Travel

Learn About Travel Mexico Border Crossing Travel Information

Entering Mexico and Mexico Travel Requirements

As of January 2007, the United States will require U.S. citizens to present a valid U.S. passport or other accepted identification when entering or departing the United States by air or sea travel to or from Mexico or Canada.

Departures from United States - U.S. Citizens are required to show proof of citizenship when traveling to and from Mexico. Each visitor needs a valid picture I.D. and one of the following:

* a state-issued birth certificate with an affixed seal, or

* a naturalization certificate, with a laminated naturalization card, or

* a valid U.S. passport (expired passports are not valid)

Information on obtaining or renewing your passport can be accessed through the TIA Passport portal.

For more complete information on obtaining and renewing passports, including forms to renew by mail and expedited service options, see the U.S. Department of State Passport site.

Arrivals at Mexican Airports - you will receive a Mexico Tourist Card and a Mexico Customs Declaration form to be filled out prior to arrival. All visitors, including infants and children, must be in possession of a Tourist Card. The Mexico Tourist Card should be kept with your ticket, as you’ll need it when checking in for your return flight.

Minors - In addition to possessing one of the forms of documentation mentioned above, an unaccompanied U.S. or Canadian citizen under 18 years of age must have the following:

* If traveling alone, the minor must carry a notarized letter signed by both parents giving permission to do so.

* If traveling with one parent, he or she must have a notarized letter from the absent parent giving permission for the traveling parent to take the minor out of the country, or an original court order indicating that the traveling parent has full custody.

* If the minor is traveling with one parent, and the other is deceased, the deceased parent’s Death Certificate must be presented.

All immigration requirements can be changed by the Mexican Government.

There is no compulsory requirement for automobile insurance in Mexico. What is compulsory is that a driver involved in an automobile accident must be able to meet financial responsibility requirements in the event the driver is found responsible.

Mexico Travel Documents To enter Mexico you will need the following:

• A valid passport or your birth certificate with embossed seal and government issued photo ID (driver's license). It is a good idea to have copies of the above including your tickets.
• Mexican Tourist Card which you will be given at the airport when you check in or on the plane. Be sure to completely fill out the Tourist Card before you land in Mexico, it will save time at immigration. Put your Tourist Card in a safe place, you will required to present it when you depart Mexico.

Travel Documents for Minors:

• A valid passport or your birth certificate with embossed seal
• When a minor is traveling alone, they must have a notarized letter signed by the parents or legal guardians giving them permission to travel.
• When a minor is traveling with one adult, provide a notarized letter signed by the parent or guardian not traveling giving them permission to travel with the other parent or guardian.
• If the minor is in the custody of one parent, a notarized custody document should be provided.
• If one parent is deceased, provide the death certificate.

• Most airlines allow 2 pieces of luggage per person. If you are traveling on a charter it is a good idea to check with the company. Some charters only allow 1 piece of luggage per person.
• Be sure to tag all luggage (including your carry-on) with your name, address and phone number. If you know where you will be staying, add that information as well.
• Be sure all your travel documents, tickets, money, credit cards and traveler's checks, medications, valuables and personal items are in your carry-on or purse.
• We recommend you bring a change of clothes in your carry-on. If your luggage is "delayed" at least you'll have something to wear!
• If you are bringing anything that can be ruined if it gets wet - pack it in a plastic bag. Occasionally tropical rain storms soak the luggage on its way from the plane to baggage claim. I learned this the hard way