Do You Need a Passport to Go to Cancun?

It’s that time of year again… To decide where you want to go for your annual 2-week vacation!

Maybe you’ve done a bit of Europe already and feel that Australia and Asia are too far in the grand scheme of things. You don’t want to stay in the US as you want some culture.

Mexico anyone?

So, you’ve just discovered the city of Cancun with its charming mix of turquoise seas and coral reefs. Its spicy cuisine, all-inclusive resorts, and vibrant nightlife. But do you need a passport to go to Cancun?

We’ll discuss the most important things you need to know before booking a trip to Cancun. Plus, we’ll also make a few recommendations on what not to miss!

So sit back, and enjoy my latest Cancun travel guide…

Do You Need a Passport To Go To Cancun?

Yes, you do need a passport to travel to Cancun. These days, if you wish to travel anywhere outside of the United States of America, then you must have a valid passport. Mexico is no exception. Not only do you need a valid passport, meaning that it is up to date and not expired. 

The other challenge about traveling to Cancun…

You will also need to ensure that it is valid for at least 180 days after the date you are due to arrive in Cancun. If this doesn’t happen, then it’s likely that you will not be able to pass through immigration, and you’ll have to return to your home country.

Cancun Travel FAQs

After learning that bit of information, you may be asking:

What If My Passport is Only Valid for Another Two Months?

If your passport is due to expire? Or will it have less than three months validity when you plan to take your trip?

There’s no way around it, I’m afraid…

Then you need to go through the process to renew it. It’s important to do so, as you cannot travel on an expired passport. Heck, you won’t even be able to check your bag or board the plane as the airlines will not accept it for any kind of international travel. 

What If My Federal ID Is Valid, But My Passport is Not?

If you were attempting to fly domestically, then that shouldn’t be a problem, as it is acceptable to fly on your valid government ID. Something like your driver’s license or U.S. Military ID Card will suffice when traveling domestically only.

 However, if you are booked to fly to Cancun or on any other international outward-bound flight, you will not be able to travel that way, and you need a valid passport to do so.

Unfortunate but true…

How Can I Renew My Passport?

You can renew your passport in a few different ways. First of all, you can do it all online. That includes filling in the paperwork, submitting the correct photos and identity documents, and even the payment. This is one of the easiest ways to do it, as you can fill it all out in your own time, at your own pace.

How long do you wait after that?

The regular time frame for this is 8 – 11 weeks. This is just for the passport request to be accepted and then created. It might take an added week or more for it to arrive due to shipping factors.

For more information, check out all the information for Online Passport Renewals. 

Passport Renewal By Mail

Yes, you can also do it by mail!

For complete step-by-step instructions, please visit the Passport Renewal By Mail page. You’ll need to make sure you qualify and then carefully fill out the paperwork in legible handwriting, printed from online sources. All of this, along with your new photo, current passport, and payment check, can then be sent in for processing.

Passport Renewal In Person

It is preferred that you renew passports either online or through the mail. However, there are some extenuating circumstances that call for applications to be made in person.

You can find all the info about it here. 

How Long Does It Take To Process And Get Sent Back To Me?

On average, the Travel State Gov website cites that it usually takes 8-11 weeks to process a routine passport renewal application. But it’s important to note that this does not include delivery times.

In a hurry?

If this time frame doesn’t fit in well with your travel schedule, then it’s possible to apply for it to be expedited. Expedited means that it will be processed in a quicker time frame. Instead of the regular 8-11 weeks, it will be done in 5-7 weeks. 

If you decide to go with the option to expedite, you will have to pay more during the application process. Currently, to get a passport renewal expedited, the fee stands at an extra $60. This is on top of the passport renewal fee. Again this does not include delivery time frames. 

However, you can also expedite the delivery of it by purchasing USPS’ Priority Mail Express for faster shipping of your application. And again, to get it returned in the same express manner, which will also need to be paid for by you.

What If I Need It Faster Than Expedited in 5 – 7 Weeks?

If you are traveling to Cancun within a 7-week timeframe and need your passport renewed to do so, you’ll be happy to know it is possible. It’s known as a non-emergency Urgent Travel request, and you will have to take some extra steps. This includes providing proof of your booked travel itinerary and making an appointment to apply for this, in person, with a passport agency. 

This kind of request cannot be made online or by mail application. 

