Because of its fantastic culture, food, beaches, and its proximity to the United States, Mexico is one of the most popular foreign destinations among Americans. If you’re into pre-Hispanic civilizations such as the Olmec and the Maya, Mexican cuisine, and Acapulco and Cancun, then it’s no surprise you’re reading this article. Let us show you everything you need to go to Mexico, including information on what the passport requirements are when traveling to our Southern neighbor.
Because Mexico is a part of the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative (WHTI), you can travel to this destination by presenting US documents that are accepted for your visit. Some of the documents you may use include your passport book and passport card. These documents help establish proof of your identity and citizenship.
What’s the difference between a passport book and a passport card? Let’s talk about the regular passport book first. This is the conventional passport book that you can use to travel to international destinations, including Mexico. Using a passport book provides you with flexibility when traveling to different countries, and not just the WHTI member-countries. Also, you’ll need a passport book for international air travel.
Meanwhile, the passport card provides you with several benefits over the passport book. For one, it easily fits into your wallet, making it easier to keep than the passport book that’s bulky. Also, applying for a passport card is cheaper than the passport book. But on the down side, you can only use this card when traveling to WHTI destinations by sea or land.
You can also apply for both passports and let them complement each other depending on the type of travel you’re going to make. Use your card for land or sea travel to WHTI territories, while using your book for air travel. If you can, apply for both passports at the same time to get a huge discount in your application fees.
As for other travel documents such as your State-issued enhanced driver’s license or your birth certificate, check with the Mexican Embassy. They will help confirm on whether or not you could use these documents to enter Mexico. Perform this check before you travel to prevent hassle when you travel to Mexico eventually.
DThere are also certain passport requirements when it comes to traveling minors, as well as those who wish to conduct business in Mexico. As for minors, they will have to bring a notarized copy of the parent’s consent with them along with the traveling minor’s itinerary, and the other related travel information, plus other documents that may be required. Businesspeople, meanwhile, have to fill in the Form FM-N that will authorize them to conduct business in the country. You should check with the Mexican Embassy for more details on the travel requirements.
When traveling to Mexico, make sure you secure the proper ID first before leaving the country. Also make sure what the Passport requirements application are before traveling there. Just remember that when traveling to Mexico by land or sea, you can use your Pasport card. On the other hand, you’ll need to use the US passport book if you’re traveling by air.