All citizens of the United States must present a valid passport when entering Mexican territory by any means of transportation. There are no exceptions for minors. Stays less than 72 hours within the border area, do not require an Official Entry Immigration Form (FMM).
What documents do I need to go to Cancun?
Travelers need the following documents:
- Passport valid for at least 6 months from date of entry.
- FMM Mexico Tourist Card (if arriving by land)
- Visa for Mexico (when applicable)
- Return flight ticket.
- Documentation proving the purpose of the visit (such as hotel reservation)
- Proof of sufficient funds.
Where do you not need a passport?
U.S. citizens do not need a passport to travel between the U.S. and these territories:
- American Samoa.
- Guam.
- Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands.
- Puerto Rico.
- U.S. Virgin Islands.
What happens if I don’t have my passport and I’m in Mexico?
You will have to replace the passport before returning to the United States. Contact the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate for assistance. Contact information for U.S. embassies and consulates is also available in our country information pages.
Can I use my real ID to go to Mexico?
No. REAL ID cards cannot be used for border crossings into Canada, Mexico or other international travel.
Do you need a passport to go to Playa del Carmen?
What documents do I need to enter Mexico from the US?
U.S. citizens must present a valid U.S. passport book or card, in addition to an entry permit (Forma Migratoria Multiple or FMM) issued by Instituto Nacional de Migración (INM). Travelers should be sure to enter Mexico with valid proof of automobile registration, even if remaining in the border zone.
What do you need to come back to the US from Mexico?
All U.S. citizens need U.S. passport books if re-entering by air. Land and sea border crossings accept additional travel documents, such as U.S. Passport cards and Trusted Traveler cards. Child travelers have additional options – see the Traveling with Children section.
What Caribbean islands do not require passports?
For Americans, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands are easy destinations to visit. The islands are either territories or Commonwealths of the Unitied States. Whether flying or traveling by boat, U.S. citizens can leave the passport at home for these trips.
Can a US citizen be denied entry back into the USA from Mexico?
Citizens: You only have to answer questions establishing your identity and citizenship (in addition to customs-related questions). Refusal to answer other questions may cause delay, but officials may not deny you entry into the U.S. if you have established your identity and citizenship.
Can you get back from Mexico without a passport?
Americans returning from Mexico need a SENTRI card, passport, birth certificate. You must show that to enter and leave Mexico, and you are a legitimate resident of the United States, not a citizen.