Cancun Trip — April 29–May 3, 2027
Passport Instructions
Everything you need to know about getting or renewing your passport before the Cancun trip. Read this carefully — your passport is your ticket to travel.
Important deadline: We recommend applying or renewing your passport no later than January 2027. Processing can take 6–8 weeks — don't wait until the last minute.
First Things First — Do You Have a Valid Passport?
To travel to Mexico, every traveler must have a valid U.S. passport book. A passport card is NOT accepted for international air travel. If you don't have one yet, or yours is expiring soon, now is the time to take action. Processing times can be longer than you expect, and we don't want anything standing between you and this trip.
The Basics
What You Need to Know
Your passport must be valid at time of entry
Our trip runs April 29 – May 3, 2027. That means your passport must be valid through at least April 29, 2027. Check your expiration date right now. If it expires before then, you need to renew.
You need a passport BOOK — not a passport card
Passport cards are only valid for land and sea travel to Canada, Mexico, the Caribbean, and Bermuda. For international air travel, you must have a passport book. If you only have a card, you will need to apply for a book.
The name on your passport must match your airline ticket exactly
When you book your flight, make sure the name you use matches your passport exactly — including middle names if they appear on your passport. Even small differences can cause problems at check-in or customs.
Apply or renew as early as possible
Standard processing currently takes 4–6 weeks. Expedited processing is faster (2–3 weeks) but costs an additional fee. Given our April 2027 travel dates, we recommend applying or renewing no later than January 2027 — earlier is always better.
Step by Step
How to Apply or Renew
Gather your documents
You'll need proof of U.S. citizenship (birth certificate or current passport), a government-issued photo ID (driver's license), a completed passport application form (DS-11 for new applicants, DS-82 for renewals), and a passport photo.
Get a passport photo
Passport photos must meet specific U.S. government requirements — 2x2 inches, plain white background, taken within the last 6 months. Many pharmacies (CVS, Walgreens) and shipping stores (UPS, FedEx) offer passport photos for a small fee.
Submit your application
New applicants must apply in person at a passport acceptance facility (many post offices, libraries, and courthouses). Renewals that qualify can be submitted by mail. Visit travel.state.gov to find the nearest location and confirm which form applies to you.
Pay the fees
As of 2025, a new adult passport book costs $130 (application fee) + $35 (execution fee) = $165 total. Renewal by mail is $130. Expedited processing adds $60. Fees are subject to change — confirm current fees at travel.state.gov.
Track your application
Once submitted, you can check your passport status online at travel.state.gov or by calling the National Passport Information Center. Keep your application receipt — you'll need it to track your status.
Pro Tips
A Few Extra Tips
Make copies of your passport
Before you travel, make two copies of the photo page of your passport. Leave one copy with a trusted person at home and keep one copy packed separately from your actual passport. Also take a photo of it on your phone.
Keep your passport safe while traveling
Use the in-room safe at the resort to store your passport when you're not using it. You'll need it at check-in and when returning to the U.S., but you don't need to carry it to the pool or beach.
U.S. Customs Declaration Form
When returning to the U.S., you'll complete a Customs Declaration Form on the plane or at the airport kiosk. It's simple — just declare any items you're bringing back. Ann will walk the group through this before departure.
Questions? Ask Ann
If you're unsure about anything — whether your passport qualifies, how to apply, or what to bring — reach out to Ann directly. She's helped many first-time international travelers through this process and is happy to help.
Ready to Check Your Passport Status?
Visit the official U.S. Department of State website to apply, renew, check processing times, find a passport acceptance facility near you, and track your application.
Ready to secure your spot on the trip? Request your reservation here.