What documents do I need to travel to Mexico by air 2023?

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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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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U.S. citizens who travel as tourists beyond the “border zone” or enter by air must fill out an Official Entry Immigration Form (FMM), which is provided by commercial airlines or at the Mexican airport of entry.

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Can you cross the Mexican border with a birth certificate? Birth certificates are only acceptable as forms of identification for minors traveling to Mexico by road or closed-loop cruises.

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It doesn't necessarily need to be your passport, which means you can fly domestically in the U.S. in 2023 without a valid passport for travel. If you don't have a passport, there are other acceptable forms of identification, including: U.S. passport card. State-issued driver's license.

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Driving to Mexico
  • U.S. citizens must present a valid U.S. passport book or card, in addition to an entry permit (Forma Migratoria Multiple or FMM) issued by Instituto Nacional de Migración (INM).
  • Travelers should be sure to enter Mexico with valid proof of automobile registration, even if remaining in the border zone.


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How much does a tourist card (FMM) cost? As of early 2023, tourist cards cost $687.00 pesos (appx U.S. $38) and may be issued for up to 180 days.

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Mexico's paper FMM forms being phased out Beginning the summer of 2022, Mexico started to phase out the paper version of the FMM forms. As of now, many ports of entry across Mexico no longer use them.

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When traveling through a land border, you can get one at the border crossing by stopping at an immigration office or applying online. The FMM form for Mexico can only be filled in online if you travel by land, it cannot be filled in online if you're traveling by sea or air.

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Many decide to apply online to avoid long queues at the border. You also avoid having to carry cash for the tourist card fee. The online application can be completed in less than an hour. The FMM online requirements are the same as those for travelers who apply in person.

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Carrying goods to Mexico
  • Items for personal use, such as clothing and footwear.
  • 2 cameras.
  • 3 mobile phones.
  • 1 laptop computer.
  • Medical supplies for personal use (a medical prescription is required if these contain narcotic substances)


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To clarify, U.S. citizens entering Mexico must present proof of citizenship (such as a certified copy of a birth certificate), photo ID and proof of sufficient funds. A passport and visa are not required of U.S. citizens entering Mexico for tourism or for transit for stays of up to 90 days.

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Flights within Mexico
  • Mexicans must present a valid photo ID: ¦ IFE/INE* ¦ Passport. ¦ Professional license. ¦ IMSS or ISSSTE card. ...
  • Foreigners must present a valid photo ID: ¦ Passport. ¦ Residency. ¦ Another official photo ID.
  • Minors may present any of the following: ¦ Birth certificate. ¦ Passport. Flights to Mexico.


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Travelers need the following documents:
  • Passport valid for at least 6 months from date of entry.
  • FMM Mexico Tourist Card (if arriving by land)
  • Visa for Mexico (when applicable)
  • Return flight ticket.
  • Documentation proving the purpose of the visit (such as hotel reservation)
  • Proof of sufficient funds.


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Beginning May 3, 2023, your driver's license will need to be REAL ID-compliant if you want to use it to fly within the U.S. It's part of a law passed by Congress.

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At a Glance: Yes, you need a passport to go to Cancun, Mexico from the United States. When traveling by air, a valid passport is required, along with a completed Multiple Migratory Form (FMM).

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Are you REAL ID ready? On May 7, 2025, U.S. travelers must be REAL ID compliant to board domestic flights and access certain federal facilities. Find out if you're REAL ID ready with our interactive tool!

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