travelling to mexico on green card

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International Travel as a Permanent Resident

In general, you will need to present a passport from your country of citizenship or your refugee travel document to travel to a foreign country. In addition, the foreign country may have additional entry/exit requirements (such as a visa). For information on foreign entry and exit requirements, see the Department of State’s website .

If seeking to enter the United States after temporary travel abroad, you will need to present a valid, unexpired “Green Card” (Form I-551, Permanent Resident Card). When arriving at a port of entry, a U.S. Customs and Border Protection Officer will review your permanent resident card and any other identity documents you present, such as a passport, foreign national I.D. card or U.S. Driver’s License, and determine if you can enter the United States. For information pertaining to entry into the United States, see U.S. Customs and Border Protection’s webpage .

Permanent residents are free to travel outside the United States, and temporary or brief travel usually does not affect your permanent resident status. If it is determined, however, that you did not intend to make the United States your permanent home, you will be found to have abandoned your permanent resident status. A general guide used is whether you have been absent from the United States for more than a year. Abandonment may be found to occur in trips of less than a year where it is believed you did not intend to make the United States your permanent residence. While brief trips abroad generally are not problematic, the officer may consider criteria such as whether your intention was to visit abroad only temporarily, whether you maintained U.S. family and community ties, maintained U.S employment, filed U.S. income taxes as a resident, or otherwise established your intention to return to the United States as your permanent home. Other factors that may be considered include whether you maintained a U.S. mailing address, kept U.S. bank accounts and a valid U.S. driver’s license, own property or run a business in the United States, or any other evidence that supports the temporary nature of your absence.

If you plan on being absent from the United States for longer than a year, it is advisable to first apply for a reentry permit on Form I-131 . Obtaining a reentry permit prior to leaving the United States allows a permanent or conditional permanent resident to apply for admission into the United States during the permit’s validity without the need to obtain a returning resident visa from a U.S. Embassy or Consulate abroad. Please note that it does not guarantee entry into the United States upon your return as you must first be determined to be admissible; however, it will assist you in establishing your intention to permanently reside in the United States. For more information, see the Travel Documents page.

If you remain outside of the United States for more than 2 years, any reentry permit granted before your departure from the United States will have expired. In this case, it is advisable to consider applying for a returning resident visa (SB-1) at the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate. An SB-1 applicant will be required to establish eligibility for an immigrant visa and will need a medical exam. There is an exception to this process for the spouse or child of either a member of the U.S. Armed Forces or civilian employee of the U.S. Government stationed abroad on official orders. For more information on obtaining a returning resident visa, see the Department of State’s webpage on returning resident visas .

Additionally, absences from the United States of six months or more may disrupt the continuous residency required for naturalization. If your absence is one year or longer and you wish to preserve your continuous residency in the United States for naturalization purposes, you may file an Application to Preserve Residence for Naturalization Purposes on Form N-470. For more information, please see the Continuous Residence and Physical Presence Requirements page.

If you lose your Green Card or reentry permit or it is stolen or destroyed while you are abroad, you may need to file a Form I-131A, Application for Travel Document (Carrier Documentation) . This carrier documentation will allow an airline or other transportation carrier to board a lawful permanent resident bound for the United States without the carrier being penalized. For more information, please see the Form I-131A, Application for Travel Document (Carrier Documentation) page.

More Information

• Welcome to the United States: A Guide for New Immigrants (PDF, 3.57 MB)
• How Do I Get a Reentry Permit? (PDF, 667.32 KB)
• I-131, Application for Travel Document
• I-90, Application to Replace Permanent Resident Card

Other USCIS Links

• Green Card Resources
• How Do I Help My Relative Become a Lawful Permanent Resident? (PDF, 577.38 KB)
• How Do I Renew or Replace My Permanent Resident Card? (PDF, 550.19 KB)
• "How Do I" Guides for Permanent Residents

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Travel Advisory August 22, 2023

Mexico - see state summaries.

Reissued after periodic review with general security updates, and the removal of obsolete COVID-19 page links.

Country Summary: Violent crime – such as homicide, kidnapping, carjacking, and robbery – is widespread and common in Mexico. The U.S. government has limited ability to provide emergency services to U.S. citizens in many areas of Mexico, as travel by U.S. government employees to certain areas is prohibited or restricted. In many states, local emergency services are limited outside the state capital or major cities.

U.S. citizens are advised to adhere to restrictions on U.S. government employee travel. State-specific restrictions are included in the individual state advisories below. U.S. government employees may not travel between cities after dark, may not hail taxis on the street, and must rely on dispatched vehicles, including app-based services like Uber, and regulated taxi stands. U.S. government employees should avoid traveling alone, especially in remote areas. U.S. government employees may not drive from the U.S.-Mexico border to or from the interior parts of Mexico, except daytime travel within Baja California and between Nogales and Hermosillo on Mexican Federal Highway 15D, and between Nuevo Laredo and Monterrey on Highway 85D.

Read the  country information page  for additional information on travel to Mexico.

Do Not Travel To:

• Colima state  due to  crime  and  kidnapping .
• Guerrero state  due to  crime .
• Michoacan state  due to  crime  and  kidnapping .
• Sinaloa state due to  crime  and  kidnapping
• Tamaulipas state  due to  crime  and  kidnapping.
• Zacatecas  state due to  crime  and  kidnapping .

Reconsider Travel To:

• Baja California  state due to  crime  and  kidnapping .
• Chihuahua state  due to  crime  and  kidnapping .
• Durango state  due to  crime .
• Guanajuato state  due to  crime and kidnapping .
• Jalisco state  due to  crime  and  kidnapping .
• Morelos state  due to  crime .
• Sonora state  due to  crime  and  kidnapping .

Exercise Increased Caution When Traveling To:

• Aguascalientes  state due to  crime .
• Baja California Sur state  due to  crime .
• Chiapas state  due to  crime .
• Coahuila state  due to  crime .
• Hidalgo state  due to  crime .
• Mexico City  due to  crime .
• Mexico State  due to  crime .
• Nayarit state  due to  crime.
• Nuevo Leon  state due to  crime  and  kidnapping .
• Oaxaca state  due to  crime .
• Puebla state  due to  crime  and  kidnapping .
• Queretaro state  due to  crime .
• Quintana Roo state  due to  crime .
• San Luis Potosi state  due to  crime and kidnapping .
• Tabasco state  due to  crime .
• Tlaxcala state due to  crime .
• Veracruz state  due to  crime .

Exercise Normal Precautions When Traveling To:

• Campeche state
• Yucatan state

Visit our website for  Travel to High-Risk Areas .

If you decide to travel to Mexico:

• Keep traveling companions and family back home informed of your travel plans. If separating from your travel group, send a friend your GPS location. If taking a taxi alone, take a photo of the taxi number and/or license plate and text it to a friend.
• Use toll roads when possible and avoid driving alone or at night. In many states, police presence and emergency services are extremely limited outside the state capital or major cities.
• Exercise increased caution when visiting local bars, nightclubs, and casinos.
• Do not display signs of wealth, such as wearing expensive watches or jewelry.
• Be extra vigilant when visiting banks or ATMs.
• Enroll in the  Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP)  to receive Alerts and make it easier to locate you in an emergency.
• Follow the Department of State on  Facebook  and  Twitter .
• Follow the U.S. Embassy on Facebook and Twitter .
• Review the  Country Security Report  for Mexico.
• Mariners planning travel to Mexico should check for U.S. maritime  advisories  and  alerts , which include instructions on reporting suspicious activities and attacks to Mexican naval authorities.
• Prepare a contingency plan for emergency situations. Review the  Traveler’s Checklist .
• Visit the CDC page for the latest travel health information related to your travel. 

Aguascalientes state – Exercise Increased Caution

Exercise increased caution due to crime.

Criminal activity and violence may occur throughout the state.

There are no restrictions on travel for U.S. government employees in Aguascalientes state.

Baja California state – Reconsider Travel

Reconsider travel due to crime and kidnapping.

Transnational criminal organizations compete in the border area to establish narco-trafficking and human smuggling routes. Violent crime and gang activity are common. Travelers should remain on main highways and avoid remote locations. Of particular concern is the high number of homicides in the non-tourist areas of Tijuana. Most homicides appeared to be targeted; however, criminal organization assassinations and territorial disputes can result in bystanders being injured or killed. U.S. citizens and LPRs have been victims of kidnapping.

U.S. government employees must adhere to the noted restrictions:

• Mexicali Valley:  U.S. government employees should avoid the Mexicali Valley due to the heightened possibility of violence between rival cartel factions.  The boundaries of the restricted area are: to the east, the Baja California/Arizona and Baja California/Sonora borders; to the south, from La Ventana (on Highway 5) due east to the Colorado River; to the west, Highway 5; and to the north, Boulevard Lazaro Cardenas/Highway 92/Highway 1 to Carretera Aeropuerto, from the intersection of Highway 1 and Carretera Aeropuerto due north to the Baja California/California border, and from that point eastward along the Baja California/California border.
• Travelers may use Highways 2 and 2D to transit between Mexicali, Los Algodones, and San Luis Rio Colorado during daylight hours. Travelers may also use Highways 1 and 8 to transit to and from the Mexicali Airport during daylight hours.  Travel on Highway 5 is permissible during daylight hours.

There are no other travel restrictions for U.S. government employees in Baja California state. These include high-traffic tourism areas of border and coastal communities, such as  Tijuana ,  Ensenada , and  Rosarito .

Baja California Sur state – Exercise Increased Caution

There are no restrictions on travel for U.S. government employees in Baja California Sur state.

Campeche state – Exercise Normal Precautions

Exercise normal precautions.

There are no restrictions on travel for U.S. government employees in Campeche state.

Chiapas state – Exercise Increased Caution

There are no restrictions on travel for U.S. government employees in Chiapas state.

Chihuahua state – Reconsider Travel

Violent crime and gang activity are common. Most homicides are targeted assassinations against members of criminal organizations. Battles for territory between criminal groups have resulted in violent crime in areas frequented by U.S. citizens and U.S. government employees, including restaurants and malls during daylight hours. Bystanders have been injured or killed in shooting incidents. U.S. citizens and LPRs have been victims of kidnapping.

U.S. government employee travel is limited to the following areas with the noted restrictions:

• Ciudad Juarez:  U.S. government employees may travel to the area of Ciudad Juarez bounded to the east by Bulevar Independencia; to the south by De los Montes Urales/Avenida Manuel J Clouthier/Carretera de Juárez; to the west by Via Juan Gabriel/Avenida de los Insurgentes/Calle Miguel Ahumada/Francisco Javier Mina/Melchor Ocampo; and to the north by the U.S.-Mexico border.  Direct travel to the Ciudad Juarez airport (officially called the Abraham González International Airport) and the factories located along Bulevar Independencia and Las Torres is permitted.  Travel to San Jerónimo is permitted only through the United States via the Santa Teresa U.S. Port of Entry; travel via Anapra is prohibited.

U.S. government employees may only travel from Ciudad Juarez to the city of Chihuahua during daylight hours via Federal Highway 45, with stops permitted only at the Guardia Nacional División Caminos station, the Umbral del Milenio overlook area, the border inspection station at KM 35, and the shops and restaurants on Federal Highway 45 in the city of Ahumada.

• U.S. government employees may travel between Ciudad Juarez and Ascension via Highway 2.
• Nuevo Casas Grandes Area (including Nuevo Casas Grandes, Casas Grandes, Mata Ortiz, Colonia Juárez, Colonia LeBaron, Paquimé and San Buenaventura):  U.S. government employees may travel to the Nuevo Casas Grandes area during daylight hours via Mexico Federal Highway 2, and subsequently Federal Highway 10, to Nuevo Casas Grandes.  Employees are permitted to stay overnight in the cities of Nuevo Casas Grandes and Casas Grandes only.
• City of Chihuahua:  U.S. government employees may travel at any time to the area of the city of Chihuahua bounded to the north by Avenida Transformación; to the east by Avenida Tecnológico/Manuel Gómez Morín/Highway 16/Blvd.José Fuentes Mares; to the west by the city boundary; and to the south by Periférico Francisco R. Almada.
• U.S. government employees may travel on Highways 45, 16, and 45D through the city of Chihuahua and to the Chihuahua airport (officially called the General Roberto Fierro Villalobos International Airport). 
• U.S. government employees may travel to Santa Eulalia to the east of the city of Chihuahua, as well as to Juan Aldama via Highway 16 to the northeast.
• U.S. government employees may travel south of the city of Chihuahua on Highway 45 to the southern boundary of Parral, including each town directly connected to Highway 45, including Lázaro Cárdenas, Pedro Meoqui, Santa Cruz de Rosales, Delicias, Camargo, Ciudad Jiménez, and Parral itself.
• U.S. government employees may only travel on official business from the city of Chihuahua on Highway 16 to Ciudad Cuauhtémoc bounded by Highway 21 to the north and east, Highway 5 to the west, and Bulevar Jorge Castillo Cabrera to the south. 
• Ojinaga:  U.S. government employees must travel to Ojinaga via U.S. Highway 67 and enter through the U.S. Port of Entry in Presidio, Texas.
• Palomas:  U.S. government employees may travel to Palomas via U.S. highways through the U.S. Port of Entry in Columbus, New Mexico, or via Highway 2 in Mexico.

U.S. government employees may not travel to other areas of Chihuahua, including  Copper Canyon .

Coahuila state – Exercise Increased Caution

Violent crime and gang activity occur in parts of Coahuila state. 

U.S. government employees must adhere to the following travel restrictions:

• Zaragoza, Morelos, Allende, Nava, Jimenez, Villa Union, Guerrero, and Hidalgo municipalities : U.S. government employees may not travel to these municipalities.
• Piedras Negras and Ciudad Acuña:  U.S. government employees must travel directly from the United States and observe a curfew from midnight to 6:00 a.m. in both cities.

There are no other restrictions on travel for U.S. government employees in Coahuila state.

Colima state – Do Not Travel

Do not travel due to crime and kidnapping.  

Violent crime and gang activity are widespread. Most homicides are targeted assassinations against members of criminal organizations. Shooting incidents between criminal groups have injured or killed bystanders. U.S. citizens and LPRs have been victims of kidnapping.  

Travel for U.S. government employees is limited to the following areas with noted restrictions: 

• Manzanillo:   U.S. government employee travel is limited to the tourist and port areas of Manzanillo.  
• Employees traveling to Manzanillo from Guadalajara must use Federal Toll Road 54D during daylight hours.  

U.S. government employees may not travel to other areas of Colima state. 

Durango state – Reconsider Travel

Reconsider travel due to crime.

Violent crime and gang activity are common in parts of Durango state.

• West and south of Federal Highway 45:  U.S. government employees may not travel to this region of Durango state.

There are no other restrictions on travel for U.S. government employees in Durango state.

Guanajuato state – Reconsider Travel

Gang violence, often associated with the theft of petroleum and natural gas from the state oil company and other suppliers, occurs in Guanajuato, primarily in the south and central areas of the state.  Of particular concern is the high number of murders in the southern region of the state associated with cartel-related violence. U.S. citizens and LPRs have been victims of kidnapping.

• Areas south of Federal Highway 45D:  U.S. government employees may not travel to the area south of and including Federal Highway 45D, Celaya, Salamanca, and Irapuato.

There are no other restrictions on travel for U.S. government employees in Guanajuato state, which includes tourist areas in:  San Miguel de Allende ,  Guanajuato City , and  surrounding areas.

Guerrero state – Do Not Travel

Do not travel due to crime.

Crime and violence are widespread. Armed groups operate independently of the government in many areas of Guerrero. Members of these groups frequently maintain roadblocks and may use violence towards travelers. U.S. citizens and LPRs have been victims of kidnapping in previous years.

Travel for U.S. government employees is limited to the following area with the noted restrictions:

• Taxco:  U.S. government employees must use Federal Highway 95D, which passes through Cuernavaca, Morelos, and stay within downtown tourist areas of Taxco. Employees may visit Grutas de Cacahuamilpa National Park during the day with a licensed tour operator.

U.S. government employees may not travel to other areas of the state of Guerrero, including to tourist areas in  Acapulco ,  Zihuatanejo , and  Ixtapa .

Hidalgo state – Exercise Increased Caution

There are no restrictions on travel for U.S. government employees in Hidalgo state.

Jalisco state – Reconsider Travel

Violent crime and gang activity are common in parts of Jalisco state. In Guadalajara, territorial battles between criminal groups take place in tourist areas. Shooting incidents between criminal groups have injured or killed innocent bystanders. U.S. citizens and LPRs have been victims of kidnapping.

• Jalisco-Michoacan border and Federal Highway 110:  U.S. government employees may not travel to the area between Federal Highway 110 and the Jalisco-Michoacan border, nor travel on Federal Highway 110 between Tuxpan, Jalisco, and the Michoacan border.
• Federal Highway 80:  U.S. government employees may not travel on Federal Highway 80 south of Cocula.

There are no other restrictions on travel for U.S government employees in Jalisco state which includes tourist areas in:  Guadalajara Metropolitan Area ,  Puerto Vallarta (including neighboring Riviera Nayarit) ,  Chapala , and  Ajijic .

Mexico City (Ciudad de Mexico) – Exercise Increased Caution

Both violent and non-violent crime occur throughout Mexico City. Use additional caution, particularly at night, outside of the frequented tourist areas where police and security patrol more routinely. Petty crime occurs frequently in both tourist and non-tourist areas.

There are no restrictions on travel for U.S. government employees in Mexico City.

Mexico State (Estado de Mexico) – Exercise Increased Caution

Both violent and non-violent crime occur throughout Mexico State. Use additional caution in areas outside of the frequented tourist areas, although petty crime occurs frequently in tourist areas as well.

There are no restrictions on travel for U.S. government employees in Mexico State.

Michoacan state – Do Not Travel

Do not travel due to crime and kidnapping.

Crime and violence are widespread in Michoacan state. U.S. citizens and LPRs have been victims of kidnapping.

Travel for U.S. government employees is limited to the following areas with the noted restrictions:

• Federal Highway 15D:   U.S. government employees may travel on Federal Highway 15D to transit the state between Mexico City and Guadalajara.
• Morelia:  U.S. government employees may travel by air and by land using Federal Highways 43 or 48D from Federal Highway 15D.
• Lazaro Cardenas:  U.S. government employees must travel by air only and limit activities to the city center or port areas.

U.S. government employees may not travel to other areas of the state of Michoacan, including the portions of the  Monarch Butterfly Reserve  located in Michoacan.

Morelos state – Reconsider Travel

Violent crime and gang activity are common in parts of Morelos state.

There are no restrictions on travel for U.S. government employees in Morelos state.

Nayarit state – Exercise Increased Caution

Criminal activity and violence may occur throughout Nayarit state.

There are no restrictions on travel for U.S government employees in Nayarit state.

Nuevo Leon state – Exercise Increased Caution

Exercise increased caution due to crime and kidnapping.

Criminal activity and violence may occur throughout the state. U.S. citizens and LPRs have been victims of kidnapping.

There are no restrictions on travel for U.S. government employees in Nuevo Leon state.

Oaxaca state – Exercise Increased Caution

Criminal activity and violence occur throughout the state.

U.S. travelers are reminded that U.S. government employees must adhere to the following travel restrictions:

• Isthmus region:  U.S. government employees may not travel to the area of Oaxaca bounded by Federal Highway 185D to the west, Federal Highway 190 to the north, and the Oaxaca-Chiapas border to the east.  This includes the cities of Juchitan de Zaragoza, Salina Cruz, and San Blas Atempa.  
• Federal Highway 200 northwest of Pinotepa:  U.S. government employees may not use Federal Highway 200 between Pinotepa and the Oaxaca-Guerrero border.

There are no restrictions on travel for U.S. government employees to other parts of Oaxaca state, which include tourist areas in:  Oaxaca City ,  Monte Alban ,  Puerto Escondido,  and  Huatulco .

Puebla state – Exercise Increased Caution

There are no restrictions on travel for U.S. government employees in Puebla state.

Queretaro state – Exercise Increased Caution

There are no restrictions on travel for U.S. government employees in Queretaro state.

Quintana Roo state – Exercise Increased Caution

Criminal activity and violence may occur in any location, at any time, including in popular tourist destinations.  Travelers should maintain a high level of situational awareness, avoid areas where illicit activities occur, and promptly depart from potentially dangerous situations. 

While not directed at tourists, shootings between rival gangs have injured innocent bystanders.  Additionally, U.S. citizens have been the victims of both non-violent and violent crimes in tourist and non-tourist areas.

There are no restrictions on travel for U.S. government employees in Quintana Roo state. However, personnel are advised to exercise increased situational awareness after dark in downtown areas of Cancun, Tulum, and Playa del Carmen, and to remain in well-lit pedestrian streets and tourist zones.

San Luis Potosi state – Exercise Increased Caution

Criminal activity and violence may occur throughout the state.  U.S. citizens and LPRs have been victims of kidnapping.

There are no restrictions on travel for U.S. government employees in San Luis Potosi state.

Sinaloa state – Do Not Travel

Violent crime is widespread. Criminal organizations are based in and operating in Sinaloa. U.S. citizens and LPRs have been victims of kidnapping.

• Mazatlan:  U.S. government employees may travel to Mazatlan by air or sea only, are limited to the Zona Dorada and historic town center, and must travel via direct routes between these destinations and the airport and sea terminal.
• Los Mochis and Topolobampo:  U.S. government employees may travel to Los Mochis and Topolobampo by air or sea only, are restricted to the city and the port, and must travel via direct routes between these destinations and the airport.

U.S. government employees may not travel to other areas of Sinaloa state.

Sonora state – Reconsider Travel

Sonora is a key location used by the international drug trade and human trafficking networks. Violent crime is widespread. U.S. citizens and LPRs have been victims of kidnapping. Travelers should maintain a heightened level of awareness of their surroundings in all their travels in Sonora.  Security incidents may occur in any area of Sonora.

• Travel between Hermosillo and Nogales:  U.S. government employees may travel between the U.S. Ports of Entry in Nogales and Hermosillo during daylight hours via Federal Highway 15 only. U.S. government employees may not use ANY taxi services, public buses, nor ride-share applications due to a lack of secure vetting and/or dispatching procedures. Travelers should exercise caution and avoid unnecessary stops as security incidents, including sporadic, armed carjackings, and shootings have been reported along this highway during daylight hours. Travelers should have a full tank of gas and inform friends or family members of their planned travel.
• Nogales:  U.S. government employees may not travel in the triangular area north of Avenida Tecnologico, west of Bulevar Luis Donaldo Colosio (Periferico), nor east of Federal Highway 15D (Corredor Fiscal). U.S. government employees also may not travel in the residential and business areas to east of the railroad tracks along Plutarco Elias Calle (HWY 15) and Calle Ruiz Cortino, including the business area around the Morley pedestrian gate port-of-entry. U.S. government employees may not use ANY taxi services, public buses, nor ride-share applications in Nogales due to a lack of secure vetting and/or dispatching procedures and the danger of kidnapping and other violent crimes.  
• Puerto Peñasco:  U.S. government employees may travel between Puerto Peñasco and the Lukeville-Sonoyta U.S. Port of Entry during daylight hours via Federal Highway 8 only. They may not travel on any other route to Puerto Peñasco. U.S. government employees may not use ANY taxi services, public buses, nor ride-share applications in Puerto Peñasco. due to a lack of secure vetting and/or dispatching procedures and the danger of kidnapping and other violent crimes.
• Triangular region near Mariposa U.S. Port of Entry:  U.S. government employees may not travel into or through the triangular region west of the Mariposa U.S. Port of Entry, east of Sonoyta, and north of Altar municipality.
• San Luis Rio Colorado, Cananea, and Agua Prieta : U.S. government employees may travel directly from the nearest U.S. Port of Entry to San Luis Rio Colorado, Cananea (via Douglas Port of Entry), and Agua Prieta, but may not go beyond the city limits. Travel is limited to daylight hours only. Travel between Nogales and Cananea via Imuris is not permitted. U.S. government employees may not use ANY taxi services, public buses, nor ride-share applications in these cities due to a lack of secure vetting and/or dispatching procedures and the danger of kidnapping and other violent crimes.
• Eastern and southern Sonora (including San Carlos Nuevo Guaymas and Alamos):  U.S. government employees may not travel to areas of Sonora east of Federal Highway 17, the road between Moctezuma and Sahuaripa, and State Highway 20 between Sahuaripa and the intersection with Federal Highway 16. U.S. government employees may travel to San Carlos Nuevo Guaymas and Alamos; travel to Alamos is only permitted by air and within city limits.  U.S. government employees may not travel to areas of Sonora south of Federal Highway 16 and east of Federal Highway 15 (south of Hermosillo), as well as all points south of Guaymas, including Empalme, Guaymas, Obregon, and Navojoa.  U.S. government employees may not use ANY taxi services, public buses, nor ride-share applications in these areas due to a lack of secure vetting and/or dispatching procedures and the danger of kidnapping and other violent crimes.

