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What Documents Do I Need for Mexico Travel?

Passport or PASS Card
Acceptable ID
Mexico Tourist Card
Where You'll Show Documents

Remember to Keep Track of Your ID and Tourist Card

Travel Insurance

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If you're a U.S. citizen planning a vacation to Mexico, you'll be happy to hear you don't need much in the way of documentation to cross the border. How you are traveling makes a difference, though. The documents you need to travel to Mexico by car or boat differ from what you need if you are flying. Though be aware that no matter which type of transport you choose, you can not travel to Mexico with a Real ID. Read on to discover just what you need to have with you to cross the southern border.

What documents do I need to fly to Mexico?

To travel between the US and Mexico by air, you must have a valid passport. You cannot fly internationally with a passport card, and you cannot travel to Mexico with a Real ID.

Please be aware that you can no longer use proof of U.S. citizenship, like an embossed birth certificate, with a government-issued photo ID (more on those below) to get into or out of the country. Regardless of your ID choice, you will also need a Mexico tourist card , which you'll be given to fill out on the plane or at the border if you'll be traveling overland.

What documents do I need to travel to Mexico by car or boat?

To travel by land or sea, you can use a passport card or Enhanced Driver's License (residents of some U.S. states can get these) at the border. The documents you need to travel to Mexico by car or boat include:

A passport or
A passport card
Trusted Traveler cards (SENTRI or FAST)
State-issued Enhanced driver's license (when available)
Enhanced Tribal Cards (when available)
U.S. Military ID with military travel orders
U.S. Merchant Mariner credential when traveling in conjunction with official maritime business
Native American Tribal photo ID card
Form I-872 American Indian Card

Outside of a passport, the above documents are valid only for land and sea travel to Mexico. You cannot fly internationally with any ID except a passport.

Tip: It is far cheaper to get a passport at your leisure than to rush a passport just before you need it. If you need to rush a passport application , though, do it yourself—there's no need to pay even more for a passport expediting service.

How do I get a Mexico tourist card?

A Mexico tourist card, also called an FMM, is a government form declaring that you have stated the purpose of your visit to Mexico to be tourism, and it must be carried with you while you are visiting Mexico. Although more than one kind of Mexico visa exists, this is a simple declaration of your intention to vacation in Mexico for no more than 180 days.

It's essentially a standard arrivals card you have to fill in when entering most countries. At immigration, they'll attach a departure card to your passport to hand back when you leave the country. Make sure to fill this out in advance of arriving back at the airport to save time when passing through immigration.

If you are driving to Mexico, you can get a tourist card at or near the border. If you are flying to Mexico, you will get a tourist card on the plane.

Where will I need to show my documents in Mexico?

Whenever you cross the border into Mexico, you will need to show your travel documents.

If you are flying into Mexico, you will need to show your travel documents to the Mexico immigration agents before leaving the airport. You may have to show your travel documents again before picking up your luggage. When you leave Mexico by plane, you will need to show your travel documents before you pass through security and board the plane. You'll be expected to hand in your departure card as you pass through immigration, as well, so make sure not to lose it while you're in the country.

If you are driving into Mexico , you will need to show your identification before crossing the border. You will get a tourist card at or very close to the border, and you'll be expected to carry this with you at all times while you're in the country. If you are driving out of Mexico, you will need to show all of your travel documentation before crossing back into the United States.

You will need to turn your tourist card in when you leave Mexico. And, while it's rare for you to need to produce your ID, if you're driving around the country you may pass occasional checkpoints. The last thing you want is to be taken down to the police station because you can't produce your ID.

Tip: Don't Forget Travel Insurance

Travel insurance is a travel essential, so if you're going to be going to Mexico and you're organized enough to be researching which documents you need, there are no excuses for not getting insured.

