From Suzanne Barbezat,
Your Guide to Mexico Travel.
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With new travel requirements coming into effect, many people are confused about whether or not they'll need a passport to visit Mexico. The requirements are being phased in gradually and at present, they differ depending on the mode of transportation used to enter and exit the country.

A. Travel by air
The U.S. Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative requires travelers entering or re-entering the United States by air to present a passport. Even though the Mexican government does not require a passport for U.S. citizens visiting Mexico as tourists, they'll need to present one to go back to the United States by air.

Travel by land or sea
Those traveling by land or sea must present two forms of valid identification such as a birth certificate or naturalization certificate and a driver's license or other identification issued by a state or official agency. These travelers will not be required to present a passport until June 1, 2009, and there is a PASS card (Passport card) in the works that will be credit-card sized and cost less than a passport, which will allow travel in the United States, Canada, Mexico, the Caribbean and Bermuda.

A passport is the best form of ID
It's a good idea to get a passport if you're planning to travel to Mexico, whether or not it is an official requirement. A passport is the best form of international identification and having one may help you avoid hassles. See the links on the right for information on applying for a U.S. passport.

More on Mexico travel documents and entry requirements:

• Tourist Cards for Mexico travel
• Child entry requirements

• Canadian citizens entry requirements