U.S. government employees may travel to other parts of Sonora state in compliance with the above restrictions, including tourist areas in: Hermosillo , Bahia de Kino , and Puerto Penasco .

Tabasco state – Exercise Increased Caution

There are no restrictions on travel for U.S. government employees in Tabasco state.

Tamaulipas state – Do Not Travel

Organized crime activity – including gun battles, murder, armed robbery, carjacking, kidnapping, forced disappearances, extortion, and sexual assault – is common along the northern border and in Ciudad Victoria. Criminal groups target public and private passenger buses, as well as private automobiles traveling through Tamaulipas, often taking passengers and demanding ransom payments.

Heavily armed members of criminal groups often patrol areas of the state and operate with impunity particularly along the border region from Reynosa to Nuevo Laredo.  In these areas, local law enforcement has limited capacity to respond to incidents of crime. Law enforcement capacity is greater in the tri-city area of Tampico, Ciudad Madero, and Altamira, which has a lower rate of violent criminal activity compared to the rest of the state.

U.S. citizens and LPRs have been victims of kidnapping.

• Matamoros and Nuevo Laredo:  U.S. government employees may only travel within a limited radius around and between the U.S. Consulates in Nuevo Laredo and Matamoros, their homes, the respective U.S. Ports of Entry, and limited downtown sites, subject to an overnight curfew.
• Overland travel in Tamaulipas:  U.S. government employees may not travel between cities in Tamaulipas using interior Mexican highways. Travel between Nuevo Laredo and Monterrey is limited to Federal Highway 85D during daylight hours with prior authorization.

U.S. government employees may not travel to other parts of Tamaulipas state.

Tlaxcala state – Exercise Increased Caution

There are no restrictions on travel for U.S. government employees in Tlaxcala state.

Veracruz state – Exercise Increased Caution

Violent crime and gang activity occur with increasing frequency in Veracruz, particularly in the center and south near Cordoba and Coatzacoalcos. While most gang-related violence is targeted, violence perpetrated by criminal organizations can affect bystanders. Impromptu roadblocks requiring payment to pass are common.

There are no restrictions on travel for U.S. government employees in Veracruz state.

Yucatan state – Exercise Normal Precautions

There are no restrictions on travel for U.S. government employees in Yucatan state, which include tourist areas in:  Chichen Itza ,  Merida ,  Uxmal , and  Valladolid .

Zacatecas state – Do Not Travel

Violent crime, extortion, and gang activity are widespread in Zacatecas state. U.S. citizens and LPRs have been victims of kidnapping.

• Zacatecas City : U.S. government employee travel is limited to Zacatecas City proper, and employees may not travel overland to Zacatecas City.
• U.S. government employees may not travel to other areas of Zacatecas state.

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Passport must be valid at time of entry

One page per stamp

Yes, if visiting for more than 180 days

See Travelers’ Health section

Embassies and Consulates

EMERGENCY ASSISTANCE FOR U.S. CITIZENS IN MEXICO From Mexico: 800-681-9374 or 55-8526-2561 From the United States: 1-844-528-6611

U.S. Citizen Services Inquiries: Contact Form

U.S. Embassy Mexico City

Paseo de la Reforma 305 Colonia Cuauhtémoc 06500 Ciudad de México

U.S. Consulate General Ciudad Juarez

Paseo de la Victoria #3650 Fracc. Partido Senecú 32543 Ciudad Juárez, Chihuahua

U.S. Consulate General Guadalajara

Progreso 175 Colonia Americana 44160 Guadalajara, Jalisco

U.S. Consulate General Hermosillo

Monterey, Esqueda 141 El Centenario 83260 Hermosillo, Sonora

U.S. Consulate General Matamoros

Constitución No. 1 Colonia Jardín 87330 Matamoros, Tamaulipas

U.S. Consulate General Merida

Calle 60 No. 338-K x 29 y 31 Colonia Alcalá Martin 97050 Mérida, Yucatán

U.S. Consulate General Monterrey

Avenida Alfonso Reyes 150 Colonia Valle del Poniente 66196 Santa Catarina, Nuevo León

U.S. Consulate General Nogales

Calle San José s/n Fracc. Los Álamos 84065 Nogales, Sonora

U.S. Consulate General Nuevo Laredo

Paseo Colon 1901 Colonia Madero 88260 Nuevo Laredo, Tamaulipas

U.S. Consulate General Tijuana

Paseo de las Culturas s/n Mesa de Otay Delegación Centenario 22425 Tijuana, Baja California

Consular Agencies

Acapulco Hotel Continental Emporio Costera M. Alemán 121 – Office 14 39670 Acapulco, Guerrero Cancun

Blvd. Kukulcan Km 13 ZH Torre La Europea, Despacho 301 77500 Cancún, Quintana Roo

Los Cabos Las Tiendas de Palmilla L-B221, Km. 27.5 Carretera Transpeninsular 23406 San José del Cabo, Baja California Sur

Playa Gaviotas 202, Local 10 Zona Dorada 82110 Mazatlán, Sinaloa

Oaxaca Macedonio Alcalá 407, Office 20 68000 Oaxaca, Oaxaca

Piedras Negras Abasolo 211, Local 3, Centro 26000 Piedras Negras, Coahuila

Playa del Carmen Plaza Progreso, Local 33 Carretera Federal Puerto Juarez-Chetumal, Mz. 293 Lt. 1. 77710 Playa del Carmen, Quintana Roo

Puerto Vallarta

Paradise Plaza, Paseo de los Cocoteros 85 Sur, Local L-7 63732 Nuevo Nayarit, Nayarit

San Miguel de Allende Plaza La Luciérnaga, Libramiento Jose Manuel Zavala 165, Locales 4 y 5 Colonia La Luciérnaga 37745 San Miguel de Allende, Guanajuato

Destination Description

See the  State Department’s Fact Sheet on Mexico  for more information on U.S.-Mexico relations.

Entry, Exit and Visa Requirements

A valid passport book is required to enter Mexico by air, and those attempting to enter at an airport with a U.S. passport card only may be denied admission.

Review the Mexican government’s most current  entry, exit, and visa requirements  ( Spanish only ) or visit the  Embassy of Mexico  in Washington, D.C., for more information.

For travelers entering Mexico by air only, Mexican immigration authorities implemented a process to replace the previous paper Forma Migratoria Multiple or FMM with a Forma Migratoria Multiple Digital or FMMD.  The FMMD process is in place at all 66 international airports in Mexico.  Upon arrival at an airport, Mexican immigration authorities will determine a traveler’s authorized length of stay and either place a date stamp in the traveler’s passport or direct the traveler through a self-service electronic gate (E-Gate) that will generate a printed receipt with QR code. Air travelers who wish to download a record of their FMMD or find more information on the FMMD process may visit the National Migration Institute’s (INM) website .

Travelers entering Mexico by land should have a valid passport book or card.  If you enter Mexico by land and plan to travel beyond the immediate border area (approximately 12 miles or 20 kilometers into Mexico), you must stop at an INM office to obtain an entry permit (Forma Migratoria Multiple or FMM), even if not explicitly directed to do so by Mexican officials.  INM may opt to allow tourists entry of up to 180 days without a visa or may limit authorized stays to shorter periods at their discretion; visitors should confirm the specific length of authorized stay written on the entry permit (FMM) or by the stamp in their passport. Mexican immigration authorities could ask you to present both your passport and entry permit if applicable at any point and may detain you while they review your immigration status if you are not carrying your passport and proof of legal status in Mexico, or if you have overstayed your authorized stay. Immigration check points are common in the interior of Mexico, including in popular tourist areas far from the border.  

You will also need a temporary vehicle import permit to bring a U.S.-registered vehicle beyond the border zone. These permits are processed through Banjercito and require a deposit that will be refunded once the vehicle leaves Mexico.  For more information, visit the  Banjercito  website ( Spanish only ).

Baja California, Baja California Sur, and Sonora have a “hassle-free” zone that allows cars traveling without an entry permit or car registration within the zone. 

Mexican authorities can impound a vehicle that enters the country without a valid U.S. registration, a vehicle driven by a Mexican national who is not resident in the United States, or a vehicle found beyond the border zone without the temporary import permit.

Mexican law permits Mexican immigration authorities to deny foreigners entry into Mexico if they have been charged with or convicted of a serious crime in Mexico or elsewhere.

Travelers bringing in goods beyond their personal effects worth $300.00 or more must declare those goods with Mexican customs (SAT) Mexican customs  ( Spanish only ) or risk having them confiscated. This also applies to used goods or clothing, including items for donation. U.S. citizens driving such items into Mexico without declaring them or without sufficient funds to pay duty fees are subject to having their vehicle seized by Mexican customs authorities. For further information about customs regulations, please read our  customs information page .

The U.S. Department of State is unaware of any HIV/AIDS entry restrictions for visitors to or foreign residents in Mexico.

A parent or legal guardian departing Mexico with minor children should carry a notarized consent letter from the other parent if traveling separately. INM requires at least one parent to complete a  SAM  ( Formato de Salida de Menores, Spanish only ) for all Mexican or foreign minors with Temporary Resident, Temporary Student Resident, or Permanent Resident status departing Mexico alone or with a third party.  Further information about the  prevention of international parental child abduction  is available on our website.

Find information on dual nationality , and customs regulations on our websites. Both Mexico and the United States allow dual nationality.

Safety and Security

Travelers are urged to review the  Mexico Travel Advisory  for information about safety and security concerns affecting the country on a state-by-state basis.

U.S. citizens traveling to and residing in Mexico should not expect public health and safety standards like those in the United States. Even where such standards exist, enforcement varies by location. Travelers should mitigate the risk of illness or injury by taking standard health and safety precautions.

The phone number to report emergencies in Mexico is “911.”  Although there may be English-speaking operators available, it is best to seek the assistance of a Spanish speaker to place the call.

Crime:  Crime in Mexico occurs at a high rate and can be violent, from random street crime to cartel-related attacks. Over the past year, Mission Mexico has assisted U.S. citizens who were victims of armed robbery, carjacking, extortion, homicide, kidnapping, pick-pocketing, and sexual assault. Increased levels of cartel-related violence have resulted in territorial disputes and targeted killings, injuring or killing innocent bystanders. Travelers who find themselves in an active shooter scenario should flee in the opposite direction, if possible, or drop to the ground, preferably behind a hard barrier.

Drivers on roads and highways may encounter government checkpoints, which often include National Guard or military personnel. State and local police also set up checkpoints in and around cities and along the highways to deter criminal activity and enforce traffic laws. In some parts of Mexico, criminal organizations and other non-governmental actors have been known to erect unauthorized checkpoints and have abducted or threatened violence against those who fail to stop and/or pay a “toll.” When approaching a checkpoint, regardless of whether it is official, cooperate and avoid any actions that may appear suspicious or aggressive.

While Mexican authorities endeavor to safeguard the country’s major resort areas and tourist destinations, those areas have not been immune to the types of violence and crime experienced elsewhere in Mexico. In some areas of Mexico, response time of local police is often slow. In addition, filing police reports can be time consuming. See our  Mexico Travel Advisory  for more information.

Demonstrations  occur frequently.  They may take place in response to political or economic issues, on politically significant holidays, and during international events.  Protesters in Mexico may block traffic on roads, including major thoroughfares, or take control of toll booths on highways.  Travelers who encounter protesters who demand unofficial tolls are generally allowed to pass upon payment.  U.S. citizens should avoid participating in demonstrations or other activities that might be deemed political by authorities, as Mexican law prohibits political activities by foreign citizens and such actions may result in detention or deportation.

• Demonstrations can be unpredictable, avoid areas around protests and demonstrations.  
• Past demonstrations have turned violent.
• Check local media for updates and traffic advisories.  

International Financial Scams:  See the  Department of State  and the  FBI  pages for information.  

Internet romance and financial scams are prevalent in Mexico. Scams are often initiated through Internet postings/profiles or by unsolicited emails and letters. Scammers almost always pose as U.S. citizens who have no one else to turn to for help. Common scams include:   

• Romance/Online dating 
• Money transfers 
• Lucrative sales 
• Grandparent/Relative targeting 
• Free Trip/Luggage 
• Inheritance notices 
• Bank overpayments 

Mexico’s consumer protection agency,  PROFECO  (Procuraduría Federal del Consumidor, Spanish only), can sometimes  provide assistance  (Spanish only) to victims of such scams. In addition, there have been allegations of banking fraud perpetrated by private bankers against U.S. citizens. U.S. citizens who believe they have been victims of fraud can file a police report  file a complaint  (Spanish only) with the Mexican banking regulatory agency, CONDUSEF  (Comision Nacional para la Proteccion y Defensa de los Usuarios de Servicios Financieros, Spanish only), or consult with an attorney.

Victims of Crime:  U.S. victims of sexual assault are encouraged to contact the U.S. Embassy or nearest Consulate for assistance.  Report emergencies to the local police at 911, report crimes already committed to the Ministerio Publico, and contact the Embassy or Consulate at +52-55-85262561.  Remember that local authorities are responsible for investigating and prosecuting crimes.

U.S. citizen victims of crime should contact the local authorities to file a Mexican police report before departing Mexico. In most instances, victims of crime will file reports with the Ministerio Publico (equivalent to the office of public prosecutor or district attorney in the United States) and not with police first responders. U.S. citizens should also inform the  U.S. Embassy or nearest consulat e . 

See our webpage on  help for U.S. victims of crime overseas .    We can:

• help you find appropriate medical care,
• assist you in reporting a crime to the police,
• contact relatives or friends with your written consent,
• provide general information regarding the victim’s role during the local investigation and following its conclusion, 
• provide a list of local attorneys,
• provide information on  victim’s compensation programs in the United States ,
• provide an emergency loan for repatriation to the United States and/or limited medical support in cases of destitution,
• help you find accommodation and arrange flights home,
• replace a stolen or lost passport.

Domestic Violence:  U.S. citizen victims of domestic violence are encouraged to contact the  U.S. Embassy or nearest consulate  for assistance.

Kidnapping:  Mexico experiences very high rates of kidnapping.  If you believe you or your U.S. citizen or Lawful Permanent Resident (LPR) relative has been kidnapped, please contact the U.S. Embassy or nearest consulate immediately.

Robbery:  Mexico experiences robberies, typically in cities, in which abductors force victims to use their debit or credit card to withdraw money from ATMs in exchange for their release. Perpetrators commonly work in cooperation with, or pose as, taxi drivers. To minimize the risk of such robberies:

• Only use a reputable taxi company or a trusted ride-sharing app.
• Book taxis through your hotel or an authorized taxi stand.

Extortion:  Extortion schemes are common in Mexico.  In a typical scheme known as a virtual kidnapping, criminals convince family members that a relative has been abducted, when, in fact, the person is safe but unreachable.  The purported abductors will often use threats to persuade victims to isolate themselves, making communication with family members less likely.  Unable to reach their loved ones, family members often consent to paying the “ransom” demand.  Criminals use various means to gather information about potential victims, including monitoring social media sites, eavesdropping on conversations, or using information taken from a stolen cell phone.  Some of these extortions have been conducted from Mexican prisons.  You can reduce the risk of falling victim to this type of extortion through the following:

• Do not discuss travel plans, your room number, or any other personal information within earshot of strangers.
• Do not divulge personal business details to strangers in person or over the phone, especially when using hotel phones.
• If you are threatened on the phone, hang up immediately.

Sexual Assault:  Rape and sexual assault are serious problems in some resort areas. Many of these incidents occur at night or during the early morning hours, in hotel rooms, on hotel grounds, or on deserted beaches. In some cases, assailants drug the drinks of victims before assaulting them. Pay attention to your surroundings and to who might have handled your drink.

Credit/Debit Card “Skimming:”  There have been instances of fraudulent charges or withdrawals from accounts due to “skimmed” cards. If you choose to use credit or debit cards, you should regularly check your account to ensure there are no unauthorized transactions. Travelers should limit the amount of cash they carry in public, exercise caution when withdrawing cash from ATMs, and avoid ATMs located in isolated or unlit areas.

Alcohol:  If you choose to drink alcohol, it is important to do so in moderation and to stop and seek medical attention if you begin to feel ill. There have been reports of individuals falling ill or blacking out after consuming unregulated alcohol. The Mexican Federal Commission for the Protection against Sanitary Risk,  COFEPRIS  ( Comision Federal para la Proteccion contra Riesgos Sanitarios, Spanish only ), is responsible for inspecting hotels, restaurants, and other establishments for health violations, including reports of unregulated alcohol. Please email COFEPRIS at  [email protected]  for more information or if you wish to file a report. You can file a report online (Spanish only) via the COFEPRIS website, by calling the COFEPRIS call center at 800 033 50 50 (from Mexico) or +52 (55) 5080-5425 (from the United States), or by scheduling an appointment  (Spanish only)  to visit a COFEPRIS office.

There have also been instances of criminals drugging drinks to rob or sexually assault victims. Additionally, if you feel you have been the victim of unregulated alcohol or another serious health violation, you should notify the U.S. Embassy or nearest consulate . You may also contact the U.S. Department of State – Bureau of Consular Affairs in Washington, D.C. at 1-888-407-4747 (toll-free in the United States and Canada) or 1-202-501-4444 (from all other countries).

Drug Smuggling:  Mexican criminal organizations are engaged in a violent struggle to control trafficking routes. Criminal organizations smuggling drugs into the United States have targeted unsuspecting individuals who regularly cross the border. Frequent border crossers are advised to vary their routes and travel times and to closely monitor their vehicles to avoid being targeted.

Tourism:  In major cities and resort areas, the tourism industry is generally well-regulated.  Best practices and safety inspections are regularly enforced.  Hazardous areas and activities are identified with appropriate signage, and professional staff is typically on hand in support of organized activities.  In the event of an injury, appropriate medical treatment is widely available throughout the country.  Outside of a major metropolitan center, it may take more time for first responders and medical professionals to stabilize a patient and/or provide life-saving assistance.  In smaller towns and areas less commonly frequented by foreign tourists, the tourism industry is unevenly regulated, and safety inspections for equipment and facilities do not commonly occur.  Hazardous areas/activities are not always identified with appropriate signage, and staff may not be trained or certified either by the host government or by recognized authorities in the field.  In the event of an injury, appropriate medical treatment is typically available only in or near major cities.  First responders are generally unable to access areas outside of major cities to provide urgent medical treatment.  U.S. citizens are encouraged to purchase medical evacuation insurance . 

Since 2016, Mexico has opened seven multilingual Centers for the Care and Protection of Tourists (CAPTA) and Tourist Assistance Centers (CATTAC) in Los Cabos, La Paz, Acapulco, Playa del Carmen, Mazatlan, Ciudad Madero, and Queretaro. These offices have proven helpful assisting U.S. citizen visitors in resolving disputes with merchants and government entities, filing criminal reports, securing needed services, and locating special needs accommodations. 

Local Laws & Special Circumstances

Criminal Penalties:  You are subject to local laws. If you violate local laws, even unknowingly, you may be expelled, arrested, or imprisoned. Individuals establishing a business or practicing a profession that requires additional permits or licensing should seek information from the competent local authorities prior to practicing or operating a business.

Furthermore, some laws are also prosecutable in the United States, regardless of local law. For examples, see our website on  crimes against minors abroad  and the  Department of Justice  website.

Arrest Notification:  If you are arrested or detained, ask police or prison officials to notify the U.S. Embassy or nearest consulate immediately. See our  webpage  for further information.

The Mexican government is required by international law to contact the U.S. Embassy or consulate promptly when a U.S. citizen is arrested if the arrestee so requests.  This requirement does not apply to dual nationals.  

Firearms and Other Weapons:  Weapons laws in Mexico vary by state, but it is generally illegal for travelers to carry weapons of any kind including firearms, knives, daggers, brass knuckles, as well as ammunition (even used shells). Illegal firearms trafficking from the United States to Mexico is a major concern, and the Department of State warns all U.S. citizens against taking any firearm or ammunition into Mexico. If you are caught entering Mexico with any type of weapon, including firearms or ammunitions, you likely will face severe penalties, including prison time. U.S.-issued permits allowing an individual to carry weapons are not valid in Mexico.  Visit the Department’s  Traveling Abroad with Firearms webpage .

Vessels entering Mexican waters with firearms or ammunition on board must have a permit previously issued by a Mexican embassy or consulate.

Drugs:  Drug possession and use, including medical marijuana, is illegal in Mexico and may result in a lengthy jail sentence or fines.  

Electronic Cigarettes (Vaping Devices):  It is illegal for travelers to bring electronic cigarettes (vaping devices) and all vaping solutions to Mexico. Customs will confiscate vaping devices and solutions and travelers could be fined or arrested. Avoid delays and possible sanctions by not taking these items to Mexico. 

Real Estate and Time Shares:  U.S. citizens should exercise caution when considering time-share investments or purchasing real estate and be aware of the aggressive tactics used by some sales representatives. Before initiating a real estate purchase or time-share investment, U.S. citizens should consult with a Mexican attorney to learn about important regulations and laws that govern real estate property.

Mountain Climbing and Hiking:  The Mexican government has declared the area around the Popocatepetl and the Colima volcanoes off limits. In remote rural areas, there can be limited cell phone coverage and internet connectivity, and it may be difficult for rescue teams and local authorities to reach climbers and hikers in distress.

Potential for Natural Disasters:  Mexico is in an active earthquake zone. Tsunamis may occur following significant earthquakes. Please visit our  disaster and crisis preparedness  webpage for more information. For additional information concerning disasters, see:

• U.S. Embassy Mexico City website
• Civil Protection  ( Proteccion Civil, Spanish only ) provides information from the Mexican Government about natural disaster preparedness
• U.S. Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA)  provides general information about natural disaster preparedness
• U.S. Geological Survey  provides updates on recent seismic and volcanic activity

Storm Season:  Tropical storms in the Gulf of Mexico or along the Caribbean and Pacific Coast between May and November can produce heavy winds and rain. Please visit our disaster and crisis preparedness  webpage for more information.

Spring Break:  Millions of U.S. citizens visit Mexican beach resorts each year, especially during “ spring break ” season. The legal drinking age in Mexico is 18. See the “Alcohol” section above to learn more about the risks associated with drinking, as well as reports of illnesses associated with the possible consumption of unregulated alcohol.

Resort Areas and Water Activities:  Beaches in Mexico may be dangerous due to strong currents, rip tides, and rogue waves. Warning notices and flags on beaches should be taken seriously. Not all hazardous beaches are clearly marked. If black or red warning flags are up, do not enter the water. Strong currents can lead to dangerous conditions for even the most experienced swimmers. U.S. citizens simply walking along the shore or wading have been swept out to sea by rogue waves, and some citizens have drowned or disappeared at Mexican beaches. Avoid the consumption of alcohol while engaging in water activities and do not swim alone. 

Boats used for excursions may not be covered by accident insurance and sometimes lack adequate life jackets, radios, and tools to make repairs.  Participation in adventure sports may not be covered by accident insurance and safety protections and regulations for these activities may differ from U.S. standards.  Visit  our website  and the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website for more information about adventure travel.

Counterfeit and Pirated Goods:  Although counterfeit and pirated goods are prevalent in many countries, they may still be illegal according to local laws. You may also be subject to fines or forced to relinquish the goods if you bring them back to the United States. See the  U.S. Department of Justice website  for more information.

