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BASICS OF CROSSING
This guide provides essential information about crossing the U.S. border, including required travel documents and available entry lanes. Whether you're a U.S. citizen, legal permanent resident, Mexican citizen, or foreign national, this guide helps you navigate the border efficiently and avoid delays.
WHERE ARE YOU PLANING TO TRAVEL?
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Into Mex
You and your child are U.S. citizens
You are a pedestrisan crossing into Mexico for a day visit only
WHICH TRAVEL DOCUMENTS CAN I USE TO ENTER MEXICO?
About Me
All U.S. and foreign citizens must present a valid passport when entering Mexico by any means of transportation. There are no exceptions for minors.
Mexican citizens can show an INE Card or valid Mexican Passport.
You are a pedestrisan crossing into Mexico for a day visit only
In addition to a valid passport, you will need a free, short-term permit known as an FMM, acquired from the Mexican authorities at the Mexican port of entry or online. (links to INM).
You are crossing into Mexico in a car for a day visit only
In addition to a valid passport, you will need a free, short-term permit known as an FMM, acquired from the Mexican authorities at the Mexican port of entry or online. Mexican auto insurance: you should never drive in Mexico without Mexican auto insurance. If you are uninsured and have an accident, the consequences can be serious.
Recommended insurance provider: www.bajabound.com
You are crossing into Mexico for seven days or less
In addition to a valid passport, a free, short-term permit known as an FMM, acquired from the Mexican authorities at the Mexican port of entry or online.
You wish to stay in Mexico longer than seven days
Purchase a 180-day permit known as an FMM from the Mexican authorities at the Mexican port of entry or online. The fee is approximately $30.10
You must hold a valid and current passport. In case the country of citizenship requires it, the passport must have a valid unexpired visa.
If you are not a U.S. or Mexican citizen
Passport holders from countries on Mexico’s no-visa-required list do not need to apply for a formal visa to visit Mexico. They may, instead, use a visitor’s permit, known as a FMM (see above).
You are visiting for business
If you wish to conduct professional business in Mexico, you must obtain a business visitor visa, which can be for one year maximum and for multiple entries. You need to have a job offer or work contract from a company registered in Mexico to apply for a work permit. The company has to apply for the work permit with the Mexican Migration Institute (INAMI). You can stay in Mexico on a tourist visa until you have been summoned to pick up your visa in the Mexican consulate of your home country.
You are crossing into Mexico in a car for a day visit only:
You are crossing into Mexico for seven days or less
You wish to stay in Mexico longer than seven days
If you are not a U.S. or Mexican citizen
You are visiting for business
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