Suppose something serious happens while in Mexico, you'll need travel insurance. The costs of medical care can often add up to far more than you'd spend on insurance, and if it's so bad that you need to be repatriated to the United States, you could find yourself in seven figures worth of debt. It's not worth taking the risk: get travel insurance.

Travel Insurance Documents You'll Need

You'll want to bring at least one copy of your travel insurance confirmation of coverage when you're traveling to Mexico. Your confirmation should have the insurance company's phone number on it in case you need to reach them, your policy number, and a thorough explanation of your coverage. We recommend bringing a digital copy and at least one physical copy, that way you'll have access to it at all times. It wouldn't hurt to have a digital copy of your policy terms and conditions either, just in case you need to refer back to it.

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A reminder about the documentation that is required for travel and entry to Mexico whether you are visiting or resident here

We have been receiving emails from readers asking about acceptable documentation required for entry to Mexico. This article summarizes the rules and provides links to additional helpful information.

Arrivals to Mexico by air

If you are visiting Mexico and arriving by airplane, you must carry a current passport. Note that Passport Cards are not valid for air travel. We also recommend that your passport is valid for at least six months from the date of your arrival in Mexico. If your passport is expired the airlines will not allow you to board the aircraft.

Arrivals to Mexico by land:

If you are visiting Mexico by land (crossing the border from the US into Mexico) you can use a passport or, if you’re a US citizen, a Passport Card.

Legal residents of Mexico

If you are a legal foreign resident of Mexico, you will need your current passport and residency card (or visa sticker) to enter Mexico. See also: Procedures for entering and leaving Mexico and Expiring and expired residency permits

If you arrive in Mexico with a recently-issued residency visa sticker, you will need to exchange this sticker for a residency card within 30 calendar days of your arrival to Mexico.

Further information

Additional information about arriving to and leaving Mexico that you may find helpful:

Entering or returning to the USA from Mexico

If you are entering or returning to the USA from Mexico, you will need a form of documentation described on this page of the CBP website . If you are not an American or Canadian citizen, you will require a valid passport and a visa or visa waiver (ESTA) or ‘green card’ (legal residency card) to enter the USA from Mexico.

Mexico visa requirements

Many people don’t need to pre-apply for a visa to visit Mexico, but some do. Read Do I need a visa to visit Mexico? for details.

Entry procedures at the Mexican border

To learn about the procedures at the Mexican border see Procedures for entering and leaving Mexico

Obtaining legal residency in Mexico

For information about long-term residency, including permits for living, retirement, and working in Mexico, see our article about the principal routes to obtain residency in Mexico .

Mexico in your inbox

Our free newsletter about Mexico brings you a monthly round-up of recently published stories and opportunities, as well as gems from our archives.

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Tourist Card MX

Everything you need to know about fmm mexico.

Information for travellers arriving to Quintana Roo State : all international travellers that enter Mexico through Quintana Roo must obtain the Visitax Mexico. More information here .

Certain travelers must complete an FMM ( Forma Migratoria Multiple ) to enter Mexico. This travel document is often referred to as the Mexico tourist card.

This page provides you with everything you need to know about the FMM tourist card, including:

What the tourist card is
Who needs the FMM
How to complete the FMM
FAQs about the tourist card

What Is the Mexico Tourist Card or FMM?

The Forma Migratoria Multiple or Mexico tourist card is an immigration document that applies to certain international visitors entering the country .

How the FMM card works

The FMM is a slip of paper separate from the traveler’s passport . It’s also a separate document to a Mexican visa, if required.

The physical tourist card consists of 2 parts . If validated at the border, one part is given to the visitor. The other remains in the records of Mexican authorities.

When Do I Need a Mexico Tourist Card?

The FMM tourist card is a required for specific travelers . Not all passengers entering Mexico need to meet this requirement.

If you’re traveling to Mexico from overseas and plan to enter the country by land , you must complete the FMM.

The tourist card policy applies to most people regardless of whether they travel to Mexico for tourism, business, or other reasons .

