When you’re planning on taking a trip to Mexico, then visiting Cancun is probably high on your list of places you’d most like to visit. With beautiful scenery and plenty of activities to do, what’s not to love?
Cancun in particular is one of the most breathtaking coastal areas, and will surely give you a trip to remember forever.
When planning a trip to Cancun, then there’s probably a whole host of different questions that you’ll be asking yourself, one of the most important ones being, will I require a passport?
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Will I Need A Passport To Fly To Cancun?
Will you be required to show a passport before flying to Cancun? The simple answer is yes, you will need your passport when you fly to Cancun.
However, there are some additional requirements that you’ll need to adhere to before flying to this destination.
Along with your passport, you’ll need to bring some extra documentation with you too.
What Kind Of Documents Will I Need To Bring Before Traveling To Cancun?
Before you fly to Cancun, there will be some additional documents that you’ll need to bring with you before you travel.
The type of documentation that you’ll be required to bring will depend on the way in which you’re traveling, be that by plane or by boat.
Traveling By Boat
If you’re planning on taking a cruise, and Cancun is one of the stops along the way, there are some important things you’ll need to bring with you.
Although most people opt to travel by plane, those of you who want to take in the sights and travel by boat will need to make sure that you have a form of identification on your person.
This can be any kind of valid ID, including your passport, or a driver’s license, alongside some evidence of your American citizenship, such as a birth certificate.
The reason why you don’t have to worry too much about documentation while traveling on a cruise is because of the ‘closed loop’ policy.
This essentially means that because you’re not actually walking around in Mexico, but instead are situated on the boat, you’re just departing and then returning to the same boat.
In other words, you’re not actually visiting there.
Make sure to double-check this with your cruise provider beforehand, however, just in case you will need to bring along any extra items.
If you are planning on taking your own boat, there will be some additional items to bring along. These include your FMM, which you’ll receive at the harbor, along with a boating permit.
These permits are provided by the Embassy of Mexico, which you can find more information about online.
If you don’t have a permit, you can end up with a hefty fine, so make sure that it’s all sorted out before you depart.
Traveling By Plane
Now that we’ve covered the items you’ll be required to take while traveling by boat, now let’s take a look at some of the things you’ll need to take when you’re flying.
If you plan on flying, as we mentioned briefly above, you’ll need to make sure that you have your passport with you.
This is the most important item to carry in your handbag. Make sure that it is in a booklet format because they won’t accept the card alone.
As well as this, although it seems obvious, make sure that it’s within date and won’t have expired by the time of your flight.
There is another piece of documentation that you’ll need to complete before you fly to Cancun, but don’t worry, the airport itself will provide you with this.
They will give you a form to complete called an FMM (Forma Migratoria Múltiple), which is also known as a Multiple Immigration Form.
These are usually handed out just before, or during your flight. Both children and adults are required to fill out these forms, which aren’t too difficult to fill in.
Make sure that during your stay, you keep this paperwork safe for the duration. You’ll be required to present your forms when you leave too, so if you lose them, it could cause some problems.
Will I Need A Visa For Cancun?
If you’re traveling to Cancun and are wondering if you’ll be required to bring a visa, the simple answer is no, you’re not required to bring one if you’re there for less than 6 months.
If however, you’re planning on being in the country for over 6 months, then you’ll need to make sure that you’ve made all of the necessary arrangements beforehand.
Bear in mind that there are different visas for different purposes.
For example, if you’re planning to get a job and work in Cancun, then you’ll need to make sure that you’ve applied for the correct visa.
What to see in Cancun
Final Thoughts
When visiting Cancun by plane, you’ll need to make sure you bring along a valid and in-date passport.
As well as this, you’ll be required to fill out an FMM form at the airport. Keep this document safe throughout your stay, as you’ll need to present it at the end of your journey.
This may help if you are wondering what you need to pack for Cancun
I have been traveling around the world by air since the early 70s and living overseas too. I worked for British Airways for a number of years and I am also a private pilot. About Me