By Mel Candea
You always forget something when you plan a big trip. It could be your cell charger, the credit card that has plenty of room left, or something much more important: renewing your passport.
Types
Mexican passports come in three different time frames: one, five and ten years. If it expires on a trip, you can get an emergency passport within a day, or go to the local Mexican consulate.
Identification
Take a copy of your birth certificate or another official Mexican document to the airline, to find out if they'll let you fly back home. Canada and the U.S. allow these trips, but other countries may not.
Time Frame
Getting the emergency passport shouldn't take more than a day or two. If you have time, get an appointment at the Mexican consulate to renew your passport before your trip. Some consulates are over-booked and have a waiting list for five to six months; others can process within 24 hours.
Warning
You run the risk of deportation if you don't go to your consulate or the embassy within that country before trying to travel. Most countries won't let you in without a valid passport.
Americans to Mexico
Americans and Canadians looking to travel into Mexico will need up-to-date passports, even for a day trip. It's for getting back in the U.S., not getting into Mexico. Mexican citizens may qualify for another type of border-crossing ID to get into the U.S.
Resources
About the Author:
Mel Candea has been writing for 15 years, with a B.L.A. acquired in-between. She has been published in several magazines, including "Harriet" and "Everyguys." Her online work has been extensive, with experience in copywriting, creative writing and researching.
