Should I carry my passport with me in Mexico?

Mexican immigration authorities could ask you to present both your passport and entry permit if applicable at any point and may detain you while they review your immigration status if you are not carrying your passport and proof of legal status in Mexico, or if you have overstayed your authorized stay.



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While it is important to be alert, it is also important not to openly display your passport (even if standing in the immigration line). Always conceal your passport to the best of your ability and make sure that it is secure in a zipped bag that is always with you.

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Mexican immigration authorities could ask you to present both your passport and entry permit if applicable at any point and may detain you while they review your immigration status if you are not carrying your passport and proof of legal status in Mexico, or if you have overstayed your authorized stay.

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In most countries, I carry a photocopy and leave the actual passport in the hotel safe. However legally, you have to carry your actual passport on you in Mexico - if you're checked and don't have it, they can detain you for 60 days. Scary. I heard last year that checks were now more common?

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Never keep your passport in your back pocket. That pocket is called the “sucker pocket” for a reason. The very best way to keep your passport safe is to carry it on your person in an anti-theft pouch or money belt that is hidden under your clothes. Here is a selection of anti-theft money belts and wallets.

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Therefore, it is essential to make sure you have your passport or another form of ID with you when entering Mexico. You will need it to enter back in the United States. Cabo is more than 20 miles from the US/Mexico border.

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All U.S. citizens need U.S. passport books if re-entering by air. Land and sea border crossings accept additional travel documents, such as U.S. Passport cards and Trusted Traveler cards. Child travelers have additional options - see the Traveling with Children section.

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Temporary and Permanent Visa holders leaving Mexico
They will require your passport and your resident card. Once you have received your form, you may proceed to the airline desk. Upon reentry to Mexico watch the officer to be sure they do not mark you as a tourist and only give you 180 days.

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The U.S. passport book and U.S. passport card are both accepted as ID for domestic flights. You may not have heard about the U.S. passport card before. The passport card cannot be used for international air travel, but it is still a great ID to have in your wallet.

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Mobile Passport Control (MPC) allows eligible travelers to submit their travel document, photo, and customs declaration information through a free, secure app on their smartphone or other mobile device.

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To avoid losing your passport at the airport, never leave the document in the pocket of your pants or coat. You'll want to designate a single compartment either in your personal bag or carry-on where your passport goes every single time you take it out and put it back.

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Leave Your Passport at the Hotel Although your passport is required as an ID when travelling abroad, you don't really need to carry it around with you everywhere. Consider moving around the city with your driver's license instead, and leave your passport behind in the hotel safe.

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Cancun Customs After passing through immigration, you collect your bags and proceed to the exit. You will hand the form to the customs agent and press the button on what looks like a traffic light. A green light means “go” and red means “inspection” in which case, officials perform a quick inspection.

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Examples of prohibited items are dangerous toys, cars that don't protect their occupants in a crash, bush meat, or illegal substances like absinthe and Rohypnol. Restricted means that special licenses or permits are required from a federal agency before the item is allowed to enter the United States.

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To protect yourself from crime in violent areas:
  1. avoid road travel, especially at night.
  2. avoid isolated locations.
  3. pay close attention to your personal security.
  4. stay alert to possible threats around you.
  5. follow the advice of local authorities.
  6. monitor the media for safety or security risks.


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TRAVEL ADVICE: IS CANCUN SAFE? If you're thinking about a vacation and wondering, “Is Cancun Safe?” … the short answer is: the Yucatán Peninsula, including Cancun, Tulum, and the Riviera, is the safest area of Mexico in 2023, according to the US State Department.

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A valid passport book is required to enter Mexico by air, and those attempting to enter at an airport with a U.S. passport card only may be denied admission.

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You'll get better rates at an exchange house, an ATM, or by using a credit card, but a bank provides the best rates. Although dollars are generally accepted in various resort areas, we recommend using pesos during your visit to Cabo San Lucas.

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