What documents do you need to cross the mexican border

Frequently Asked Questions

Why Do I Need A Passport To Go To Visit Mexico?

Think of your passport as proof of citizenship in the U.S. The main purpose of your document is to prove your identity. Furthermore, when traveling abroad, you'll need a valid passport to re-enter the U.S.

Can I Travel To Mexico Without A Passport?

If you're entering Mexico via land, you can travel to Mexico without a passport. Even so, you're required to submit some sort of ID before entering Mexico. This includes:

  • a passport card,
  • a NEXUS, SENTRI, or FAST trusted traveler program card,
  • or a state- or province-issued enhanced driver's license.

In essence, this means you can drive to Mexico without a passport. However, if you're traveling by air, you must present your valid passport.

Can A US Passport Card Be Used To Travel By Air?

No. Your US passport card cannot be used for international air travel. If you're planning a trip abroad, you must present a valid passport or travel document.

What Are Valid Travel Documents For US Citizens Entering The US?

American citizens entering the United States must have one of the following types of travel documents:

  • A valid US passport
  • Trusted Traveler Program (TTP) Card (NEXUS, SENTRI, Global Entry, or FAST)
  • Enhanced Driver's License U.S. Passport Card (EDL)

When entering the US via land or sea, you can also show the following documents (where applicable):

  • S. Military ID card, when traveling on maritime business
  • American Indian Card (Form I-872)
  • Enhanced Tribal Card, when available

Suppose you're traveling on a closed-loop cruise (a cruise that departs and returns at the same port). In that case, you need to show a birth certificate and a government-issued ID.

What Are The Entry Requirements For Mexico?

When traveling to Mexico, you'll need a Mexico Forma Migratoria Multiple (FMM card) and a completed health declaration form.

What is a Forma Migratoria Mύtiple (FMM Card?

FMM or better known as Mexican Tourist Card is a permit that grants most foreign travelers entry to Mexico. It is popularly known as a tourist visa, although it is not an actual visa and does not replace it.

All travelers traveling from the U.S to Mexico must apply for a Mexican Tourist Card. Keep in mind that a Mexican Tourist Visa is only applicable if you are traveling to Mexico for pleasure, vacation, or recreational purposes and NOT going to Mexico to seek employment.

Take note that if your nationality requires you to have a visa to travel to Mexico, you will have to apply for a visa at your nearest embassy in addition to the Mexican Tourist Card. (Not for US citizens).

How Do I Enter Mexico With A Passport Card?

Traveling to Mexico via land can reduce wait time by entering the country with your passport card. Follow these 4 simple steps:

    1. Go to the lane that has a "Ready Lane" logo
    1. Get your passport card ready
    1. Display the passport card to the RFID card readers
    1. Proceed to a U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officer.
Do I Need An Import Permit For My Car When Traveling To Mexico?

Yes. If you plan to cross the Mexican border with your car, you'll need to apply for an import permit to go beyond the border zones in Mexico. Typically, you need to leave a monetary deposit, which will be refunded after the car permit is canceled when leaving Mexico.

There are 3 ways of getting your permit:

  • Online
  • At the Mexican border
  • At certain Mexican Consulates in the US

A few things to keep in mind when getting your permit:

  • A valid U.S. passport book or card, as well as an entry permit (Forma Migratoria Multiple or FMM) issued by the Instituto Nacional de Migración, are required (INM).
  • Even if you plan to stay in the border zone, you must enter Mexico with appropriate proof of vehicle registration. Mexican officials may seize your vehicle if you enter Mexico with an expired U.S. automobile registration.
What Are The Passport Requirements When Visiting Mexico?

When visiting Mexico, you must ensure that your passport meets specific requirements. According to the US embassy, your passport must:

  • Must be valid at the time of entry (it’s recommended that it’s not close to its expiry date)
  • Have at least 1 available page per stamp.
When Can I Use My Passport Card?

You can present your passport card for domestic flights and when returning to the US at land-border crossings and seaports of entry from the following countries:

  • Canada,
  • Mexico,
  • the Caribbean,
  • and Bermuda.
Can A US Citizen Fly Within Mexico Without A Passport?

According to this infographic on the Mexican City Airport website, you'll need to submit a valid passport and a boarding pass to travel within Mexico via air. However, there have been reported cases where US citizens could board a domestic flight (within Mexico) with their passport card and enhanced driver's license. Therefore, I recommend having your valid passport in hand just in case.

Do Kids Need A Passport To Go To Mexico?

No. Minors can travel without a passport. However, children under the age of 16 must have a birth certificate (or a naturalization certificate) to re-enter the United States.

Do You Need A Passport To Go To Cancun?

Yes, you do! The Cancun Airport website states that U.S. travelers can enter Cancun with alternate forms of ID, such as a birth certificate and a driver's license. However, you must have a passport to return to the U.S. from Mexico.

Can I use my birth certificate to cross the Mexican border?

At this time drivers licenses from California, Arizona, Texas and the rest of the U.S. states are not enhanced. You may use a driver's license and birth certificate to cross back into the U.S., however we have heard this may create delays at U.S. secondary inspection.

What documents do I need to cross back into the US?

Procedures for Entering the United States.
American citizens entering the U.S. must show a valid passport, U.S. passport card, a Trusted Traveler Program card (NEXUS, SENTRI, Global Entry or FAST), or an enhanced driver's license. ... .
Lawful permanent residents of the U.S. need to show a Permanent Resident Card (Green card)..

Can I use my birth certificate to come back from Mexico?

You are a U.S. minor citizen: U.S. citizen children under the age of 16 (or under 19, if traveling with a school, religious, or other youth group) must present a valid passport, birth certificate or other proof of citizenship. The birth certificate can be original, a photocopy, or a certified copy.

What do I need to cross the border by car?

If you are a citizen of the United States over the age of 16, you will need a Passport, a Passport Card or Enhanced Driver's Licence (only issued by certain states) to enter Canada. If you are travelling by air, you are required to have a passport, regardless of age.