Passport Requirements Traveling to Mexico
A current passport is highly recommended for all individuals in your party. If you do not have a passport or your passport is expired, we suggest ordering an expedited passport application/renewal in order to receive your passport prior to your departure to Mexico. As of (Oct 25, 2020), we have had no problems with patients who have a valid ID and original birth certificate. Remember to check with your patient coordinator because that can change.
If you do NOT have a passport
If you are crossing the border, you may use one of the following instead of a conventional passport only upon approval from your Patient Coordinator.
- Passport ID Card
- Enhanced Driver’s License (Currently only the following states that provide these are: Washington, Vermont, Michigan, Minnesota, and New York)
- Both a Valid Driver’s License/ID Card AND Original U.S. Birth Certificate (no copies). It is also highly suggested to bring your Social Security card as well as a recent utility/cell phone bill that matches your name and the address shown on your license/ID (in combination with License and original U.S. Birth Certificate)
LEARN MORE: Do I need a Passport? What Documents are Required?
Border Regulation Policy
When traveling to Mexico for bariatric surgery, patients will need to have a valid passport book – although we have not had any problems if patients have BOTH an ID and original birth certificate. If you don’t already have a valid Passport, you’ll have to apply for a new passport prior to your travel.
The standard passport service takes roughly 4-6 weeks, they have an expedited service that will be 2 – 3 weeks ( and cost an additional $60). View more about processing times.
Since March 1, 2010, all U.S. citizens – including children – have been required to present a valid passport or passport card for entering Mexico.
While documents are not routinely checked along the land border zone, Mexican authorities at immigration checkpoints approximately 20 to 30 kilometers from the border of the United States will often conduct vehicle and document inspections and will require valid travel documents and an entry permit or Forma Migratoria Multiple (FMM).
More Information
Department Of State – American Travelers Services
Washington, DC 20001
Phone: (202) 647-5225
Embassy of Mexico
Washington, DC 20006
Phone: (202) 728-1600
Helpful Articles
- MBC Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ’s)
- What do I Bring to Mexico? What Do I Need to Pack in my Suitcase?
- Can I bring a Companion? What if I want to come alone?
- The Complete Patient Process and Travel Itinerary
- Deposit, Refund, & Cancellation Policy