Do you need a passport to go to Mexico? The short answer is yes, but there’s more you should know before you pack your bags. Understanding your travel requirements is essential to trip planning, and knowing whether a passport is necessary (spoiler: it absolutely is) will save you from that nightmare scenario where you’re standing at the airport watching your flight board without you.
This guide will walk you through everything you need to cross the border and explore Mexico with confidence.
Planning a trip to Mexico? Here’s what you need to know:
Yes, U.S. citizens need a passport to visit Mexico.
Your passport must be valid at the time of entry.
You’ll need at least two blank pages.
No visa is required for stays under 180 days.
You can’t enter Mexico with just your ID—you must have a valid passport book or card. And a birth certificate? It won’t get you in. While it proves your identity, it’s not enough for entry.
Driving to Mexico? You can use your passport card instead of the full passport book. Just don’t forget your driver’s license!
Wherever you go, KAYAK is here to help you travel smart. Because every trip starts with a plan—and we’ve got yours.
Do you need a passport to go to Mexico?
Passport Needed?
Yes
Blank pages needed
At least 1 blank page (2 pages required for visa applications)
Passport validity
Valid at time of entry
Visa tourist needed
Not for stays under 180 days
Do you need a passport to fly to Mexico? Absolutely, yes. You need a valid passport book to enter Mexico by air. When at the airport, travelers who present only a U.S. passport card will be denied boarding (the passport card isn’t valid for international air travel, period). Additionally, you must complete an immigration form, Forma Migratoria Múltiple (FMM), which can be obtained online through the Instituto Nacional de Migración (INM) website.
If traveling to Mexico by car, train, or a non-cruise vessel or boat, you must provide a valid passport book or card. For land and sea entry, Mexico accepts either document, so the more compact passport card works perfectly for road trips.
Additionally, you’ll need a temporary vehicle import permit (issued by Banjercito) to bring a car registered in the U.S. and drive it beyond the border zone, which extends approximately 12 miles (about 20 kilometers) into Mexico. Make sure you have valid proof of U.S. car registration in the vehicle owner’s name. If you enter by car or train and wish to travel beyond the border area, ensure you have both your FMM and vehicle permit before proceeding inland.
Some closed-loop cruises (round trips that begin and end at the same U.S. port) may allow alternative documents under U.S. Customs and Border Protection rules, but it’s advisable to carry your passport in case of unforeseen emergencies, itinerary changes, or foreign port requirements.
Is a travel visa needed to go to Mexico from the U.S.?
U.S. citizens don’t require a visa to enter Mexico for tourism or business visits lasting less than 180 days. Mexican immigration officials determine your permitted length of stay upon arrival. If you plan to stay in Mexico longer than 180 days or engage in work, study, or other activities, you’ll need to apply for the appropriate Mexican visa or residency permit through a Mexican consulate before your trip.
Can you go to Mexico with just your ID?
You can’t gain entry to Mexico with just your ID. A government-issued photo ID like a driver’s license alone doesn’t meet Mexico’s entry documentation requirements. You must provide a valid passport book or card upon arrival, depending on your mode of travel.
There’s one narrow exception: some closed-loop cruises may accept a government photo ID plus proof of citizenship (like a certified birth certificate) for U.S. citizens under CBP re-entry rules. But that’s a U.S. re-entry provision, not a guarantee Mexico or your cruise line will accept those documents. Always check with your cruise line and carry your passport to avoid complications.
Can I cross into Mexico with my driver’s license?
A driver’s license isn’t sufficient to grant you entry to Mexico. You must provide a valid passport book or card to cross the border. If you’re bringing your car, you’ll also need a temporary vehicle import permit and valid vehicle registration in your name.
However, you absolutely shouldn’t leave your driver’s license behind. While it won’t get you into Mexico, it will be essential for driving once you’re there (and for renting vehicles if needed). Pack both your passport and your driver’s license.
Can you enter Mexico with a birth certificate?
No. A birth certificate can only be used as proof of citizenship, but it will not grant you entry into Mexico on its own. You need a valid passport book or passport card for Mexico entry.
Birth certificates may be accepted as part of the documentation for closed-loop cruise passengers re-entering the United States under specific CBP rules, but that doesn’t mean Mexico will accept them for entry. When in doubt, bring your passport.
Frequently asked questions about Mexico passport requirements
Closed-loop cruises (starting and ending at the same U.S. port) may allow some lines to accept a certified birth certificate plus government photo ID for U.S. citizens under CBP rules. However, requirements vary by cruise line and any international air segments or non-closed cruises require a passport book. Always confirm requirements with your cruise line and CBP before travel.
Contact the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate immediately to obtain an emergency passport or temporary travel document. Consular services handle replacement procedures, which vary by location. Keep digital and photocopies of your passport to speed up the replacement process.
No for air travel: U.S. citizens must present a passport book to re-enter the U.S. by air. For land or sea re-entry, a passport card, enhanced driver’s license (where issued), or other WHTI-compliant document is acceptable. Always check current CBP guidance before travel.
The FMM (tourist permit) must be completed by most visitors online via Mexico’s INM site before or during arrival. Keep the printed or QR copy with you while in Mexico as immigration may request it upon exit.
Requirements vary significantly by nationality. Non-U.S. citizens should check Mexico’s immigration website or their nearest Mexican consulate for specific passport validity and visa rules before traveling.
No. U.S. children need the same valid travel documents as adults: a passport book for air travel, or a passport book/card for land or sea entry. Some closed-loop cruise carriers may accept a certified birth certificate plus photo ID, but check the cruise line and CBP requirements before travel.
Conclusion: Can you go to Mexico without a passport?
A valid passport is a fundamental requirement to enter Mexico from the U.S. For air travel, you must have a passport book (passport cards aren’t valid for international flights). For land and sea travel, Mexico accepts either the passport book or passport card. Closed-loop cruise passengers may have U.S. re-entry exceptions under CBP rules (government photo ID plus proof of citizenship), but countries and cruise lines may still require passports, so carrying yours eliminates complications.
Whether arriving by air, land, or sea, having the right passport guarantees smooth entry through immigration and customs procedures. For more information about other travel documents, restrictions, and international travel tips, KAYAK has you covered.
The foregoing article was last updated in January 2026. It does not contain legal advice and is for informational purposes only. KAYAK does not guarantee, and accepts no legal liability arising from or connected to, the accuracy, reliability, currency, or completeness of any of the information contained in this article and/or any of the content linked to within it. Always check the official government website of your departure and arrival destinations prior to travel for up-to-date information.
Sources:
https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/international-travel/International-Travel-Country-Information-Pages/Mexico.html
https://help.cbp.gov/s/article/Article-74?language=en_US
https://www.climatestotravel.com/weatherbymonth/mexico/february
https://weather-and-climate.com/averages-Mexico-February
https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/traveladvisories/traveladvisories/mexico-travel-advisory.html