A genuine emergency trip to Cancun?

Yes, there are also options to apply for an emergency passport for passage to Cancun, where you need to fly somewhere within 72 of a life-or-death emergency. Proof of it all will be needed, both the emergency and booked travel itinerary. And you’ll need to call and make an appointment with a specialized passport agency, as these types of appointments are limited. 

Is It Easy To Apply For A First Time Passport or a Passport Renewal?

Yes, it is. You can head to the Department of U.S Department of State – Bureau of Consular Affairs website, where they will provide you with all the information you will need to complete all types of passport applications. 

Is Cancun a Good Place To Travel?

Yes, it is! Cancun, Mexico, is widely known as a party city, mostly due to it being a popular place for spring break from the hundreds of US Universities. However, this decent of wild uni students only lasts for one to three weeks. And, of course, depends on the colleague’s exact spring break dates, which fall on a different week each year.

Usually, however, during the months of March and/or April. 

Apart From Spring Break Shenanigans, What Else Does Cancun Offer?

Cancun is home to beautiful beaches with clear turquoise waters and an abundance of coral reefs and sea life. There are many exciting and unique activities to do here, including visiting the MUSA, or speedboat adventures on the Nichupté Lagoon.

Looking for the real cultural experience of Cancun?

Well then, you can explore archeological sites like San Miguelito, where you can soak up some Mayan Culture. Visit beautiful ruins, go on a gastronomical adventure, and put your tastebuds on cloud 9!

Or, if you are in need of some serious rest and relaxation, simply enjoy one of the many choices of all-inclusive resorts and everything it has to offer.

Top Recommendations of What’s Not to Miss on Your Cancun Trip

Cancun Underwater Museum

The Museo Subacuático de Arte, or the Cancun Underwater Museum, is an underwater spectacle of man-size statues that you visit beneath the waves!

Choose from snorkeling or scuba diving packages and see them up close, submerging yourself underwater with the glorious fish and corals that have made the galleries their home. If getting wet isn’t your thing, you can also enjoy it from a glass-bottom boat. Very exciting, and there are four different galleries to explore. 

Speedboat Explorations

If you feel the need for speed, then brace yourself for some fast-track cruising around Nichupté Lagoon with its waters filled with fish and mangroves. You can drive yourself or have a professional do it all for you on an adrenaline-pumping tour. 

Mayan History and Culture

Is exploring ruins and trying to see through the lens of time more your thing? Then taking some time to explore the wondrous archeological sites with ruins and a look at their history will definitely satiate your desires.

There are three sites in operation, El Rey, El Meco, and San Miguelito, plus the Mayan Museum of Cancun, which is also worth a visit. 

Foodie’s Paradise

Choose from exciting Mexican restaurants, seafood, and raw bars. With Argentinian cuisine, Italian, Fusion, Japanese, Colombian, Brazilian, vegan, and so many more, Cancun might be small, but their love affair with food is mighty! 

All-Inclusive Resort Relaxation

If you are in need of some serious R & R, then we implore you to make the most of your all-inclusive resort. With private beaches, many bars and restaurants located on the properties, massage and spa treatments, sporting activities, kids clubs, and super comfy beds to sleep away the stresses, you can easily enjoy a quieter and more relaxed side to this exotic island location. 

Have More Queries Before You Travel?

If so, we’re here to help!

Need those passport photos in a hurry?

Well, check out our comprehensive answers to our readers’ travel questions, like Does Walgreens Do Passport Photos, Does CVS Take Passport Photos, Does Target Take Passport Photos, Does Costco Take Passport Photos, or Does Walmart Take Passport Photos?

Or find out for sure, Does Airbnb Run Background Checks, What Are The Best Places to Get Money Orders Near Me, and How Do You Cancel a USPS Passport Appointment?

We can even explain, Can A Felon Get A Passport in 2023?

Simply search our travel library for any last-minute travel queries you may have.

Right, back to today’s passport question…

Final Thoughts

Cancun really is a dream getaway destination and is a great choice for any type of vacation or chance to get away. You can choose to be adventurous in exploring the history, culture, and foods on offer. Or partake in adrenaline-spiking activities. And/or simply relax and enjoy the gorgeous waters and warmer temps that Mexico provides.

However, to get there, you will need an up-to-date passport with at least 3 months or 180 days of validity from the date of your arrival date.

Happy travels!