Do i need a passport to go to Cabo San Lucas 2022

Cabo San Lucas has become one of the most popular tourist destinations, primarily for U.S. citizens, thanks to a convenient location close to the American-Mexican border. Baja California Sur, a state in Mexico, is famous for its water activities and nightlife, hosting about 1.8 million hotel guests as of 2020.

However, before diving into the turquoise waters and exploring Mexican sites, visitors must meet the existing requirements for entering Mexico. The most critical issue we will tackle in this post is: do you need a passport to go to Cabo? Stay with us for further information.

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Do i need a passport to go to Cabo San Lucas 2022

As to many life questions, you can often expect the answer: “it depends.”

According to Los Cabos International Airport Immigration, U.S. citizens are exempt from carrying a valid passport to cross the Mexican border. They are, however, required to show:

  • an acceptable travel document that will prove their citizenship (birth certificate, naturalization certificate) and
  • an identification document with a photo (driver’s license, ID card). 

Otherwise, any other foreign nationals must have a valid passport for all travel methods (air, land, and sea).

Children and minors with U.S. citizenship are recommended to obtain a passport to visit Los Cabos, but it is not a requirement. Instead, they can present any other identification, e.g., a birth certificate. 

Minors under 16 (sixteen) may travel alone. Customs officers will allow them to cross the border if they present a consent letter from a parent or legal guardian.

Even though U.S. citizens do not need their passports to enter Mexico, they will need them to return to the United States.

On the other hand, many different official sources–like the Embassy of Mexico in Washington, D.C.—state that all foreign visitors, regardless of their nationality, must carry a valid passport to enter Mexican territory.

This rule also applies to Permanent U.S. Residents who, additionally, will have to present their valid residency cards. Everyone must have a passport, regardless of age and the means of transportation they decide on.

However, it is worth mentioning that yet other sources provide information about land and sea travels with slightly different details. Let us focus on driving to Cabo San Lucas first.

Thanks to Ready Lanes, driving to Mexico from the U.S. is possible—and more convenient. Here, a U.S. passport book is not required. As the U.S. Department of State informs, a compact U.S. passport card is enough to enter Mexican territory by land. 

Important note: passengers must carry a valid document with them. Additionally, drivers should hold a valid vehicle registration and a driver’s license.

Another means of transport by which you can get to Los Cabos is a ship. According to the U.S. Customs and Border Protection, travelers who wish to enter Mexico by cruise, infants and children included, should carry a valid passport.

However, there might be one exception: closed-loop cruises. These are the cruises that start and finish in the same American port. In this case, proof of citizenship (e.g., a government-issued ID) is enough. The same applies to children and minors.

Even though passports may not be crucial for cruise travels, it is highly recommended that all travelers carry their valid passports in case of unexpected emergencies. Additionally, some cruise companies require having a valid passport during the trip regardless of nationality.

Tourists may now wonder if they need a passport to visit Cabo. While some sources state that a passport is not necessary, all of them agree on one point: it is recommended to have it

Got the travel bug? Try reading these articles for more ideas:

  • Do You Need a Passport to Go to Jamaica?
  • Do You Need a Passport to Go to Alaska?
  • Do You Need a Passport To Go To the Dominican Republic?
  • Do You Need a Passport to Go to Canada by Car?
  • Do You Need a Passport to Go to Tulum, Mexico?
  • Do You Need a Passport to Go to Bora Bora?
  • Do You Need a Passport to Go to the Caribbean – an Ultimate Guide

Passport Photo Online

Without a doubt, a passport is a valuable travel document. Universally accepted, it can help you get anywhere—Mexico included. And if you need to take your passport photo, try Passport Photo Online—an AI-supported application that will elevate picture taking to the next level. 

Passport Photo Online allows you to take official document photos in the comfort of your home. Thanks to developed technology, the app can, i.a., change the background and crop the image into the desired size. 

With more than one million downloads, we know how to provide a professional and satisfactory photography service.

Do i need a passport to go to Cabo San Lucas 2022

Do I need a passport to go to Cabo: FAQ

Getting familiar with entry requirements is a must if you plan a trip abroad. Let us take a look at these essentials regarding travel to Cabo.

Do I need a passport to fly to Cabo, Mexico?

Yes, you need a passport to fly to Cabo in Mexico. Regardless of your nationality or citizenship, passports are always required for air travel.

Do you need a passport for Cabo?

You need a passport for Cabo if you travel by plane. If you plan to go to Cabo by land or sea, a valid passport card (or another WHTI-compliant document) will suffice.

Do I need a passport to go to Cabo San Lucas in 2022?

Yes, you must have a passport if you are going to Cabo San Lucas by plane. A passport is not required if you want to travel by car or by ship.

Can I go to Cabo San Lucas without a passport?

If you are traveling to Cabo by plane, you cannot go there without a passport. However, you can go to Cabo without a passport if you choose to go by car or ship.

Can you cruise to Cabo without a passport?

Yes, you can cruise to Cabo without a passport if you are a U.S. citizen. However, you still need to provide other identification documents. Non-American citizens must carry valid passports for their cruises.

Do I need a passport for Cabo: closing thoughts

You need to pay a lot of attention to your travel documents while preparing for an international trip. Passports are arguably the safest option when you want to go abroad.

Choose your destination and means of transport. Then, look for more detailed information. There may be situations in which you could present an acceptable identification document. Nevertheless, it is good to have your passport prepared. Passport Photo Online will help you with your passport photo—over one million people have already trusted us worldwide. Try and see for yourself.

Do i need a passport to go to Cabo San Lucas 2022

Sources

  • [1] https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/passports/need-passport/

Do i need a passport to go to Cabo San Lucas 2022

Graduated from the Institute of English Studies at the University of Wrocław, Roxana holds a Master’s degree in psycholinguistics. As a language expert, she is deeply passionate about words and the writing process. She is an author specialized in biometric photography. Her free-time activities are a mixture of sports, books, self-development and travelling (or dreaming about it).

Do you need a passport to go to Cabo by plane?

For flights to Cabo, you'll require an active passport/visa for Cabo and it is highly recommended that your passport be valid for at least 6 months following the date of travel.

What documents do I need to travel to Cabo San Lucas?

Entry & Exit Requirements You'll need a passport that's valid for six months after your visit to enter Mexico. You'll also need a Mexican Tourist Permit, which is usually issued free of charge upon arrival. Be sure to hold on to that card throughout the trip, as you'll need to present it upon your departure.

What documents do I need to travel to Mexico by Air 2022?

Quick Facts.
PASSPORT VALIDITY: Passport must be valid at time of entry..
BLANK PASSPORT PAGES: One page per stamp..
TOURIST VISA REQUIRED: Yes, if visiting for more than 180 days..

Can I use my real ID to go to Cabo?

When traveling to Cabo from the US by land (i.e. car, bus, etc.,) you may not be required to present a passport or ID when entering the country, but will always require ID to return to your home country.