Mexico Entry Requirements for U.S. Citizens
U.S. travelers planning a trip to Mexico should be aware of the entry requirements. This is essential to ensure a smooth entry into the country.
This page outlines everything you need to know about traveling to Mexico as a U.S. tourist, including visa requirements, tourist cards, and tourist taxes for Mexico.
Required Documents for U.S. Citizens Traveling to Mexico
| U.S. passport | ✔️ | Required |
| Mexican visa | ❔ | In some cases |
| FMM tourist card | ❔ | For land travel |
| Visitax confirmation | ❔ | For Quintana Roo |
Below you can find more detailed information on each document.
Do U.S. passport holders need a visa for Mexico?
U.S. citizens traveling to Mexico for tourism, business, or transit purposes do not require a visa for stays of 180 days or less.
Is a Mexico tourist card necessary for U.S. citizens?
U.S. citizens traveling to Mexico by land are required to obtain a Mexico tourist card, also known as a FMM (Forma Migratoria Múltiple).
The FMM is mandatory for tourist and business trips by land. It can be obtained online or on arrival at the border.
Do U.S. citizens need to pay tourist taxes in Mexico?
U.S. citizens are required to pay a tourist tax, known as the Visitax, when visiting the Mexican state of Quintana Roo. The state includes major tourist destinations like Cancun and Tulum.
The most convenient way to pay Visitax is online. MX Visitax PRO offers a streamlined Visitax application that takes just minutes to complete here:
Mexican Customs Procedures for U.S. Passengers
Upon arrival in Mexico, U.S. citizens must declare any goods exceeding the allowed customs exemptions. This includes items for personal use that exceed the value limit set by Mexican customs regulations.
Do U.S. passengers need to fill out a customs declaration to enter Mexico?
Be prepared to fill out a customs declaration form, available on flights or at border crossings, detailing the items you are bringing into the country.
Do U.S. Citizens Need Health Documents for Mexico?
Currently, Mexico does not require U.S. citizens to present any health documents for entry. However, it's advisable to be up-to-date with routine vaccinations and follow general travel health advice.
U.S. routine and recommended vaccinations for Mexico
Before traveling to Mexico, consider consulting with a healthcare provider or a travel medicine specialist 4–6 weeks before your trip.
Routine vaccinations include:
- Flu
- Polio
- Varicella (chickenpox)
- Diphtheria-tetanus-pertussis
- Measles-mumps-rubella (MMR)
Your healthcare provider might recommend the following vaccines in addition to those you should be up-to-date on:
- Hepatitis A: Recommended for most travelers, it’s passed through contaminated food or water.
- Typhoid: Especially recommended for travelers visiting smaller cities, rural areas, or staying with friends and relatives.
- Hepatitis B: Spread through sexual contact, contaminated needles, and blood products.
- Rabies: Recommended for travelers involved in outdoor and other activities.
How to Get to Mexico From the U.S.
Flying is the most popular and efficient way to reach Mexico from the U.S. Numerous airports across the United States offer direct flights to major Mexican cities, including:
- Cancun
- Guadalajara
- Mexico City
- Monterrey
U.S. citizens entering Mexico by land
There are several border crossings along the U.S.-Mexico border, with the most popular ones located in:
- Arizona
- California
- Texas
U.S. citizens entering Mexico by land must present a valid passport and obtain a Mexico tourist card (FMM).
U.S. Embassy in Mexico
The U.S. Embassy in Mexico is located in Mexico City, at the following address:
Paseo de la Reforma No. 305
Delegación Cuauhtemoc
06500 México, D. F.
There are also U.S. consulate generals in the following locations:
- Ciudad Juárez
- Cozumel
- Guadalajara
- Hermosillo
- Matamoros
- Merida
- Monterrey
- Nogales
- Nuevo Laredo
- Tijuana
Smart Traveler Enrollment Program for U.S. tourists in Mexico
U.S. citizens traveling to Mexico are encouraged to enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) for safety updates and easier access to consular services in case of an emergency.
FAQs for U.S. Citizens Traveling to Mexico
Here are some common questions for U.S. citizens visiting Mexico:
When should U.S. citizens pay Visitax? Toggle faqs
Ideally, you should pay the Visitax before your departure to Mexico. This can streamline your travel process and avoid any delays upon arrival or departure.
Do U.S. children need to pay Visitax? Toggle faqs
All passengers traveling to the Quintana Roo state for tourism must pay Visitax. This includes children.
Can I enter Mexico with a U.S. passport card? Toggle faqs
Yes, U.S. citizens can use a passport card when entering Mexico by land or sea. However, for air travel to and from Mexico, a U.S. passport book is required.
What is the validity period of the Mexico Tourist Card (FMM) for U.S. citizens? Toggle faqs
The tourist card is typically valid for up to 180 days for tourists. It's important to keep it safe as you'll need to surrender it when leaving Mexico.