Airports & Entry Requirements

According to the Mexican government, from March 2010, all U.S. citizens must present a valid passport, book or card, when entering Mexican territory by any means of transportation beyond the “border zone” (20 kms, from the borderline) –Children are no exception-.  Stays of less than 72 hours within the border zone do not require a visa or tourist card.

When traveling beyond the border zone or entering Mexico by air, U.S. citizens must pay a fee to obtain a tourist card (FM-T), available from Mexican border crossing points, Mexican tourism offices and airports within the border zone.  (Major airlines serving Mexico will provide this form during your flight. The form requires the following information: number of days in the country, passport number, destination, city of embarkation and similar items.
Business travelers must complete and submit the form FM-N 30 DAYS, authorizing business activities, but not employment, for a 30-day period. If you’re entering Mexico for purposes other than tourism or business, or for stays of longer than 180 days, you’ll need a visa and must carry a valid U.S. passport.
U.S. citizens planning to work or live in Mexico should apply for the appropriate Mexican visa at the

 All U.S. citizens aged 16 or over must present either a U.S. passport book or card to re-enter the U.S. by land or sea.  Minors under the age of 16 may enter the U.S. via the land border with a legal document (birth or naturalization certificate).
When entering the US by air, all citizens, regardless of age, must present a U.S. passport book.  A passport card is not acceptable for entry to the US.