Traveling to Mexico

Documents needed:

NOTE: Although Mexico only requires a picture ID and a birth certificate to enter, the United States now requires that you have a valid U.S. passport
to travel between the U.S. and Mexico in either direction. You cannot leave or return to the United States without a passport.

This page: Driving into Mexico - Flying into Mexico

Driving in: Permits and Visas required by Mexico

Border permits: You must get tourist permits for yourself, everyone traveling with you, and for your car. They are available in most border crossing towns (Mexican side). 

Tourist permits are 286 pesos (approximately $26.00 US) per person and can only be paid in Mexican pesos. Money exchange businesses are usually located in the same building. You will need a birth certificate with the official State Seal affixed, along with a current picture I.D. or a valid passport. Birth Certificates must be the original or a Certified Copy - a photo copy is not acceptable. 

Car permits are $27.00 US and credit cards are the only form of payment accepted for car permits fees. Please note that the credit card used for payment of the vehicle permit and vehicle registration papers must have the same name on them, and also must be the name of the person applying for the car permit. Your car. Your title or registration. Your credit card. 

Important: Do not leave the immediate border area without getting your tourist visa and car permit. There is another Mexican government check point a few miles further into Mexico and you'll be required to have the proper permits mentioned above to continue on.

Driving or flying into Mexico: 

Permits and Visas

Mexico Tourist Visas

Three items are needed to enter Mexico:

1. A Photo I.D. (such as a Driver's License or a passport, starting at age 18 and above)

2. A Tourist Card or F.M.N.

3. A Valid Proof Of Citizenship

Tourist Card
 
This two part document is your "permission" from the Mexican government to visit Mexico . It is available free of charge, although sometimes difficult to obtain in large quantities. The airlines always have an ample supply upon check-in. Or, if all else fails, you can obtain one in Mexican Immigration upon arrival. Here are a few words of advice about tourist cards:

1. Do not lose or deface the bottom portion returned to you after the immigration inspection. It must be returned to Mexican Immigration upon departure. TIP: Write down your tourist card number, or better yet, photo copy it, and keep it with your travel documents. If the card is lost, having the number will help greatly.

2. Keep your tourist card and travel documents in a secure place. Do not carry them with you everywhere you go, unless traveling extensively from your point of arrival. Do keep a photo copy with you when away from your home base. As a foreigner you are required to do so by Mexican federal law.

3. You can ask to have your card validated for more time (up to 180 days) than you'll actually need.

Proof of citizenship into Mexico or leaving or returning to the United States
 
Note: information regarding entry requirements is subject to change without notice, and should be reconfirmed with the airline being used for international travel. 

WARNING: U.S. PASSPORT REQUIRED 
U.S. Citizens : Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative 
The Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative will require all travelers, including U.S. citizens, to and from the Americas (includes Mexico), the Caribbean, and Bermuda to have a passport or other accepted document that establishes the bearer’s identity and nationality to exit, enter or re-enter the United States. This is a change from prior travel requirements. The goal is to strengthen border security and facilitate entry into the United States for U.S. citizens and legitimate foreign visitors. December 31, 2006 – Requirement applied to all air and sea travel to or from Canada, Mexico, Central and South America, the Caribbean, and Bermuda. December 31, 2007 – Requirement extended to all land border crossings as well as air and sea travel. 

Brides will have an easier time if tickets are issued in their maiden name to match their documents. For U.S. airport security purposes the name on the driver’s license and the name on the ticket must match. 
 
Women traveling with tickets in their married name whose driver’s license (or state issued ID) is in their married name, but who are using a birth certificate as proof of citizenship will be fine as long as the first name and date of birth on their driver’s license and their birth certificate match.
 
Natural U.S. Citizens born outside the United States may use a Certificate of Citizenship, a Report of Birth Abroad, a Consular Report of Birth (Form FS-240) or Certification of Birth (Form DS-1350 or FS-545).
 
U.S. Naturalization: If you claim citizenship through naturalization you may use your Certificate of Naturalization or Certificate of Citizenship or laminated Naturalization card. Note: Some airlines/charter companies may still accept the Notarized Affidavit of Citizenship or possibly a Voters Registration Card.
 
Canadian versions of the above documents are acceptable; notarized affidavits must be executed in Canada . The "Canadian Identification Card" is an acceptable proof of citizenship document as well.
 
Other Nationalities
Most foreign citizens traveling to Mexico from the U.S. need a valid passport and U.S. “Alien Registration” card only. Contact the airlines serving Mexico or the www.embassyofmexico.org - Mexican Consulate for more details or specific situations.
 
For Student Visas contact the www.embassyofmexico.org - Mexican Consulate in your area.
 
Minors
Any person under 18 years of age is considered a minor for travel purposes. Very strict regulations govern international travel by minors into Mexico . Every minor must have a tourist card, proof of citizenship and sometimes other documents listed below.

• Minors traveling with both legal parents or guardians: nothing else is needed.

• Minors traveling unaccompanied or with anyone other than their legal parents or guardians: they must obtain an original notarized letter of permission signed by both parents.

• Minors traveling with only one parent: must have notarized written permission from the other parent. (Airlines will also require the name, address and phone of the person meeting the unaccompanied minor upon arrival in Mexico .)

• In the case of deceased or divorced parents: legal proof must be carried to accept just one signature on the letter. This proof (death certificate, proof of sole custody etc.) can also be shown to a notary who can then notarize an Affidavit of Sole Custody form.

EXCEPTION: Mexican children often have a stamp on their passports that reads, “El titular del presente pasaporte viaja de conformidad con El Articulo 421 del Codigo Civil Vigente.” This allows the child to travel with only one parent and without a notarized statement.
 
Entering Mexico
 
Your first stop is at Mexican Immigration (Migración) where proof of citizenship is inspected, and tourist cards are validated. DON'T LOSE YOUR TOURIST CARD!
 
Next stop is at Customs (Aduana). Mexico has instituted a European-style customs inspection system, with a twist. Here's the way it works:

1. Visitors complete a customs declaration form.  
   

2. Visitors choose to either declare or not declare that they are importing items beyond their allowance.

• Those declaring items have their belongings searched, and duty is collected.

• Those not declaring items are asked to push a button on a street traffic light that is mounted on a post inside the customs area. A green light allows you to pass without inspection. A red light will signal an inspection. In the event that items are found that were not declared, heavy fines and penalties apply.  
  
  For the most current information regarding the new travel requirements 
  of the United States Government we strongly suggest that you visit: 
  http://travel.state.gov/travel/cbpmc/cbpmc_2223.html 
  
  Airlines originating from the United States (particularly Continental Airlines) DO NOT keep up with the current travel laws, can be several months behind on updating their travel document requirements and web sites, and they are known for misinterpreting the laws. We suggest that you investigate your airline's current interpretation of the laws before arriving at the airport.