Passport and Border Info
Do I need a passport book/card?
updated 01/2026
MAYBE. As of January 2026 (newly updated), the Mexican Border Patrol has not been checking any paperwork for the past few months, but that can change at any moment. Last year, it was strictly enforced that 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).
Will you get asked? Probably not, but I am giving you all the info to make an informed decision for you and your family. Illegal immigration is a hot topic, and the border agents can be lenient one day and follow every rule to the letter the next.
Going back into the US, officially 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).
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 01/2026
Although Mexican law states "ALL citizens of the United States must present a valid passport when entering Mexican territory by any means of transportation, Border Patrol has not been enforcing it for the past few months. 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 01/2026
MAYBE when crossing at the Lukeville border. As of January 2026, Border Patrol has not been enforcing it for the past few months. But that can change at any time. 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. (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 little white building just after the border for validity.
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).