Faith-Based Travelers:  See the following webpages for details:

• Faith-Based Travel Information
• International Religious Freedom Report  – see country reports
• Human Rights Report  – see country reports
• Hajj Fact Sheet for Travelers
• Best Practices for Volunteering Abroad

LGBTQI+ Travelers:  There are no legal restrictions on same-sex sexual relations or on the organization of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, or Intersex (LGBTQI+) events in Mexico. However, due to sporadic reports of violence targeting LGBTQI+ individuals, U.S. citizens should exercise discretion in identifying themselves publicly as LGBTQI+. See our LGBTQI+ Travel Information page and Section 6 of the  Department of State’s Human Rights Report for Mexico  for further details.

Travelers with Disabilities:   Mexican law prohibits discrimination against persons with physical, sensory, intellectual, or mental disabilities.  Social acceptance of persons with disabilities in public is not as prevalent as in the United States.  The most common types of accessibility may include accessible facilities, information, and communication/access to services/ease of movement or access.  Expect accessibility to be limited in public transportation, lodging, communication/information, and general infrastructure in more rural and remote parts of the country, and more common in public transportation, lodging, communication/information, and general infrastructure in major cities.  U.S. citizens with disabilities should consult individual hotels and service providers in advance of travel to ensure they are accessible.

Students:  See our  Students Abroad  page and  FBI travel tips .

Women Travelers:  There were several reports of sexual assault or domestic violence involving U.S. citizen women over the past year. See our travel tips for  Women Travelers .

Excellent health facilities are available in Mexico City and other major cities. Ambulance services are widely available, but training and availability of emergency responders may be below U.S. standards. Injured or seriously ill travelers may prefer to take a taxi to a health provider. Mexican facilities often require payment “up front” before providing medical care, and most hospitals in Mexico do not accept U.S. health insurance. A list of doctors and hospitals is available on the U.S. Embassy or consulate website.

U.S. citizens have lodged complaints against some private hospitals in Cancun, the Riviera Maya, and Los Cabos to include exorbitant prices and inflexible collection measures.  Travelers should obtain complete information on billing, pricing, and proposed medical procedures before agreeing to any medical care in these locations.  Be aware that some resorts have exclusive agreements with medical providers and ambulance services, which may limit your choices in seeking emergency medical attention.  Some hospitals in tourist centers utilize sliding scales, deciding on rates for services based on negotiation and on the patient’s perceived ability to pay.  In some instances, providers have been known to determine the limits of a patient’s credit card or insurance, quickly reach that amount in services rendered, and subsequently discharge the patient or transfer them to a public hospital.

Visit the  U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention  website for information on Medical Tourism.

For emergency services in Mexico, dial  911 .  Although there may be English-speaking operators available, it is best to seek the assistance of a Spanish speaker to place the call.

Ambulance services are: 

• widely available in major cities but training and availability of emergency responders may be below U.S. standards,
• not present in many remote and rural areas of the country,   
• not equipped with state-of-the-art medical equipment.  
• Injured or seriously ill travelers may prefer to take a taxi or private vehicle to the nearest major hospital rather than wait for an ambulance.  

We do not pay medical bills:  Be aware that U.S. Medicare/Medicaid does not apply overseas.  Most hospitals and doctors overseas do not accept U.S. health insurance.  

Medical Insurance:  Make sure your health insurance plan provides coverage overseas.  Most care providers overseas only accept cash payments. See  our webpage  for more information on insurance coverage overseas. Visit the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention for more information on type of insurance you should consider before you travel overseas. 

We strongly recommend  supplemental insurance  to cover medical evacuation as well.

Always carry your prescription medication in original packaging, along with your doctor’s prescription.  Check the Mexican government’s Drug Schedule to ensure the medication is legal in Mexico. 

Vaccinations:  Be up-to-date on all  vaccinations  recommended by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Further health information :

• World Health Organization
• U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention ( CDC)

Air Quality: Visit AirNow Department of State for information on air quality at U.S. Embassies and Consulates.

The U.S. Embassy maintains a list of doctors and hospitals .  We do not endorse or recommend any specific medical provider or clinic. 

Medical Tourism and Elective Surgery: 

• U.S. citizens have suffered serious complications or died during or after having cosmetic or other elective surgery.   
• Medical tourism is a rapidly growing industry. People seeking health care overseas should understand that medical systems operate differently from those in the United States and are not subject to the same rules and regulations.  Anyone interested in traveling for medical purposes should consult with their local physician before traveling and visit the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website for more information on Medical Tourism.  
• We strongly recommend supplemental insurance  to cover medical evacuation in the event of unforeseen medical complications.  
• Your legal options in case of malpractice are very limited in Mexico.  Several foreigners have successfully enlisted the support of  PROFECO  (Spanish only) in order to resolve disputes over medical services.
• Although Mexico has many elective/cosmetic surgery facilities that are on par with those found in the United States, the quality of care varies widely.  If you plan to undergo surgery in Mexico, make sure that emergency medical facilities are available and professionals are accredited and qualified.  

Pharmaceuticals

• Exercise caution when purchasing medication overseas.  Pharmaceuticals, both over the counter and requiring prescription in the United States, are often readily available for purchase with little controls.  Counterfeit medication is common and may prove to be ineffective, the wrong strength, or contain dangerous ingredients.  Medication should be purchased in consultation with a medical professional and from reputable establishments.  
• The Drug Enforcement Agency reports counterfeit prescription pills are sold by criminals on both sides of the border. These pills are sometimes represented as OxyContin, Percocet, Xanax, and others, and may contain deadly doses of fentanyl. Counterfeit pills are readily advertised on social media and can be purchased at small, non-chain pharmacies in Mexico along the border and in tourist areas.  U.S. citizens have become seriously ill or died in Mexico after using synthetic drugs or adulterated prescription pills.
• U.S. Customs and Border Protection and the Food and Drug Administration are responsible for rules governing the transport of medication back to the United States.  Medication purchased abroad must meet their requirements to be legally brought back into the United States.  Medication should be for personal use and must be approved for usage in the United States.  Please visit the U.S. Customs and Border Protection and the Food and Drug Administration websites for more information.   
• Visit the  Mexican Health Department  website (Spanish only) or contact the  Embassy of Mexico  in Washington, D.C., for more information about obtaining a permit to import medicine into Mexico.
• For a list of controlled substances in Mexico, visit the  COFEPRIS  website (Spanish only) and the  Mexican Drug Schedule  (Spanish only). U.S. citizens should carry a copy of their prescription or doctor’s letter, but it is still possible that they may be subject to arrest for arriving in Mexico with substances on these lists. Note that a medicine considered “over the counter” in some U.S. states may be a controlled substance in Mexico. For example, pseudoephedrine, the active ingredient in Sudafed, is considered a controlled substance in Mexico. For more information, contact the  Embassy of Mexico  in Washington, D.C.

Assisted Reproductive Technology and Surrogacy  

• If you are considering traveling to Mexico to have a child using assisted reproductive technology (ART) including surrogacy, visit the State Department’s ART and Surrogacy Abroad page for general information regarding U.S. citizenship for the child. 
• Surrogacy in Mexico presents serious risks that must be considered before U.S. citizens begin the surrogacy process.
• If you decide to pursue parenthood in Mexico via ART with a gestational mother, be prepared for possible long delays to document your child’s birth in Mexico and their U.S. citizenship by obtaining a U.S. passport. 
• Ensure you understand Mexican law, which varies by state. The only four states with a legal framework for surrogacy do not permit foreigners and/or same-sex couples to use the procedure. In the other 28 states, surrogacy is largely unregulated.
• In most states, Mexican courts may not enforce surrogacy agreements between non-Mexican or same-sex intending parents and a gestational mother should disputes arise, due to a lack of legal framework for surrogacy. The U.S. Embassy is aware of several cases where surrogacy agencies presented a partial, or false, interpretation of Mexican surrogacy laws.
• In most Mexican states, the gestational mother is the child’s legal parent with full parental rights, and the gestational mother’s name is typically listed on the Mexican state-issued birth certificate. In certain states, a court may amend the birth certificate to remove the name of the gestational mother.
• The U.S. Embassy is aware of cases of foreign nationals, including U.S. citizens, being arrested for attempting to circumvent local law related to surrogacy.

Carbon Monoxide

• Many hotels and other lodgings are not equipped with carbon monoxide detectors, even if they contain sources of this potentially lethal gas. U.S. citizens have died as a result of carbon monoxide poisoning throughout Mexico. If your lodging is not equipped with a carbon monoxide detector, consider traveling with a portable one.

Water Quality: 

• In many areas in Mexico, tap water is not potable. Bottled water and beverages are safe, although you should be aware that many restaurants and hotels serve tap water unless bottled water is specifically requested. Be aware that ice for drinks might be made using tap water.

Altitude: 

• Many cities in Mexico, such as Mexico City, are at high altitude, which can lead to altitude illness. Visit the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website for more information about  Travel to High Altitudes .

Adventure Travel

• Participation in adventure sports and activities may not be covered by accident insurance and safety protections and regulations for these activities may differ from U.S. standards.  Visit  our website  and the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website  for more information about adventure travel.

General Health

The following diseases are prevalent:

• Typhoid Fever
• Travelers’ Diarrhea
• Chikungunya
• Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever
• Parasitic Infections
• Chronic Respiratory Disease
• Visit the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website for more information about Resources for Travelers regarding specific issues in Mexico.   

Air Quality

• Air pollution is a significant problem in several major cities in Mexico. Consider the impact seasonal smog and heavy particulate pollution may have on you and consult your doctor before traveling if necessary.

For further health information, go to:

• U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention  (CDC)

  Private Residential Treatment Facilities: 

• These facilities provide care to U.S. citizens throughout Mexico and include child behavior modification facilities, rehabilitation facilities, and assisted living centers. 
• There is a wide range in standards for education, safety, health, sanitation, immigration, and residency.  Staff licensing may not be strictly enforced or meet the standards of similar facilities in the United States.  
• The State Department has received reports of abuse, negligence, or mismanagement at some of these facilities. U.S. citizens should exercise due diligence and do extensive research before selecting a residential treatment facility.

Travel and Transportation

Road Conditions and Safety:  Motor vehicle accidents are a leading cause of U.S. citizen deaths in Mexico. If you have an emergency while driving, dial “911.” If you are driving on a toll highway (“ cuota ”) or any other major highway, you may contact the Green Angels ( Spanish only ), a fleet of trucks with bilingual crews, by dialing 078 from any phone in Mexico.  Generally, individuals involved in an accident who do not require immediate medical care should contact their insurance providers, who may come to the site to provide an immediate assessment.

Avoid driving on Mexican highways at night. Travel with a charged and functional cell phone capable of making calls in Mexico. Travelers should exercise caution at all times and should use toll (“ cuota ”) roads rather than the less secure free (“ libre ”) roads whenever possible. Do not hitchhike or accept rides from or offer rides to strangers anywhere in Mexico. Travelers encountering police or security checkpoints should comply with instructions.

Road conditions and maintenance across Mexico vary with many road surfaces needing repair. Travel in rural areas poses additional risks to include spotty cell phone coverage and delays in receiving roadside or medical assistance.

Vehicular traffic in Mexico City is subject to restriction Monday through Saturday, according to the license plate number, in order to reduce air pollution. For additional information, refer to the  Hoy No Circula website  ( Spanish only ) maintained by the Mexico City government. See our  Road Safety Page  for more information.  Also, visit  Mexico’s national tourist office website , MexOnline, and Mexico’s customs website  Importacion Temporal de Vehiculos  ( Spanish only ) for more information regarding travel and transportation.

Traffic Laws:   U.S. driver’s licenses are valid in Mexico. Mexican law requires that only owners drive their vehicles or that the owner be inside the vehicle. Failing to abide by this law may lead to impoundment and a fine equal to the value of the vehicle.

Mexican citizens who are not also U.S. citizens or LPRs may not operate U.S.-registered vehicles in Mexico. Mexican insurance is required for all vehicles, including rental vehicles. Drivers involved in accidents, even minor incidents, may be subject to arrest if they are found to be driving without proper insurance, regardless of whether they were at fault. Driving under the influence of alcohol, using a mobile device while driving, and driving through a yellow light are all illegal in Mexico.

If you drive your vehicle into Mexico beyond the immediate border area (approximately 12 miles into Mexico), you must apply for a temporary vehicle import permit with Mexican customs, Banjercito , or at some Mexican consulates in the United States. The permit requires the presentation of a valid passport and a monetary deposit that will be returned to you upon leaving Mexico before the expiration of the permit. Failing to apply for a temporary vehicle import permit may lead to impoundment and a fine equal to the value of the vehicle. 

Vehicles crossing into Mexico must have a valid license plate and registration sticker. Mexican authorities will often refuse to admit vehicles with temporary or paper license plates. Vehicles with expired registration or unauthorized plates will likely be confiscated and the operator could be charged with a fine equal to the value of the vehicle.

The Mission Mexico Vehicle Recovery Unit  assists with the return of stolen U.S. vehicles recovered by Mexican authorities.

If you have an emergency while driving, dial “911.” If you are driving on a toll highway (“cuota”) or any other major highway, you may contact the Green Angels (Spanish only), a fleet of trucks with bilingual crews, by dialing 078 from any phone in Mexico.  Generally, individuals involved in an accident who do not require immediate medical care should contact their insurance providers, who may come to the site to provide an immediate assessment.

Public Transportation/Taxis:  Security on public buses varies throughout the country but is considered a relatively safe transportation option in Mexico City and other major tourist centers. Passengers should protect their personal possessions at all times as theft is common. Intercity bus travel should be conducted during daylight hours in preferably first-class buses using toll roads.

Robberies and assaults on passengers in taxis not affiliated with a taxi stand (known as “libre” taxis) are common. Avoid taking any taxi not summoned by telephone or contacted in advance, including “libre” taxis. When in need of a taxi, telephone a radio taxi or “sitio” (regulated taxi stand) and ask the dispatcher for the driver’s name and the taxi’s license plate number. Application-based car services such as Uber and Cabify are available in many Mexican cities, and generally offer another safe alternative to taxis. Official complaints against Uber and other drivers do occur, however, and past disputes between these services and local taxi unions have occasionally turned violent, resulting in injuries to U.S. citizens in some instances.

See our Road Safety page for more information. 

Aviation Safety Oversight:  The U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has assessed the Government of Mexico’s Civil Aviation Authority as not being in compliance with International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) aviation safety standards for oversight of Mexico’s air carrier operations. Further information may be found on the  FAA safety assessment page .

Maritime Travel:  Mariners planning travel to Mexico should also check for U.S. maritime advisories and alerts .  Information may also be posted to the  U.S. Coast Guard homeport website , and the NGA broadcast warnings .

If you enter by sea, review the Mexican boating permit requirements  prior to travel or contact the  Embassy of Mexico  in Washington, D.C., for more information.

Maritime Safety Oversight:  The Mexican maritime industry, including charter fishing and recreational vessels, is subject solely to Mexican safety regulations.  Travelers should be aware that Mexican equipment and vessels may not meet U.S. safety standards or be covered by any accident insurance.

For additional travel information

• Enroll in the  Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP)  to receive security messages and make it easier to locate you in an emergency.
• Call us in Washington, D.C. at 1-888-407-4747 (toll-free in the United States and Canada) or 1-202-501-4444 (from all other countries) from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., Eastern Standard Time, Monday through Friday (except U.S. federal holidays).
• See the  State Department’s travel website  for the  Worldwide Caution  and  Travel Advisories .
• Follow us on  Twitter  and  Facebook .
• See  traveling safely abroad  for useful travel tips.

Review information about International Parental Child Abduction in Mexico . For additional IPCA-related information, please see the International Child Abduction Prevention and Return Act ( ICAPRA ) report.

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Visa Traveler

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Can You Travel to Mexico with a US Green Card?

Published: October 30, 2023 Leave a Comment

If you’re a US green card holder, you might wonder if you can travel to Mexico with a green card. This article answers this exact question: Can permanent residents of the US go to Mexico with their green card?

Moreover, you will also learn about the entry requirements and the documents to carry when traveling to Mexico as a US green card holder. 

Table of Contents

Yes, you can travel to Mexico with a US green card. You do not require an additional visa to travel to Mexico. This is true even if you hold a passport from a country that requires a visa to Mexico. 

That said, you will still need to carry certain documents with you, most importantly:

• A passport valid for at least 6 months from the date of entry
• A valid US Green Card
• An FMM card (also called Mexico Tourist Card) (NOT required if entering Mexico by air)

Mexico Entry Requirements for US Green Card Holders

Mexico has a liberal visa policy offering visa-free entry to 66 countries. In addition to that, permanent residents of several countries like the UK, Canada, Japan, Schengen countries, and of course, the United States can visit Mexico without a visa.

As a US green card holder and permanent resident of the United States, you can travel to Mexico visa-free. Meaning, that a Mexico visa is not required for US green card holders.

Apart from permanent residents, holders of visas from the US, UK, Canada, Schengen or Japan can also visit Mexico without a visa. If you are a US visa holder, you can travel to Mexico with your US visa as well.

The entry requirements when you travel to Mexico are that (a) you hold a green card that is still valid, (b) you have a passport valid for at least 180 days and (c) you hold a completed Mexico Tourist Card (FMM card) if entering via land border and seaport.

Forma Migratoria Multiple (FMM Card or Mexico Tourist Card)

An FMM or Mexico Tourist Card is a mandatory document that every foreign national must complete if entering Mexico via land border or seaport. Even if you don’t need a visa to enter Mexico, you must still complete the card.

NOTE FMM/Mexico Tourist Card is NOT required if entering Mexico by air. Mexico has phased out filling paper or online FMM cards for all air passengers.

What is a Forma Migratoria Multiple (FMM or Mexico Tourist Card)?

The Forma Migratoria Multiple (also called FMM or Mexico Tourist Card) is the equivalent of an “Entry Immigration Form” or an “Arrival/Departure Card“ that many countries require you to fill out upon entry.

Regardless of nationality, a completed FMM or Mexico Tourist Card is mandatory for all tourists entering Mexico via land borders or seaports. 

What are the requirements for FMM or Mexico Tourist Card?

In order to complete an FMM card at the land border or seaport, you must:

• Be a foreign citizen
• Have a valid passport not expiring in the next 6 months
• Not plan to stay in Mexico for more than 180 days
• Be traveling to Mexico for tourism (working is not allowed)

These are technically also the conditions to enter Mexico as a tourist, so no surprises!

How much does the FMM or Mexico Tourist Card cost?

The FMM or Mexico Tourist card is free of cost . FMM card is similar to an entry immigration form or an arrival card. So there are no costs associated with it.

That said, if entering via land borders or seaports, you must pay Mexico Tourism Tax, which is 687 MXN (about $40 USD).

If arriving by air, the tourism tax is included in the ticket . This means, that if you fly into Mexico, you will NOT need to pay anything extra.

It is the same situation if arriving on a cruise ship – the tourism tax is included in the ticket. However, if arriving by a regular passenger boat, you must pay the tourism tax at the seaport when you enter.

If you arrive overland, by any of Mexico’s borders with the US, Guatemala or Belize, you will have to pay the tourism tax on arrival. However, if you stay in Mexico for less than 7 days, this tax is waived.

To summarize:

How to get an FMM card (Mexico Tourist Card) if traveling overland or by sea?

You will get a paper FMM card at the land border or seaport. Simply fill out the card and hand it over to the immigration at the checkpoint. The immigration officer will stamp and hand the bottom portion of the FMM card back to you.

Keep your stamped paper FMM card (Mexico Tourist Card) until you exit the country. This card is checked when leaving Mexico.

How to get an FMM card (Mexico Tourist Card) if traveling by air?

Mexico has phased out filling out paper or online FMM cards for all passengers arriving by air. You do not need to fill out any forms prior to your travel or at the airport. A digital FMM card is generated after you clear the immigration in Mexico, which you must download and save a copy.

WORD OF CAUTION Some fraudulent agencies continue to fool travelers by claiming that all travelers to Mexico must complete an online Mexico Tourist Card. They charge $50 or more for this service when Mexico has already removed this requirement. You can try to fill out the form on the official Mexico Tourist Card website and you will notice that there is no need to pay or complete any form prior to your arrival.

How to download Forma Migratoria Multiple Digital (FMMD)?

After you clear your immigration procedure at the airport in Mexico, a digital version of your FMM card will be generated. You must download this digital FMM card (called FMMD) as this will be checked when leaving Mexico. You can download your digital FMM card online on the official National Immigration of Mexico portal .

The procedure to download is straightforward and takes no more than 2 minutes. All you need is your name, passport number, date of birth and passport expiry date.

After you download the FMMD card online, print it or save a copy on your phone. Show it to the airline check-in staff or immigration officer when leaving Mexico

Documents to Carry When Traveling to Mexico as a US Green Card Holder

The documents you must carry for your trip to Mexico are as below.

• Your passport valid for at least 180 days from the day of arrival
• Your US green card valid at the time of entry
• Your FMM/Mexico Tourist Card , which is obtainable at the land border or seaport (NOT required for air passengers)

Apart from the above mandatory documents, you should also carry the below documents as you may be asked to present these by the immigration.

• Proof of return or onward ticket to your next destination
• Hotel reservation for your stay in Mexico

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can us green card holders transit through mexican airports.

Yes, you can transit through any airport in Mexico if you have a US Green Card. Since no visa is necessary, you can even leave the transit area for a while, given that the time until your next flight allows for it.

How long can US green card holders stay in Mexico?

US Green Card holders can stay in Mexico for up to 180 consecutive days. After that, you will have to exit the country. You may reenter Mexico for another 180 days.

Can I travel to Mexico with just a green card?

No, you cannot travel to Mexico only with your Green Card. You must bring your passport along with you.

Can I travel to Mexico with an expired green card?

No, you cannot travel to Mexico with an expired Green Card. It must be valid for the duration of your stay.

RELATED ARTICLES

• 40 Visa-Free Countries for US Green Card Holders in 2023
• Mexico Visa for Tourists and Visitors: A Comprehensive Guide

WRITTEN BY THIRUMAL MOTATI

Thirumal Motati is an expert in tourist visa matters. He has been traveling the world on tourist visas for more than a decade. With his expertise, he has obtained several tourist visas, including the most strenuous ones such as the US, UK, Canada, and Schengen, some of which were granted multiple times. He has also set foot inside US consulates on numerous occasions. Mr. Motati has uncovered the secrets to successful visa applications. His guidance has enabled countless individuals to obtain their visas and fulfill their travel dreams. His statements have been mentioned in publications like Yahoo, BBC, The Hindu, and Travel Zoo.

PLAN YOUR TRAVEL WITH VISA TRAVELER

I highly recommend using these websites to plan your trip. I use these websites myself to apply for my visas, book my flights and hotels and purchase my travel insurance.

01. Apply for your visa

Get a verifiable flight itinerary for your visa application from DummyTicket247 . DummyTicket247 is a flight search engine to search and book flight itineraries for visas instantly. These flight itineraries are guaranteed to be valid for 2 weeks and work for all visa applications.

02. Book your fight

Find the cheapest flight tickets using Skyscanner . Skyscanner includes all budget airlines and you are guaranteed to find the cheapest flight to your destination.

03. Book your hotel

Book your hotel from Booking.com . Booking.com has pretty much every hotel, hostel and guesthouse from every destination.

04. Get your onward ticket

If traveling on a one-way ticket, use BestOnwardTicket to get proof of onward ticket for just $12, valid for 48 hours.

05. Purchase your insurance

Purchase travel medical insurance for your trip from SafetyWing . Insurance from SafetyWing covers COVID-19 and also comes with a visa letter which you can use for your visas.

Need more? Check out my travel resources page  for the best websites to plan your trip.

LEGAL DISCLAIMER We are not affiliated with immigration, embassies or governments of any country. The content in this article is for educational and general informational purposes only, and shall not be understood or construed as, visa, immigration or legal advice. Your use of information provided in this article is solely at your own risk and you expressly agree not to rely upon any information contained in this article as a substitute for professional visa or immigration advice. Under no circumstance shall be held liable or responsible for any errors or omissions in this article or for any damage you may suffer in respect to any actions taken or not taken based on any or all of the information in this article. Please refer to our full disclaimer for further information.

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Do Green Card holders need a visa to visit Mexico?

One of the most common questions we get asked and it is always important to be aware of what documentation is required to visit a country. When it comes to Mexico, it is an incredibly popular destination for many U.S Citizens, particularly when those colder months set in and the temptation of an escape to the sunshine becomes too much.

