Traveling to Mexico from the US

This page is for immigrants in the United States planning a trip to Mexico — whether for a home-country visit, family event, business travel, or relocation. We summarize the current US State Department travel advisory, US embassy location in Mexico, and key bilateral context that affects re-entry to the US.

Current US travel advisory: Level 2 🟡

Status: Exercise increased caution Last updated: August 11, 2025 Official advisory page: https://travel.state.gov/en/international-travel/travel-advisories/mexico.html

US Embassy + diplomatic relations

The U.S. Department of State is making an unparallel investment in Mexico with four new consulates in Guadalajara, Hermosillo, Nogales, and Merida and a new embassy in Mexico City. With existing diplomatic mission in Ciudad Juarez, Matamoros, Tijuana, Monterrey, and Nuevo Laredo, this expanded physical presence in Mexico demonstrates the commitment to the important relationship with our neighbor. The new facilities offer expanded consular services and embody sustainability and climate resilience. They will be hubs for cultural and economic exchange between the U.S. and Mexico.

Learn more about Mission Mexico Facilities

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Re-entry to the US after visiting Mexico

US permanent residents (green-card holders):

  • Trips under 6 months: normal re-entry process at port of entry
  • Trips 6 months to 1 year: may face questioning about abandonment of LPR status
  • Trips over 1 year: green card considered abandoned — apply for SB-1 returning resident visa at US embassy in Mexico BEFORE returning
  • Apply for Re-entry Permit (Form I-131) BEFORE departing if trip will be 1-2 years
  • A criminal record now raises reentry risk: after Blanche v. Lau (Supreme Court, June 2026), a border officer needs only a “reason to believe” you committed a crime involving moral turpitude — not clear and convincing proof — to treat you as seeking admission. With any conviction, pending charge, or arrest, consult an immigration attorney before you travel.

TPS holders, asylum applicants, DACA recipients:

  • MUST apply for Advance Parole (Form I-131) BEFORE leaving the US
  • Returning without Advance Parole may abandon your application/status
  • Some TPS holders may not be eligible for Advance Parole — consult attorney

US citizens:

  • US passport required (valid 6+ months past entry date in most countries)
  • Mexico visa: check with Mexico’s embassy in the US — many countries waive visa for US citizens or issue visa on arrival

Last verified: 2026-05-27. General procedural information — not legal or travel advice. Travel advisories change frequently; verify at travel.state.gov before planning. Mexico entry requirements change too; verify with Mexico’s embassy or consulate before traveling.

Re-entry deadlines, fees, and contacts (2025-2026)

USCIS Form I-131 (Application for Travel Document) covers Advance Parole for TPS holders, asylum applicants, and DACA recipients. Filing fee: approximately $630 for paper; biometrics are included in the filing fee (USCIS removed the separate biometric services fee in 2024). Processing time: approximately 5-8 months for routine; emergency expedite available via USCIS Contact Center 1-800-375-5283 with documentation of urgent humanitarian need.

Re-entry Permit (Form I-131): approximately $630 for LPRs planning trips of 1-2 years (biometrics included in the filing fee). SB-1 Returning Resident Visa: approximately $180 application fee at US embassy abroad, required if LPR absent more than 1 year without I-131 Re-entry Permit. The 3-year and 10-year unlawful-presence bars under INA 212(a)(9)(B) apply to individuals who accrued 180+ days or 1+ year of unlawful presence before departing — consult an AILA-member immigration attorney BEFORE traveling if you have any prior unlawful presence.

The State Department’s Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) at step.state.gov is free; US citizens and LPRs can enroll for the country they’re visiting to receive emergency alerts and assist embassy contact if needed. US Embassy emergency line for US citizens abroad: 1-888-407-4747 (from US/Canada) or +1-202-501-4444 (from overseas, 24/7).

For passport services: routine US passport processing 8-11 weeks ($165 fee), expedited 3-5 weeks (+$60), emergency in-person life-or-death (~2 weeks). Children under 16 require both-parent consent (Form DS-3053 if one parent absent). The DS-160 (nonimmigrant visa) and DS-260 (immigrant visa) are separate State Department systems — not used for US passports.

For port-of-entry processes (wait times, I-94 retrieval), use bwt.cbp.gov or CBP’s CBP Link app — the former CBP One app was discontinued in January 2025. Global Entry interview by appointment ($120 since October 2024, 5-year membership). Verify all current fees at travel.state.gov before paying.