Is a passport needed to enter Mexico by car?

Question

Is a passport needed to enter Mexico by car?

Answer 1

Yes, you do need a passport. Mode of transportation makes no difference.  However, I would suggest that you look into traveling by car in Mexico at this time.  There is a lot of drug cartel violence going on and travellers are getting caught in the crossfire as well as being held up.

Answer 2

To drive your own car into Mexico, you'll need a tourist card and a temporary vehicle importation permit, which you can get at the border. In some tourist border areas, you don't need this permit or a tourist card; for instance, I needed neither one when driving to Puerto Penasco, a tourist destination on the Gulf about 70 miles from the Arizona border. Just ask at the border.

Documents You Will Need for a Mexico Vehicle Permit and Mexico Tourist Card

Proof of car ownership

Proof of American registration

An affidavit from any lien holders authorizing temporary importation

A valid American driver's license

Proof of citizenship (like a passport)

Consider bringing your marriage certificate if the name on your passport is different than the name on your driver's license because you're a newlywed.

Mexico Vehicle Permit Cost

The vehicle permit costs $15 and you must pay with a credit card; if you don't have a credit card, you'll have to pay a bond and a processing fee of $15. Keep the permit on your windshield while you're in Mexico.

Mexico Tourist Card Cost

Get a tourist card at the border with a US driver's license and proof of citizenship. Fill out a simple form at the border immigration office declaring information (your purpose in Mexico, for instance), pay $15 and then hang onto the card! It's good for up to 180 days.

At the US-Mexico border, you'll drive through one of several lanes (number of lanes depends on how much traffic the border crossing handles). Traffic lights hang above the lanes; stop your car -- if the traffic light in your lane turns green, welcome to Mexico!

If the border crossing traffic light is red, you'll be directed to an area where you'll park, and a Mexican customs official may ask you some questions or search you and / or your car.

Answer 3

No. But you need one to get back.

Answer 4

I think you need one, or maybe you'll need a visitors card. It's always better to have a passport when leaving the country because it's a fail proof ID, and guarantees you to be let back in the country.

Answer 5

No, a passport is only needed to enter back into the US.

Answer 6

"Jesse" gave you the correct answer.  Passports will not be needed for LAND travel to and from Mexico until June1, 2009.  See site below to read the law for yourself.

Answer 7

No not yet,U.S. citizens can say up to 180 days with out a visa, just birth certificate and photo I.D.and visit the webb page Mexico turist requarerments.com