How to Apply for an FMM Tourist Card

You can apply for the Mexico tourist card online or at Mexican land borders , however most travelers choose to apply online in advance due to convenience and to save time.

The FMM online requirements are the same as those for travelers who apply in person.

To complete the tourist card, simply follow these steps:

Complete the form : Our online form has been designed to be as easy as possible to complete.
Submit documents : Submit your supporting documents in digital format.
Pay the FMM fee : Pay the fee by credit or debit card via a secure portal.
Receive the approved FMM : You’ll receive the approved FMM and all notifications and communications by email.

Information required on the FMM form for Mexico

We ask for the same information as the Mexico Government. This ensures that you provide all official required information when you complete the FMM application.

You just need to provide the following information:

Personal details : Name, date of birth, citizenship, parents’ details
Contact details : Telephone number, home address, email address
Passport information : Country, number, issue and expiry dates
Travel details : Purpose of the visit, intended port of entry, date of entry and exit, accommodation address

It’s extremely important to fill out all the form with accurate information . Incorrect or missing information may result in delays.

Application service differences

The Mexican Government also offers an online application option for the FMM. Below is an outline of the key differences between our platform and the Government’s.

Mexico FMM Costs

The standard cost of the Mexico tourist card is 38 USD . We then charge a processing fee for our services, which varies depending on any additional services you choose.

FMM fee exemption for short trips

If you’re planning on being in Mexico for 7 days or less , you do not need to pay the cost of the FMM card. Your final fee will just include our service charge.

Traveling to Mexico by air

You do not need to complete the FMM application process if you’re traveling by air. The fee is included in your plane tickets .

Entering Mexico With a Tourist Card

Once your FMM card is approved, you’ll need to print a paper copy to bring with you when you travel to Mexico.

Mexican immigration authorities will validate your documents when you arrive. Upon reaching the border, please present the officer with :

Note : Those who request the card in person must provide Mexican officials with the exact Mexico tourist card fee in cash upon arrival.

FAQs about the Mexico Tourist Card

Can i renew or extend a mexico tourist card.

No, you cannot renew or extend a Mexico tourist card . Once it expires, you need to apply for a new one and pay the relative fee again.

Once outside the country, you can request a new FMM immediately . You do not have to wait for a specific amount of time.

What happens if I overstay an FMM?

Overstaying a permit or visa is never a good idea. Overstayers with the FMM must pay a fine before they can leave Mexico . The fine is calculated according to the number of days that have passed since the Mexico tourist card has expired.

How much is the processing time for FMM tourist card?

If the application has been completed fully and correctly, you’ll have the approved FMM in minutes .

In some cases, the processing time may be longer. However, you can select the express processing option to get an FMM within 1 hour.

What can I do if I do not receive the FMM by email?

If you notice that the tourist card for Mexico takes longer than expected to arrive, please check your email spam/junk folder .

If you still cannot find an email from us, get in touch with our team.

What should I do if my Mexico tourist card is lost or stolen?

If the FMM document is lost or stolen, you must replace it. If this happens before you arrive at the Mexican border, you can use the online application system to obtain a replacement .

If this happens in Mexico itself, you should report the theft or loss to the police . You’ll need a police report as part of the replacement FMM application at Mexico’s National Institute of Immigration (INM).

Is losing a Mexico tourist card the same as losing a Mexico visa?

If you lose your Mexico tourist card, we highly recommended replacing the document as you would a Mexican visa. It’s required by all foreign nationals entering and leaving Mexico by land.

How long can I stay in Mexico for?

The Mexico tourist card is granted for a maximum of 180 days and cannot be extended. It also ceases to be valid once the holder leaves Mexico, as it’s a single-entry permit. If you decide to return to Mexico, you’ll need to obtain a new FMM.

The FMM is not necessary for those who decide to stay in the country long-term (more than 6 months). Therefore, people on permanent or temporary residency do not need a Mexico tourist card.

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