 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.
Please be aware that you can no longer use proof of U.S. citizenship, like an embossed birth certificate, with a government-issued photo ID (more on those below) to get into or out of the country. Regardless of your ID choice, you will also need a Mexicotourist card, whichyou'll be given to fill out on the plane or at the border if you'll be traveling overland.
What documents do I need to travel to Mexico by car or boat?
To travel by land or sea, you can use a passport card or Enhanced Driver's License (residents of some U.S. states can get these) at the border. The documents you need to travel to Mexico by car or boat include:
- A passport or
- A passport card
- 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 traveling in conjunction with official maritime business
- Native American Tribal photo ID card
- Form I-872 American Indian Card
Outside of a passport, the above documents are valid only for land and sea travel to Mexico. You cannot fly internationally with any ID except a passport.
How To Get a U.S. Passport or Passport Card
Tip: It is far cheaper to get a passport at your leisure than to rush a passport just before you need it. If you need to rush a passport application, though, do it yourself—there'sno need to pay even more for a passport expediting service.
How do I get a Mexico tourist card?
A Mexico tourist card, also called an FMM, is a government form declaring that you have stated the purpose of your visit to Mexico to be tourism, and it must be carried with you while you are visiting Mexico. Although more than one kind of Mexico visa exists, this is a simple declaration of your intention to vacation in Mexico for no more than 180 days.
It's essentiallya standard arrivals card you have to fill in when entering most countries. At immigration, they'll attach a departure card to your passport to hand back when you leave the country. Make sure to fill this out in advance of arriving back at the airport to save time when passing through immigration.
If you are driving to Mexico, you can get a tourist card at or near the border. If you are flying to Mexico, you will get a tourist card on the plane.
Where will I need to show my documents in Mexico?
Whenever you cross the border into Mexico, you will need to show your travel documents.
If you are flying into Mexico, you will need to show your travel documents to the Mexico immigration agents before leaving the airport. You may have to show your travel documents again before picking up your luggage. When you leave Mexico by plane, you will need to show your travel documents before you pass through security and board the plane. You'll be expected to hand in your departure card as you pass through immigration, as well, so make sure not to lose it while you're in the country.
If you are driving into Mexico, you will need to show your identification before crossing the border. You will get a tourist card at or very close to the border, and you'll be expected to carry this with you at all times while you're in the country. If you are driving out of Mexico, you will need to show all ofyour travel documentation before crossing back into the United States.
Remember to Keep Track of Your ID and Tourist Card
You will need to turn your tourist card in when you leave Mexico. And, while it's rare for you to need to produce your ID, if you're driving around the country you may pass occasional checkpoints. The last thing you want is to be taken down to the police station because you can't produce your ID.
Tip: Don't Forget Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is a travel essential, so if you're going to be going to Mexico and you're organized enough to be researching which documents you need, there are no excuses for not getting insured.
Suppose something serious happens while in Mexico, you'll need travel insurance. The costs of medical care can often add up to far more than you'd spend on insurance, and if it's so bad that you need to be repatriated to the United States, you could find yourself in seven figures worth of debt. It's not worth taking the risk: get travel insurance.
Travel Insurance Documents You'll Need
You'll want to bring at least one copy of your travel insurance confirmation of coverage when you're traveling to Mexico. Your confirmation should have the insurance company's phone number on it in case you need to reach them, your policy number, and a thorough explanation of your coverage. We recommend bringing a digital copy and at least one physical copy, that way you'll have access to it at all times. It wouldn't hurt to have a digital copy of your policy terms and conditions either, just in case you need to refer back to it.