A country full of delicious food, vibrant culture, beach life and historical wonders, let’s go through what exactly is required for people to visit Mexico who owns a US Green Card.

Table of Contents

Do you require a visa?

The short answer is no you don’t require a visa if you are a US Green Card holder. Just for reference, Green Card holders are assimilated US citizen who are permanent residents. However, you still need to remember certain documentation including what is known as a Mexico tourist card. You might see it referred to as a Mexican visa but technically it isn’t. You can definitely enter Mexico without a visa, as well as some other countries and regions including Canada, Costa Rica and the Virgin Islands.

What is a Mexican Tourist Card?

The official term for this tourist card is Forma Migratoria Múltiple or FMM for short. An FMM is an official card that a tourist requires to travel to Mexico for a vacation if you plan to stay for more than 72 hours and travel more than 12km from the Mexican border. This cannot be used if you intend to travel to Mexico for any kind of work.

When you apply for the tourist card, you will need to provide certain documentation and information. Fortunately, this is all a very easy process and won’t take long to get sorted. The information you will need for the form includes:

• A passport: You must have a valid passport with at least 6 months left on it from the point of entry date into Mexico.
• An airplane ticket: This is only for those travelling by air, but you must ensure you have a copy of your ticket to hand as evidence of your travel plans. You would need an alternative if you went by sea to a port of entry in Mexico.
• Your email: Most places will request an email address so that you can receive your confirmation. You can then print this and keep it on your person to show the authorities.
• A payment method: It depends on where you get your tourist card from. Technically you can access it for free from certain places but this can be time-consuming and confusing. If you use a service to help you, then you will need to pay. As a result, you will need to ensure you have a credit or debit card, PayPal or other payment solution that is accepted.

How to get your Mexican Tourist Card

There are a number of ways that you can obtain your card and each one will have a price ranging from free (or included in your ticket) to approx $40. Choose from one of the following:

• If travelling by air, some airlines will distribute the cards before landing and the price of this is normally included in the price of your ticket.
• You can do it online at any point before you travel but do remember to print it off
• At a Mexican embassy in the United States prior to travelling
• At the immigration desk at the airport at the point of entry to Mexico. The immigration authorities should be able to help you with this

An FMM is for a single visit to Mexico, so if you plan to travel back and forth on multiple trips then you would need to get a new one.

The official rule states that you must apply for this document within 30 days of your arrival in Mexico, but as always we advise you to get this dealt with before you go so it’s done and out of the way. The document lasts for 180 days from the date of your arrival, so it is perfect even for those long stays.

Do you require a passport if you have a US Green Card?

Whilst holders of a Green Card are equal with US citizens in terms of their right to work and live, it is important to remember to ensure you have a passport from your country of origin that is valid before you travel to Mexico. If you have this and your Green Card then you are absolutely fine to visit Mexico for your next holiday. If you decide to travel without it then you will quickly discover a problem.

If your passport is not currently valid, then you will be required to get this resolved and the best way is by contacting your country’s embassy located in the US. The fees and lead times vary depending on the nationality and government rules so it is important to do this as far in advance as possible so that you don’t end up cancelling your holiday. Our advice is to also register at the US embassy in Mexico to ensure you can get assistance in an emergency.

For those planning on staying in the country for more than a year, but less than two, you will need to apply for what is known as a re-entry permit. This must be done before travelling to Mexico. This is an official document to confirm you will not be giving up your permanent status of residence in the US. Don’t make the mistake of forgetting this part!

If you wish to work in Mexico then you should check out further guidance on the rules and regulations for doing so. In particular, you will need to get a work visa from the National Immigration Institute (INM). This is the only time when a US Green Card holder will need to obtain a visa for their travels.

Answering the initial question posed in this article, a US Green Card holder does not require a visa to enter Mexico for a holiday. However, there are certain documents that you do need to have prepared to allow you to enter including a valid passport from your country of origin and a Mexico Tourist Card (FMM).

The best advice we can give is to look into this as soon as you decide to book a holiday to Mexico. Getting a new passport can sometimes be a long-winded and painful process, so don’t let this problem ruin your dream holiday. If you’re organised and have everything ready, it is such an easy process to travel down to Mexico and enjoy the sunshine, the culture and its people.

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Mexico Entry Requirements for U.S. Citizens

Mexico Visa Needed

(for stays of up to 180 days)

Tourist Card (FMM) Needed

(if traveling by land)

Mexico has a number of entry requirements that citizens of the United States must meet when visiting the country.

US citizens planning to travel to Mexico should first check if they require a visa to cross the border, according to the Mexican visa policy.

What U.S. Citizens Need to Travel to Mexico

American citizens must have a few essential documents to travel to Mexico. These include:

• US passport
• FMM tourist card (for land travel)
• Mexican visa (if applicable)

A visa for Mexico may not be required for US passport holders. This depends on the period of stay and your reason for traveling.

U.S. passport requirements for Mexico

Your US passport must meet certain criteria when traveling to Mexico. It must not expire for at least 6 months after the date of arrival.

If your passport is due to expire sooner than this, renew it before getting the FMM and traveling to Mexico.

Do U.S. citizens need a Tourist Card for Mexico?

Americans must register for a Mexico tourist card to visit the country for the following reasons:

The tourist card required by visitors from the US is called the Forma Migratoria Múltiple (FMM) .

The FMM is not a visa. It’s an entry requirement for all foreign visitors, including Americans . It’s mandatory if you plan to travel more than 20 kilometers into Mexican territory and stay more than 72 hours.

A Mexican tourist card for United States citizens is a single-entry document. It becomes invalid once you leave Mexico. You need to get a new FMM for every trip to the country.

Do U.S. citizens need a Mexican visa?

Tourists and business travelers from the United States can stay up to 180 days visa-free in Mexico. Americans can also transit in Mexico for up to 30 days without a visa.

The same is true for non-US nationals who hold a valid US visa or Green Card . These documents must be brought as proof to gain visa-free entry to Mexico.

Citizens of the United States who plan to work, study, or engage in other non-tourist or business activities need a visa for Mexico .

Americans also need a visa to stay in Mexico for more than 180 days.

How Can U.S. Citizens Apply for a Mexico Tourist Card?

US citizens can now complete the tourist card form online. This saves time and the inconvenience of dealing with paperwork during their journey or at border control.

The streamlined electronic form greatly expedites the process of entering Mexico .

Mexico's Immigration Policy for U.S. Nationals

Citizens of the United States of America must comply with Mexico’s immigration policy when traveling to the country.

US nationals must :

• Have the correct documentation
• Comply with customs and border regulations
• Leave Mexico within the time permitted (180 days for visa-free visitors)

Americans must not :

• Bring any unauthorized or illegal items into Mexico
• Overstay the terms of their visa or visa exemption

Do Americans need vaccinations for Mexico?

Mexico’s travel rules for US passport holders do not include any mandatory vaccinations .

However, the US CDC highly recommends being immunized against the following before traveling to Mexico:

• Hepatitis A and B

Malaria is present in certain areas of Mexico. US nationals are advised to bring anti-malaria medication if staying in these regions.

What Do U.S. Citizens Need to Leave Mexico?

When leaving Mexico , you’re required to present the tourist card alongside your passport.

Therefore, it’s important to keep the slip of paper safe during the entirety of the stay in the country.

The validity of the FMM document for Americans begins from the moment it is stamped at the Mexican border . If the FMM is lost or stolen before arriving at immigration control in Mexico, you can obtain another form online.

If a validated Mexico FMM for US citizens is lost or stolen within Mexico, you should report the theft to local police. You must then include the subsequent police report in the application for a replacement tourist card. You can do this at an Instituto Nacional de Migración office within Mexico.

The U.S. Embassy in Mexico

The US Embassy in Mexico is located in Colonia Cuauhtemoc, Mexico City. The embassy provides a variety of services to American citizens in Mexico.

These include emergency assistance in cases of:

• Loss of passport
• Arrest of a US Citizen
• Death of a US Citizen
• International Parental Child Abduction

The embassy can provide emergency financial assistance and support to US citizens who are victims of crime. It is also authorized to issue certifications of US citizenship for eligible individuals born abroad to American parents, among other services.

Register with the U.S. Embassy in Mexico

It is now possible for US citizens and nationals to register with the nearest embassy or consulate when traveling in Mexico.

By registering with a US embassy in Mexico, travelers can:

• Make informed travel plans based on information received from the embassy, such as safety and security advice.
• Be contactable in the case of emergency: the US embassy will get in touch in circumstances such as a natural disaster or family emergency.
• Help family and friends to get in contact in an emergency.

US passport holders can enrol when registering for the tourist card on this website . Simply select the Embassy Registration option on the payment page.

You can also search using these:

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• News & Offers
• Mexico Guides
• Mexico Features
• Free eBooks

• Free Guides

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Trip planning, travel destinations, destination highlights, mexico lifestyles, living & lifestyle, lifestyle planning, real estate, healthcare & wellbeing, leisure assistance, lifestyle assistance, insurance coverages, property assistance, about mexperience, mexico essentials, discover more, mexico entry requirements—for leisure, business or residency.

This guide explains what you need to know about entry requirements when you are visiting Mexico for leisure, for business, or to take up residency here.

Mexico entry requirements for tourists and short term visitors

Mexico visitors permit, fmm.

Passport holders from countries on Mexico’s no visa required list do not need to apply for a formal visa to visit Mexico. They may, instead, use a visitor’s permit, known as a FMM ( Forma Migratoria Multiple ).

For the countries that don’t need a visa , a Mexico Visitor’s Permit (FMM) is issued in place of a visa. Learn more about Mexico’s visitor permit, the FMM .

How long is your Mexico visitor permit valid?

When you enter Mexico as tourist or business visitor, the immigration official at the port of entry will grant you a number of days stay in Mexico and write this on your visitor permit. This will be a maximum of 180 days; but it may be less than 180 days.

Check to see how many days you are granted to determine your exit date.

Learn more about the number of days being granted  to people arriving in Mexico under the auspice of a visitor permit, FMM.

Visitor permits cannot be extended or renewed

The Visitor Permit (FMM) will always expire after the number of days written on the permit: it cannot be extended beyond the number of days the immigration official grants when you arrive in Mexico, even if this is less than the maximum allowance of 180 days; and cannot be renewed.  You must leave the country before it expires.

Your Mexico Visitor Permit, FMM

Do I Need A Visa to Visit Mexico

Entry to Mexico: Essential Information for All Travelers

Regardless of whether you come to Mexico for leisure, for business or to take up residency here, take note of the following:

Required documentation

For a summary of the documentation required to enter Mexico, see Documents required for travel and entry to Mexico

Minors traveling to Mexico alone

Minors traveling to Mexico alone, or unaccompanied by at least one parent or their legal guardian: Read Traveling with Minors to Mexico .

Passport validity

The maximum period of time that a visitor/tourist may stay in Mexico under the auspice of a visitor permit (FMM, see above) is six months.

Therefore we recommend that your passport, regardless of country of origin, should be valid for a minimum period of six months, however long you intend to stay to avoid any potential problems at the port of entry.

Immigration authorities at the port of entry may allow or deny entry of any person into Mexico. If you have a passport that is valid for less than six months and you intend to stay in Mexico for a short period of time —perhaps a vacation— the Immigration Officer might allow you entry, especially if you can show a return air ticket.

Notwithstanding this, we recommend that you and your family members hold passports valid for at least six months from the date you intend to enter Mexico.

For holders of U.S. Passport Cards

U.S. passport cards are less expensive than passport books and can be used by U.S. citizens who cross the border between the United States and Mexico by land or sea. These look like a driver’s license, and are more robust and less bulky than a passport book. You can learn more about Passport Cards on this page of the US State Department web site. If you are a holder of a U.S. Passport Card, please note that this is NOT valid for air travel to Mexico . Passport Cards can only be used to cross the border between the United States and Mexico by land or sea ports. A passport is required for air travel to and from the the United States.

Traveling to Mexico via the United States:

In January 2009 the United States government introduced new rules for travelers entering the country using the Visa Waiver Program (US State Dept). See Also: Travel to Mexico via the USA

Arriving to Mexico by cruise ship

If you are traveling on a cruise ship that visits Mexico, you will be asked to complete a Visitors Permit/FMM (see information above) at your first Mexican port-of-call.  This permit will be valid for a maximum of 21 days.  Ask your cruise company for details.

Traveling in transit through Mexico

As of February 2004 foreigners passing through one of Mexico’s international airports to a third country no longer require a visa or any migratory documentation, provided that they remain at the airport and depart Mexico within 24 hours of arrival. See Also: Entry Procedure at Mexican Ports

Entry requirements for business visits to Mexico

Mexico welcomes business visitors and makes the immigration procedure for short visits straightforward by means of a special section on the Visitor’s Permit described above.

Business visits to Mexico

If you are traveling on business, or representing a company to conduct business in Mexico, and you hold a passport from a country on Mexico’s “ no visa required list ” you do not need to apply for a formal visa to visit Mexico. You can, instead, use a visitor’s permit —the same entry permit and procedures used by tourists to enter Mexico (see section above for full details).

If the country you hold a passport for does not appear on the no-visa list , you should check with your nearest local Mexican Consulate  for details of visa requirements before you travel to Mexico.

Longer-term business visits to Mexico

If you plan to work or live in Mexico longer periods ( more than 180 days ), you will need to apply for a business visit visa.

This visa enables the visitor to live, work and do business in Mexico, provided that certain criteria are satisfied. You can get more detailed information about long-term living and working permits on Mexperience by connecting to the Immigration Page that contains lots of information and advice about living and working in Mexico. See also: Working in Mexico

Entry requirements for residency in Mexico

People wishing to travel to Mexico to live, work, or retire must meet certain criteria to do so. Mexperience has comprehensive sections of information dedicated to these topics of interest:

Residency visas and immigration

Our guide to Mexico Visas and Immigration page gives an overview of the requirements for temporary and permanent residency in Mexico. Also see the regularly-updated  Mexico Immigration FAQs page for the most-commonly asked questions about immigration to Mexico.

Entry Procedure at Mexican Ports

The entry procedure will vary depending on where you arrive in Mexico and whether you arrive as a visitor or as resident. See also: Procedures for Entering and Leaving Mexico

Mexican Customs procedures and allowances

Like all countries, Mexico has policies on what can be brought in to the country without paying duties or taxes.

Your customs allowances when entering Mexico

Allowances are subject to change without notice, but listed below are the principal items followed by some tips about entry to Mexico.

• Personal Luggage: including new and used goods for personal use to include clothes, footwear, personal hygiene and beauty items which, according to the form: ‘reasonably respond to the duration of the trip and that due to its quantities may not be used for commercial purposes’;
• Two photographic or video cameras and twelve rolls of film or videotapes;
• Two mobile phones or pagers;
• One used or new laptop; one used or new printer; one projector;
• Two used or new items of sports gear;
• One CD player or portable music player; one DVD player;
• One musical instrument;
• Three surfboards; four fishing rods; a pair of skis;
• Ten packs of cigarettes (200 cigarettes total), twenty-five cigars OR 200 grams of tobacco (over 18s only);
• Vaping imports banned: The commercial import of vaping products was banned in February 2020; however, small quantities  for personal use by visitors to the country should not be confiscated (vaping itself is not illegal in Mexico); bringing an ‘excess’ deemed reasonable for personal use may cause your entire supply to be confiscated.
• Three liters of liquor AND six liters of wine (if the person is aged over 18 years);
• There is a US$300 tax exemption on items you import (in addition to those already listed above) when you enter the country by means or air or maritime transport; the exemption is reduced to US$50 if you travel in by land, except at Easter, Summer Holidays and Christmas time, when the land exemption limit is increased to US$300.

Please Note:  Refer to the Mexican Customs web site for full details about customs allowances as these limits are subject to change with little or no notice .

MEXICAN CUSTOMS: TIPS & ADVICE FOR TRAVELERS

Bringing prescription drugs to Mexico:  You are allowed to bring prescription drugs into Mexico provided that you have the accompanying documentation which proves a medical need. If you or a member of your family are taking prescription drugs, be sure to take the prescription/doctor’s note with you, which includes the patient’s name and the name of the medication(s) to prove medical need of the drugs you are carrying in case your luggage gets inspected.

Don’t bring firearms or ammunition!   A foreign firearms license is not valid in Mexico ; if you own a gun, don’t take it to Mexico with you and don’t bring any ammunition with you either. The only exception is a firearm and ammunition used for hunting purposes; but you will need to apply for a special permit – contact your local Mexican Consulate . Being in possession of lethal knives, firearms of all types, and even a single round of ammunition is a Federal crime in Mexico: caught in possession of a firearm can land you in very serious trouble—even if you have a license for it that was issued in your home country. See Also: Mexico’s Strict Gun Laws

Type and quantity of items : Don’t bring anything that obviously looks like you’re planning to resell goods; for example, several laptop computers. These items will get heavily taxed or confiscated. Items for personal use will be allowed, new or used, but only in quantities that are commensurate with the definition of ‘personal use.’ If you are carrying large quantities of anything, or if the Customs Inspector believes you are trying to commercialize any of the goods you are carrying, then you may be interviewed further.

Drug smuggling: Every year, foreign nationals are arrested and convicted for drug smuggling in Mexico.  Don’t attempt to smuggle any narcotics – not even small amounts of ‘soft’ drugs, e.g. cannabis/marijuana. You may be required to present documentary evidence for any powerful prescription drugs you need to carry on your person (i.e. doctor’s prescription, see note above about prescription drugs.) Narcotic offenses (use of, import, export, dealing) are likely to land you in a Mexican prison for many years. Don’t expect your consulate to bail you out because it won’t be able to. 20-25 year prison sentences for drug and serious firearm-related offenses are not uncommon in Mexico.

What you may take home from Mexico

Customs allowances into your home country will depend on where you live.

If you are planning to do a lot of shopping in Mexico, you should check at the information desk at (air)port of departure in your home country for the latest duty-free allowances.

Most goods classed as art and craft work are free of import taxes and you can bring as many home as many as you like, provided the quantities would be considered ‘for personal enjoyment’. Check with your local port/customs authorities for details.

The following items are are typical of duty-free allowances in many countries:

• 200 Cigarettes;
• 50 Cigars or 250g of Tobacco;
• 2 liters of wine;
• 1 or 2 liters of liquor (depending on country);
• 60cl of perfume;
• In addition to the above: a US dollar or euro amount of goods, ranging from about US$300-$500, depending upon the country. If you go over the monetary limit, duty and tax is usually payable on the whole amount not just the sum above the limit;
• Exact rates and amounts vary by country/trading block. Check with the information desk at your home country’s port of departure for the latest details on allowances

Leaving Mexico and Consular Contacts

Leaving mexico.

There are some procedures to follow when you depart Mexico, whether you are a visitor, or resident here:

If you are in Mexico as a tourist/visitor: When you leave Mexico, you will need to show your visitor permit you were issued with when you arrived. See also: Your Mexico Visitors Permit, FMM

If you are resident in Mexico be sure to the immigration desk at the airport or land border to show your residency card and get passport stamped before you leave the country . See also: Procedures for entering and leaving Mexico

Foreign Embassies and Consulates

Foreign nationals may be able to get assistance from their country’s consulate.  Read our article about seeking consular assistance in Mexico for further details.

Directory of Mexican Consulates Abroad

Directory of Foreign Consulates in Mexico

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Our free newsletter about Mexico brings you a monthly round-up of recently published stories and opportunities, as well as gems from our archives.

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Can I Travel to Mexico with a Green Card? Everything You Need to Know

Green card holders can travel to Mexico with their valid green cards, but it’s important to understand the requirements and restrictions before embarking on your journey. Whether you’re planning a vacation or visiting family and friends, knowing the rules will ensure a hassle-free experience.

What is a Green Card?

A green card, also known as a Permanent Resident Card, is an identification document that proves your permanent resident status in the United States. It allows you to live and work in the country on a permanent basis, and it also serves as a travel document for international trips.

Traveling to Mexico with a Green Card:

In order to travel to Mexico with a green card, you must ensure that your green card is valid for the duration of your trip. Mexican authorities may deny entry if your green card is expired or set to expire soon. It’s recommended to renew your green card well in advance to avoid any complications.

Additionally, you may be required to present a valid passport from your home country when entering Mexico. It’s important to check with the Mexican embassy or consulate in your home country for the most up-to-date travel requirements. Some travelers may also be subject to visa requirements, depending on their citizenship.

Returning to the United States:

When returning to the United States from Mexico, green card holders are required to present their green cards to the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers. It’s important to carry your green card with you at all times during your trip to ensure a smooth re-entry process.

Final Words:

Traveling to Mexico with a green card can be an exciting and enriching experience. However, it’s crucial to understand the rules and regulations to ensure a stress-free journey. By keeping your green card valid and following the necessary procedures, you can embark on your adventure with peace of mind.

Traveling to Mexico with a Green Card

If you have a green card, you can travel to Mexico without needing a visa. Mexico recognizes the United States green card as an official travel document, allowing you to enter and exit the country without any additional paperwork.

However, it’s important to note that your green card must be valid for the entire duration of your stay in Mexico. If your green card is expired or will expire while you are in Mexico, you may encounter difficulties when trying to re-enter the United States. It’s recommended to renew your green card well in advance of your travel plans to avoid any complications.

When traveling to Mexico with a green card, it’s also recommended to carry additional identification documents such as your passport. While not required, having a passport as a secondary form of identification can help expedite the entry and exit process at the Mexican border.

It’s important to familiarize yourself with the customs and immigration regulations of both the United States and Mexico before traveling. This includes knowing the length of stay allowed in Mexico with your green card, which is typically up to 180 days per visit.

Additionally, keep in mind that Mexico may have specific requirements for individuals traveling with a green card, such as proof of financial stability or proof of accommodation. It’s recommended to check with the Mexican consulate or embassy in your home country for the most up-to-date information and any additional documentation that may be required.

Understanding the Green Card

When traveling to Mexico with a green card, it’s important to understand the rules and regulations that apply.

A green card, also known as a Permanent Resident Card, is issued by the United States government to foreign nationals who are authorized to live and work in the country permanently. It serves as evidence of an individual’s status as a lawful permanent resident.

Entry Requirements

Green card holders can travel to Mexico with their green card and valid passport from their home country. However, it’s important to note that a green card alone may not be sufficient for re-entry into the United States. It is recommended to carry additional documents such as a Reentry Permit or a Refugee Travel Document to ensure smooth re-entry.

Before traveling to Mexico, green card holders should also check if they require a visa for entry. While citizens of some countries can enter Mexico without a visa, others may need to apply for one in advance.

Length of Stay

When traveling to Mexico, green card holders should be aware that their time spent outside of the United States may impact their eligibility for naturalization or reentry. Generally, a green card holder should not stay outside of the United States for more than 6 months at a time, as it may be considered abandonment of their permanent resident status.

It’s important to maintain strong ties to the United States, such as employment, family, and property, to demonstrate a genuine intent to permanently reside in the country.

Returning to the United States

When returning to the United States from Mexico, green card holders should present their green card and valid passport to the immigration authorities. It’s important to be prepared for additional questioning or scrutiny, as the immigration officers have the discretion to determine admissibility.

Understanding the green card rules and regulations when traveling to Mexico is essential for a smooth and hassle-free trip. It’s important to always stay informed and up to date with the latest requirements and recommendations.

Traveling to Mexico

Traveling to Mexico with a Green Card can be an exciting experience. Whether you are going for a vacation or visiting family, Mexico offers a rich culture and beautiful landscapes that are sure to leave a lasting impression.

Before you travel, it’s important to make sure your Green Card is up to date. A valid Green Card is required for entry into Mexico, so double-check that it has not expired and that the information on it is accurate. If you need to renew your Green Card, it’s recommended to do so well in advance of your trip.

When traveling to Mexico, it’s also important to familiarize yourself with any visa requirements. While a Green Card allows you to enter Mexico, there may be additional documents or permits that you need depending on the purpose of your visit. It’s always best to check with the Mexican consulate or embassy in your home country to ensure you have all the necessary paperwork in order.

Once you have your Green Card and any required visas or permits, you can start planning your trip to Mexico. The country offers a wide range of attractions to explore, from ancient ruins to vibrant cities. Whether you want to relax on the beautiful beaches of Cancun, explore the colonial charm of Guanajuato, or visit the historic sites of Mexico City, there is something for everyone.

