planning a vacation for late summer to Mexico.
What type of passport will I need to obtain, what is the cost and howl long will it take to get?
TIA

Yes you will need a passport.

quote:

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Since March 1, 2010, all U.S. citizens – including children – have been required to present a valid passport or passport card for travel beyond the “border zone” into the interior of Mexico.

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Times -

quote:

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ROUTINE SERVICE
As of ( Wednesday March 23, 2011 ), we are processing routine applications in approximately 4-6 weeks from the time of application.

EXPEDITED SERVICE
As of ( Wednesday March 23, 2011 ), we are processing requests for expedited service in about 2-3 weeks door-to-door, when overnight delivery is requested and paid for both ways (to and from the passport agency).

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Info here: http://travel.state.gov/passport/passport_1738.html

If you leave the US, get a passport.

There is really only "one" passport...there are passport "cards" but really only work for cruises and Canada (I believe).

There is no reason not to just have a passport - you nmay never know when you'll need it so go ahead and just get one.

Taking my Aggie kids to Cabo -AGAIN!!!!
Can't wait to soak up the sun, drinks on the beach, wave runners, etc. We won't be out at 3 am trying to rip off some mexican while we are making a drug deal!! We will be perfectly safe while enjoying Cabo! Whoop!

In late February, my wife got her new passport (post-marriage name change) in her hand in exactly 7 days from the day I dropped the application into the mail via USPS Express Overnight. The express service was worth the $60, IMO.

And on Mexico...we're headed to Secrets Maroma in 33 days. Some friends just got back from Cancun and said the only time they felt uncomfortable was when they got a sunburn on day 3.

express service is worth it only if you have something in less than 3 months. If not, then there is no need for it.

with that said, i had to get express service for extra pages as i leave in two months and have to get my passport into the brazilian consulate as well and I mailed it off yesterday for the pages.

someone cleaned this thread out of posts

I got mine last year in less than two weeks without using express service

It's all luck on how fast it is

I had let mine expire by mistake. Sent in my old one and got my new one in less than a month in February.

Had my stolen and got replacement in about 10 days, no express service

Don't forget your flak jacket too!

dodger02, post a follow-up when you return. my fiance and I are thinking of a similar trip.