MEXICO ENTRY REQUIREMENTS
PASSPORT & VISAS
Mexico
requires visitors to carry three items:
1.
Photo I.D. (such as a Driver's License)
2. Valid Proof of Citizenship
3. Tourist Cards
Proof
of Citizenship
U.S.
Citizens
Passports: U.S. citizens may present a passport, even if it
has expired within the last five years. Canceled passports are not
acceptable.
Original Birth Certificate:
Hospital
copies of birth certificates are not valid as proof of citizenship.
The certificate must have an official stamp from the state of birth.
A notarized copy of the official document is also acceptable.
Married women with a different last name should carry a marriage
license or notarized affidavit with their married name.
Notarized Affidavit of
Citizenship: Mexico accepts the notarized affidavit of
citizenship. However, it is not recommended due to possible problems
with U.S. Immigration upon return.
U.S. Naturalization
Papers:
An original certificate
or laminated card is acceptable. Photocopies are not valid.
Canadian
Citizens
Canadian
versions of the above documents are acceptable; notarized affidavits
must be executed in Canada.
Other
Nationalities
Contact
the Mexican Consulate or airlines serving Mexico for details. These
regulations change periodically. At a minimum, foreign citizens will
need a valid passport. Some nationalities are required to obtain a
consular visa from the Mexican Consulate.
Student
Visas and Business Visas
Contact
the Mexican Consulate in your area.
Minors
-
Any person under 18 years of age is considered a
minor. Very strict regulations govern travel by minors into Mexico.
-
If traveling alone, the minor must have a notarized
consent form signed by both parents.
-
If traveling with only one parent, the minor must
have a notarized letter of consent signed by the parent not
traveling.
-
If traveling with only one parent and the other
parent is deceased or the child has only one legal parent, a
notarized statement must be obtained as proof.
-
Airlines will also require the name, address and
phone of the person meeting the unaccompanied minor upon arrival in
Mexico.
Tourist
Card
The
Mexican government provides tourists cards free of charge to
visitors. The tourist card is "permission" from the
Mexican government to visit the country. Although sometimes
difficult to acquire in large quantities, airlines always have an
abundant supply upon check-in.
When
you arrive in Mexico, your first stop will be Mexican Immigration.
Mexican Immigration will inspect your proof of citizenship and
validate your tourist card. The inspector will give you a blue copy
- don't lose it! The copy must be returned upon departure.
Write
down your tourist card number and keep it with your travel
documents. If the card is lost, having the number will help greatly.
Be sure to keep your tourist card and travel documents in a secure
place.
Tourist
cards can be validated for up to 180 days.
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