Passports & Visa

US Citizens traveling to México are no required to use a US passport -- not to get into Mexico but to get back into the USA from Mexico! Essentially, this means, you must get a US passport.

CHECK HERE FOR US State Dept. Passport Services

Check here for US State Dept info on travel requirements for Méexico.

México requires a visa of some type. The Tourist Visa is issued at port of entry and can be issued for one month to three months. They are renewable for a total of 6 months. If you have a Mexican Consulate near you, you may go to the office and request a tourist visa of an extended 6 months at a minimal charge.

Tourist visas can be renewed in México. The renewal costs a nominal fee. Expired tourist visas can also be renewed for a higher fee and usually a day or two of bureaucratic complications. Always renew before it expires!

For All Participants
When you arrive at Customs, immediately ask for a visa for 60 days (summer program) or 90 days(winter program). We will send you more detailed information on travel, including getting through customs, in your OSEA Program Packet prior to the program's start date.

Websites of Interest
US State Dept. Visa requirements for US Citizens
Briggs Travel (non-government site)– Updated Visa Requirements Page

The US State Department provides the following statement regarding travel to Mexico

MEXICO - *Proof of citizenship and photo ID. Tourist card is required. Tourist card valid 3 months for single-entry up to 180 days, $20 fee, requires proof of U.S. citizenship, photo ID, and proof of sufficient funds. Visa not required of U.S. citizens for tourist/transit stay of up to 30 days. Obtain tourist cards in advance from Consulate, Tourism Office, and most airlines serving Mexico upon arrival. Departure tax $10 is paid at airport when not included in the cost of the airline ticket. Notarized consent from parent(s) required for children under age 18 traveling alone, with one parent, or in someone else's custody. For details and information on other types of travel, check with the Embassy of Mexico, 1911 Pennsylvania Ave., NW, Washington, DC 20006 (202/736-1000) or nearest Consulate General: AZ (602/242-7398), CA (213/351-6800, 415/392-5554 and 619/231-8414), CO (303/331-1110), FL (305/716-4977), GA (404/266-1913), IL (312/855-1380), LA (504/522-3596), NY (212/689-0460), PR (809/764-0258) or TX (210/227-1085, 214/630-7341, 713/542-2300, 512/478-9031 and 915/533-4082).
Internet: http://embassyofmexico.org
[source: http://travel.state.gov/travel/tips/brochures/brochures_1229.html#m ]

UPDATE: at http://travel.state.gov/travel/cbpmc/cbpmc_2223.html

New Requirements for Travelers Between the United States and the Western Hemisphere

Travelers to and from the Caribbean, Bermuda, Panama, Mexico and Canada will be required to have a passport or other secure, accepted document to enter or re-enter the United States. This is a change from prior travel requirements and will affect all United States citizens entering the United States from countries within the Western Hemisphere who do not currently possess valid passports. This new requirement will also affect certain foreign nationals who currently are not required to present a passport to travel to the United States. Most Canadian citizens, citizens of the British Overseas Territory of Bermuda, and to a lesser degree, Mexican citizens will be affected by the implementation of this requirement.