Do you need a passport to go to Rosarito Baja California?

Tourists to Baja California as far south as Ensenada do not need any permit or pay any fees if your stay is not more than 72 hours. Otherwise stop at the immigration office upon crossing the border to get an FM-T tourist visa.

A new law is now in effect if you are traveling south of Ensenada. You must have a permit to do so and the fee is $225 pesos or approximately $20.00 per person. You should obtain this permit at the "Mexican Secondary"pavilion at the San Ysidro Border Crossing. Get in the far right lane where the sign says "Something to Declare". The Mexican officials will direct you to the correct office.

FM-3 Info and Requirements for Full or Part-Time Residency

FMT : Is a Tourist Visa . If you stay MORE THAN 7 days you need a Tourist Visa. The cost is $225.00 pesos. Passport & I.D. required. This can be picked up at Immigration office or at the airport.

FM-3 : is a Visa for temporary residents up to 5 years or longer if desired. FM3 people can get theirs from their local mexican consultant in the states. It's quicker and you don't need the appostille, but must register in Mexico at any Immigration Office 90 days after the date received. If not, FM3 isn't valid.

FM-2 : is a Visa for permanent residents. Requirements for FM2 - must live in Mexico FULL TIME

Important Note: Before you do anything, it's essential to obtain an FM-T. This is a temporary Tourist Visa which allows you to stay in Mexico up to 6 months. This will protect you while you do the paperwork necessary to acquire an FM-3. You can get an FM-T in the Immigration Office in Rosarito or at a Mexican Consulate near your U.S. home and there is a cost of $225 pesos. Now, follow the listed instructions and you should have no problems obtaining your FM-3.

1. Bring your passport. Original and copy.

2. You must get a certified copy of the document showing ownership or lease/rental agreement of your residence. Your Bank Trust on your property or lease agreement.

3. You must have an account at a local (Mexican) bank, with an average balance of $1000.00 U.S. for one person and $1500 for a couple. Bring a copy of the most recent bank statement for your Immigration file.

4. A letter to INAMI (Instituto Nacional de Migracion) requesting your FM-3 status. Acquire form #SHCP-5 at a local escritorio publico service and they will fill this out for you. There are several near the immigration office in Rosarito. Alicia Romero, located on the street directly behind the Roma Drug Store (where Bancomer is located) has all the forms necessary and her fee is well worth her preparation, because she works with Immigration Authorities on a daily basis and is current on any new requirements. Telephone/Fax 612-0166.

5. You will need Six (6) Black and White passport photos, three full front and three right profile (not left). No glasses or jewelry. Alicia Romero can also take these photographs at her office.

6. Present all the above completed information, documents and photos, to the local Immigration Officer for approval. You then go to your local Mexican bank, with the original completed SHCP-5 form, and pay the FM-3 fee (approximately $40). The bank will stamp your SHCP-5 form(s). Return to the Immigration office these stamped receipts, from the bank, and your FM-3 will be issued. Normally, you will receive the FM-3 in 30 days.

The location of the Immigration Office in Rosarito is at the new municipal building on the third floor. There is no elevator, so be prepared to deal with the stairs.

As of November 8, 2021, non-essential travel resumed for foreign travelers who are fully vaccinated for COVID-19, can present proof of COVID-19 vaccination status, and have appropriate documentation to enter the United States.

For more information, please visit the Department of Homeland Security's website.

For more information on accepted COVID-19 vaccines and acceptable proof of vaccination, please visit the .

Travelers should plan for longer than normal wait times and long lines at U.S. land border crossings when planning their trip. For the most up-to-date information on border wait times, visitors can check with Customs and Border Protection or call 619-690-8999.

Mexico does not require COVID-19 vaccination, or a negative COVID-19 test to enter their country. For more information, visit the U.S. Embassy and Consulates in Mexico website.

An easy and convenient way to travel to the region is the Cross Border Xpress CBX) pedestrian bridge connecting the Tijuana International Airport (TIJ) to San Diego. The airport offers access to over 30 destinations within Mexico.

