Do I need a passport to travel to Mexico?

By Suzanne Barbezat. Mexico Travel Expert

Suzanne Barbezat is a travel writer based in Oaxaca, Mexico. She has traveled extensively throughout Mexico and has produced the About.com Mexico Travel site since 2006.

Question: Do I need a passport to travel to Mexico?

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In 2004, the US government initiated the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative (WHTI) with the goal of strengthening border security. With this initiative, passport requirements were phased in gradually depending on the mode of transportation used to enter and exit the country.

Timeline of passport requirement implementation:

• Travel by air : In January 2007 the US Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative (WHTI) required all travelers entering or re-entering the United States by air to present a passport.

Permanent Residents of the US. Document requirements for lawful permanent residents of the United States did not change under the WHTI .

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Permanent residents must present their I-551 Permanent Resident Card when entering the United States. A passport is not required to enter the US, but you may need one to enter Mexico, depending on your nationality.

A passport is the best form of international identification and having one may help you avoid hassles when crossing borders. Find out how to get a passport .