While in Mexico, it’s important to respect the local customs and laws. Familiarize yourself with the country’s cultural norms, such as appropriate dress and behavior, and be aware of any local laws that may be different from what you are accustomed to. By being a responsible traveler, you can ensure a safe and enjoyable trip to Mexico.

In conclusion, traveling to Mexico with a Green Card is an exciting opportunity to explore a beautiful country. By ensuring your Green Card is up to date and familiarizing yourself with any visa requirements, you can have a smooth journey. Remember to respect the local customs and laws, and you’ll have an unforgettable experience in Mexico.

Validating your Green Card

When planning your travel to Mexico, it is important to ensure that your green card is valid. Your green card serves as official documentation of your status as a lawful permanent resident of the United States. It is essential to have a valid green card when traveling to Mexico, as it will be required to re-enter the United States.

Before your trip, it is recommended to check the expiration date on your green card. Green cards are typically valid for 10 years, although some may have a shorter validity period. If your green card is close to expiration or has already expired, you should apply for a renewal before traveling to Mexico.

In addition to checking the expiration date, it is important to make sure that the information on your green card is correct and up to date. This includes verifying that your name, date of birth, and other personal information are accurate. If there are any mistakes or outdated information on your green card, you should contact the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) to have it corrected before your trip.

When traveling to Mexico, you will need to present your green card at the border. Mexican immigration officials will verify the validity of your green card and ensure that you have the necessary documents to enter the country. It is important to keep your green card with you at all times during your trip to Mexico, as you may be asked to present it to local authorities.

Before you travel to Mexico, it is also a good idea to make a copy of your green card and keep it in a safe place. This can be helpful in the event that your green card is lost or stolen while you are abroad. Having a copy of your green card can expedite the process of obtaining a replacement card.

In summary, it is crucial to have a valid green card when traveling to Mexico. Make sure to check the expiration date and verify the accuracy of the information on your green card. Bring your green card with you and keep a copy in case of loss or theft. By taking these steps, you can ensure a smooth and stress-free trip to Mexico.

Passport Requirements

To travel to Mexico with a Green Card, you will need a valid passport from your country of citizenship. Your Green Card alone will not be sufficient for international travel.

When traveling to Mexico, it is important to ensure that your passport is valid for at least six months beyond your planned departure date. This is a requirement set by the Mexican government and must be adhered to in order to enter and exit the country.

Additionally, it is recommended to have a valid United States re-entry permit in addition to your passport. This document, also known as a travel document, allows Green Card holders to re-enter the United States after temporary travel abroad without the need for a returning resident visa.

Before traveling to Mexico, it is always a good idea to check with the Mexican consulate or embassy in your home country to confirm the passport requirements and any additional documentation that may be needed for your specific situation.

Remember to always carry your passport and Green Card with you while traveling in Mexico, as you may be required to present them when entering or exiting the country, or during routine immigration checks.

Visa Requirements

If you have a Green Card and want to travel to Mexico, it is important to understand the visa requirements. While a Green Card grants you the ability to live and work in the United States, it does not automatically grant you entry into Mexico.

To travel to Mexico with a Green Card, you will need to obtain a tourist visa, also known as a visitor visa. This visa allows you to enter Mexico for tourism or recreational purposes, such as sightseeing or visiting friends and family.

To apply for a tourist visa to Mexico, you will need to visit the Mexican consulate or embassy in your country of residence. You will need to provide certain documents, such as your valid Green Card, passport, proof of financial stability, and a completed visa application form.

Requirements for a Mexican Tourist Visa:

In order to apply for a Mexican tourist visa, you must meet the following requirements:

• Valid Green Card: Your Green Card must be valid for at least six months beyond your intended stay in Mexico.
• Passport: You must have a valid passport from your country of residence.
• Proof of Financial Stability: You may be required to provide evidence of sufficient funds to cover your expenses during your stay in Mexico.
• Completed Visa Application Form: You will need to fill out an application form and submit it along with the required documents.

It is important to note that the visa application process can vary depending on your country of residence. It is recommended to check with the Mexican consulate or embassy for specific requirements and procedures.

With a valid Green Card and a tourist visa, you can travel to Mexico and enjoy all that the country has to offer. Whether you are interested in exploring ancient ruins, relaxing on beautiful beaches, or experiencing vibrant culture, Mexico offers a wide range of attractions for visitors to enjoy.

Remember to carry your Green Card and valid passport with you at all times while in Mexico, as you may be required to present these documents to immigration authorities.

When you travel to Mexico with a Green Card, you can stay for a certain period of time depending on your visa category. The following are the common visa categories and their corresponding lengths of stay:

Temporary Visitor’s Visa (Tourist Visa)

• If you have a Green Card, you can travel to Mexico with a Temporary Visitor’s Visa. With this visa, you can stay in Mexico for up to 180 days.

Residente Temporal (Temporary Resident Visa)

• If you have a Green Card, you can also travel to Mexico with a Residente Temporal visa. This visa allows you to stay in Mexico for up to four years, with the option to renew.

Residente Permanente (Permanent Resident Visa)

• If you have a Green Card, you can apply for a Residente Permanente visa, which grants you permanent residency in Mexico. With this visa, you can stay in Mexico indefinitely.

It is important to note that while you can travel to Mexico with a Green Card, the length of your stay is ultimately determined by the Mexican immigration authorities. It is always recommended to check with the Mexican consulate or embassy in your country before traveling to Mexico to ensure you have the correct documentation and are aware of any specific requirements or limitations regarding your length of stay.

Permitted Activities

As a green card holder, you can travel to Mexico with your green card without needing a visa. However, it is important to know the permitted activities while you are there.

You can visit Mexico for tourism purposes, such as sightseeing, exploring the cultural heritage, and enjoying the beautiful beaches. You can also participate in recreational activities like swimming, snorkeling, and hiking.

Furthermore, you can engage in business activities, such as attending conferences, meetings, and trade shows. You can also conduct negotiations, sign contracts, and establish business relationships. However, it is essential to remember that you are not allowed to work or seek employment in Mexico with your green card.

During your visit, you can also visit friends or relatives and spend time with them. However, it is important to note that your primary purpose of travel should not be to settle down or stay in Mexico for an extended period.

It is advised to always carry your green card with you and ensure that it is valid throughout your stay in Mexico. Additionally, it is recommended to have a valid passport and any other necessary travel documents.

It is crucial to familiarize yourself with the specific rules and regulations regarding your permitted activities in Mexico before traveling to ensure a smooth and hassle-free trip.

Prohibited Activities

When traveling to Mexico with a Green Card, there are certain activities that you cannot engage in. It is important to be aware of these restrictions to avoid any legal issues or complications during your trip.

1. Working without a valid work permit

If you have a Green Card, you are allowed to work in the United States, but this does not extend to Mexico. In order to legally work in Mexico, you will need to obtain a work permit. Engaging in any kind of paid employment without the proper authorization is prohibited and could result in fines, deportation, or other legal consequences.

2. Engaging in unauthorized business activities

Similarly, if you plan to conduct business in Mexico with your Green Card, you may be subject to restrictions. It is important to research and understand the local laws and regulations regarding business activities in Mexico. Engaging in unauthorized business activities can lead to penalties and may affect your immigration status.

Although you can travel to Mexico with a Green Card, it is essential to abide by the legal requirements and restrictions of the country. Be sure to familiarize yourself with the specific regulations and consult with the appropriate authorities if you have any doubts or questions about your planned activities in Mexico.

Crossing Mexican Border

When traveling to Mexico with a Green Card, it is important to understand the procedures and requirements for crossing the Mexican border. As a Green Card holder, you can travel to Mexico, but there are certain things you need to know before you go.

Documents Required

When crossing the Mexican border, you will need to have the following documents:

• A valid Green Card
• A valid passport from your home country
• A Mexican Tourist Card (Forma Migratoria Multiple or FMM) – this can be obtained at the port of entry or online

As a Green Card holder, you are allowed to stay in Mexico for up to 180 days. If you plan to stay longer, you will need to apply for an extension before your initial 180-day period expires.

Re-entry to the United States

When returning to the United States from Mexico, you will need to present your Green Card and passport at the border. Make sure to check the expiration dates on your documents to ensure they are valid for re-entry into the United States.

In summary, as a Green Card holder, you can travel to Mexico with your Green Card and passport. Just make sure to have the necessary documents and comply with the length of stay regulations. Enjoy your trip!

Transportation Options

When traveling to Mexico with a Green Card, you have several transportation options available to you. Whether you prefer to drive, fly, or take public transportation, there are convenient ways to reach your destination.

If you have a valid driver’s license and feel comfortable driving in Mexico, this can be a convenient option. You can either drive your own car or rent one once you arrive in Mexico. Be sure to check the rules and regulations for driving in Mexico, such as getting the appropriate insurance coverage and carrying your Green Card and other identification documents with you.

Flying is another popular option for traveling to Mexico. There are many flights available from various international airports to major cities in Mexico. If you choose to fly, make sure to carry your Green Card and valid identification documents with you, as you will need them for immigration purposes both when departing from and arriving in Mexico.

Additionally, be aware of any visa requirements or restrictions that may apply to your specific situation. It is always a good idea to check with the Mexican embassy or consulate in your home country before traveling to Mexico.

Public Transportation

If you prefer not to drive or fly, you can also consider taking public transportation to Mexico. Mexico has an extensive bus network, which offers affordable and convenient travel options. You can also take advantage of Mexico’s railway system, offering scenic train journeys to various destinations within the country.

When using public transportation, it is important to keep your Green Card and identification documents with you, as you may be required to present them to immigration authorities during your journey.

In conclusion, when planning your trip to Mexico with a Green Card, consider your transportation options. Whether you decide to drive, fly, or take public transportation, make sure to prepare accordingly and have the necessary documents with you to ensure a smooth and hassle-free travel experience.

Lodging Options

When traveling to Mexico with a Green Card, you may wonder where you can stay during your visit. Fortunately, there are various lodging options available to you.

Hotels and Resorts

One option for lodging in Mexico is to stay at hotels and resorts. There are many options to choose from, ranging from luxurious five-star hotels to budget-friendly accommodations. When booking a hotel, it is essential to bring your Green Card with you as it may be required for check-in.

Vacation Rentals

Another popular option for lodging in Mexico is vacation rentals. These can include apartments, condos, or houses that you can rent for the duration of your stay. Many people find that vacation rentals offer more space and amenities compared to traditional hotel rooms. Make sure to check the rental terms and conditions to ensure that staying there with a Green Card is allowed.

If you are traveling on a budget or prefer a more social atmosphere, staying at a hostel can be a great option. Hostels usually offer dormitory-style accommodations, with shared facilities such as bathrooms and common areas. While some hostels may have restrictions on guests with Green Cards, many do not, so it is essential to do your research and find one that caters to your needs.

Bed and Breakfasts

For a cozy and personalized experience, consider staying at a bed and breakfast (B&B) in Mexico. B&Bs typically offer a more intimate setting with fewer rooms and personalized service. However, it is crucial to check if they accept guests with Green Cards as some may have specific regulations or requirements.

When planning your trip to Mexico, be sure to research the different lodging options available and take into account any specific requirements or restrictions related to traveling with a Green Card. This way, you can have a comfortable and enjoyable stay during your visit.

Health and Safety Precautions

Traveling to Mexico with a Green Card comes with certain health and safety considerations.

Before you travel, it is important to make sure you have a valid health insurance card that will cover any medical expenses that may arise during your trip. It is also recommended that you get any necessary vaccinations before traveling to Mexico, as the country may have different diseases or health risks compared to your home country.

When you arrive in Mexico, it is important to take precautions to ensure your health and safety. Make sure to drink bottled water and avoid drinking tap water, as it may not be safe for consumption. Also, be mindful of the food you eat and make sure it is cooked thoroughly and served in a hygienic manner.

It is also recommended to avoid areas with high crime rates and to be cautious when using public transportation. Keep a close eye on your belongings and be aware of your surroundings at all times. It is also a good idea to carry a copy of your Green Card with you, as it acts as proof of your legal status in the country.

In case of any medical emergencies, it is important to have the contact information of the nearest hospital or emergency services readily available. It is also a good idea to have a list of any allergies or medical conditions you may have, as well as any necessary medications.

Overall, traveling to Mexico with a Green Card can be a rewarding experience, but it is important to prioritize your health and safety. By taking the necessary precautions and being prepared for any potential medical emergencies, you can enjoy your trip while ensuring your well-being.

Language Considerations

When traveling to Mexico, it is important to consider the language you will encounter. While Spanish is the official language of Mexico, there are also indigenous languages spoken throughout the country, including Nahuatl, Mayan, and Zapotec.

If you are fluent in Spanish, you will have an easier time navigating Mexico and communicating with locals. Many Mexicans do not speak English, so knowing some basic phrases and vocabulary in Spanish can go a long way in making your trip more enjoyable.

Spanish Language Resources

If you are not familiar with the Spanish language, it may be helpful to learn some basics before your trip. There are many resources available to help you learn Spanish, from online courses and language learning apps to books and audio tapes. Taking the time to learn some key phrases, such as greetings, please and thank you, and how to ask for directions, can make a big difference in your ability to communicate with locals.

Indigenous Languages

In addition to Spanish, Mexico is home to numerous indigenous languages. While it may not be practical to learn these languages for a short trip, it is important to be respectful of the cultural diversity in Mexico. Locals may appreciate your efforts to learn a few words or phrases in their indigenous language, even if you are primarily communicating in Spanish.

For instance, if you are visiting a region where Nahuatl is spoken, learning how to say “hello” and “thank you” in Nahuatl can be a nice gesture. Similarly, if you are in a Mayan-speaking area, learning a few basic phrases may help you connect with the local community.

Overall, having some understanding of the language and culture of the places you visit in Mexico can enhance your travel experience and foster positive interactions with the locals. So, take the time to learn a few key phrases and embrace the linguistic diversity of this fascinating country.

Cultural Etiquette

When you travel to Mexico with a Green Card, it’s important to be aware of the cultural etiquette in order to have a respectful and enjoyable experience. Here are a few key things you need to know:

Greeting and Personal Space

In Mexico, greetings are typically warm and friendly. It’s common to greet people with a handshake or a hug, especially among friends and family. It’s also customary to use the formal forms of address, such as “Señor” for men and “Señora” for women, unless you’re on familiar terms with someone.

Additionally, Mexicans tend to stand closer to each other during conversations compared to some other cultures. Personal space is generally smaller, so don’t be surprised if someone stands or sits closer to you than you might be used to.

Punctuality

In Mexico, punctuality is more flexible than in some other countries. While it’s a good idea to be on time for business meetings and appointments, social gatherings and informal events often start later than the specified time. It’s best to be prepared for some waiting, especially for social events, as it is part of the relaxed Mexican culture.

However, this doesn’t mean you should be late for everything. It’s still important to be respectful of others’ time and to communicate if you anticipate being delayed.

Respecting Customs and Traditions

Mexico has a rich cultural heritage with many customs and traditions that are important to the people. It’s important to respect and appreciate these customs during your visit.

For example, when attending a religious ceremony, it’s customary to dress modestly and be respectful of the rituals taking place. It’s also polite to ask before taking photographs of people or cultural sites, as some people may prefer not to be photographed.

Another important aspect of Mexican culture is the emphasis on family and community. Showing respect for familial and social relationships is highly valued. It’s polite to greet everyone in a group individually, and asking about someone’s family is a common way to show interest and engage in conversation.

By familiarizing yourself with these cultural etiquette tips, you can make the most of your trip to Mexico and ensure positive interactions with the local community.

Currency Exchange

When I travel to Mexico with my Green Card, one of the things I often wonder about is how to exchange my currency. Luckily, with a Green Card, I can easily exchange my U.S. dollars to Mexican pesos.

There are several options for currency exchange in Mexico. I can exchange my money at banks, currency exchange kiosks, or even use ATMs. It is important to keep in mind that each option may come with its own fees and exchange rates.

Using banks for currency exchange is a convenient option. Most banks in Mexico offer currency exchange services and can exchange U.S. dollars to Mexican pesos. However, it is advisable to check the exchange rates and fees beforehand, as they can vary from bank to bank.

Currency Exchange Kiosks

Currency exchange kiosks can be found in popular tourist areas, airports, and hotels. These kiosks offer quick and easy currency exchange services. Similar to banks, it is important to compare exchange rates and fees before making a transaction.

It is worth noting that some kiosks might have higher fees and less favorable exchange rates than banks. Therefore, it is recommended to do some research and compare rates before choosing a kiosk.

Additionally, always be cautious when exchanging money at kiosks, especially in tourist areas, as there may be individuals attempting to scam or trick tourists with counterfeit currency.

Using ATMs is another convenient way to exchange currency. Many ATMs in Mexico accept foreign debit cards, including those issued by U.S. banks. However, be aware that some ATMs may charge additional fees for foreign card usage.

Before using an ATM, it is advisable to check with your bank regarding any foreign transaction fees and to inform them about your travel plans to avoid any issues with your card.

When withdrawing money from an ATM, pay attention to the exchange rate provided by the machine, as it may differ from the current exchange rate. Additionally, be cautious when using ATMs in public areas and avoid withdrawing large amounts of cash at once to minimize the risk of theft.

Overall, I find that having a Green Card enables me to travel to Mexico with ease and exchange currency conveniently. By choosing the right method and being aware of the potential fees and rates, I can ensure a smooth and worry-free currency exchange experience.

Travel Insurance

When you travel to Mexico with a Green Card, it’s important to consider purchasing travel insurance. Travel insurance can provide you with peace of mind and financial protection in case unexpected events occur during your trip.

i n the unfortunate event of a medical emergency, travel insurance can cover the cost of medical treatment, including hospitalization, surgery, and medication. This can be especially crucial if your Green Card does not provide you with comprehensive health insurance coverage outside of the United States.

T ravel insurance can also provide coverage for trip cancellations or interruptions. If unforeseen circumstances, such as severe weather conditions or personal emergencies, force you to cancel or cut short your trip, travel insurance can reimburse you for non-refundable expenses, such as flights, accommodations, and prepaid activities.

Additionally, travel insurance often includes coverage for lost or delayed baggage, as well as trip delays or missed connections. This can help alleviate the stress and financial burden that may result from these inconveniences.

It’s important to carefully review the terms and conditions of the travel insurance policy you choose, as coverage can vary. Look for a policy that offers sufficient coverage limits and includes the specific benefits you need for your trip to Mexico.

Choosing a Travel Insurance Policy

When selecting a travel insurance policy, consider the following:

• Coverage Limits: Ensure that the policy provides adequate coverage limits for medical expenses, trip cancellations, and other benefits.
• Medical Coverage: Check if the policy covers pre-existing conditions and offers emergency medical evacuation coverage.
• Trip Duration: Make sure the policy will cover the entire duration of your trip to Mexico.

Traveling to Mexico with a Green Card is an exciting opportunity, but it’s important to be prepared for any unforeseen events. By purchasing travel insurance, you can protect yourself financially and have peace of mind during your trip.

Emergencies and Consular Services

If you are traveling to Mexico with a Green Card and need assistance in case of an emergency, you can rely on the services provided by the United States consulate in Mexico. The consulate is there to support and assist U.S. citizens and permanent residents who encounter various emergencies while in Mexico.

Emergency Services

In case of an emergency, you can contact the U.S. consulate for help. They can provide guidance and assistance on a range of issues such as medical emergencies, legal issues, and lost or stolen documents. It is important to have the Consulate’s contact information readily available in case of an emergency.

Consular Services

The U.S. consulate offers various consular services for U.S. citizens and permanent residents in Mexico. These services include passport replacement, notarial services, and assistance with voting in U.S. elections while abroad. It is advisable to familiarize yourself with the specific services offered by the consulate and their respective requirements.

It is important to note that while the consulate is there to assist you in emergencies, it is always recommended to have appropriate travel insurance coverage when traveling to Mexico or any other country.

Preserving Green Card Status

When traveling to Mexico with a Green Card, it is important to understand the steps you need to take in order to preserve your Green Card status. Failure to comply with these requirements can result in the loss of your permanent resident status.

The first step is to ensure that your Green Card is valid for reentry into the United States. Before you travel, check the expiration date on your Green Card to make sure it will not expire while you are away. If your Green Card will expire within six months of your departure date, you should renew it before you travel.

It is also important to maintain your ties to the United States while you are traveling in Mexico. This means that you should not stay out of the country for an extended period of time, as this could be seen as abandonment of your Green Card. The general rule is that you should not be outside the United States for more than six months at a time. If you need to stay outside the United States for an extended period, you should apply for a reentry permit before you leave.

Reentry Permit

A reentry permit is a document that allows a Green Card holder to travel outside of the United States for an extended period of time without abandoning their permanent resident status. It is valid for up to two years and can be applied for before you leave the country.

In order to obtain a reentry permit, you will need to file Form I-131, Application for Travel Document, with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). The application fee is required, and you may also need to provide supporting documentation, such as proof of your ties to the United States.

When returning to the United States from Mexico, you will need to present your valid Green Card to the immigration officer at the port of entry. The immigration officer may ask you questions about your trip and the purpose of your travel. It is important to answer these questions honestly and to provide any requested documentation.

If you have been outside of the United States for more than six months, the immigration officer may also ask you about your ties to the country and your reasons for staying outside for such a long period. It is important to be prepared to provide evidence of your ties to the United States, such as proof of employment, homeownership, or family relationships.

By following these guidelines and taking the necessary steps to preserve your Green Card status, you can travel to Mexico with peace of mind, knowing that you have taken the necessary precautions to protect your permanent resident status.

Returning to the U.S.

When you travel to Mexico with a Green Card, it is important to understand the requirements for returning to the U.S. After your trip. As a lawful permanent resident, you are allowed to travel outside of the country, but you must meet certain criteria to be able to re-enter.

Valid Green Card

In order to return to the U.S., you must have a valid Green Card. Make sure that your card will not expire during your travel period. If it is about to expire, you may need to renew it before your trip. It’s important to note that even if your card is expired, you may still be allowed to re-enter the U.S. in certain cases, but it’s better to have a valid card to avoid any complications.

Travel Documents

In addition to your Green Card, you will need to have other travel documents with you. These may include a valid passport from your home country, a visa for traveling to Mexico if required, and any other necessary documentation. It’s always a good idea to check with the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) for the most up-to-date requirements and regulations before your trip.

Re-entry Permit

If you plan to be outside of the U.S. for an extended period of time (more than a year), it is recommended to apply for a Re-entry Permit before you travel. This permit will serve as proof of your intention to return to the U.S. and can make the re-entry process smoother. However, a Re-entry Permit is not mandatory for trips to Mexico, but it is a good option to consider if you anticipate being away for an extended time.

Remember to always carry your Green Card with you when traveling to Mexico and back to the U.S. It is an essential document that proves your immigration status and allows you to re-enter the country after your trip.

Taxes and Income Reporting

When traveling to Mexico with a Green Card, it’s important to understand the tax obligations and income reporting requirements that may apply to you. Even though you are not a Mexican citizen, you may still have tax responsibilities in Mexico.

Resident or Non-Resident:

Whether you are considered a resident or a non-resident for tax purposes in Mexico depends on the amount of time you spend in the country. If you spend more than 183 days in Mexico in a calendar year, you are considered a resident for tax purposes. As a resident, you are required to report your worldwide income to the Mexican tax authorities.

If you are in Mexico for less than 183 days, you are considered a non-resident. Non-residents are only taxed on their Mexican-source income, such as income from rental properties or business activities within Mexico.

Tax Filing:

As a resident, you will need to file an annual tax return with the Mexican tax authorities, reporting all of your worldwide income. This includes income earned outside of Mexico. You may also be eligible for certain deductions and tax credits, so it’s important to consult with a tax professional to ensure you are taking advantage of all available benefits.

If you are a non-resident and have Mexican-source income, you will also need to file a tax return. Non-residents are subject to a flat tax rate on their Mexican-source income, and there may be additional withholding requirements for certain types of income.

Double Taxation:

It’s important to note that if you are a resident of both Mexico and another country, you may be subject to double taxation. This means that you could be required to pay taxes on the same income in both countries. To avoid double taxation, you may be eligible for tax treaties or credits that allow you to offset taxes paid in one country against your tax liability in the other. It’s essential to consult with a tax professional who is knowledgeable in international tax law to help you navigate these complexities.

