I am going to Mexico this summer and am debating whether or not I should get a passport. I have heard that I need a birth certificate and photo ID to enter Mexico, is that true? I am on the government website reading about getting a passport and it sounds like a real pain. It says that I need to bring 2 photographs of myself 2" x 2". Dont they take your picture at the passport office anymore? Will I be alright without one?

Up to you~ yes you can get in to Mexico from the U.S. anyway, on those two pieces of ID. But a passport holds alot more weight should anything ever go seriously wrong when you're in a foreign country. Plus it's good for 10 years. Don't you plan to travel more than this 1 trip to Mexico?<BR><BR>As far as I know, they have never taken photos at the passport office (it isn't like the drivers license bureau). I don't know where you live but check the phone book, photo shops, drug stores, etc. often have the passport setup, instant, easy, cheap.<BR><BR>Sure you'd probably be alright without one. BUT it isn't at all a "big pain" to get one either.

I just got a passport. Very easy process. I actually went to the post office, they even took my picture, for a $15.00 charge. It only took about four weeks to get it.

Don't even worry about getting a passport. I go to Cancun every year. All you need is your birth cert. and and your driver's license. If your only staying in Mexico for a week or so, don't even worry about it. Your travel agent will tell you exactly what you need if you don't want to bother with the passport. Have fun.

Its not the getting IN to Mexico - its the getting BACK home to the USA. Lots of requirements have changed since 9/11. I have been scolded at the Canadian border for traveling without a passport. We were asked repeatedly for passports this winter in Mexico and South America. No one said "show me your drivers licence and picture i.d.". I'd get the passport.

When a passport saves the day is IF (heaven forbid) anything goes seriously wrong while you are out of the country & you need to call on the American Embassy (or get thrown in a Mexican jail as my Dad always joked when encouraging me to get my 1st passport).<BR><BR>The point the last poster made is absolutely true, Mexico is easy to get INto~ paperwork, customs, etc. it is returning home when you could possibly be more seriously questioned. Get the passport, really.

get a passport

OK I have done some research and I know where to go to get the passport, question is, where am I going to find a picture 2" x 2" with all the requested requirements? I know I dont have one, I dont feel like wasting 5 rolls of film trying to take a picture of myself exactly how its supposed to be. I dont understand why they dont take your picture here. Does anyone know where I can go to get my picture taken?

Look up passports or passport photo in the phone book. Lots of travel agencies also do the pictures...Don't try to do it yourself. Photo shops also do it. Price varies from 8-14 bucks for both required pictures. <BR>Brandi

thanks Brandi, I'll look around

for the OP: camera shops, drug stores, portrait studios, etc. lots of places have it - it's a particular poloroid setup where the 2 photos come out at the same time, exactly fitting the gov't requirements. usually costs about $10.

Passport not required, but you do really need one. In january inMexico city at the airport mine was checked about 20 time. Likewise is greatly expidites exchanging money, being stopped at military check points etc. Also will make it much easier to get back into the us. Travel to mex had changed, get a passport. Get a photo at walmart, get the forms at the post office and have your passport in four weeks.

You can get your passport photo taken at any AAA office, some big stores like WalMart or Target, any photo shop and probably some pharmacies like CVS or Walgreens.

Check out Wal-Mart. I had my done there, it was cheaper than some photo shops. I know in Canada, Wal-Mart does them, don't know about in the U.S. Or as others have said check the photo shops in the yellow pages. I think a passport is the best form of i.d. to have. It last a number of years, and easier to make it throught customs.

Kinkos copies takes passport photos. Fast & Easy! I got my first passport in 1967 and even then had to go to a passport photo shop!

Remember - A man without a passport is a man withour a home.

stop wasting our time asking us where to get a "2x2" picture!!!!!!!!!!

Agreeing with the last person (& I don't usually make snotty posts but this is getting ridiculous)... If you can't figure out how to get a passport &/or if you need one... you probably shouldn't be traveling internationally!<BR>