Do you need a passport to go to Mexico? Yes! All US citizens, regardless of age, must hold a valid passport when flying into Mexico. Some instances exist where travelers may not need a passport to visit Mexico, which we cover in detail below. However, it is best practice to carry a valid passport anytime you cross an international border. You can expedite your passport in as little as 2-4 business days if needed. Here are the travel requirements for each…
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In 2009, new passport laws went into effect that changed the documents required for travel between the US, Mexico and Canada. Called the Western Travel Initiative (WHTI), the regulations required most US citizens to have either a passport or a passport card for land and sea travel to either country, with a passport book being required for air travel. Local businesses on both sides of the border have been ruing that day ever since, blaming the requirements for slowing down…
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In California, deep-sea fishing boats crossing into Mexican waters have found themselves on the hook instead, as the Mexican navy boarded them and checked their passengers' passports. According to SignOnSanDiego.com, the sport-fishing boats believed that they were complying with existing regulations that allow anglers to take short fishing trips of a day or less into Mexican waters, as long as they have a Mexican fishing license. However, one of the boats reported being turned back when an angler on board…
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In America's fame-obsessed culture, it's probably not a surprise that theme cruises featuring rock stars and celebrities are the newest travel trend. And now, my Gen-X brethren, it's time to dust off those old worn out flannels (you know you still have one or two in a closet somewhere), because the latest theme cruise was designed just for you: a chance to rock out with old school indie rock music from Weezer and Dinosaur Jr. (via Gadling). The "Weezer Cruise,"…
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Drug-fueled violence has been simmering over in certain parts of Mexico for well over a year now. The State Department has issued official travel warning after official travel warning to keep US citizens informed of the situation, most recently in April. With horror stories coming in from across the border on a semi-regular basis, many US citizens have decided that it might be more prudent to take a summer vacation elsewhere. It should be noted that only certain parts of…
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When you apply for an emergency passport, whether it's at a Passport Agency office or through an expediting company, the Department of State requires you to prove that you do in fact have an emergency. When you make an appointment at a Passport Agency office, you must bring a hard copy of your itinerary to show that you will be leaving the country within the next 14 days. If you're using an expediter, you must include proof of travel in…
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Mexico has long been a playground for Americans on vacation, but lately it's been in the news due to an unfortunate epidemic of drug-fueled violence. Is it still a safe place to visit? Despite the grisly headlines, the answer is "yes"-as long as you use common sense and stay away from the most lawless, unsafe regions of the country. With that in mind, here's a summary of the areas in Mexico that the US Department of State has warned US…