Remember, taxes and income reporting requirements can be complex, especially when traveling to another country with a Green Card. It’s always a good idea to consult with a tax professional to ensure you are in compliance with all applicable tax laws.

Customs and Duty Regulations

When traveling to Mexico with a green card, it is important to be aware of the customs and duty regulations that apply to you. These regulations govern what you can bring into the country and how much you can bring.

To ensure a smooth experience at the customs, it is recommended that you familiarize yourself with the following guidelines:

1. Travelling with your green card

If you are a lawful permanent resident of the United States and possess a valid green card, you can travel to Mexico without a visa. However, make sure to carry your green card with you at all times, as you may be required to present it during immigration and customs inspections.

2. Duty-free allowances

As a traveler with a green card, you will generally have the same duty-free allowances as any other tourist. This means that you can bring a certain quantity of goods into Mexico without having to pay duties or taxes.

The specific allowances can vary depending on the type of goods and your country of residence, so it is advisable to check with the Mexican customs authorities prior to your trip.

Remember that if the value of the goods you are bringing exceeds the duty-free limit, you may be required to pay taxes and duties on the excess amount.

It is also important to note that some items, such as firearms and certain types of medications, may have additional restrictions and require special permits.

By being aware of the customs and duty regulations, you can ensure a hassle-free experience when traveling to Mexico with your green card.

Tourist Attractions in Mexico

Mexico is a vibrant and diverse country with a rich history and breathtaking natural beauty. Traveling to Mexico with a green card can open up a world of incredible experiences and unforgettable sights. Whether you are interested in ancient ruins, stunning beaches, or vibrant cities, Mexico has something for everyone.

One of the most iconic attractions in Mexico is the ancient city of Chichen Itza. This archaeological site is home to the famous El Castillo pyramid, known for its intricate carvings and impressive architecture. Visitors can explore the ruins and learn about the ancient Mayan civilization that once thrived in this area.

If you’re looking for beach destinations, Mexico has plenty to offer. Cancun is famous for its pristine white sand beaches and crystal-clear turquoise waters. Visitors can relax on the beach, snorkel in the coral reefs, or explore the nearby Isla Mujeres for a day trip.

Another popular beach destination is Playa del Carmen, located on the Riviera Maya. This lively town is known for its vibrant nightlife and charming pedestrian-friendly streets. Visitors can also take a ferry to Cozumel, a beautiful island known for its colorful coral reefs and excellent diving opportunities.

If you’re a history buff, a visit to Mexico City is a must. The capital city is home to numerous world-class museums, including the National Museum of Anthropology, where you can learn about Mexico’s pre-Hispanic civilizations. Other must-see attractions in Mexico City include the historic Zocalo square, the stunning Palacio de Bellas Artes, and the ancient ruins of Teotihuacan.

The natural beauty of Mexico is also a major draw for visitors. The Copper Canyon, located in the northern state of Chihuahua, is a breathtaking series of canyons that is deeper and wider than the Grand Canyon. Visitors can take a scenic train ride through the canyon or go hiking to explore the stunning landscapes.

In conclusion, traveling to Mexico with a green card can provide you with an opportunity to explore a country full of incredible tourist attractions. From ancient ruins to beautiful beaches and vibrant cities, Mexico has something to offer travelers of all interests. So grab your green card, pack your bags, and get ready to explore all that Mexico has to offer!

Beach Destinations

If you love to travel and are looking to explore beautiful beach destinations, Mexico is the perfect place to go. With its stunning coastline and crystal-clear waters, Mexico offers a wide range of beach destinations that will leave you breathless.

Traveling to Mexico with a Green Card can be an exciting experience, as you will have the opportunity to discover some of the most beautiful beaches in the world. From the popular tourist destinations like Cancun and Playa del Carmen to the hidden gems like Tulum and Puerto Escondido, there is a beach destination for every type of traveler.

Whether you enjoy relaxing on the sandy shores, snorkeling in vibrant coral reefs, or trying your hand at water sports like surfing or paddleboarding, Mexico has it all. The beaches in Mexico are known for their warm weather, friendly atmosphere, and breathtaking natural beauty.

One of the advantages of traveling to Mexico with a Green Card is that you can easily explore multiple beach destinations within the country. You can start your journey in one destination and then hop on a short flight or take a scenic road trip to another beach paradise.

When traveling to Mexico, it is important to remember to bring your Green Card with you. While Mexican immigration authorities may not require a visa for Green Card holders, having your Green Card handy will help speed up the entry process.

So, whether you are planning a relaxing beach vacation or an adventurous water sports getaway, Mexico is the ideal destination. Pack your bags, grab your Green Card, and get ready for an unforgettable beach adventure in Mexico!

Historical Sites

When traveling to Mexico with a Green Card, you can explore a rich cultural heritage and visit numerous historical sites. Mexico is home to a vast array of historical landmarks that offer a glimpse into its fascinating past.

One of the most famous historical sites in Mexico is the ancient city of Chichen Itza. This UNESCO World Heritage Site showcases the remnants of a Mayan civilization that dates back to the 5th century AD. Visitors can marvel at the iconic El Castillo pyramid, explore the Great Ball Court, and witness ancient Mayan astronomical phenomena.

Another must-visit historical site is Teotihuacan, located just outside of Mexico City. This ancient Mesoamerican city was one of the largest in the world during its peak and features the iconic Pyramid of the Sun and the Pyramid of the Moon. Climb to the top of these pyramids to enjoy panoramic views of the surrounding area.

If you’re interested in colonial history, a visit to Guanajuato is a must. This city is known for its well-preserved colonial architecture and offers visitors a chance to step back in time. Explore the narrow cobblestone streets, visit the impressive Basilica of Our Lady of Guanajuato, and take a stroll through the colorful alleys of the Callejón del Beso.

No trip to Mexico would be complete without a visit to the archaeological site of Tulum. Situated on the beautiful Caribbean coast, this ancient Mayan city offers a unique blend of history and natural beauty. Explore the well-preserved ruins overlooking the turquoise waters of the Caribbean Sea and take a dip in the nearby pristine beaches.

These are just a few of the many historical sites that Mexico has to offer. Whether you’re interested in ancient civilizations, colonial history, or natural wonders, Mexico provides a wealth of opportunities for exploring its fascinating past.

Outdoor Adventures

If you love to travel and are planning a trip to Mexico with your green card, you are in for a treat. Mexico offers a wide range of outdoor adventures that cater to all types of travelers. Whether you are an adrenaline junkie or prefer a more relaxed exploration of nature, Mexico has something for everyone.

Hiking and Mountain Climbing

Mexico is home to some breathtaking landscapes that are perfect for hiking and mountain climbing. From the stunning peaks of the Sierra Madre Occidental to the ancient ruins of Teotihuacan, there are endless opportunities for outdoor enthusiasts. Just make sure to pack all the necessary gear and be aware of your own physical limitations.

Snorkeling and Diving

The crystal-clear waters surrounding Mexico’s coastline are a paradise for snorkeling and diving enthusiasts. From the colorful reefs of Cozumel to the famous underwater sinkholes, known as cenotes, in the Yucatan Peninsula, there are countless underwater wonders to explore. Don’t forget to bring your snorkel mask or scuba gear to fully enjoy these amazing aquatic adventures.

These are just a few examples of the outdoor adventures that await you in Mexico. With your green card, you have the freedom to explore and experience all that this beautiful country has to offer. So pack your bags, grab your gear, and get ready for an unforgettable journey.

Essential Packing List

When traveling to Mexico with a Green Card, it’s important to pack the essentials to ensure a smooth journey. Here are some must-have items to include in your travel bag:

1. Valid Green Card: Before heading to Mexico, double-check that your Green Card is still valid and won’t expire during your trip. It’s crucial to have a valid card with you at all times.

2. Travel Documents: Bring your passport and any other necessary identification documents. It’s always a good idea to have a backup photocopy of these documents as well, just in case.

3. Medications: If you take any prescription medications, make sure to pack an adequate supply for the duration of your trip. It’s also wise to bring a copy of your prescription, as well as a letter from your doctor explaining the medications you are carrying.

4. Cash and Credit Cards: It’s essential to have both cash and credit cards when traveling to Mexico. While credit cards are widely accepted, it’s also a good idea to have some cash on hand for smaller purchases or in case of emergencies.

5. Suitable Clothing: Check the weather forecast for your destination in Mexico and pack accordingly. Lightweight, breathable clothing is recommended for warm weather, while a jacket or sweater may be necessary for cooler evenings. Don’t forget to pack comfortable shoes for walking and exploring.

6. Travel Insurance: Consider purchasing travel insurance to protect yourself against any unforeseen circumstances, such as medical emergencies or trip cancellations. It’s always better to be safe than sorry.

7. Adapters and Chargers: Make sure to pack the necessary adapters and chargers for your electronic devices. Mexico uses the same electrical outlets as the United States, but it’s always a good idea to be prepared.

8. Toiletries: Don’t forget your toiletries, including toothbrush, toothpaste, shampoo, conditioner, and any other personal care items you may need. It’s also a good idea to pack sunscreen to protect yourself from the strong Mexican sun.

9. Travel Guides and Maps: If you’re planning to explore Mexico, consider packing travel guides and maps to help you navigate your way around. They can be useful in finding tourist attractions, restaurants, and local transportation options.

10. Relaxation Essentials: Finally, don’t forget to pack some items to help you relax and enjoy your trip, such as a book, headphones, or a travel pillow. These small comforts can make a big difference in your overall travel experience.

By packing these essential items, you’ll be well-prepared for your trip to Mexico with your Green Card. Remember to double-check your packing list before you leave to ensure that you have everything you need for a memorable and hassle-free journey.

Can I travel to Mexico with a Green Card?

Yes, you can travel to Mexico with a Green Card. However, there are certain requirements and documents you need to have in order to travel to Mexico.

What documents do I need to travel to Mexico with a Green Card?

When traveling to Mexico with a Green Card, you need to have your valid Green Card, a valid passport from your country of citizenship, and a Mexican visa if required. It is important to check the current visa requirements for your specific situation.

Do I need a Mexican visa to travel to Mexico with a Green Card?

Whether or not you need a Mexican visa to travel to Mexico with a Green Card depends on your country of citizenship. Citizens of certain countries are exempt from the visa requirement, while others need to obtain a visa before traveling to Mexico. It is important to check the current visa requirements for your specific situation.

Can I enter Mexico without a passport if I have a Green Card?

No, you cannot enter Mexico without a valid passport, even if you have a Green Card. Your Green Card allows you to travel and live in the United States, but you still need a passport to enter other countries.

Can I re-enter the United States with just my Green Card if I travel to Mexico?

No, you cannot re-enter the United States with just your Green Card if you travel to Mexico. In order to re-enter the United States, you need to have your valid Green Card and a valid passport from your country of citizenship. It is important to have both documents when traveling to Mexico or any other country.

When traveling to Mexico with a Green Card, you will need to have your Green Card with you, as well as a valid passport from your home country.

Do I need a visa to travel to Mexico with a Green Card?

No, if you have a Green Card, you do not need a visa to travel to Mexico. Your Green Card acts as proof of your legal status in the United States.

How long can I stay in Mexico with a Green Card?

With a Green Card, you can stay in Mexico for up to 180 days per visit. However, it is important to note that you should not exceed the maximum allowed stay and comply with the immigration regulations of both the United States and Mexico.

Related posts:

• A Comprehensive Guide to Obtaining Mexican Permanent Residency – Requirements, Process, and Benefits
• Green Card Holders’ Guide to Traveling to Mexico – Do You Need a Visa?
• Can Green Card Holders Travel to Mexico? Everything You Need to Know
• Green Card to Mexico – How to Get Permanent Residency in the Land of Enchantment
• A Complete Guide on How Green Card Holders Can Travel to Mexico and Enjoy Their Stay
• Traveling to Mexico with a Green Card – All You Need to Know
• Do Green Card Holders Need a Visa to Travel to Mexico?
• Traveling Abroad for Green Card Holders – Everything You Need to Know

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Before Your Trip

Booking your tickets.

Match Names on Tickets and Documents

Purchase your travel tickets in the exact same name that appears on your passport or official ID. Ensure that all travel documents match that name precisely.

If the names don't match, your travel carrier or the Transportation Security Administration may require additional documents to verify your identity before allowing you to board.

Each Country is Different

Learn the required travel documents for each country you will visit. Find out about specific travel warnings, U.S. import restrictions, and other rules that apply to the countries on your itinerary by visiting www.state.gov/travelers .

Find the latest on making your return to the United States problem free - go to www.cbp.gov/travel .

Documents You Will Need

Carry - do not pack - all travel documents.

• All U.S. citizens need U.S. passport books if re-entering by air. Land and sea border crossings accept additional travel documents, such as U.S. Passport cards and Trusted Traveler cards. Child travelers have additional options - see the Traveling with Children section.
• Green card (Form I-551), or document for lawful permanent residents, or advance parole (Form I-512) if your Form I-551 is pending.
• A visa or other entry document for the countries you will visit.
• Receipts or registration ( CBP Form 4457 ) for new electronics, such as a camera or laptop, that you are taking abroad. (Only suggested if the goods are less than six months old.)
• Proof of rabies vaccination for dogs traveling abroad. Check the requirements for other pets at www.aphis.usda.gov .
• Valid license for driving overseas and for use as a second form of photo ID.
• Permits and/or certificates if bringing restricted animal or plant products - go to www.aphis.usda.gov .
• Medications in their original packages. Bring only the amount of medication you will need. Prescription medications have to be under the traveler's name.
• Envelope to hold the receipts of your purchases abroad.

Traveling with Children

When U.S. citizen children under the age of 16 arrive by land or sea from Canada or Mexico they may present an original or copy of their birth certificate, a Consular Report of Birth Abroad, or a Naturalization Certificate.

Groups of Children: U.S. citizen children under the age of 19 arriving by land or sea from Canada or Mexico and traveling with a school group, religious group, social or cultural organization or sports team, may present an original or copy of their birth certificate, a Consular Report of Birth Abroad, or a Naturalization Certificate. The group should have a letter on organizational letterhead with:

• The name of the group and supervising adult(s).
• The names of the children on the trip and their primary address, phone number, date and place of birth, and name of at least one parent or legal guardian for each child.
• A written and signed statement of the supervising adult certifying that he or she has parental or legal guardian consent for each child.

How to Travel to Cancun with a US Green Card

Introduction, applying for a green card, the process of getting a green card, after you get your green card, traveling to cancun with a green card, what to do once you arrive in cancun, tips for a successful trip.

If you have a US green card, you can travel to Cancun without any problems. However, there are a few things you should keep in mind in order to make the most of your trip. Read on for our tips on how to travel to Cancun with a US green card.

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As a permanent resident of the United States, you may travel freely within the U.S. and its territories. However, if you plan to travel outside of the country you will need to take certain steps to ensure a smooth and legal trip.

Whether you are a new green card holder or have had your card for years, this guide will provide you with the information you need to travel to Cancun, Mexico with a US green card.

You must be eligible for a U.S. green card in order to travel to Cancun, Mexico. The quickest and most common way to obtain a green card is through family sponsorship, employment sponsorship, or refugee/asylee status. If you have a green card, you are considered a legal permanent resident of the United States and can travel freely within the country. You will need to present your green card whenever you return to the United States from a trip abroad.

If you are not a legal permanent resident of the United States, you will need to obtain a tourist visa in order to travel to Cancun. You can apply for a tourist visa at any Mexican consulate or embassy; however, it is recommended that you apply for your visa well in advance of your planned travel date, as processing times can be lengthy. You will need to provide proof of onward travel from Cancun, as well as evidence that you have sufficient financial resources to cover your expenses while in Mexico. Once issued, your tourist visa will allow you to stay in Mexico for up to 180 days.

A Green Card holder (permanent resident) is someone who has been granted authorization to live and work in the United States on a permanent basis. As proof of that status, a person is granted a permanent resident card, commonly called a “Green Card.”

The steps to getting a Green Card are: 1. Determine if you are eligible for a Green Card. 2. File Form I-485 – Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status with USCIS. 3. Attend a biometrics appointment. 4. Receive an interview notice and go to your interview at the USCIS office (if required). 5. After your interview, wait for a decision from USCIS on your I-485 application.

If you want to travel outside the United States, you need a passport from your home country. If you are a permanent resident (green card holder), you should carry your green card with you whenever you travel.

You can leave and re-enter the United States as often as you want while your green card is valid. If your trip will be longer than one year, you will need a reentry permit. If you will be gone for more than two years, you will need to apply for a returning resident visa.

When you return to the United States after traveling abroad, you should present yourself to a Customs and Border Protection officer at the port of entry and have your passport and green card ready. The officer will stamp your passport to show the date that you reentered the United States.

As a legal permanent resident of the United States (a “green card” holder), you are allowed to travel outside of the country and re-enter, as long as you have your green Card and a valid passport from your country of citizenship.

If you are planning to travel to Cancun, Mexico, there are a few things you should keep in mind. First, while your green card allows you to travel freely to and from the United States, it is not considered a valid travel document in other countries. This means that you will need to carry your passport with you at all times while in Cancun.

Second, it is important to note that even though Cancun is technically part of Mexico, it is considered a “free zone” for customs purposes. This means that there are different rules for what goods you are allowed to bring into the country. For example, visitors to Cancun are allowed to bring up to two liters of alcohol per person into the country duty-free.

Finally, it is important to be aware of the potential for crime in Cancun. While the vast majority of visitors to Cancun have no problems, there have been reports of crime against tourists, including pickpocketing and robbery. To avoid any problems, make sure to take basic precautions such as keeping your belongings safe and being aware of your surroundings at all times.

Now that you have your US Green Card, you may be wondering what the next steps are for traveling to Cancun. While the process is fairly straightforward, there are a few things that you should keep in mind in order to make the most of your trip.

First and foremost, it is important to note that your US Green Card does not entitle you to free healthcare in Mexico. While the quality of care in Cancun is generally good, it is still important to purchase travel insurance before you depart. This will ensure that you are covered in case of any unforeseen medical emergencies.

When it comes to packing for your trip, it is important to remember that Cancun is a tropical destination. As such, you will want to pack light, breathable clothing that can withstand the heat and humidity. Be sure to also pack plenty of sunscreen, hats, and sunglasses to protect yourself from the intense sun.

Once you arrive in Cancun, the first thing that you should do is exchange your currency for Mexican Pesos. While US dollars are widely accepted, you will get a better exchange rate if you use Pesos. You can exchange currency at most banks and airports around Cancun.

When it comes time to explore, there are plenty of great things to see and do in Cancun. From exploring ancient ruins to lounging on the beach, there is something for everyone in this beautiful city. Be sure to take advantage of all that Cancun has to offer during your stay!

If you have a green card, also known as a permanent resident card, you can travel to Cancun, Mexico without applying for a tourist visa. However, there are a few things you need to do to ensure a successful trip.

First, make sure your green card is up-to-date and will not expire while you are traveling. If it will expire soon, you will need to renew it before your trip. You can do this by mail or in person at your local US Citizenship and Immigration Services office.

Second, apply for a passport from your country of citizenship. Even though you are a permanent resident of the US, you are still considered a citizen of your home country. You will need your passport to re-enter the US after your trip.

Third, make sure you have traveler’s insurance that covers medical emergencies and repatriation. This is especially important if you have any underlying health conditions that could require medical attention while you are away from home.

Finally, research the entry requirements for Mexico and make sure you have all the required documents with you when you travel. These requirements may include proof of onward travel and proof of sufficient funds for your stay in Mexico.

If you have a green card, you can travel to Cancun without a problem. Just make sure to bring your passport and green card with you when you go.

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Frequently Asked Questions: Guidance for Travelers to Enter the U.S.

Updated Date: April 21, 2022

Since January 22, 2022, DHS has required non-U.S. individuals seeking to enter the United States via land ports of entry and ferry terminals at the U.S.-Mexico and U.S.-Canada borders to be fully vaccinated for COVID-19 and provide proof of vaccination upon request.  On April 21, 2022, DHS announced that it would extend these requirements. In determining whether and when to rescind this order, DHS anticipates that it will take account of whether the vaccination requirement for non-U.S. air travelers remains in place.

These requirements apply to non-U.S. individuals who are traveling for essential or non-essential reasons. They do not apply to U.S. citizens, Lawful Permanent Residents, or U.S. nationals.

Effective November 8, 2021, new air travel requirements applied to many noncitizens who are visiting the United States temporarily. These travelers are also required to show proof of COVID-19 vaccination. All air travelers, including U.S. persons, must test negative for COVID-19 prior to departure. Limited exceptions apply. See  CDC guidance  for more details regarding air travel requirements.

Below is more information about what to know before you go, and answers to Frequently Asked Questions about cross-border travel.

Entering the U.S. Through a Land Port of Entry or Ferry Terminal

Q. what are the requirements for travelers entering the united states through land poes.

A:  Before embarking on a trip to the United States, non-U.S. travelers should be prepared for the following:

• Possess proof of an approved COVID-19 vaccination as outlined on the  CDC  website.
• During border inspection, verbally attest to their COVID-19 vaccination status. 
• Bring a  Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative  compliant border crossing document, such as a valid passport (and visa if required), Trusted Traveler Program card, a Department of State-issued Border Crossing Card, Enhanced Driver’s License or Enhanced Tribal Card when entering the country. Travelers (including U.S. citizens) should be prepared to present the WHTI-compliant document and any other documents requested by the CBP officer.

 Q. What are the requirements to enter the United States for children under the age of 18 who can't be vaccinated?

A:  Children under 18 years of age are excepted from the vaccination requirement at land and ferry POEs.

Q: Which vaccines/combination of vaccines will be accepted?

A:  Per CDC guidelines, all Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved and authorized vaccines, as well as all vaccines that have an Emergency Use Listing (EUL) from the World Health Organization (WHO), will be accepted.

Accepted Vaccines:

• More details are available in CDC guidance  here .
• 2 weeks (14 days) after your dose of an accepted single-dose COVID-19 vaccine;
• 2 weeks (14 days) after your second dose of an accepted 2-dose series;
• 2 weeks (14 days) after you received the full series of an accepted COVID-19 vaccine (not placebo) in a clinical trial;
• 2 weeks (14 days) after you received 2 doses of any “mix-and-match” combination of accepted COVID-19 vaccines administered at least 17 days apart.

Q. Is the United States requiring travelers to have a booster dose to be considered fully vaccinated for border entry purposes?

A:  No. The CDC guidance for “full vaccination” can be found here.

Q: Do U.S. citizens or lawful permanent residents need proof of vaccination to return to the United States via land POEs and ferry terminals?

A:  No. Vaccination requirements do not apply to U.S. citizens, U.S. nationals, or Lawful Permanent Residents (LPRs). Travelers that exhibit signs or symptoms of illness will be referred to CDC for additional medical evaluation.

Q: Is pre- or at-arrival COVID testing required to enter the United States via land POEs or ferry terminals?

A: No, there is no COVID testing requirement to enter the United States via land POE or ferry terminals. In this respect, the requirement for entering by a land POE or ferry terminal differs from arrival via air, where there is a requirement to have a negative test result before departure.

Processing Changes Announced on January 22, 2022 

Q: new changes were recently announced. what changed on january 22.

A:  Since January 22, 2022, non-citizens who are not U.S. nationals or Lawful Permanent Residents have been required to be vaccinated against COVID-19 to enter the United States at land ports of entry and ferry terminals, whether for essential or nonessential purposes. Previously, DHS required that non-U.S. persons be vaccinated against COVID-19 to enter the United States for nonessential purposes.  Effective January 22, all non-U.S. individuals, to include essential travelers, must be prepared to attest to vaccination status and present proof of vaccination to a CBP officer upon request. DHS announced an extension of this policy on April 21, 2022.

Q: Who is affected by the changes announced on January 22?

A: This requirement does not apply to U.S. citizens, U.S. nationals, or U.S. Lawful Permanent Residents. It applies to other noncitizens, such as a citizen of Mexico, Canada, or any other country seeking to enter the United States through a land port of entry or ferry terminal.

Q: Do U.S. citizens need proof of vaccination to return to the United States via land port of entry or ferry terminals?

