Is a passport a MUST when traveling to Mexico from the United States now?

Question

I'm looking to plan a trip to Mexico for my 18th birthday which is in December. I keep hearing different things from different people about having to have a passport. If I were going from Denver to Mexico, would it be vital for me to get a passport? If so, how would I go about doing that?

Answer 1

Department of Homeland Security requires anybody who croses our borders to have a passport with them at all times.

Answer 2

Listen to Charlie. If by air you wont get on the plane w/o it.

Word to the wise - get your passport now as June of next year when the land travel law changes the Passport agency will be swamped !!!!

Go to your post office and get the forms ,take the pictures, and hand it to them and they do the rest. If you need expedited service ( you should be fine since your not leaving until Dec. ) then again go to the Post office and get your "package" together...............

Google some Companies that do passport expedited svc. and follow their procedures

Plan on about $150 I think for the cost.

Answer 3

my family talked to the lady at the bored and im pretty sure that you have to have em by neext june but i would get one just incase:) haha lol and HAVE Fun!!!!!! AND HAPPY B-DAY in december haha

Answer 4

Yes, the new law requires passport for all Mexico and Carribean travel now!! It sucks..but hey

Answer 5

I think you just need a Visa

(no, not the credit card)

Answer 6

Passports are required to FLY to Mexico, but will mot be required for LAND travel until June 1, 2009.  If you are flying, you will not be allowed on the airplane without a passport.  It is currently taking about 4 weeks to get a passport.  See site below for all application info and to print out the forms.

Answer 7

when you come back kind of, is supposed that people above 19 should show an id with picture and a legal document or a passport but they always ask for a passport at least where i live, i cross everyday by land and im 18 and they always ask for my passport or they delay the line by asking a little bit dumb questions, if you are crossing through el paso-juarez then bring a passport, i been going back and forth since i was 16 alone

Answer 8

you get a passport from your local post office.  It costs $100 plus the cost of pictures ($15)

http://travel.state.gov/passport/passpor...

Answer 9

In accordance with dispositions by the National Immigration Institute, in order to enter Mexico US citizens should show any US official ID. Passports are not required.

Nonetheless, US citizens must bear in mind the requirements set by the US government for re-entry.

All Americans traveling by air outside the United States are required to present a passport or other valid travel document to enter or re-enter the United States .  This requirement will be extended to sea travel (except closed loop cruises), including ferry service, by the summer of 2009.  Until then, U.S. citizens traveling by sea must have government-issued photo identification and a document showing their U.S. citizenship (for example, a birth certificate or certificate of nationalization), or other WHTI compliant document such as a passport card for entry or re-entry to the U.S.   Sea travelers should also check with their cruise line and countries of destination for any foreign entry requirements.

If you travel before your birthday:

Minors: Mexican law requires that any non-Mexican citizen under the age of 18 departing Mexico must carry notarized written permission from any parent or guardian not traveling with the child to or from Mexico.  This permission must include the name of the parent, the name of the child, the name of anyone traveling with the child, and the notarized signature(s) of the absent parent(s).  The State Department recommends that the permission should include travel dates, destinations, airlines and a brief summary of the circumstances surrounding the travel.  The child must be carrying the original letter – not a facsimile or scanned copy – as well as proof of the parent/child relationship (usually a birth certificate or court document) – and an original custody decree, if applicable.  Travelers should contact the Mexican Embassy or closest Mexican Consulate for current information.