Passport Requirements for U.S. Citizens Traveling to Mexico

U.S. citizens need a passport book or card for air travel to Mexico. The rules:

By Air

• Passport book required for all ages.
• No exceptions.

By Land or Sea

• Passport book, passport card, or Enhanced Driver's License (EDL) (MI, MN, NY, VT, WA only).
• Trusted Traveler cards (NEXUS, SENTRI, FAST) also accepted.
• Birth certificate + government photo ID no longer sufficient for adults (since 2009 WHTI). Minors <16 may use birth certificate.

Tourist Card (FMM)

• Required for stays >72 hrs or beyond border zone (~20–30 km).
• Issued on plane/at border; fee ~$35 (often included in airfare).
• Valid 180 days, multiple entries.

Longer Stays

>180 days requires Temporary Resident Visa (INM) and FM3 card.

Bottom line: Carry a passport book for any Mexico trip; it covers all modes and contingencies.