Today I'm going to tackle another confusing issue for Americans traveling to Mexico: passport requirements. Many people have seen the news reports in the past year stating that it is now a requirement for U.S. citizens to have a passport when traveling to Mexico. The news reports caused vacationers to cancel their trips and caused a serious backlog of passport applications in the State Department.
Up until recently, all that was required for travel to Mexico was a birth certificate or a drivers license and a travel visa (obtained at the airport or port of entry). Beginning October 1, 2007, there will be no intercontinental flying without a passport. There is one exception to this rule--U.S. citizens traveling to certain countries, such as Canada, Mexico, the Carribean and Bermuda will be able travel if they can show proof that they have applied for a passport.
As of January 1, 2008, all U.S. citizens traveling by land or sea will be required to present a passport upon their return to the United States.
If you are planning on traveling anytime soon, apply for your passport now! Don't wait!