A: Vaccination requirements do not apply to U.S. Citizens, U.S. nationals or U.S. Lawful Permanent Residents. Travelers that exhibit signs or symptoms of illness will be referred to CDC for additional medical evaluation. 

Q: What is essential travel?

A:  Under the prior policy, there was an exception from temporary travel restrictions for “essential travel.” Essential travel included travel to attend educational institutions, travel to work in the United States, travel for emergency response and public health purposes, and travel for lawful cross-border trade (e.g., commercial truckers). Under current policy, there is no exception for essential travel.

Q: Will there be any exemptions? 

A: While most non-U.S. individuals seeking to enter the United States will need to be vaccinated, there is a narrow list of exemptions consistent with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Order in the air travel context.

• Certain categories of individuals on diplomatic or official foreign government travel as specified in the CDC Order
• Children under 18 years of age;
• Certain participants in certain COVID-19 vaccine trials as specified in the CDC Order;   
• Individuals with medical contraindications to receiving a COVID-19 vaccine as specified in the CDC Order;
• Individuals issued a humanitarian or emergency exception by the Secretary of Homeland Security;
• Individuals with valid nonimmigrant visas (excluding B-1 [business] or B-2 [tourism] visas) who are citizens of a country with limited COVID-19 vaccine availability, as specified in the CDC Order
• Members of the U.S. Armed Forces or their spouses or children (under 18 years of age) as specified in the CDC Order; and
• Individuals whose entry would be in the U.S. national interest, as determined by the Secretary of Homeland Security.

Q: What documentation will be required to show vaccination status?

A:  Non-U.S. individuals are required to be prepared to attest to vaccination status and present proof of vaccination to a CBP officer upon request regardless of the purpose of travel.

The current documentation requirement remains the same and is available on the CDC website . Documentation requirements for entry at land ports of entry and ferry terminals mirror those for entry by air.

Q: What happens if someone doesn’t have proof of vaccine status?

A: If non-U.S. individuals cannot present proof of vaccination upon request, they will not be admitted into the United States and will either be subject to removal or be allowed to withdraw their application for entry.

Q: Will incoming travelers be required to present COVID-19 test results?

A: There is no COVID-19 testing requirement for travelers at land border ports of entry, including ferry terminals.

Q: What does this mean for those who can't be vaccinated, either due to age or other health considerations? 

A: See CDC guidance for additional information on this topic. Note that the vaccine requirement does not apply to children under 18 years of age.

Q: Does this requirement apply to amateur and professional athletes?

A: Yes, unless they qualify for one of the narrow CDC exemptions.

Q: Are commercial truckers required to be vaccinated?

A: Yes, unless they qualify for one of the narrow CDC exemptions. These requirements also apply to bus drivers as well as rail and ferry operators.

Q. Do you expect border wait times to increase?

A:  As travelers navigate these new travel requirements, wait times may increase. Travelers should account for the possibility of longer than normal wait times and lines at U.S. land border crossings when planning their trip and are kindly encouraged to exercise patience.

To help reduce wait times and long lines, travelers can take advantage of innovative technology, such as facial biometrics and the CBP OneTM mobile application, which serves as a single portal for individuals to access CBP mobile applications and services.

Q: How is Customs and Border Protection staffing the ports of entry? 

A: CBP’s current staffing levels at ports of entry throughout the United States are commensurate with pre-pandemic levels. CBP has continued to hire and train new employees throughout the pandemic. CBP expects some travelers to be non-compliant with the proof of vaccination requirements, which may at times lead to an increase in border wait times. Although trade and travel facilitation remain a priority, we cannot compromise national security, which is our primary mission. CBP Office of Field Operations will continue to dedicate its finite resources to the processing of arriving traffic with emphasis on trade facilitation to ensure economic recovery.

Q: What happens if a vaccinated individual is traveling with an unvaccinated individual?  

A:  The unvaccinated individual (if 18 or over) would not be eligible for admission.

Q: If I am traveling for an essential reason but am not vaccinated can I still enter?

A:  No, if you are a non-U.S. individual. The policy announced on January 22, 2022 applies to both essential and non-essential travel by non-U.S. individual travelers. Since January 22, DHS has required that all inbound non-U.S. individuals crossing U.S. land or ferry POEs – whether for essential or non-essential reasons – be fully vaccinated for COVID-19 and provide related proof of vaccination upon request.

Q: Are sea crew members on vessels required to have a COVID vaccine to disembark?

A:  Sea crew members traveling pursuant to a C-1 or D nonimmigrant visa are not excepted from COVID-19 vaccine requirements at the land border. This is a difference from the international air transportation context.

Entering the U.S. via Air Travel

Q: what are the covid vaccination requirements for air passengers to the united states  .

A:  According to CDC requirements [www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/travelers/noncitizens-US-air-travel.html | Link no longer valid], most noncitizens who are visiting the United States temporarily must be fully vaccinated prior to boarding a flight to the United States. These travelers are required to show proof of vaccination. A list of covered individuals is available on the CDC website.  

Q: What are the COVID testing requirements for air passengers to the United States?  

A:  Effective Sunday, June 12 at 12:01 a.m. ET, CDC will no longer require pre-departure COVID-19 testing for U.S.-bound air travelers.

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Can I travel to Mexico with a US green card? | iVisa

Traveling to Mexico with a Green Card? You're in luck! You don't need a visa, just like US citizens. But, don't forget about the Mexico Tourist Card . It's not a visa, but you'll still need it to enter Mexico as a Green Card holder.

Can I travel to Mexico with a green card?

If you hold a valid US green card, you can visit Mexico as a tourist without a visa, just like US citizens. However, keep in mind you need a Mexico Tourist Card to cross the border.

What's a Mexican Tourist Card?

The Mexican Tourist Card , commonly known as Forma Migratoria Múltiple or FMM , is a tourist card that allows all foreign citizens to travel to Mexico as long as they don't engage in any work, including green card holders from the United States.

What are the requirements for the Tourist Card or FMM?

You will be happy to learn that the process of getting a Tourist Card is not very demanding. It is quite the contrary. Simply provide these documents:

• Passport – It must be valid for at least 6 months from the date of arrival in Mexico .
• Airplane ticket – If you are planning to travel by plane, you'll need this document. and in case you want to travel by land, you won't need this document.
• Method of payment – Such as a credit or a debit card.
• Email address – We will send your Tourist Card by email.
• Trip information - As in the address where you'll stay in Mexico.

How to get the Mexico Tourist Card?

After you gather all of the above, you can complete the application form. Most of the time, people take about 10 minutes to complete.

1. First, complete your details and select a processing time.

2. Second, we will ask you to make the payment for the processing . Always double-check your info before paying.

3.Third, upload the documents that support your application . When you are done with that, you can submit your form and wait for your approved and processed Tourist Card.

Make sure to select the correct Tourist Card, as there's a different one for entering by land or air.

More questions about traveling to Mexico?

If you still have doubts about traveling to Mexico as a green card holder , contact us via online chat or WhatsApp . We're ready to assist!

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14 things to know about Global Entry

Editor's Note

If you're a frequent international traveler, you've likely come to depend on Global Entry as a way to return to the U.S. without waiting in the often-long U.S. Customs and Border Protection line.

Global Entry can help you clear customs in minutes. If you depart from one of 15 preclearance locations , you can even clear it before physically reentering the U.S.

Becoming a Global Entry member can take time due to the difficulty of securing an in-person appointment . However, enrolling in the program is still worthwhile. Although it launched over a decade ago, it's evolved, especially since COVID-19 restrictions were lifted.

Here's what to know about applying for or renewing Global Entry , including how to get application fees reimbursed , what to expect during the interview process , how to use it and how to deal with potential delays.

Using credit cards to get Global Entry for free

Though CBP charges a $100 nonrefundable application fee for a five-year membership, many credit cards reimburse these fees by issuing a credit every four years. If you have more credits than you need, you can also use credits to cover memberships for friends and family members.

A variety of low-annual-fee and premium cards offer this benefit, including:

• Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card ($95 annual fee; see rates and fees )
• United℠ Explorer Card ($0 introductory annual fee, then $95)
• Bank of America® Premium Rewards® credit card ($95 annual fee)
• Chase Sapphire Reserve® ($550 annual fee)
• Citi® / AAdvantage® Executive World Elite Mastercard® ($595 annual fee; see rates and fees )
• The Platinum Card® from American Express ($695 annual fee; see rates and fees )
• The Business Platinum Card® from American Express ($695 annual fee; see rates and fees )

Most credit cards that offer an application fee waiver also allow you to cover a Global Entry membership for someone else. So, if you have an unused Global Entry credit on your Amex Platinum, you could charge another person's Global Entry fee to your card to reimburse the purchase.

Tips for getting a Global Entry interview appointment

Once you apply and get conditionally approved for Global Entry, you must schedule an interview appointment; this process has been delayed over the past few years due to an application backlog .

For example, after being conditionally approved, it took me four months to secure an interview at my home airport.

After you're conditionally approved, log in to your Trusted Traveler Program dashboard to schedule an in-person interview at an enrollment center.

What to expect during your Global Entry interview

For your interview, you'll need a valid passport(s) or permanent resident card and proof of residency, such as a driver's license with your current address, a mortgage statement or a recent utility bill.

The interview should take no more than 10 to 15 minutes. During it, you'll be asked a few questions verifying your identity and related to your application, including your recent travel history. The final step is to give your fingerprints and take a photo.

You should receive your Global Entry card and Known Traveler Number seven to 10 days after your interview. Use this KTN for both Global Entry and TSA PreCheck since Global Entry includes membership to TSA PreCheck .

Activate your card within 30 days of receiving it, although CBP says you don't need your physical card to pass through Global Entry kiosks at the airport.

How to use the Global Entry kiosk

Once approved, using the Global Entry lane to reenter the country should be relatively easy, though the kiosk works differently based on location.

Historically, you would use your fingerprints, answer questions, take a photo and then hand the printout you receive to a CBP officer.

However, in some locations, that process has evolved to where you don't do much of anything other than let the machine scan your face in a paperless Global Entry process .

Very young children may be too squirmy to scan reliable fingerprints. In this case, you might receive a crossed-out printout to show to the CBP officer.

Enjoying TSA PreCheck as a perk of Global Entry

As mentioned, a five-year membership to Global Entry also includes five years of access to TSA PreCheck as long as you add your KTN to your airline reservations when booking. You can also add it when checking in for your flight online or at the airport.

Though I've never been denied TSA PreCheck, it is not 100% guaranteed for every flight. In any case, you should have TSA PreCheck almost all the time you have Global Entry. Just make sure that the name matches the name on the ticket and that you've entered your membership numbers into your ticket purchase or frequent flyer account(s).

US citizenship isn't required to use Global Entry

Global Entry is available to non-U.S. citizens and permanent residents . Citizens of Argentina, Brazil, Bahrain, India, Colombia, Germany, the Netherlands, the United Kingdom, Panama, South Korea, Switzerland, Singapore, Taiwan and Mexico can apply.

Canadian citizens and residents are also eligible through the Nexus program , which provides prescreened travelers with expedited processing services when entering the U.S. and Canada by plane, car or boat. It also provides access to Global Entry kiosks when arriving via one of eight Canadian preclearance airports in Ontario, Quebec, British Columbia, Manitoba, Nova Scotia and Alberta.

If you're a U.S. citizen who visits Canada often and is contemplating Global Entry, consider getting Nexus for expedited customs when entering Canada. Clearing Canadian customs and immigration can take a while, especially at certain airports. Once you have Nexus (as a U.S. citizen or permanent resident), you also get Global Entry and TSA PreCheck.

Nexus is half the cost of Global Entry ($50 per adult and free for children younger than 18). To enroll in the program, you must go to an enrollment center along the Canadian border.

For more information about how citizens from other countries can apply for and get approved for Global Entry, see the requirements and information from CBP . For example, the application process for U.K. citizens involves registering through the U.K. government and paying a fee of 42 euros before applying through the U.S. Trusted Traveler Programs website and paying a $100 fee to the U.S. government.

Completing your Global Entry upon arrival is possible

If you can't find an interview or would prefer to make the process more seamless, you can try enrolling on arrival upon returning to the U.S. from an international trip. The service allows conditionally approved applicants to avoid a formal interview at an enrollment center to finalize their applications; they can instead complete the enrollment at the airport.

This service is currently available at more than 50 airports globally . To enroll on arrival, you need your U.S. passport (which you'll already have if returning to the U.S. from abroad). Also, verify if any other proof-of-residency documents, such as mortgage statements and rent stubs, are needed to complete the interview. A full list of accepted support documents is available on the CBP website .

If open, this service allows you to complete your Global Entry enrollment interview as part of the immigration process when arriving at the airport after an international trip. To do this, plan to follow signs in the airport for the "Enrollment on Arrival" lanes — and be sure your flight arrives during hours when interviews are offered.

A CBP agent will complete your Global Entry interview during your admissibility inspection. If you don't see any signs for this, ask a CBP agent.

Completing your Global Entry upon departure is now an option

As of February , conditionally approved applicants can complete the interview process for Global Entry in Dulles International Airport (IAD) when departing on international flights.

Enrollment on departure is available daily at Gate B41 in Terminal B from noon to 8 p.m. for travelers at IAD who have been conditionally approved for Global Entry.

Global Entry renewal delays are common

A Global Entry membership lasts five years and expires on your birthday that fifth year. To keep using it, you must renew it before the expiration date noted on your card.

Members have experienced excessive delays associated with renewals dating back to mid-2018, but there are additional delays post-2020.

Aim to renew your membership well before it expires to avoid any delays.

Because of the delays, CBP has extended the time you can use your benefits after your Global Entry membership expires to two years. However, you must submit your renewal application before your membership expires to qualify for this grace period.

Families must separately enroll kids for Global Entry

Parents can't bring their babies or children through the Global Entry kiosks with them unless they are separately enrolled in the program; this means you'll have to pay the $100 enrollment fee for each child. You must also schedule and attend an interview with your minor, even for babies who can't talk.

However, TSA PreCheck benefits extend to children in your family who are up to 12 years old, so you can all use the expedited lane together when traveling domestically.

Families can use Mobile Passport to create additional profiles for family members, and up to four people can submit a single customs declaration form. If your family doesn't leave the country often, that may suit your needs better than Global Entry.

Extra fees aren't required for children who apply for Nexus (and, by extension, Global Entry) with their parents or for children linked to the parent's SENTRI profile. SENTRI allows expedited passage into the U.S. from Canada and Mexico via SENTRI-specific lanes but also grants access to TSA PreCheck lanes at airports within the U.S. and overseas territories.

You can update your Global Entry when you get a new passport

If you get a new passport, you can update your Global Entry profile to match your new passport by logging in to your TTP account and finding the section marked "Update Documents." Once you pull up the documents section, enter your new passport number to attach it to your Global Entry membership.

Should you have a name or immigration status change, you must go to a Global Entry enrollment center to process that change, but appointments aren't necessary to complete these changes. Show up with the necessary documentation confirming the change and give the reason for your visit to a CBP agent. They'll process the change during your visit.

If you have two U.S. passports , you must change the number in your profile to match the passport you're using for international travel.

Global Entry cards are considered valid federal IDs

You don't need to travel with your Global Entry card to use the Global Entry kiosks when arriving at U.S. airports. However, it is a valid form of identification that can serve as a legal alternative ID if you lose your driver's license or state ID.

There are certain times — such as flying to the U.S. from Canada or arriving in the U.S. through a cruise ship port, including Port Everglades — when you may need to show your Global Entry card to access those lanes. The card can also come in handy for travelers who live in a state where the driver's license is not Real ID compliant , as it can serve as an alternative form of valid ID at the airport.

TSA PreCheck cannot be upgraded to Global Entry

If you already have TSA PreCheck and want to enroll in Global Entry, you'll still have to go through the normal enrollment process since you cannot upgrade a TSA PreCheck membership.

Should you need help deciding between the two, consider how often you travel abroad. If you frequently head overseas, you would benefit from paying the extra $15 (TSA PreCheck costs $85) to get the perks of Global Entry membership.

Is Global Entry worth it?

Global Entry can help you avoid long wait times when returning from an international trip.

Although it costs $100 and requires an in-person interview, signing up for Global Entry will likely save you time if you are a frequent international traveler.

Related reading:

• Which airports around the world accept Global Entry?
• Global Entry tips: How to avoid waiting for an interview and get TSA PreCheck on your boarding passes
• How to get a Global Entry appointment: 5 essential tips
• 7 ways to get free or discounted TSA PreCheck, Global Entry and Clear
• Dulles becomes first airport to offer Global Entry interviews upon departure

For rates and fees of the Amex Platinum Card, click here . For rates and fees of the Amex Business Platinum Card, click here .

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Credit cards

Amex Green Card benefits guide 2024

Tamara Aydinyan

Ashley Barnett

“Verified by an expert” means that this article has been thoroughly reviewed and evaluated for accuracy.

Robin Saks Frankel

Published 5:13 a.m. UTC May 30, 2024

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The American Express® Green Card * The information for the American Express® Green Card has been collected independently by Blueprint. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer. (terms apply) earns valuable American Express Membership Rewards® points in categories that include travel, transit and dining for a moderate annual fee of $150. With some travel perks and protections, the card can be a great option for occasional travelers who aren’t willing to take on a higher annual fee. However, frequent travelers will find its benefits to be lackluster compared to more premium travel cards.

All information about American Express® Green Card has been collected independently by Blueprint.

Amex Green Card overview

The American Express® Green Card * The information for the American Express® Green Card has been collected independently by Blueprint. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer. has a welcome offer of 40,000 Membership Rewards points after spending $3,000 in purchases in the first six months of card membership. You’ll also receive an annual up to $189 statement credit for a CLEAR ® Plus membership and an annual up to $100 LoungeBuddy statement credit, available each calendar year. These perks can easily offset the $150 annual fee . Enrollment is required for select benefits.

The card earns 3 points per $1 at restaurants, 3 points per $1 on travel including flights, hotels, transit, taxis, tours, and ridesharing services and 1 point per $1 on other purchases. Membership Rewards are a highly valued currency among travelers for their ability to be transferred to a wide variety of airline and hotel transfer partners.

Major Amex Green Card benefits

Welcome bonus .

Cardholders can earn 3 points per $1 at restaurants, 3 points per $1 on travel including flights, hotels, transit, taxis, tours, and ridesharing services and 1 point per $1 on other purchases. Although the welcome bonus is not the highest the card has ever had, the reasonable spending requirement to earn it can make the offer extra appealing. 

Points earned 

The American Express® Green Card * The information for the American Express® Green Card has been collected independently by Blueprint. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer. shines with its generous earning rate and broadly defined categories. You can earn:

• 3 points per $1 at restaurants.
• 3 points per $1 on travel including flights, hotels, transit, taxis, tours and ridesharing services.
• 1 point per $1 on other purchases.

The travel category is expansive and includes flights, hotels, campgrounds, car rentals, cruises, vacation rentals. Transit includes trains, taxicabs, rideshare services, ferries, tolls, parking, buses and subways. 

Finally, the dining category includes takeout and delivery at U.S. restaurants.

Redemption options

Earned rewards are only as good as their redemption options and Amex’s Membership Rewards are valuable. You can transfer points to more than a dozen airline and hotel loyalty program partners. Occasional transfer bonuses to specific partners can make this all the more lucrative as the value of the redemptions will vary from program to program. 

For those who prefer a more straightforward approach, points can also be redeemed for travel through Membership Rewards at a fixed rate of no more than one cent per point. 

Lesser-value options include redeeming points for gift cards and shopping online, although there are better ways to use the points .

The juice can be worth the squeeze. Here’s how to maximize the benefits on the Amex Green card in the first year

Travel benefits 

The American Express® Green Card * The information for the American Express® Green Card has been collected independently by Blueprint. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer. comes with an annual CLEAR Plus statement credit so you can enjoy shorter airport security lines. It also includes an annual up to $100 LoungeBuddy statement credit when purchasing airport lounge access through the LoungeBuddy website or app (enrollment required). LoungeBuddy allows you to purchase lounge access to over 2,000 airport lounges in over 800 airports around the world. 

Insurance benefits 

Although less comprehensive than other travel rewards cards , the American Express® Green Card * The information for the American Express® Green Card has been collected independently by Blueprint. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer. has some useful travel protections.

Trip delay insurance¹ will cover up to $300 per round-trip if you are delayed for more than 12 hours. You are covered up to $300 per trip (up to two claims per year) and you have to had paid for the trip with the Amex Green Card.

Baggage insurance² covers lost, damaged or stolen baggage up to $1,250 for carry-ons and up to $500 for checked bags. 

Car rental loss and damage insurance³ can save you money when you use your American Express® Green Card * The information for the American Express® Green Card has been collected independently by Blueprint. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer. to reserve and pay for your car rental. You can decline the collision damage waiver and be covered for damage to or theft of a rental vehicle in covered territories. It’s important to note that exclusions apply and the coverage is secondary.

Additional benefits 

Global assist hotline⁴.

When traveling more than 100 miles from home, you can access Amex’s 24/7 emergency assistance and coordination services with your American Express® Green Card * The information for the American Express® Green Card has been collected independently by Blueprint. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer. . The service can help with issues while traveling, such as passport assistance, emergency cash or legal or medical referrals. While you are responsible for the costs charged by third-party service providers, Amex can help connect you with the services you need.

Purchase protection⁵

New purchases paid for with your American Express® Green Card * The information for the American Express® Green Card has been collected independently by Blueprint. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer. may be covered for 90 days from theft or damage. You’ll have purchase protection up to $1,000 per occurrence and up to $50,000 per calendar year.

Extended warranty⁶

You can get up to one extra year added to the original manufacturer’s warranty on covered purchases paid for with your American Express® Green Card * The information for the American Express® Green Card has been collected independently by Blueprint. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer. . 

Amex offers 

An easy way to save cash or earn bonus points is by adding targeted Amex Offers to your American Express® Green Card * The information for the American Express® Green Card has been collected independently by Blueprint. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer. . With the click of a button you can receive additional benefits from merchants on purchases you’re already making. 

Amex event experiences

Getting tickets to concerts or exclusive events is easier with Amex’s early access benefit. Owning the American Express® Green Card * The information for the American Express® Green Card has been collected independently by Blueprint. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer. can unlock presale ticket sales, special VIP packages and unique cardholder benefits. Previous offers include special U.S. Open Tennis Championship suite access and unique food and dining events in Napa Valley.

Amex Green vs. American Express® Gold Card : Which has better benefits?

While the American Express® Green Card * The information for the American Express® Green Card has been collected independently by Blueprint. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer. is geared toward travelers, the American Express® Gold Card (terms apply, rates & fees ) is best for those who frequently dine out (or in!), earning 4 Membership Rewards points per $1 at restaurants, plus takeout and delivery in the U.S., 4 points per $1 at U.S. supermarkets (on up to $25,000 per calendar year in purchases, then 1 point), 3 points per $1 on flights booked directly with airlines or through American Express travel and 1 point per $1 on other eligible purchases.

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Blueprint receives compensation from our partners for featured offers, which impacts how and where the placement is displayed.

American Express® Gold Card

Welcome bonus

• Earn 60,000 Membership Rewards® points after you spend $6,000 on eligible purchases with your new Card within the first 6 months of Card Membership.

Regular APR

Credit score.

Credit Score ranges are based on FICO® credit scoring. This is just one scoring method and a credit card issuer may use another method when considering your application. These are provided as guidelines only and approval is not guaranteed.

Editor’s take

• Up to $240 in combined credits for Uber Cash and on select dining.
• High rewards rate on restaurants, U.S. supermarkets, and travel.
• Generous welcome bonus.
• $250 annual fee.
• Minimal travel perks.
• Complex rewards structure.

Card details

• Earn 4X Membership Rewards® Points at Restaurants, plus takeout and delivery in the U.S., and earn 4X Membership Rewards® points at U.S. supermarkets (on up to $25,000 per calendar year in purchases, then 1X).
• Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points on flights booked directly with airlines or on amextravel.com.
• $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and each month automatically get $10 in Uber Cash for Uber Eats orders or Uber rides in the U.S., totaling up to $120 per year.
• $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings and earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, Milk Bar and select Shake Shack locations. Enrollment required.
• Get a $100 experience credit with a minimum two-night stay when you book The Hotel Collection through American Express Travel. Experience credit varies by property.
• Choose the color that suits your style. Gold or Rose Gold.
• No Foreign Transaction Fees.
• Annual Fee is $250.
• Terms Apply.

