Required Documentation
Passport and Tourist Visa
All U.S. citizens are advised to use a passport to travel to Mexico. Beginning January 23, 2007, the U.S. government began requiring U.S. citizens returning to the U.S. from other countries by air to provide a U.S. passport. On June 1, 2009, the U.S. government will implement the full requirements of the land and sea phase of WHTI. The proposed rules require most U.S. citizens entering the United States at sea or land ports of entry to have a passport, passport card, or WHTI-compliant document. Visit the U.S. State Dept. website for specific requirements.
In addition, U.S. citizens who are visiting Mexico are required to have a Tourist visa. You may obtain a tourist visa when you enter Mexico. Upon your arrival in Mexico, you must be sure to have your tourist visa validated for at least 60 days by a Mexican Immigration Official. The visas are not valid until issued at the border or point of entry by the Immigration Service of Mexico. If you are NOT a U.S. Citizen, entry requirements may be different. Please review the requirements for a tourist visa at: http://studenttravel.about.com and search for Mexican tourist card.
