# Passport required for USian Traveling to Baja Sur? **URL:** \ **Category:** Factual Questions\ **Created:** [November 5, 2003, 11:23pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/passport-required-for-usian-traveling-to-baja-sur/211628 "2003-11-05T23:23:16Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 3\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![bughunter](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/aeb1de/32.png) [@bughunter](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/bughunter)\ **Post date:** [November 5, 2003, 11:23pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/passport-required-for-usian-traveling-to-baja-sur/211628/1 "2003-11-05T23:23:16Z")
I searched the boards (did they forget to feed the hamsters today?) and found no help. I’m travelling to San Jose del Cabo this coming January. (Me and the _ladybug_ are staying at the Hilton San Jose on our honeymoon.) Do I need a passport for this? I’ve got an appointment for a passport application, and I have all the goodies the State Dept. wants, but do I really need this? Should I pay for the expedited service if we want to fly on Jan 13? I’ve looked at the state department web site, but it seems to be of no help, either. ---
**Author:** ![panamajack](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/p/47e85d/32.png) [@panamajack](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/panamajack)\ **Post date:** [November 5, 2003, 11:31pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/passport-required-for-usian-traveling-to-baja-sur/211628/2 "2003-11-05T23:31:56Z")
Why was the state department of no help? From [Mexico-Consular Information Sheet](http://travel.state.gov/mexico.html) > [@](#): > > The Government of Mexico requires that all U.S. citizens present proof of citizenship and photo identification for entry into Mexico. A U.S. passport is recommended, but other U.S. citizenship documents such as a certified copy of a U.S. birth certificate, a Naturalization Certificate, a Consular Report of Birth Abroad, or a Certificate of Citizenship are acceptable. U.S. citizens boarding flights to Mexico should be prepared to present one of these documents as proof of U.S. citizenship, along with photo identification. Driver’s permits, voter registration cards, affidavits and similar documents are not sufficient to prove citizenship for readmission into the United States. > > U.S. citizens do not require a visa or a tourist card for tourist stays of 72 hours or less within “the border zone,” defined as an area between 20 to 30 kilometers of the border with the U.S., depending on the Mexican state. U.S. citizens traveling as tourists beyond the border zone or entering Mexico by air must obtain a tourist card, also known as an FM-T, available from Mexican consulates, Mexican border crossing points, Mexican tourism offices, airports within the border zone and most airlines serving Mexico. The tourist card costs approximately $20.00; the fee for the tourist card is generally included in the price of a plane ticket for travelers arriving by air. I’m sure you could talk to someone in Mexican govt. to confirm if you’re unsure. As for the passport - if you apply now, you almost certainly don’t need to pay the expedition fee (should normally take about 6 weeks or less). ---
**Author:** ![Encinitas](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/ee7513/32.png) [@Encinitas](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Encinitas)\ **Post date:** [November 5, 2003, 11:38pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/passport-required-for-usian-traveling-to-baja-sur/211628/3 "2003-11-05T23:38:03Z")
Well, it’s been a couple of years since I was in Baja Sur but I really didn’t need a passport while there. A driver’s licence usually sufficed. However, coming back through airport customs would probably be easier with a passport considering all the security issues these days. I think you should go ahead and get one just to be sure. If you have never had a passport, go ahead and get expedited service. If it is just a renewal, they are usually pretty fast. Have a wonderful honeymoon. Have dinner at Pancho’s in Cabo San Lucas for me!