Passport help
 

I just purchased a vacation package online to Cancun and I have no clue as to what I will need as far as a passport, etc. What type of papers will we need and what are the normal costs? Where does one go to get such documentation? Any and all help in this area will be greatly appreciated!!!<BR>Thanks!<BR>Craig

Never been to Cancun, but do have a passport. You can get the application from the post office. You'll need your birth certificate and a passport photo, of course. After all of the paperwork is filled out, you'll mail it, your birth certificate and photo to a processing center. It takes about a month to get it back. The cost a couple of years ago was $45.00, (I think).

Thanks for the info...I have read where all that is needed to go to Cancun is a valid (raised seal) birth certificate and photo id (driver's license). Would this be recommended or should a passport still be obtained? It seems to me the cheapest way would be to use a birth certificate and photo id. Has anyone used just these documents and NOT the passport? Or is it a bad aidea to go without a passport?<BR>Thanks!<BR>Craig

It's better if you have a passport but a birth certificate and a driver's license will also do. Just make sure your driver's license is not expired. When we went there last Christmas and had to go thru their immigration, there was a separate line for people with passports and those who do not. We didn't encounter any problem. Enjoy your trip!

We too got our passports for our last trip to Mex. It took about 2 weeks and I think, about 62$$. Gave us a little piece of mind. <BR><BR>When you go thru customs, you will encounter two lines, one for passports and one for birth cert....its a crap shoot which one will get you thru sooner. We took both, but used the passport line.<BR><BR>We have heard if you encounter some sort of trouble out of the country, having a passport is very important in resovle. (don't know first hand, just what I heard). Good luck and have a great trip, Don.<BR><BR>P.S. A pass[port is good for 10yrs....gives me an excuse to travel again to use it!!! LOL.<BR>

Craig, look up post #211. You will find a lot of info regarding what's needed to enter Mexico from the U.S. Just make sure your birth certifica is State issued, not just from the hospital, if you do not get a passport.<BR><BR>http://CasaTropical.com

One thing is what is needed to enter Mexico, the second thing is what is need to return home to the US. I think a passport will make both much easier.<BR>Unless you are fairly certain that you will not travel abroad in the next 10 years, I would suggest you get a passport, even though a birth certificate may be sufficient for Mexico. <BR>A passport will make going through immigration a breeze and may be much more helpful in case you get into any type of trouble abroad.

Topped the info. for you.<BR>

I am a travel agent.<BR>I use my State Issued Birth Certificate and Drivers License all the time.<BR>I have never had any trouble.

My husband and I travel to Mexico twice a year and have always used our birth certificates and drivers licenses, no problema!!!!

If you plan to get off the beaten path at all get a passport. More and more in my travels in Mexico they are wanting passports to cash travelers checks, in security at airports, at military check points etc. What's legal and what's practical are two differnt things. Passports are a lot easier.