Passport and Border Info
Do I need a passport book/card?
updated 04/2025
YES. As of May 2025 (newly updated), adults AND children should be prepared to show their passport book/card when ENTERING Mexico. You'll need the number to apply for the FMM (please see more FMM info below).
Going back into the US, all travelers 16 and over require passports (books/cards) at all land border crossings. However, citizens will never be denied entry to the US (for instance if you lost it).
Illegal immigration is a hot topic, and the border agents can be lenient one day and follow every rule to the letter the next.
Starting May 7, 2025, domestic air travel (and more locations) will require a "Real ID". Current regular Arizona driver's licenses are NOT "Real ID". Don't bother upgrading your DL --just get a Passport Card to do both.
The cost of ONE margarita PER YEAR (adult passport cards are $65 for 10 years), allows you to visit Rocky Point smoothly AND use it for domestic air travel, entering some Federal buildings, and military bases.
https://travel.state.gov/content/passports/en/passports/information/card.html
What about children?
updated 04/2025
Mexican law states "ALL citizens of the United States must present a valid passport when entering Mexican territory by any means of transportation. There are NO exceptions for minors." Source
Note: Both parents must appear with the child to get a passport card or book, or must fill out this application form
Because of child trafficking and kidnapping, it is STRONGLY recommended to have a notarized "consent" form if both parents aren't present when crossing the border. (Download form here)
Do I need a tourist card (FMM)?
updated 04/2025
YES when crossing at the Lukeville border as of May 2025. Driving to Puerto Penasco "officially" has always required a tourist card (FMM--Forma Migratoria Multiple) since you're going beyond the border town of Sonoyta and they're now enforcing the law. (Mexico requires FMMs if you are driving 20 kilometers or more from the border.) They're available online (choose entry point Sonoyta) and need to be stamped at the border for validity. (Expect confusion for a while and I'll update when informed).
For visits of 7 or fewer days, there's no charge. Click Here to apply online (click the [plus] "+" sign to expand the "By Land" section. Note--be sure to enter "+1" for the US country code when entering your phone number). If you are being charged for a visit of 7 days or under, you are not at the right link for an official FMM. You may be on a page that charges a processing fee or mistakenly on a "visa" page.
***The FMM (tourist card) is NOT a Visa (even though it's sometimes mistakenly called a "tourist visa". Residents of the US, Canada, and other countries (listed here) do NOT need a Visa for visits under 180 days (source). Visas are for 180+ days (temporary or permanent) residency and also have financial requirements and costs***
What is the "Hassle Free Zone"?
The hassle-free zone has nothing to do with Passports or Tourist Cards. It applies to the areas where you don't need to get any special permits to drive your American-plated vehicle. Source and Source The free zone includes all of Baja California, Rocky Point, and further down into Sonora.
You still NEED Mexican Car Insurance (click the banner below).
