Do you REALLY need Passports to go to Mexico?

Question

My BF is going to spend X-mas with me in Mexico this year and we were wondering if his Birth certificate and an ID with picture would work or if he would need to get a Passport.

Answer 1

So far, ALL the answerers said you do need a passport to go to Mexico...that is correct if you are FLYING.  But, if you are travelling by LAND, passports will not be needed until after SUMMER 2008.  See website below and read the top half of the page carefully to see the CURRENT info. If he plans to Fly to Mexico...he is up a creek without a paddle.  He does not have time to get a passport.  It takes 6 to 8 weeks to get a passport, or 2 to 3 weeks if you pay the extra fees for expediting and express mail.  he will not be allowed on  the flight without a passport.  But, he can drive or take the bus.

Answer 2

No...please get a passport.  You will be turned back to your country and it will ruin your trip.  They are really sticky at the border and you'd be better off doing everything they ask.  Have a safe and fun trip!!

Answer 3

Yes that is the law, but only if you respect the laws of the country you are a guest of.  Try going over illegally, finding work and then marching around waving the red white and blue and demanding instant citizenship...see how that goes over in Mexico.

Answer 4

It won't be accepted, you need a passport to travel abroad and it can take up to 2 months.

Answer 5

I recommend getting one. You don't need it to go to Mexico, but to get back you do, if you are flying. They are easy to get. All you need is your birth certificate and put your application in at any US post office. They are taking 4-6 weeks, I opted for the expedited service and got mine in 9 days.

Good luck!

Answer 6

It seems you (US citizens) are not familiar with passports and visas.

The PASSPORT is the permission from YOUR country to get out or in of it.

The VISA is the permission of the coutry you are going to visit to do it.

The american passport is NOT asked from Mexico government, it is from US.

So, probably you can go out, and come to Mexico since we don't ask you for visa. BUT, you WIL NOT be able to get back to your home at USA, you will be required to have your passport with you to demonstrate that you are an american citizen, not any foreigner trying to get there ilegaly. Many mexicans living in the border used to cross it only saying "I'm american citizen", they speak english as well as any gringo, some are blonds, no one used to bother on it. So, it is gonig to end, as you (american citizens) asked for, wich is better for you and for us.

Answer 7

I think as of january you need a passport to go to mexico and canada.

hope you guys have fun!!!!!!

rock n roll!

Answer 8

Yes, especially if you want to come back into the US.

Answer 9

you need a passport

Answer 10

YES. >( People may cross the border all the time without passports but IT IS ILLEGAL. If you want to go across LEGALLY, you WILL need a passport, and if you don't have one, you WILL be turned back. International travel, excluding the Schengen countries in the European Union, _ALWAYS_ requires a passport. Sorry. :/

Answer 11

Get a passport. There is confusion about when it will be required in 2008, but just get one!

Answer 12

going there isn't the problem, you need the passport to RETURN.  and if you've bought a plane ticket...they are doing to check it BEFORE you leave.  meaning....if you don't have it...you ain't flyin'! :)   if you are walking or driving over...it's different.  you'll just come back and p**s off everyone in line at the border patrol station.  they'll take your BF to the back room and hold him for as long as they feel like until they can verify his citizenship.