Helpful resources
Mexican government entry, exit, and visa requirements (in Spanish)
U.S. Embassy in Mexico

Common terms

• FMM = Forma Migratoria Multiple (entry permit). 
• FMMD = Forma Migratoria Multiple Digital 
• INM = Instituto Nacional de Migracion (National Migration Institute)
• PROFECO = Procuraduría Federal del Consumidor (Mexico’s consumer protection agency)
• CONDUSEF = Comision Nacional para la Proteccion y Defensa de los Usuarios de Servicios Financiero (Mexico’s banking regulatory agency)

Passport requirements
Air travel: You need a passport book to enter Mexico. You can’t use a U.S. passport card to board a plane at the airport.

Land travel: You need a passport book or card to enter Mexico. All travelers to Mexico, must apply for an FMM, (entry permit) online or from an INM office, including travelers who are only staying within 12 miles (or 20 kilometers).

Entry and exit procedures

By air: Mexican authorities issue digital Forma Migratoria Multiple Digital (FMMD) at all 66 international airports in Mexico.

• When you arrive at an airport in Mexico, the Mexican immigration authorities will determine how long you are authorized to stay.
• A date stamp will be placed in your passport. You may be directed through a self-service electronic gate (E-Gate) that will generate a printed receipt with a QR code.
• Air travelers can visit National Migration Institute (INM) (in Spanish) to download a record of their FMMD or find more information.

By land: All travelers are required to have a passport book or card and apply for an FMM, online or from an INM office, including travelers who are only staying within 12 miles from the border (or 20 kilometers)

By sea: If you are traveling to Mexico by sea, you must have either a valid passport, a U.S. passport card, a trusted traveler card (such as NEXUS, SENTRI or FAST), or a state-issued REAL ID.

• If the cruise departs from and returns to the same U.S. port (“closed-loop” cruises), U.S. citizens may instead provide an original government-issued birth certificate or certified copy (with raised seal). If you are 16 or older, you also need a government-issued photo identification, such as a valid driver’s license.
• People entering Mexico on a private boat or ship must get a permit from the Mexican Government before traveling.
• For more information contact the Embassy of Mexico in Washington D.C.

Vehicle regulations

• Temporary vehicle import permits are required for U.S. registered vehicles traveling beyond the border zone. You must obtain this permit from Banjercito (office of temporary vehicle import) and pay a refundable deposit.
• Hassle-free zones in the states of Baja California, Baja California Sur, and Sonora allow cars to drive throughout the state without an entry permit. Car registration is also available within the zone if you prefer.

Legal and customs entry information

• Declare goods worth over $300 USD (arriving by land) or $500 USD (arriving by air) with Mexican customs to avoid fines or confiscation. This includes used goods and donations. More information is available from Mexican customs (ANAM).
• While not always enforced, Mexican regulations allow the tax-free import of only one portable computer (like a laptop or tablet) per person. If you bring more than one, you might have to pay a fee of up to 19% on the value of the extra device, or up to $4,000 USD. · Importing drugs, including medical marijuana, is illegal. It is also illegal to import e-cigarettes (vaping devices).
• Bringing weapons including guns, ammunition, and knives into Mexico without permits issued by the Mexican government is a serious crime.
• Criminal history or charges can be a reason Mexican authorities may deny you entry.
• Dual nationality is permitted by both Mexico and the United States. Learn more about dual nationality requirements and customs regulations.
• Having HIV/AIDS does not result in a restriction on entry for visitors or residents.
• Travelers under 18 may require a notarized parental consent letter if they are not traveling with both parents. Bring a notarized consent letter from parents who are not on the trip.