Do you need a passport to travel from the US to Mexico?

Generally no, but you do need one to get back!

In general, you need no passport to enter Mexico, especially by land, but you do need a passport to return to the U.S.! The rules were changed in January 2007.

(Note: These points relate to travel by U.S. citizens, as of this date, 6/21/07. You are advised to check reference sites before traveling, as regulations do change.)

== In Summary: ==

- Traveling to Mexico: Entry requirements for countries are self-determined. A government-issued (U.S. federal or state) ID is currently sufficient for land entry to Mexico and often sufficient for air entry, but you are advised to carry a U.S. passport, especially for air entry or internal travel, to avoid misunderstandings.

- Returning to U.S. from Mexico: The United States now requires U.S. citizens to show a passport for entry to the U.S. (There is a recently-announced modification to this rule, because of the backlog in processing passport applications: You may show government ID plus proof of application for a passport. This exception is currently scheduled to end September 30, 2007.)

- Additional or special regulations may apply to children, military, dual citizens, and others. Mexico has additional regulations that may apply to your visit, especially if you stay over 72 hours or travel beyond the "border zone." See Mexico-specific information at http://travel.state.gov/travel/tips/regional/regional_1174.html or consult an experienced travel agent or a Mexican consulate.

== In Detail (compiled from U.S. Government Web sites): ==

Current Requirements for Getting into Mexico: The Government of Mexico requires all U.S. citizens to present proof of citizenship and photo identification for entry into Mexico. However, U.S. citizens have encountered difficulty in boarding flights in Mexico without a passport. The U.S. Embassy recommends traveling with a valid U.S. passport to avoid delays or misunderstandings. However, U.S. citizenship documents such as a certified copy (not a simple photocopy) of a U.S. birth certificate, a Naturalization Certificate, a Consular Report of Birth Abroad, or a Certificate of Citizenship are acceptable. U.S. citizens boarding flights to Mexico should be prepared to present one of these documents as proof of U.S. citizenship, along with photo identification. Driver's permits, voter registration cards, affidavits and similar documents are not sufficient to prove citizenship for readmission into the United States.

New Requirements for Travelers between the United States and Mexico: Per Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative (WHTI) effective January 23, 2007, all U.S. citizens traveling by air to and from Mexico are required to have a valid passport to enter the United States. As early as January 1, 2008, U.S. citizens traveling between the United States and Mexico by land or sea (including ferries), may be required to present a valid U.S. passport or other documents as determined by the Department of Homeland Security. Ample advance notice will be provided to enable the public to obtain passports or passport cards for land/sea entries. American citizen travelers are encouraged to apply for a U.S. passport or the passport card when it becomes available, well in advance of anticipated travel. American citizens can visit http://travel.state.gov or call 1-877-4USA-PPT (1-877-487-2778) for information on applying for a passport.

The U.S. Departments of State and Homeland Security announced today that U.S. citizens traveling to Canada, Mexico, the Caribbean, and Bermuda who have applied for but not yet received passports can nevertheless temporarily enter and depart from the United States by air with a government issued photo identification and Department of State official proof of application for a passport through September 30, 2007. The federal government is making this accommodation for air travel due to longer than expected processing times for passport applications in the face of record-breaking demand.

The Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative (WHTI) was mandated by Congress in the Intelligence Reform and Terrorism Prevention Act of 2004 to strengthen border security and facilitate entry into the United States for citizens and legitimate international visitors. WHTI requirements for air travel took effect on January 23, 2007.

Temporary Modification to Passport Requirement: Adults who have applied for but not yet received a passport should present government-issued photo identification and an official proof of application from the U.S. Department of State. Children under the age of 16 traveling with their parents or legal guardian will be permitted to travel with the child's proof of application status. Children traveling alone should carry a copy of their birth certificate, baptismal record or a hospital record of birth in the United States in addition to their passport application status documentation. This accommodation applies to all American citizens who apply for passports, until September 30, when this accommodation period ends. U.S. citizens with pending passport applications can obtain proof of application at: http://travel.state.gov/passport/get/status/status_2567.html.

Travelers who have not applied for a passport should not expect to be accommodated. U.S. citizens with pending passport applications can obtain proof of application at http://travel.state.gov. U.S. citizens who take advantage of this accommodation will need to present the official proof of passport application to air carriers and to Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers at air ports of entry. Such individuals may be subject to secondary inspection.

Since implementation, U.S. Customs and Border Protection has and will continue to exercise its current authorities in unique circumstances to allow individuals subject to the WHTI requirements into the United States based on other evidence of identity and citizenship.

== Sources and References: ==

http://travel.state.gov

http://www.state.gov/r/pa/prs/ps/2007/jun/86206.htm

http://travel.state.gov/travel/cbpmc/cbpmc_3254.html

http://travel.state.gov/travel/tips/regional/regional_1174.html

http://travel.state.gov/travel/cbpmc/cbpmc_2223.html

http://www.dhs.gov/xtrvlsec/crossingborders/whtibasics.shtm

== U.S. Government's Permission to Link to and Quote the Above Extracts: ==

(from http://travel.state.gov/about/about_2727.html)

"Links to Department sites are welcomed. Unless a copyright is indicated, information on the Department of State Web Site is in the public domain and may be copied and distributed without permission. Citation of the U.S. State Department as source of the information is appreciated."

First answer by ID3517919134. Last edit by Katz2. Contributor trust: 1202 [recommend contributor]. Question popularity: 10 [recommend question]