People traveling to the U.S. through CBX will require proof of vaccination. Unlike those arriving directly at an airport in the United States, travelers will not be required to also present a negative COVID-19 test.

Citizens of other countries must carry a valid passport with a valid I-94 or multiple entry visa or visa waiver to re-enter the United States. The U.S. government encourages nonimmigrant visitors to download the free CBP One app to streamline the I-94 application.

When crossing the border back and forth between Baja and San Diego, you'll need to have a valid passport or other acceptable identification handy. When entering the United States, U.S. citizens are required to show passport, U.S. passport card, Trusted Traveler Program card (NEXUS, SENTRI, Global Entry or FAST) or an Enhanced Driver's License. Resident aliens must possess a green card. Knowing which ID to bring depends upon your method of travel (air, land, or sea). Voter's registration card, military ID, driver's license and social security cards are not considered valid forms of citizenship identification. For more information on the San Diego ‒ Tijuana border crossing, visit Smart Border Coalition.

When traveling by air between the U.S. and Canada, Mexico, the Caribbean or Bermuda, you are required to present a U.S. passport, except as noted below. This applies to everyone including newborns, infants and children.

  • The only exceptions to this requirement are for:
    • U.S. citizens on active duty with the U.S. Armed Forces, traveling with military ID and travel orders
    • U.S. citizen merchant mariners traveling in conjunction with maritime business, with U.S. issued Merchant Mariner Document
    • Travelers with a NEXUS card used at a NEXUS kiosk at Canadian Preclearance airports
    • U.S. Lawful Permanent Residents with a Permanent Resident Card or other evidence of permanent residence status and required documentation; refugees and asylees with a Refugee Travel Document
  • Special Travel Procedures for Children:
    • U.S. citizen children under age 16 arriving by sea from Canada, Mexico, Bermuda, or the Caribbean may present an original or certified copy of his or her birth certificate, Consular Report of Birth Abroad, or Certificate of Citizenship.
    • U.S. citizen children under age 16 arriving by land from Canada or Mexico may present an original or certified copy of his or her birth certificate, Consular Report of Birth Abroad, or Certificate of Citizenship.1
    • Groups of U.S. citizen children ages 16 through 18, when traveling with a school or religious group, social organization, or sports team, will be able to enter under adult supervision with originals or copies of their birth certificates or other proof of citizenship. See the Department of Homeland Security's GetYouHome.gov for more information on the changing travel requirements.

1 Source: U.S. Department of State

Passport holders from countries on Mexico's no visa required list do not need to apply for a formal visa to visit Mexico. The maximum period of time that a visitor may stay in Mexico without a formal visa is six months. Pedestrians crossing into Tijuana at the San Ysidro crossing need to complete a Mexico Visitor's Permit (FMM ‒ FREE if the trip is 7 days or less and you cross by land) and present a passport. This form will be provided by the airline or at the port of entry. You can also complete this form online here. If you travel beyond the 22 miles/35 km "free zone" after crossing a land border into Mexico you will need to pay a fee of around US $22. Your USA tourism visa is enough to return to the United States after visiting Mexico.

What documents do I need to travel to Baja California?

Mexican authorities require a valid U.S. or Canadian passport or a passport card to issue a tourist card (FMM).

Can I go to Baja Mexico without a passport?

If you are a U.S national, you may be looking up questions like “Do you need a passport to go to Baja California?” The answer is, yes. You will require a passport to travel to this Mexican state. While many people consider traveling by car, boat, train or bus, traveling by air is arguably the most convenient option.

Can I visit Baja California without a passport?

Citizens and Lawful Permanent Residents. When crossing the border back and forth between Baja and San Diego, you'll need to have a valid passport or other acceptable identification handy.

Can you cross the Mexican border with a birth certificate?

Children: U.S. citizen children ages 15 and under arriving by land or sea from a contiguous territory (Canada or Mexico) may present an original or copy of his or her birth certificate (issued by the Vital Records Department in the state where he or she was born), a Consular Report of Birth Abroad, or a Naturalization ...