Mexico travel: Do you need a passport to go to Mexico?

Do you need a passport to go to Mexico? The short answer is yes, but there is more to know. Understanding your travel requirements is essential to trip planning, and knowing whether a passport is necessary is paramount. This Mexico passport article will answer all your questions about crossing the border and exploring the country.

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.

Find Flights to Mexico

Do you need a passport to go to Mexico?

Passport Needed?

Yes

Blank pages needed

2 pages

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? Yes, you need a valid passport book to enter Mexico by air. When at the airport, travelers who present a U.S. passport card only may be denied entry. Additionally, you must complete an immigration form, Forma Migratoria Multiple Digital (FMMD), which can be obtained online through the Instituto Nacional de Migración (INM) website.

CLOSE UP OF PERSON AT AIRPORT HOLDING US PASSPORT

If traveling to Mexico by car, train or a non-cruise vessel or a boat, you must provide a valid passport book or card.

Additionally, you’ll need a temporary vehicle import permit to bring a car registered in the U.S. and drive it beyond the border area, approximately 12 miles into Mexico. Make sure you have a valid proof of U.S. car registration. If you enter by car or train and wish to extend your trip beyond the border area, you must obtain an entry permit at an INM office.

Some ‘closed-loop’ cruises may not require a U.S. passport, but it’s advisable to carry yours in case of unforeseen emergencies.

Entering Mexico

By air: Passport Book mandatory.

By land or sea: Passport Book or Card.

Can you go to Mexico with just your ID?

You can’t gain entry to Mexico with just your ID. You must provide a valid passport book or card upon arrival.

A couple walking across the tiled floor of a resort with their luggage in tow.

A man in a red canoe watching the people on the shore of a rock island.

A young woman standing in the yard of a blue-walled building holding her braided hair, with two men walking on a path behind her.

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 and an entry permit to enter Mexico with your car. However, you shouldn’t leave your driver’s license behind as it will be useful for driving in Mexico.

Can you enter Mexico with a birth certificate?

No. A birth certificate can only be used as proof of identity, but will not grant you entry into Mexico. You need a passport for Mexico entry.

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 trips less than 180 days. If you plan to stay in Mexico longer than 180 days, apply for a Mexican visa. It allows for longer stays and is suitable for purposes such as studying, working or other business activities.

Top view of an individual standing on a colourful boat over a canal.

Our travel tips to enjoy Mexico

Discover KAYAK’s expert travel tips to make the most of your Mexican adventure.

Find hotels in Mexico

Best month
February

Avg Temperature
75 °F

Don’t forget
Your passport

A curious child, dressed in a blue dress and sunhat, gazes in wonder at the array of carpets in a store, eagerly reaching out to touch the one directly in front of them.

What to pack in your suitcase for this destination?

Drawing from my journeys to this enchanting destination, I recommend packing:

travel documents
sunscreen
lightweight clothing
a power bank
toiletries
and the KAYAK app.

Where is the best place or city to stay?

Based on my travel experiences, I highly recommend staying in Mexico City, Playa del Carmen, Cancun, Tulum, and Oaxaca. You’ll find the best Mexico hotels in these destinations.

A man stands on a beach under a ring-like rock formation.

What is the food you should absolutely try?

I strongly recommend trying Tacos al Pastor, a popular Mexican street food comprising of thinly sliced pieces of pork, marinated and roasted on a vertical rotisserie, served in a tortilla with onions, cilantro, and pineapple.

A person squeezes a lemon slice into a platter of tacos while holding it.

A man and a woman engaged in a casual conversation while sitting inside a café.

Two bowls of traditional Peruvian ceviche served with two glasses of wine.

What are the 5 best places to see or things to do in Mexico?

Having frequently traveled between the U.S. and Mexico, here are some of the best places to visit and things to do:

The capital city of Mexico, Mexico City offers a mix of history, culture, and modern amenities.
Mexico has several beautiful beaches to relax and soak up in the sun. Popular beach destinations include Cancun, Playa del Carmen, and Tulum.
Cancun is a popular beach destination with year-round warm weather.
Tulum, the coastal town in the Yucatán Peninsula known for its beautiful beaches and Mayan ruins.
Chichén Itzá, the Mayan pyramid in Yucatán Peninsula

A rocky island with a sandy shore by the wavy beach.

The stunning Palacio de Bellas Artes boasts an elegant white marble facade, intricate metalwork, and vibrant stained-glass windows, combining Art Nouveau and Art Deco styles, while its beautiful gardens and people strolling about create a peaceful and charming atmosphere around this cultural gem.

View of Mayan archeological site Chichen itza in Yucatan, Mexico on a clear, sunny day

Conclusion: Can you go to Mexico without a passport?

A valid passport book or card is a fundamental requirement to enter Mexico from the U.S. Whether arriving by air, land, or sea, having a 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 on the 20th of February 2025. 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

Do you need a passport to go to Mexico? A detailed guide