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Passport FAQs · Checked October 2026
Renew recommends a passport book for every patient and companion. Here's what each traveler needs, and how quickly you can get a passport.
The same rules apply to your companion.
Border rules are set by U.S. and Mexican authorities and can change. Check the official requirements before you book your flight.
You cross the border by land in both directions. Renew recommends a U.S. passport book or passport card. For the land crossing, you can also bring your original birth certificate or a certified copy along with your state-issued photo ID.
Sources: U.S. State Department, Mexico country information; U.S. Customs and Border Protection, Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative; CBP, WHTI FAQs. Checked October 2026.
A U.S. passport book. You fly in and out of Cancún, and a passport card can't be used for air travel. The same applies if you fly into the Tijuana airport.
Bring your permanent resident card (green card) to return to the U.S., and a valid passport from your country of citizenship to enter Mexico. Mexico sets its own entry rules by nationality, so check with the Mexican consulate if you're unsure.
A passport is required for Canadian, European, Australian, New Zealand and other non-U.S. citizens. If you travel through San Diego, you also need to be allowed back into the U.S. on your way home, so check whether you need a U.S. visa or travel authorization for your nationality.
Traveling from Canada →U.S. passport processing times and fees.
| Service | Processing time |
|---|---|
| Routine | 4 to 6 weeks |
| Expedited (extra $60) | 2 to 3 weeks |
| Urgent travel | An appointment at a passport agency, with proof of international travel within 14 calendar days |
Times change through the year. Apply as soon as you have a surgery date.
Source: U.S. State Department, processing times. Checked October 2026.
| First-time adult | Total |
|---|---|
| Passport book | $165 ($130 application + $35 acceptance fee) |
| Passport book, expedited | $225 (adds $60) |
| Passport card | $65 ($30 application + $35 acceptance fee) |
Renewals and other cases have different fees.
Source: U.S. State Department, passport fees. Checked October 2026.
Get the book if you can. It works for land and air travel. The card is cheaper, but it only works at land borders and seaports, so you can't use it to fly to Cancún or the Tijuana airport.
The application is free and takes a few minutes. No obligation.
