Because of its fantastic culture, food, beaches, and its
proximity to the United States, Mexico is one of the most popular
foreign destinations among Americans. If you're into pre-Hispanic
civilizations such as the Olmec and the Maya, Mexican cuisine, and
Acapulco and Cancun, then it's no surprise you're reading this article.
Let us show you everything you need to go to Mexico, including
information on what the passport requirements are when traveling to our
Southern neighbor.
Because Mexico is a part of the Western
Hemisphere Travel Initiative (WHTI), you can travel to this destination
by presenting US documents that are accepted for your visit. Some of the
documents you may use include your passport book and passport card.
These documents help establish proof of your identity and citizenship.
But
what's the difference between the two types of passports? You are
probably familiar now with the passport book. It's the conventional
booklet that is used to travel to the foreign destinations that need
one. One benefit of a passport book is that you'll have greater
flexibility when traveling because you can travel anywhere with your
passport. Use of this document is mandatory for all international air
travel, even to WHTI destinations.
Meanwhile, the passport card
provides you with several benefits over the passport book. For one, it
easily fits into your wallet, making it easier to keep than the passport
book that's bulky. Also, applying for a passport card is cheaper than
the passport book. But on the down side, you can only use this card when
traveling to WHTI destinations by sea or land.
You can also apply
for both passports and let them complement each other depending on the
type of travel you're going to make. Use your card for land or sea
travel to WHTI territories, while using your book for air travel. If you
can, apply for both passports at the same time to get a huge discount
in your application fees.
Although Mexico is part of the WHTI, you
need to check if you can use other types of documents that prove your
identity and citizenship. Such documents include your birth certificate
and your State-issued enhanced driver's license. Make sure you ask the
Mexican Embassy about this before you travel to keep you free from
hassle and delays on your way there.
Keep in mind that there are
certain additional passport requirements for minors and business people
traveling to Mexico. Minors have to bring a notarized copy of the
parental consent. This document should also include the child's travel
details including the airlines he/she will be taking, as well as the
minor's travel schedule. Filling in Form FM-N is required of business
people to authorize them to conduct business in the country. If you have
more questions regarding the requirements of the two, check with the
Mexican Embassy.
When traveling to Mexico, make sure you secure the proper ID first before leaving the country. Also make sure what the passport requirements
are before traveling there. Just remember that when traveling to Mexico
by land or sea, you can use your US passport card. On the other hand,
you'll need to use the United States passport book if you're traveling by air.
