Passports for Mexico?

Question

Hello,

Could someone please tell me if a passport is required to visit Mexico from California? I know there is a new law that a passport is required but I had heard that they weren't enforcing it right away. I have some friends who have been to Mexico about 3 months ago and they did not need their passports at the time, but I am planning on taking a trip to Cabo in April and I would like to know if I need a passport. If so, I guess I will have to make other plans.

Thanks!

Preferrably only answers from those who know for a fact whether a passport will be required by April.

Answer 1

"heidy" is absolutely correct.  The requirement for passports for LAND travel to and from Mexico has been postponed and has no set date, but is likely to be summer 2009.  If you re flyng to Cabo in April you WILL need a passport.  This has been the aw for over a year now.  it is currently taking 4 to 6 weeks to process a passport...and if you pay to have it expedited and for the express mail, you can get it in 2 to 3 weeks...so you caan get a passport in time.  See site below for all passport info.  there is another option also.  There are 13 regional passport agencies in the U.S.  One is in L.A.  You can call and make an app't and go and wait ...and get your passport on the same day.  You would need to print out the forms and fill them out, get your pics and have your documents ready.  See 2nd site below.

Answer 2

when entering mexico by land or by sea no passport is needed--the required documents are a goverment issued state id and a certified birth certificate.

when entering mexico by air you will need a passport.

:)  hope this helps !!