Embassy of the United States

Entry Requirements for Mexico

The Government of Mexico requires that all U.S. citizens present proof of citizenship and photo identification for entry into Mexico.

The U.S. Embassy and U.S. Consulate General Guadalajara remind travelers that all U.S. citizen travelers entering and departing the U.S. by air must posses a valid US passport. U.S. travelers entering and departing the U.S. by land/sea will be required to present both proof of citizenship, such as a birth certificate, and proof of identity, such as a driver’s license OR a U.S. Passport OR SENTRI/NEXUS/FAST card. For the full text please visit: http://mexico.usembassy.gov/eng/eacs_warden_passports.html.


U.S. citizens do not require a visa or a tourist card for tourist stays of 72 hours or less within "the border zone," defined as an area between 20 to 30 kilometers of the border with the U.S., depending on the location.

U.S. citizens traveling as tourists beyond the border zone or entering Mexico by air must pay a fee to obtain a tourist card, also known as an FM-T, available from Mexican consulates, Mexican border crossing points, Mexican tourism offices, airports within the border zone and most airlines serving Mexico.

Upon arrival in Mexico, business travelers must complete and submit a form (Form FM-N 30 days) authorizing the conduct of business, but not employment, for a 30-day period. Travelers entering Mexico for purposes other than tourism or business or for stays of longer than 180 days require a visa and must carry a valid U.S. passport. U.S. citizens planning to work or live in Mexico should apply for the appropriate Mexican visa at the Mexican Embassy in the U.S.: 

1911 Pennsylvania Avenue N.W.
Washington, D.C. 20006
telephone (202)736-1000

or any Mexican consulate in the United States.

Unaccompanied Minors Departing Mexico:

In order to combat international child abduction or the exploitation of minors, Article 215 of Mexico’s Ley General de Población requires that minor non-Mexican children leaving Mexico must be accompanied by both parents or guardians or be prepared to present written authorization to travel from the absent parent or parents.

This document must include:

• the name(s) of the authorizing parent(s),
• the name of the child,
• the name(s) of the adult(s) accompanying the child, and
• the notarized signature(s) of the absent parent(s)

The child must be carrying the original letter – not a faxed or scanned copy – as well as proof of the parent/child relationship (usually a birth certificate) – and an original custody decree, if applicable.

If there is only one custodial parent, the accompanying adult should be prepared to present documentation to that effect (e.g, a court order granting sole custody to one parent, a death certificate for the absent parent, etc.).