Passport Requirements
ATTENTION! YOU WILL NEED A VALID PASSPORT TO TRAVEL TO MEXICO.
As of June 2009, to enter Mexico you will need a valid passport. U.S. and Canadian Citizens do not require a visa to enter Mexico.
Citizens of other countries may require a visa to enter Mexico. Click here to learn which countries do and do not require a visa to travel to Mexico.
For U.S. citizens, we have provided some quick links to assist you in attaining or renewing a U.S. passport.
Passport Links
Apply for a U.S. Passport for the First Time
Passport Fees
Renew Your Passport
Application Processing Times
How to Get Your Passport in a Hurry
IMPORTANT NOTE: If you already have a valid U.S. passport, check the expiration date. Mexico requires that a passport be valid for six-months following your departure.
For additional information related to U.S. passports please visit: http://travel.state.gov/passport/passport_1738.html
For Canadian citizens, please visit http://www.ppt.gc.ca/ to attain or renew a Canadian passport.
Immigration
Either at the airport or on your flight to Mexico you will be given a Tourist Card. You will need to complete the card before disembarking the plane. When you arrive in Mexico, the Immigration counter is your first stop after you disembark the plane. Here you will have to present your passport along with the Tourist Card you filled out to the immigration inspector. Your tourist card and passport will be stamped to make your arrival official. Please note that the Immigration Inspector will give you back the bottom half of your Tourist Card. You must keep this card for your entire stay in Mexico as you will need to present it when checking in for your flight when you leave Mexico.
Customs
After being cleared by an immigration inspector, you may collect your luggage and proceed to Customs. Please have the completed Customs Declaration form available for the customs agents. The form will be provided to you by the airline during flight. If you were not provided the form, you may request one at the Customs information counter. Read it carefully before filling it out. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to ask the customs personnel for assistance before you provide your form to the customs officer and pass through the Automated Selection System (stop light).
The Automated Selection System in Cancun looks like a street stop light. This light will determine whether your luggage will be submitted to inspection or released.
The red light indicates that your luggage will be inspected.
The green light indicates that your luggage will not be inspected; therefore you will be allowed to leave.
Customs Inspection
What can I bring in duty free?
Which items may be included in my personal luggage exempt from duty?
In which cases should I pay taxes?
Which other items must be declared?
Which goods are restricted?
Which goods are prohibited?
How much should I pay for those additional goods that are not part of my luggage or the $50 exemption?