How to Go to Mexico Without a Passport [2022]

How to Go to Mexico Without a Passport

Traveling is an essential element of life. People go to Mexico for various reasons.

However, you can apply for a visa or passport, which may be delayed or rejected. When this happens, your plan may no longer hold, which isn’t something anyone will be happy about.

The next thing in such circumstances is to seek alternative means of traveling to your destination. Although one must have a passport when traveling to Mexico without a passport, in a few cases, another legal document may suffice temporarily. However, this depends largely on the mode of transportation and a few other factors. Here is how to go to Mexico without a passport. 

Requirements for Traveling to or From Mexico

  • US Passport Card

Regardless of age, anyone, whether a US citizen or not, must possess a valid US passport card to enter Mexico. However, you cannot use this passport to travel to other countries outside the Americas. 

The US passport card can only give you access to Mexico, the Caribbean, and Canada by sea and land. Hence, always have your passport paper with you.

  • Children Aged 16 and Below

Children younger than 16 may enter and leave Mexico by sea or land with their naturalization certificates, birth certificates, or citizenship certificates.

Children younger than 19 may also utilize their naturalization certificates, birth certificates, or citizenship certificates while traveling in the company of adults. Examples are a small group of students, cultural organization, sports team, social group, or religious group.

No matter their age, all children must possess a passport book when flying from or to Mexico. To be safe, it is better to carry your passport.

  • Going via Cruise Ship

Traveling by sea to Mexico is the same as traveling by air unless you use a cruise that doesn’t cross the US port, also known as a closed-loop cruise.

However, if you are a citizen of America and use the cruise, you will need other documents. These include:

  • You will need a valid driver’s license or any other ID issued by the government
  • An original copy or photocopy of your birth certificate, certificate of naturalization, or citizenship to get into the country again

Several cruise lines advise passengers to have a current passport even on closed-loop trips. You will need your passport if circumstances or an emergency force you to reschedule your trip. 

  • Using Alternative Documents

Due to the Western Hemisphere Travel initiative, you can travel from the United States to Mexico via land without a passport. As an alternative, you must have the Enhanced Driver’s License, Nexus, FAST card, or SENTRI, United States Passport Card, and United States Passport Book. Only a few states now issue (EDL) enhanced driver’s licenses, but none of those states has a common boundary with Mexico.

Meanwhile, if you are taking a bus to or from Mexico, you will require the following while traveling:

  • An active passport
  • Mexico’s visitor’s card (FMM)

To be permitted to enter Mexico as a visitor, you must possess the FMM. The application for this document takes less time and is easy. Everything is done online before traveling and will be delivered to your mail once accepted. Print it out and keep it as you journey.

Requirements for Traveling to Mexico

Before you enter Mexico, whether you are going for tourism, business, or international meeting, there are important requirements you must meet before you gain access to enter the country. We will discuss those requirements below.

  • Prerequisites for Entering Mexico for Business

Through a particular segment on the visitor’s permit mentioned above, Mexico accepts business travelers and streamlines the immigration process for brief stays.

While you’re visiting Mexico for business purposes or as a representative of an organization, you must have a valid passport, but visas are not necessary. You can only access this if you come from one of the nations on Mexico’s “no necessary visa list.” The countries mentioned in the list can enter Mexico without an official visa. Instead of a visa, you can use a permit for visitors. This is the same permit issued to tourists entering Mexico.

If your country is not on the list of nations that do not require visas, you should still conform to the terms of the visa requirements with the Mexican Consulate in your area before your trip.

  • Prerequisites for Entering Mexico for Tourism

For nations where a visa is not mandatory, there will be a need for an FMM (Mexican Visitor’s Permit) in place of a visa. It’s a form distributed by airlines and must be filled out before landing. You may also get one at any airport, land border checkpoints, and sea entry points. Don’t worry if the carrier you are flying with does not provide forms at the check-in counter or on the aircraft. You may obtain one upon arrival and complete it before waiting in line to get your documents examined and validated by airport officials.

Advice and Tips for Traveling to Mexico

Bringing prescription medications into Mexico is illegal unless you possess the supporting paperwork demonstrating a medical necessity. This is the only condition you can carry prescription medications into Mexico. If you or any family member uses prescription medication, bring the prescription or doctor’s note while traveling. It should include the name of the patient and the medicine name. This will allow you to demonstrate your need for travel prescription medications if the officials inspect your luggage.

Always keep your passport and other necessary documents handy and be ready to answer when asked.

Conclusion

Traveling to Mexico without a passport is possible but risky and stressful. You have to have the necessary alternative documents or meet the age requirement. Get a passport book, visa, and other necessary documents to avoid unnecessary frustrations and hiccups. Unless your country is on the no passport list, entering Mexico without a passport is illegal.