Do You Need a Passport to Go to Cabo? Travel Requirements Explained

Planning a trip to Cabo San Lucas soon and wondering which documents and paperwork you need to travel to Mexico? If so, you’ve come to the right place!

Below, we’ve explained everything travelers should know about getting to Baja California Sur — including if you need a passport (in most cases, the answer is yes!) — to ensure a smooth and effortless travel experience. Let’s get started!

Do You Need a Passport to Go to Cabo San Lucas?

If you are not a Mexican citizen, then yes — you will need a valid passport to visit Cabo San Lucas or San José del Cabo for both land and air travel. A passport book is required for all air travel, but U.S. citizens driving to Mexico may present a U.S. passport book or card at the border.

The Mexican consulate only requires that your passport be valid for the length of your stay to enter Mexico. However, if you travel to Cabo from the United States, your passport must be valid for at least six months beyond your stay in Mexico to adhere to the six-month passport validity rule in the U.S.

What Are the Visa Requirements for Mexico?

If you are a permanent resident of the United States, Canada, countries in the Schengen area, or select other countries, such as Japan, Chile, Peru, and the United Kingdom, the Mexican government does not require a visa to enter Mexico for tourism trips that are up to 180 days.

Travelers with visa exemptions will be given a Multiple Migratory Form (FMM), also known as a tourist card, to complete on the flight to Los Cabos International Airport, which will ask questions about the reason for your travel to Mexico. After arriving in Cabo, a Mexican immigration officer will stamp this entry permit paperwork and give you a tourist card that you’ll need to keep with you until your journey home.

Tip: Always keep proof of return or a flight ticket to your next destination from Mexico with you, as relevant authorities and local police may ask for proof of onward travel during your time in Mexico.

Do You Need Travel Insurance to Visit Cabo San Lucas?

Though travel insurance is not required to enter Mexico, it is recommended. Travel insurance covers situations like lost luggage, trip cancellations due to illnesses or weather, and emergency medical expenses, which can provide peace of mind during your trip to Cabo San Lucas.

When Can You Travel to Cabo Without a Passport?

In the past, U.S. citizens could travel to Cabo San Lucas without a valid passport, but this is no longer the case. It’s also no longer possible for U.S. citizens traveling by land to cross into Mexico with a birth certificate. Though you may be able to get to Mexico, you’ll need a valid passport with at least six months left before expiration when departing Cabo to return home.

The only exception for traveling to Cabo San Lucas without a passport is on a closed-loop cruise to and from the same port in the United States that stays within the Western Hemisphere. Instead of a passport, you can provide proof of citizenship, such as a birth certificate, driver’s license, certificate of naturalization, or other government-issued photo identification. However, you will need a passport book or card if the cruise is not a closed loop (meaning it starts and ends at different ports).

Cruise passengers passing through Mexican ports and stopping for a short time do not need a visa or Mexico tourist card.

What Are the Passport Rules for Minors Traveling to Cabo?

Cabo San Lucas is a fantastic destination for a family vacation! However, if you plan to visit Los Cabos with kids, it’s crucial to understand the entry requirements for minors before your trip so you can acquire all the travel documents you need for a smooth international travel experience.

All minors who are flying to Cabo San Lucas need a passport book. However, minors under 16 traveling by land or sea may present an original or certified copy of their birth certificate for entry into Mexico instead of a passport. All children who are 16 or older must present a passport to go to Mexico whether they are traveling by land, air, or sea (except closed-loop cruises, when a birth certificate will suffice).

Children who are only traveling with one parent or legal guardian or who are traveling alone to Mexico may need to present a letter of consent at the border from the other parent (if traveling with one parent) or signed by both parents (if the child is traveling alone). It’s recommended that the letter be written in English and notarized, and it should include authorization to travel abroad with specific dates, names, and destinations.

Ensure a Smooth Trip to Los Cabos with These Passport Tips

In addition to securing all the proper documentation, keep these travel tips in mind for a seamless trip to and from Mexico:

• Double-check current entry rules and travel restrictions before your trip to Mexico, and familiarize yourself with the local laws and customs requirements for a hassle-free vacation.
• Ensure your passport is valid for at least six months after your trip to Mexico. If you need to renew it, apply several months in advance to allow ample processing time.
• Keep digital and printed copies of important documents in a safe and secure place to help in the unlikely (but unfortunate) event of a lost passport.

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