The Amex Gold comes with a higher annual fee of $250 but has a bigger welcome bonus of 60,000 Membership Rewards points after spending $6,000 on eligible purchases in the first six months of card membership. The card also comes with up to $120 in annual dining credits eligible at participating locations, up to $120 in annual Uber Cash (card must be added to Uber app to receive this benefit) and an up to $100 experience credit with a two-night minimum stay when you book The Hotel Collection through Amex Travel. Enrollment is required for select benefits.

Comparing the American Express® Green Card * The information for the American Express® Green Card has been collected independently by Blueprint. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer. and Amex Gold card benefits and deciding which is better for you comes down to your lifestyle and rewards goals as each has their draws and limitations.

Frequently asked questions (FAQs)

The American Express® Green Card * The information for the American Express® Green Card has been collected independently by Blueprint. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer. is good for international travel as it has no foreign transaction fees, as well as trip delay ¹ , car rental insurance ³ and baggage insurance ² . 

It also earns 3 points per $1 at restaurants, 3 points per $1 on travel including flights, hotels, transit, taxis, tours, and ridesharing services and 1 point per $1 on other purchases, expenses you’re likely to have when abroad.

The American Express® Green Card * The information for the American Express® Green Card has been collected independently by Blueprint. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer. offers trip delay ¹ , baggage ² and car rental insurance ³ .

The credit limit on the American Express® Green Card * The information for the American Express® Green Card has been collected independently by Blueprint. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer. is not specified and will vary person to person based on factors that include your credit history, current credit limits on other cards, income and existing debt.

The American Express® Green Card * The information for the American Express® Green Card has been collected independently by Blueprint. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer. does not include Priority Pass lounge access, but it does have an up to $100 LoungeBuddy statement credit per calendar year, which can be used for day passes at participating lounges. 

Whether the American Express® Green Card * The information for the American Express® Green Card has been collected independently by Blueprint. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer. or Amex EveryDay® Credit Card * The information for the Amex EveryDay® Credit Card has been collected independently by Blueprint. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer. is the better card for you depends on your spending habits and rewards goals. 

The Amex EveryDay Card may be a better choice for someone who doesn’t want to pay an annual fee and is ok with earning fewer points on travel purchases but more points at U.S. supermarkets with limited additional benefits.

All information about American Express® Green Card and Amex EveryDay® Credit Card has been collected independently by Blueprint.

For rates and fees for the American Express® Gold Card please visit this page .

¹Up to $300 per Covered Trip that is delayed for more than 12 hours; and 2 claims per Eligible Card per 12 consecutive month period. Eligibility and Benefit level varies by Card. Terms, Conditions and Limitations Apply. Please visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for more details. Underwritten by New Hampshire Insurance Company, an AIG Company.

²Baggage Insurance Plan coverage can be in effect for Eligible Persons for eligible lost, damaged, or stolen Baggage during their travel on a Common Carrier (e.g. plane, train, ship, or bus) when the entire fare for a Common Carrier Vehicle ticket for the trip (one-way or round-trip) is charged to an eligible Account. Coverage can be provided for up to $1,250 for carry-on Baggage and up to $500 for checked Baggage, in excess of coverage provided by the Common Carrier (e.g. plane, train, ship, or bus). For New York State residents, there is a $10,000 aggregate maximum limit for all Covered Persons per Covered Trip. Eligibility and Benefit level varies by Card. Terms, Conditions and Limitations Apply. Please visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for more details. Underwritten by AMEX Assurance Company.

³Car Rental Loss and Damage Insurance can provide coverage up to $50,000 for theft of or damage to most rental vehicles when you use your eligible Card to reserve and pay for the entire eligible vehicle rental and decline the collision damage waiver or similar option offered by the Commercial Car Rental Company. This product provides secondary coverage and does not include liability coverage. Not all vehicle types or rentals are covered. Geographic restrictions apply. Eligibility and Benefit level varies by Card. Terms, Conditions and Limitations Apply. Please visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for more details. Underwritten by AMEX Assurance Company. Car Rental Loss or Damage Coverage is offered through American Express Travel Related Services Company, Inc.

⁴You can rely on Global Assist Hotline 24 hours a day / 7 days a week for medical, legal, financial or other select emergency coordination and assistance services while traveling more than 100 miles away from your home. Third-party service costs may be your responsibility. Eligibility and Benefit level varies by Card. Terms, Conditions and Limitations Apply. Please visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for more details. Card Members are responsible for the costs charged by third-party service providers.

⁵When an American Express® Card Member charges a Covered Purchase with their Eligible Card, Purchase Protection can help protect their Covered Purchases for up to 90 days from the Covered Purchase date if it is stolen or accidentally damaged. The coverage is limited up to $1,000 per occurrence, up to $50,000 per Card Member account per calendar year. Eligibility and Benefit level varies by Card. Terms, Conditions and Limitations Apply. Please visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for more details. Underwritten by AMEX Assurance Company.

⁶When an American Express® Card Member charges a Covered Purchase with their Eligible Card, Purchase Protection can help protect their Covered Purchases for up to 90 days from the Covered Purchase date if it is stolen or accidentally damaged. The coverage is limited up to $1,000 per occurrence, up to $50,000 per Card Member account per calendar year. Eligibility and Benefit level varies by Card. Terms, Conditions and Limitations Apply. Please visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for more details. Underwritten by AMEX Assurance Company.

*The information for the American Express® Green Card and Amex EveryDay® Credit Card has been collected independently by Blueprint. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.

Blueprint is an independent publisher and comparison service, not an investment advisor. The information provided is for educational purposes only and we encourage you to seek personalized advice from qualified professionals regarding specific financial decisions. Past performance is not indicative of future results.

Blueprint has an advertiser disclosure policy . The opinions, analyses, reviews or recommendations expressed in this article are those of the Blueprint editorial staff alone. Blueprint adheres to strict editorial integrity standards. The information is accurate as of the publish date, but always check the provider’s website for the most current information.

Tamara Aydinyan has been traveling the world with the help of miles and points for over a decade and enjoys teaching others to do the same. When she's not on the move, you can find her in Los Angeles or New York City, or on Instagram @deadlytravel.

Ashley Barnett has been writing and editing personal finance articles for the internet since 2008. Before editing for USA TODAY Blueprint, she was the Content Director for an international media company leading the content on their suite of personal finance sites. She lives in Phoenix, AZ where you can find her rereading Harry Potter for the 100th time.

Robin Saks Frankel is a credit cards lead editor at USA TODAY Blueprint. Previously, she was a credit cards and personal finance deputy editor for Forbes Advisor. She has also covered credit cards and related content for other national web publications including NerdWallet, Bankrate and HerMoney. She's been featured as a personal finance expert in outlets including CNBC, Business Insider, CBS Marketplace, NASDAQ's Trade Talks and has appeared on or contributed to The New York Times, Fox News, CBS Radio, ABC Radio, NPR, International Business Times and NBC, ABC and CBS TV affiliates nationwide. She holds an M.S. in Business and Economics Journalism from Boston University. Follow her on Twitter at @robinsaks.

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Here’s how many public EV charging ports the US has now

The US Joint Office of Energy and Transportation ’s Q2 2024 update reveals a surge in public EV charging ports. Here’s the scoop.

Public EV charging ports are mushrooming

The Joint Office reports that there are now more than  183,000 Level 2 and DC fast charging ports across the US – that’s an increase of more than 13,000 public EV charging ports in the last quarter. (If we only count DC fast chargers, there are 43,152 charging ports and 10,662 locations.)

That puts the US at over a third of the way to reaching the Biden administration’s goal of 500,000 public ports by 2030.

As for the Q2 update on how the National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (NEVI) Formula Program rollout is going, there are now eight NEVI DC fast charging stations in six states and 33 public charging ports in operation.

Thirty-six states have released at least their first round of NEVI solicitations. Of these states, 23 have issued conditional awards or established agreements for more than 550 charging station locations, each with at least four fast charging ports. And four states – Maine, Pennsylvania, Colorado, and Ohio – are already in Round 2 of releasing conditional awards.

And yesterday, Wisconsin became the first state to award funding to Tribal Nations for NEVI charging stations. 

Electrek’s Take

To my delight, DC fast chargers are popping up all around me. There’s a brand-new 250 kW Tesla Supercharger with 12 ports in Salem, New Hampshire, which is a huge help when we drive back from Boston, and a Rivian DC fast charger station just opened up five miles away. In April, Vermont trailblazed with its first NEVI charging station with four ports in Bradford . If you’re seeing similar EV charger rollouts in your area, I’d love to hear about it in the comments below.

There’s been press coverage in the mainstream media about how slow the NEVI rollout is, but as I’ve said before, there’s an enormous amount of groundwork that needs to be completed before these EV stations come online.

The federal and state governments are creating EV Alternative Fuel Corridors – that’s unprecedented. Everyone has started from scratch. Plus, they need to get it right because the chargers must be operational 97% of the time to qualify for NEVI funding. (Fun fact: Tesla has won the highest percentage of NEVI charging awards of any company. So I’m wondering how that’s going to work since the Supercharger team was fired.)

Top comment by Les Inanchy

Everyone should remember, it’s taken over 100 years for us to get to this level of gas station availability around the country. Essentially, electricity is everywhere. I know in California every new house built must now have solar panels, and I believe must also have a 220 V line, either in the garage or near the garage. I may be wrong on that but if I am, that first place I would start. We have had Teslas for seven years now, and 99% of the time we charge at home. And I understand that not everybody has a private single family home that they can install a charger at. That makes it especially important that building departments should require apartments and condos all to have charging capability, if only at a minimum access to a Nema 1450 plug.

It may not look like the NEVI program “duck” is doing much on the surface, but it’s paddling furiously underwater. NEVI chargers will suddenly start popping up everywhere.

Read more: Here’s how the US can make EV road trips seamless

If you live in an area that has frequent natural disaster events, and are interested in making your home more resilient to power outages, consider going solar and adding a battery storage system. To make sure you find a trusted, reliable solar installer near you that offers competitive pricing, check out EnergySage , a free service that makes it easy for you to go solar. They have hundreds of pre-vetted solar installers competing for your business, ensuring you get high quality solutions and save 20-30% compared to going it alone. Plus, it’s free to use and you won’t get sales calls until you select an installer and share your phone number with them.

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Mexico’s Pueblos Mágicos: Visit These 4 Lesser-Known Towns

Many or all of the products featured here are from our partners who compensate us. This influences which products we write about and where and how the product appears on a page. However, this does not influence our evaluations. Our opinions are our own. Here is a list of our partners and here's how we make money .

Vacations to Mexico don’t have to solely entail sipping on margaritas at an all-inclusive beachside resort or sampling tacos al pastor in Mexico City. For tourists seeking an off-the-beaten-path trip, Mexico’s Ministry of Tourism has curated a list of lesser-known destinations that stand out for their historical significance, natural wonders and local charm. They’re called Pueblos Mágicos (which means magical towns).

The list has grown from four towns in 2001 to now 177 towns. As part of the requirements of the designation, towns must prove they can provide what the government considers “necessary infrastructure to provide visitors with comfort and facilities during their stay.”

In short, towns must make it relatively easy for tourists to get around, book accommodations and find activities to fill a vacation.

Sure, Mexico’s tourist hotspots offer that, too. But these Pueblos Mágicos can offer a unique (and sometimes more budget-friendly) alternative.

These four Pueblos Mágicos are especially worth visiting this year.

(Getty Images)

For serene beauty, head to Bacalar in the southern part of Quintana Roo state. The clear waters of Bacalar Lagoon make for prime swimming.

The area’s boutique, luxury hotel scene has surged. Boca de Agua opened in late 2023 with treehouse-style rooms designed by renowned Mexican architect Frida Escobedo. And in 2023, travel site Afar named local Our Habitas Bacalar, which stands out for its adults-only, A-framed tented rooms, as one of the best resorts in Mexico for that year.

Loreto, located in Baja California Sur, serves as a gateway for whale watching at Bahía de Loreto National Park — particularly in late winter (January through March).

In addition to whales, the area is home to a huge array of diverse wildlife, including more than 170 seabird species and more than 700 fish species.

The town itself is pretty small. According to Mexico’s latest census data, there were only 18,000 residents in 2020. Loreto has maintained its heritage as a fishing village, while also catering to tourists with its locally owned boutique hotels and restaurants.

Despite its size, Loreto has its own airport, offering direct flights from major U.S. cities, including Dallas, Los Angeles, Phoenix and San Francisco. The flight from Los Angeles takes less than two hours, making it an easy trip for Southern California residents.

3. Santa Rosalia

(Photo courtesy of Visit Baja Sur)

Santa Rosalia, which is also located in Baja California Sur, earned its Pueblo Mágico designation in June 2023. Santa Rosalia serves adventure seekers given its beaches for surfing, diving and snorkeling, where you may even spot a fish called a burrito grunt.

If you can’t make it to Paris this year, you may enjoy visiting Santa Rosalia's own piece of possible Eiffel history. Atlas Obscura shares that the town’s main church, Iglesia de Santa Bárbara — which has a unique iron structure — was possibly designed by Alexandre-Gustave Eiffel. Yes, that’s the same Eiffel behind France’s Eiffel Tower.

And that’s not the only French influence in Santa Rosalia. One of the city’s top tourist attractions, El Boleo Bakery, bakes bread using French techniques.

4. San Miguel de Allende

San Miguel de Allende, located in Guanajuato, doesn’t officially have a Pueblos Mágicos designation anymore — but that’s because it got an upgrade. In 2008, it was named a UNESCO World Heritage Site and thus taken off the list.

And it’s only gotten more popular since then, especially with young travelers. According to AmEx Travel data, San Miguel de Allende has experienced a 400% increase in bookings among Gen Zers and millennials. The city earned a spot on the company’s 2024 Trending Destinations list .

Why do people love it? The town is known for its cobblestone streets adorned with candy-colored houses. Much of the city still has baroque architecture, creating a compelling environment for photographers and urban hikers.

Meanwhile, foodies can explore street markets and restaurants, tasting popular local specialties like chiles en nogada (a meat-stuffed poblano chile topped with a walnut-based cream sauce). Art and history buffs will be entertained by its galleries and well-preserved buildings, too.

How to make a Pueblos Mágico trip affordable

Colorful houses line the streets in Guanajuato City, another Pueblo Mágico. (Getty Images)

Going to a Pueblo Mágico isn't necessarily cheap. Getting to more remote towns can be expensive if the airport is far away. Plus, some of these towns are primarily served by boutique, luxury hotels, which can mean higher prices.

Still, there are a few ways to save on a trip to one of these unique destinations.

Hold the right credit card: Since you’re less likely to find the big chain hotels in Mexico’s magic towns, don’t count on redeeming hotel points or cashing in on free night certificates . That said, it’s not impossible to redeem credit card points for boutique hotels through the credit card issuer’s travel portal.

And with some cards, this can be a smart redemption. For example, those who have the Chase Sapphire Reserve® can redeem their Chase Ultimate Rewards points for boutique hotels at a value of 1.5 cents each through Chase’s travel portal. Otherwise, they’re only worth 1 cent when redeemed for cash.

Cash in on statement credits: In that same vein, some travel credit cards let you redeem points for statement credits against travel expenses charged to the card. Sometimes the statement credit automatically kicks in. But if you hold a card that requires you to manually redeem points for travel statement credits, don’t forget that next step.

Credit cards that offer the ability to redeem points as a statement credit after you’ve made a travel purchase include:

on Bank of America's website

on Citibank's application

Redeem points at a rate of 1 cent per mile against travel purchases made within the last 90 days.

Redeem points at a value 1 cent per point toward any purchase (travel or otherwise).Redeem points at a value 1 cent per point toward any purchase (travel or otherwise).

Redeem Citi ThankYou points at a rate of 1 cent each with this card, which earns 1% cash back on all purchases, then another 1% back when you pay them off. Plus, through the end of 2024, cardholders can get 5% cash back on hotel, car rentals and attractions booked through the Citi Travel portal.

Travel during shoulder season: Throughout Mexico, peak season is generally winter as snowbirds flock for warmer weather. Consider visiting during the shoulder seasons — most of spring (aside from spring break) and fall — for better deals.

How to maximize your rewards

You want a travel credit card that prioritizes what’s important to you. Here are some of the best travel credit cards of 2024 :

Flexibility, point transfers and a large bonus: Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card

No annual fee: Bank of America® Travel Rewards credit card

Flat-rate travel rewards: Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card

Bonus travel rewards and high-end perks: Chase Sapphire Reserve®

Luxury perks: The Platinum Card® from American Express

Business travelers: Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card

On a similar note...

8 tips for Canadians travelling to Mexico in 2024, from entry rules to tipping etiquette

P lanning a trip to Mexico? Whether you want to explore Mayan ruins and hidden cenotes or lounge on white-sand beaches at an a ll-inclusive resort , there are certain things you'll want to keep in mind before embarking on your trip.

Canadians booking a vacation in Mexico will want to be aware of the country's entry and exit requirements, what travel documents they'll need and the current travel advice from the Government of Canada .

To help, we've laid out a few essentials you'll want to keep in mind, whether you're jetting off to Cancun, Mazatlan, Tulum or Mexico City.

From the ideal times to visit, to regions to avoid and requirements for your Canadian passport, here are eight tips for preparing for your next Mexican holiday.

Know when to visit

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Details: Before booking that trip to Mexico, you'll want to make sure you're going at a time with good weather.

However, the best time to visit varies depending on where in the country you're visiting. According to the U.S. News & World Report, if you're travelling to Cancun , the best time to visit would be from December to April, when you'll get to enjoy "near-perfect weather."

If you're visiting Mexico City , the best time to visit is between March and May, as the city's winters can be chilly and the summers can be rainy.

According to the Government of Canada, hurricanes usually occur in Mexico from mid-May to the end of November, so keep this in mind when booking your trip.

To figure out when to go, you can use a travel platform like KAYAK's Best Time To Travel Tool , which uses your origin, destination and length of trip to determine when you should travel and when to book for a great price.

Find out more

Know the entry requirements

Details: Canadians can visit Mexico as a tourist for up to 180 days, or six months, without needing a visa. An immigration official will determine the number of days you can remain in Mexico.

Travellers must have a valid passport that will be valid for the expected duration of their stay in the country. They must also obtain and complete a tourist card to enter the country.

According to the Government of Canada, if entering Mexico by air, you are advised to download your tourist card issued by Mexican officials upon entry.

Depending on your airport of entry, the immigration official will stamp your passport and note the number of days you are allowed to spend in Mexico, or you'll go through an E-gate kiosk where you will scan your passport and self-register your entry into the country.

Once in the country, whether you entered via an E-gate or not, you will be able to access the digital tourist card online. You'll have 60 days to download it.

According to the government, travellers who don’t obtain a tourist card upon arrival may face a fine, detention or even expulsion.

Take note of Canada's travel advice

Details: The Government of Canada continues to advise that Canadians exercise a high degree of caution in Mexico due to high levels of criminal activity and kidnapping.

"Levels of crime, particularly violent crime, are high throughout Mexico. Arrest and detention rates are low and don’t deter criminal activity," says Canada's travel advisory for Mexico.

"There are high rates of violent crime, such as homicides, kidnappings, carjacking and assaults, including in popular tourist destinations such as the Mayan Riviera (Cancún, Playa del Carmen, Puerto Morelos and Tulum), and Acapulco."

The government advises that travellers remain vigilant at all times while in the country, stay in tourist areas, be very cautious on major highways, avoid travelling at night and monitor local media closely.

Avoid drinking the tap water

Details: You may want to avoid the tap water while in Mexico.

According to Yale University's Environmental Performance Index , which scores countries based on how safe their drinking water is, Mexico's drinking water isn't as safe as that of other countries.

The index measures unsafe drinking water using the number of age-standardized disability-adjusted life-years lost per 100,000 persons in a country (also known as the DALY rate) due to exposure to unsafe drinking water.

A score of 100 indicates a country has among the lowest DALY rates in the world, while a score of 0 indicates a country is among the highest. In its most recent index , Mexico received a DALY score of 50.

The U.S. Government advises citizens that in many areas in Mexico, tap water is "not potable."

"Bottled water and beverages are safe, although you should be aware that many restaurants and hotels serve tap water unless bottled water is specifically requested. Be aware that ice for drinks might be made using tap water," says the government.

The Government of Canada also advises travellers to avoid inhaling or swallowing water while bathing or showering.

CAA Quebec recommends that travellers purchase bottled purified water to drink and brush their teeth with instead of using tap water.

Know the currency rules

Details: The official currency of Mexico is the Mexican peso. According to the Government of Canada, in some parts of Mexico, particularly tourist destinations, hotels and other service providers may advertise prices in USD.

Sunwing recommends that travellers bring USD as it is widely accepted around the island.

If you plan to bring USD, be aware that there is a limit to the amount of U.S. dollars that residents and foreigners can exchange in Mexico, depending on their immigration status.

According to the Government of Canada, when carrying more than US$10,000 or the equivalent in other currencies, cash, cheques, money orders or any other monetary instrument, you must declare the amount exceeding US$10,000.

Failure to do this is against Mexican law and often results in detention.

Know when to tip

Details: As in Canada, tipping is expected in most parts of Mexico.

According to group travel company Intrepid Travel , which operates tours to Mexico, Mexican service workers typically earn a low wage and rely on tips to earn a decent living.

The company recommends travellers leave 10 to 15 percent at restaurants (if the service charge is not already included), 5 to 10 percent of the hotel room cost for housekeepers, and a few dollars for porters, bartenders and guides.

According to Skyscanner , it's always best to tip in cash, using Mexican pesos rather than any foreign currency.

The company notes that while some all-inclusive resorts in Mexico have no-tipping policies, if an employee has excelled in their performance, a tip is a nice way to show your appreciation.

Taxi drivers and airport shuttle operations in Mexico will not expect a tip, according to the travel company. However, if your driver helps you with your luggage or the shuttle operator helps with your bags, it is courteous to tip around 10 pesos.

Avoid certain areas

Details: Canadians travelling to Mexico will want to take note of warnings to avoid certain parts of the country.

The Government of Canada continues to advise Canadians to avoid all travel to Guerrero State due to the region's precarious security situation.

The state is home to the Mexican city of Acapulco, a popular vacation spot.

According to the advisory, there is a threat of armed violence, banditry, and looting in cities and on roads in the state. The advisory excludes, however, the cities of Ixtapa/Zihuatanejo and Taxco, where travellers should "exercise a high degree of caution."

There are also regional advisories in place warning Canadians to avoid non-essential travel to several Mexican states due to high levels of violence and organized crime, including Chihuahua, Colima, Coahuila, Durango, Michoacán, Nuevo León, Sinaloa, Tamaulipas and Zacatecas.

The Government of Canada also advises Canadians to avoid border areas, which often see higher criminal activity and violence, such as shootouts, attacks and illegal roadblocks.

The government recommends travelling to Mexico by air to avoid international land border crossings, particularly along the border with the U.S., in Ciudad Juárez, Nuevo Laredo and Reynosa.

Pay the tourism tax

Details: If travelling to the state of Quintana Roo in Mexico (including popular destinations like Cancun, Cozumel, Playa Del Carmen, Riviera Maya and Tulum), travellers will have to pay a tourist tax known as VisiTAX.

The payment of the VisiTAX is a legal requirement to leave the State of Quintana Roo, and is not included in the price of the plane tickets or any other service such as hotel reservations, vacation packages, ground transportation, or tours, according to Cancun Airport .

The tax costs US$20.99 (about CA$28.40) per person, and is to be paid online. Travellers can pay this fee prior to their arrival or during their stay, and must show their receipt at the airport before leaving Mexico.

According to Cancun Airport, your payment and your VisiTAX code will be synchronized with your travel documents for an easy transition through the airport checkpoints.

Payment can only be made online via the VisiTAX website , according to Air Transat .

Bon voyage!

Before you get going, check out our Responsible Travel Guide so you can be informed, be safe, be smart, and most of all, be respectful on your adventure.

This article's cover image was used for illustrative purposes only.