Mexican passports must have a completed and certified stamp authenticating the following information before valid travel can commence: photo identification attached to the document, country code, type of passport, surnames for both the father of holder, and the mother's maiden name, nationality, personal identification number, referred to as a "CURP", date of birth, sex, given names, issue date, date of expiration, authority stamp, electronic bar code and a holographic photo in the center to right corner of the document. The passport cover should also read, "Estados Unidos Mexicanos" which translates into United Mexican States. Traveling without any of the required components is illegal and punishable by law.
Specific requirements must be met before the Mexican government will consider issuing a passport to resident. Passport holders must be at least 18 years old and have a valid and verifiable Mexican address. Potential passport holders must visit the Mexican National Institute of Migration. In order to apply for Mexican National status, an adult must have lived in the country for at least two years and provide all of the required paperwork for processing. Dual citizenship is possible for residents born in Mexico, a right provided under the country's Federal Constitution. Specific birth and parental heritage rules must also be met in order to qualify for dual citizenship. Minors traveling with adults who have secured a passport must present a valid birth certificate and photo identification to travel outside of the country.
A passport note also must be issued and attached inside of any type of Mexican passport issued. The printed note states the holder is a Mexican national and should be permitted to travel unhindered and treated by international standards of aid and lawful protection. The passport note text is printed in English, Spanish and French languages. Passports are honored for 90-day stays in nearly all countries around the world. Mexican passports are honored for individuals in tourist groups only in the country of Albania. Tours visiting Albania are permitted inside the country for only 72 hours, and must pay small fee upon arrival. Mexican passports are honored for only 21 days in Armenia, with a small fee upon arrival also charged. The country of Georgia requires a visitation visa also be issued upon arrival at the airport, with a registration fee in U.S. dollars to be paid before entering. The United Kingdom allows Mexican passport holders to remain in the designated visitation area for up to 6 months. The Liechtenstein government allows 3-month visitation on valid Mexican passports. Switzerland, Haiti, Honduras, Anguilla, and the Bahamas permit a 3-month stay on valid passports. Iran allows a 17-day visit to the country, with a registration fee charged upon entering the country.
Travel from Mexico, the United States, and Canada now require passports or PASS Cards for all land, air and sea travel into or out of the countries. Verbal statements of citizenship are no longer accepted for entry or exit. Border guards will comply with the recently enacted Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative guidelines. The more stringent travel guidelines were created to prevent terrorist entry and fake passports from being passed at entry points. When traveling within the western hemisphere, travelers age 19 or older must present a government issued photo identification card, with all appropriate stamps and a proof of citizenship naturalization certificate. Visitors age 18 or younger must also possess proof of citizenship.
When traveling on a sea vessel of any type, which travels through international waters, or stops at a seaport, visitors must possess either a valid passport, or PASS card. Expedited service is possible, but requires an additional fee for processing. All information of the passport or PASS card must be current, any legal name changes, including a new married name for women, requires a new passport be issued. Children of divorced parents must also provide legal documentation showing custodial rights, in order to travel into a foreign country, or stop at a seaport. Mexican residents must personally appear at the Secretary of Relations Office in order to apply, renew, or make changes to a passport. Minors must also present themselves to the official Mexican passport office in order to be issued the verification of residency documents. The Mexican passport form OP5 must be completed in front of government officials, and processed. Current school transcripts or a birth certificate can be used during the verification process. A processing time of at least 3 to 5 days is required for the passport or PASS card to be issued.
