Required Documents For Travel To Mexico

There was a time not too long ago when U.S. citizens could travel to Mexico with just a normal i.d. such as a drivers license. However, times have changed and those traveling from the United States to Mexico must now have a valid Passport and other specific forms in order to travel south of the border.

Here is some important information to have on hand when traveling to the Yucatan Peninsula.

U.S. Consulate General in Merida
Calle 60 No. 338-K x 29 y 31
Col. Alcala Martin Merida, Yucatan, Mexico 97050
Phone: 011-52-999-942-5700
Fax: 011-52-999-942-5758

United States State Department
For 24/7 automated passport information or to make an appointment at a passport agency, please contact:
The National Passport Information Center
Hours, excluding all Federal Holidays:
Monday- Friday: 8:00 am to 10:00 pm Eastern Time
Saturday:10:00 am to 3:00 pm Eastern Time

From the U.S. 1-877-487-2778
From the U.S. 1-888-874-7793 (TTY/TTD)

For life or death emergencies (after hours only) 1-202-647-4000

https://travel.state.gov/content/passports/en/passports.html

Forms needed for Mexico Travel

All US Citizens must have a current valid Passport that still has a minimum of 6 months remaining before expiration as of the time you are planning to travel.

US Citizens do not need to obtain a visa to enter and stay in Mexico. However, you will need to fill out a tourist card, or FMM (“Forma Migratoria Múltiple,” previously referred to as an FMT) and a Customs Declaration Form. If you are flying into the country the cost of the FMM is covered in your airline ticket. The Tourist Card and Customs Form have normally been provided to you on your flight before you arrive in Mexico. However, airlines are beginning to get away from issuing the Tourist Card.

One way to deal with the Tourist Card is to go on line, fill it out and then print it before you leave on your trip (follow the link below to website). When you arrive in Cancun will need to present your Tourist Card along with your passport to the immigration officer at the airport. The Immigration Officer will tear off the bottom section and give it back to you. Be sure to keep this form in a safe place, such as inside your passport, as you are required turn in the bottom section of the Tourist Card when you leave Mexico.

Once you get through Immigration and pick up your luggage, you will then proceed to the Customs Agent and present them with your Customs Declaration form that you filled out on the plane.

It is also important to note that although the airlines usually supplies these forms, they do not supply pens to fill out the form. So be sure to pack a writing pen in your carry on luggage.