Do I need a passport to travel to Mexico?

Answer 1

It is better if you do and after January 23, 2007 you will need it to come back to US if you are traveling by air.

Here is the info from the US Department of State:
(http://travel.state.gov/travel/cis_pa_tw/cis/cis_970.html)

ENTRY REQUIREMENTS: The Government of Mexico requires that all U.S. citizens present proof of citizenship and photo identification for entry into Mexico. However, some U.S. citizens have encountered difficulty in boarding flights in Mexico without a passport. The U.S. Embassy recommends traveling with a valid U.S. passport to avoid delays or misunderstandings. A lost or stolen passport is easier to replace when outside of the United States than other evidence of citizenship. However, U.S. citizenship documents such as a certified copy (not a simple photocopy or facsimile) of a U.S. birth certificate, a Naturalization Certificate, a Consular Report of Birth Abroad, or a Certificate of Citizenship are acceptable. U.S. citizens boarding flights to Mexico should be prepared to present one of these documents as proof of U.S. citizenship, along with photo identification, such as a state or military issued ID. Driver's licenses and permits, voter registration cards, affidavits and similar documents are not sufficient to prove citizenship for readmission into the United States.

IMPORTANT NEW INFORMATION: Effective January 23, 2007, all U.S. citizens traveling by air to and from the Caribbean, Bermuda, Panama, Mexico and Canada are required to have a valid passport to enter or re-enter the United States. As early as January 1, 2008, U.S. citizens traveling between the United States and the Caribbean, Bermuda, Panama, Mexico and Canada by land or sea (including ferries), may be required to present a valid U.S. passport or other documents as determined by the Department of Homeland Security. American citizens can visit travel.state.gov or call 1-877-4USA-PPT (1-877-487-2778) for information on applying for a passport.

Answer 2

If you are a U.S. citizen, currently you do not. Current plans (which may be revised further) will require that in 2007 ALL air passengers arriving from any other country (including Canada and Mexico) will require passports to land in the U.S.A. (So technically you wouldn't need a passport to go TO Mexico, but you would need one to return by air.) Under the new rules you would still be able to visit Mexico via a land border without a passport. You will still need proof of citizenship, and if you plan to drive your own car across the border you will need Mexican automobile insurance.

Answer 3

As of January 22, 2007, all travelers entering the USA will need a passport. This includes Americans returning from abroad. It was always that one could travel to nearby countries like Bermuda, The Bahamas, Mexico and just show picture ID and a birth certificate. That all changes in January.

Answer 4

You dont need a passport to travel by land until June 1, 09. You will only need your birth certificate and an ID. Thats all. Have a good trip. Oh and you may need a permit for your vehicle.

Answer 5

Not at present. After mid January you will need one to fly to Mexico and after jan. 1, 2008 you will need one to travel there via land. You will need a visa to go there other than by cruise ship or one of the border towns which is simply a matter of paying for one. Understand that any minor also need to be in possession of a notorized letter giving permission to travel there by any absent parent, or both of them is neither accomplines the minor. The only exception is if the absent parent is deceased, and you must have a copy of the death certificate. or you have an official court decree excusing the absent parent from any responsibility or claims of parenthood.

Answer 6

depending on where u live but i in america u need a passport 2 change borders if u want more info look it up on internet my best bet.but yea u need 2 a passport 2 go mexico depending where u are

Answer 7

If you are flying then in January you will - especially to get back into USA. If you are driving or on a cruise then you will not have to have one until January 2008.

It is always safer to have one and you will anyways for a later date - might as well do it now...its good for 10 years.

Answer 8

in 2007 you will.

Answer 9

New Requirements for Travelers


Under the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative (WHTI)

The proposed implementation timeline has two phases:

Beginning January 23, 2007, ALL persons, including U.S. citizens, traveling by air between the United States and Canada, Mexico, Central and South America, the Caribbean, and Bermuda will be required to present a valid passport, Air NEXUS card, or U.S. Coast Guard Merchant Mariner Document.

As early as January 1, 2008, ALL persons, including U.S. citizens, traveling between the U.S. and Canada, Mexico, Central and South America, the Caribbean, and Bermuda by land or sea (including ferries), may be required to present a valid passport or other documents as determined by the Department of Homeland Security. While recent legislative changes permit a later deadline, the Departments of State and Homeland Security are working to meet all requirements as soon as possible. Ample advance notice will be provided to enable the public to obtain passports or passport cards for land/sea entries.
Travel Documents for U.S. Citizens Under WHTI

Under the proposed implementation plan, the following documents will be acceptable to fulfill document requirements:

U.S. Passport: U.S. citizens may present a valid U.S. passport when traveling via air between the United States and Canada, Mexico, Central and South America, the Caribbean, and Bermuda, and may also use a U.S. passport when traveling via sea and land borders (including ferry crossings).
The Passport Card (also referred to as the PASS Card): This limited-use passport in card format is currently under development and will be available for use for travel only via land or sea (including ferries) between the U.S. and Canada, Mexico, the Caribbean, and Bermuda. Similar in size to a credit card, it will fit easily into a wallet.
DOS and DHS also anticipate that the following documents will continue to be acceptable for their current travel uses under WHTI: SENTRI, NEXUS, FAST, and the U.S. Coast Guard Merchant Mariner Document. As proposed, members of the U.S. Armed Forces on active duty traveling on orders will continue to be exempt from the passport requirement.
Background

The Intelligence Reform and Terrorism Prevention Act of 2004 requires the Department of Homeland Security and Department of State to develop and implement a plan to require all travelers, U.S. citizens and foreign nationals alike, to present a passport or other document, or a combination of documents, that denote identity and citizenship when entering the United States. Congress amended portions of the Act in 2006. The Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative is the Administration’s proposed plan to implement this mandate.

The goal of the Initiative is to strengthen border security and facilitate entry into the United States for U.S. citizens and legitimate foreign visitors by providing standardized, secure and reliable documentation which will allow the Department of Homeland Security to quickly, reliably and accurately identify a traveler.

11/22/2006 Media Note - Passports Required for Air Travel to United States as of January 23, 2007

10/17/2006 Media Note - Department of State to Introduce Passport Card

Fact Sheet - Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative (PDF)
Frequently Asked Questions about the New Travel Initiative Requirements (FAQs)

Final Rule - Air Phase ( PDF)

Other Relevant Links

Department of Homeland Security
U.S. Customs and Border Protection

Answer 10

yes.