Travel Insurance Review

as-seen-on-header

  • Home
  • COVID
    • “Cancel For Any Reason” for COVID19
    • Travel Medical for COVID19
    • State Restrictions for COVID19
    • Airline Change/Cancellation Policies
  • Best Travel Insurance
  • Beginner’s Guide
  • Hurricane
  • Reviews
  • Tips & Advice
  • About
  • Podcast

Is a passport required to travel to Mexico City?

February 8, 2010 By Damian Tysdal

Mexico City is one of the most popular travel destinations for Americans and with it being so close to the US, you might be wondering if a passport is required for travel. In order to have a safe and hassle-free trip, it is important for American travelers to find out about the travel documents required to gain entry into Mexico City.

In most cases, a passport is required for travel across the US-Mexico border, but there are exceptions.

A passport is not the only accepted identification

According to the US state department, US citizens must present one of these documents, in addition to an entry permit to enter Mexico:

  • A passport book or
  • A passport card
  • An enhanced driver’s license

US citizens traveling on maritime business may present a Merchant Mariner document instead.

If the US traveler is entering Mexico by land (meaning they are driving or walking across the border) with the intent to travel beyond the immediate border region, that traveler must have an entry permit, which requires a valid passport. Drivers will also need to show valid proof of automobile registration to enter Mexico.

Warning: entering Mexico with an expired US vehicle registration could lead to confiscation of the auto by the Mexican Authorities. To further complicate things, permits are not required when driving into the Baja Peninsula.

Note: Mexican nationals entering the US by land or sea, must present a valid passport and a visa.

Brief history of entry laws

In the past, Americans who are traveling to Mexico City by air needed to have a passport. Those who are traveling by land or sea needed only to show their driver’s licenses or birth certificates. A new law was imposed on the 1st of June, 2009 made it compulsory for all US citizens to show a valid passport, a passport card, or any document approved by the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative (WHTI) when they travel to any place in Mexico.

A passport card or a WHTI-compliant document can only be used if travelers are entering Mexico by land or sea. The WHTI-compliant documents that are valid for travel to Mexico include: enhanced driver’s license issued by a state; NEXUS or SENTRI trusted traveler card; enhanced tribal card; Native American Tribal ID with photo; Form I-872 American Indian card; US Military ID with military travel order; and US Merchant Mariner document for official maritime missions.

Do the passport rules apply to travelers of all ages?

US citizens who are under the age of 16 do not need a passport when they travel by land or sea to Mexico City, but are required to bring their birth certificates or naturalization certificates. Both original and copy birth certificates can be used. Those who are legal permanent residents of the US may or may not need to present a passport to gain entry into Mexico, depending on which country they come from. They only need to show their I-551 Permanent Resident Cards when they return to the US.

The best method is still a passport

Whether it is an official requirement or not, it is advisable for those who are traveling to Mexico City to bring a passport, because a passport is considered the best form of identification in a foreign land. It will not only help US travelers gain entry into Mexico with minimal hassle; it may also be required when they get involved in accidents or unknowingly break the law.

Other than a valid passport, it is also a good idea for US travelers to get a good travel insurance policy before they travel to Mexico City. Many things can happen when people are traveling in a foreign country, and having travel insurance will protect them from losses that are incurred as a result of accidents. Since the food, weather, and standard of living are different in Mexico City, there is a higher chance that travelers may fall ill during their trips. Also, the crime rate in Mexico City is quite high, and tourists are one of the main targets for theft. Travel insurance will cover medical expenses, loss and theft, and cancellations, and it will ensure that travelers will have peace of mind when they are vacationing in Mexico City.

Filed Under: Learning

About Damian Tysdal

Damian Tysdal is the founder of TravelInsuranceReview, and he believes travel insurance should be easier to understand. See more from Damian on Google+.

Click below to find the right travel insurance, with the best coverage, at the lowest price



Get a quote nowInstant prices from all companies


Get a quote nowInstant prices from all companies

About this website

My name is Damian, and I started this website in 2006 to help travelers understand travel insurance.

The site features company reviews, guides, articles, and many blog posts to help you better understand travel insurance and pick the right plan for your trip (assuming you actually need travel insurance).

I am also a licensed travel insurance agent, and you can get a quote and purchase through this site as well.

Get the Cheat Sheet

 Travel Insurance Review, Inc. BBB Business Review


ABOUT TRUST ONLINE
ustia

Popular Companies

  • Allianz Insurance
  • CSA Travel Insurance
  • Seven Corners Insurance
  • Travel Guard Insurance
  • Travel Insured
  • Travelex Insurance
  • TravelSafe Insurance

Learn about Travel Insurance

  • Beginner’s Guide
  • Coverage Guide
  • Tips and Advice
  • Company Reviews
  • Types of Plans
  • Types of Trips

Blog Article Categories

  • Learning
  • Types of Plans
  • Types of Trips
  • Coverage
  • General
  • In The News

Copyright © 2006-2019 Travel Insurance Review Inc. | XML Site Map<a title="XML Site Map"
Information on this Web site is provided for information purposes only. Any information obtained from this Web site should be reviewed with your Policy Certificate. Travel Insurance Review Inc. is not responsible for errors or consequences arising from your use of this information.