Going To Mexico? Find Out The Pasport Requirements Here

Because of its fantastic culture, food, beaches, and its proximity to the United States, Mexico is one of the most popular foreign destinations among Americans. If you're into pre-Hispanic civilizations such as the Olmec and the Maya, Mexican cuisine, and Acapulco and Cancun, then it's no surprise you're reading this article.

Because Mexico is a part of the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative (WHTI), you can travel to this destination by presenting US documents that are accepted for your visit. Some of the documents you may use include your passport book and passport card. These documents help establish proof of your identity and citizenship.

What's the difference between a passport book and a passport card? Let's talk about the regular passport book first. This is the conventional passport book that you can use to travel to international destinations, including Mexico. Using a passport book provides you with flexibility when traveling to different countries, and not just the WHTI member-countries. Also, you'll need a passport book for international air travel.

As for the passport card, it provides you with the convenience of traveling minus the bulk of the regular passport book. Aside from that, applying for a passport card is a lot cheaper than the regular passport book. The passport card is a wallet-sized card that you can use when traveling by land or by sea. That said, you cannot use your passport card when traveling by air. Once again, you'll need your passport book for that.

You can also apply for both passports and let them complement each other depending on the type of travel you're going to make. Use your card for land or sea travel to WHTI territories, while using your book for air travel. If you can, apply for both passports at the same time to get a huge discount in your application fees.

Although Mexico is part of the WHTI, you need to check if you can use other types of documents that prove your identity and citizenship. Such documents include your birth certificate and your State-issued enhanced driver's license. Make sure you ask the Mexican Embassy about this before you travel to keep you free from hassle and delays on your way there.

There are also certain Passport requirements when it comes to traveling minors, as well as those who wish to conduct business in Mexico. As for minors, they will have to bring a notarized copy of the parent's consent with them along with the traveling minor's itinerary, and the other related travel information, plus other documents that may be required. Businesspeople, meanwhile, have to fill in the Form FM-N that will authorize them to conduct business in the country. You should check with the Mexican Embassy for more details on the travel requirements.