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Mexico Entry Requirements & Cancun Travel Checklist

Planning a trip to Cancun or anywhere in Mexico? Here’s what you need to know before you go:

Passport Requirements

All foreign visitors, including U.S. citizens, are required to present a valid, unexpired passport to enter Mexico. Your passport must remain valid for the entire duration of your stay. Although some airlines recommend at least 6 months of validity, Mexico only requires it to be valid during your visit.

Important: Minors are not exempt — all travelers, regardless of age, must carry their own passport.

Immigration Form (FMM)

Upon arrival in Mexico, most travelers will need to complete an FMM (Forma Migratoria Múltiple). This form allows visitors to stay in the country for up to 180 days for tourism or business (without accepting employment).

Depending on your point of entry, the form may be:

  • Given to you on the plane or at the airport, or
  • Processed electronically (especially at major airports)

Be sure to keep your FMM safe, as it may be required upon departure. If lost or damaged, you may need to pay a replacement fee of approximately $24 USD.

Traveling with Minors

When traveling with children under 18, Mexican law requires additional documentation if the minor is leaving Mexico without both parents or legal guardians.

You must carry a notarized letter of authorization from the non-traveling parent(s), which must include:

  • The child’s full name
  • The name(s) of the parent(s) or guardian(s)
  • The name of the person traveling with the child
  • Dates and purpose of travel
  • Notarized signatures of the absent parent(s)

This rule applies to all non-Mexican citizens, regardless of departure destination.

Visa Exempt Countries

Citizens from many countries do not need a visa to enter Mexico for tourism or business stays of up to 180 days. Some of these countries include:

USA, Canada, United Kingdom, European Union countries, Japan, South Korea, Australia, New Zealand, Argentina, Colombia, Brazil, Chile, Israel, and more.

For the full list, or to confirm your visa status, visit the official site of the Instituto Nacional de Migración (INM):
https://www.gob.mx/inm

Final Travel Checklist

✔️ Valid passport (check the expiration date!)

✔️ Completed FMM form (if required)

✔️ Hotel confirmation or address of stay

✔️ Return ticket or proof of departure

✔️ Authorization letter if traveling with minors

✔️ Travel insurance (optional but highly recommended)


For the most up-to-date entry requirements, always check with the nearest Mexican embassy or consulate, or visit the official immigration website:
https://www.gob.mx/inm

What should you pack?

  • Casual, comfortable clothes, like T-shirts and shorts
  • Business casual attires for visiting some restaurants or night clubs
  • Any important medications: bring enough for your whole trip
  • Basic first aid kit: bandages, ointments, aspirins, and other over-the-counter medications you normally use in case you need them. Pack them in one kit and do not mix them with your other things. (You can buy medication in Mexico easily, but you cannot buy antibiotics without prescription)
  • During the winter you may need a light sweater or sweatshirt for the occasional cool evening
  • Raincoat or waterproof windbreaker in case of rain
  • At least 2 swimsuits
  • Walking shoes or sandals for the beach (the sand gets really hot, shoes are important)
  • A camera: you may use your smartphone or you may want to bring a proper camera, water resistant or waterproof cameras are a plus
  • Sunscreen: bring plenty of sunscreen, Cancun is a hot, tropical destination where the sun shine bright most of the year. It is very important for getting the most from your vacation to avoid getting sunburn.
    You will find that more and more places have banned non-biodegradable sunscreens in recent years to protect the environment. If you bring non-biodegradable sunscreen it may be taken from you at one point. We strongly recommend bringing biodegradable sunscreen to ensure you can use it everywhere you go.
  • Insect or mosquito repellent: as with sunscreen, non-biodegradable insect repellents are banned in many places
  • Sunglasses
  • Dry-bags, ziplock bags, or other waterproof containers to protect your important belongings from water and sand while at the beach
  • Snorkel equipment: If you plan on doing a lot of snorkeling, having your own gear would be a good investment
  • A backpack comes very handy for tours and excursions
  • Reusable water bottle
  • Reusable straws: many places have stopping using plastic straws and they are soon to be banned in the state and not every place offers an alternative