Whether you need a visa or just a tourist permit or card (FMT) depends on the purpose of your visit to Mexico. If you intend to visit Mexico simply as a tourist, you may require a tourist card depending upon which place you are visiting and how long you intend to stay. Getting a tourist card is extremely easy as you can have it within minutes from an authorized agency. U.S. and Canadian passport holders do not need a tourist card if the visit lasts not more than 72 hours and is within the limits of a "border zone" or tourist corridor established by the Mexican government. A border zone may vary a little from one Mexican border state to another; however, it is an area south of the U.S. border down about 20 to 30 km into Mexico. The tourist corridors in Mexico are Tijuana, Ensenada, Sonoyta, Puerto Penasco, Cuidad Juarez, Paquime, Piedras Negras, Santarosa, and Reynosa, China, Presa el Cuchillo.

In case you intend to travel south of any of the above corridors, or south of Mexicali on Highway 5, you must procure a tourist card. Those who are not citizens of the US or Canada should get in touch with the Mexican consulate for the most current requirements. A tourist must keep it in mind that in the case of Baja California he/she can take the vehicle to the end of the peninsula without a vehicle permit, but must possess a tourist card if he/she plans to travel south of Maneadero.

The types of ID and documentation required for U.S. and Canadian citizens are proof of citizenship and photo identification to present to the Mexican officials for them to issue the appropriate entry document. A passport is always welcome, which can make the process faster and easier. You can also bring with your photo ID your original or certified birth certificate, naturalization certificate, consular report of birth abroad, and certificate of citizenship. The types of photo ID considered to be valid are driver's license, and military ID. Canadian citizens may present the Canadian ID Card. Citizens of another country and traveling to Mexico from the U.S. will be required to show their valid passports and US Alien Registration Cards to the Mexican authorities.

If a minor aged below 18 travels with only one parent or another person it is required to carry a notarized letter signed by the absent parent(s) declaring that the minor is permitted to travel with whomever they are traveling. If the parents are divorced, proof of sole and physical custody must be presented. If one parent is no more, a death certificate is needed.

If you are entering Mexico by road, you can obtain your tourist card from an immigration office at a Mexico border crossing point. You can get it from Mexican consulates, a few Mexican tourism offices, border zone airports, airlines flying to Mexico, and other ports. Tourist cards are priced at just above US $20 and can be issued for up to 180 days. It is better to have your card valid for 180 days even if you don't plan on staying that long. It will spare you the hassle of extending your card later if you stay longer.

You should never forget to have the card stamped by Mexican officials and keep it in a safe place. Write down your tourist card number separately so that you can submit it to the immigration officials if you lose your actual card.