Do I need a US passport to travel to Mexico or Canada?
Yes, you need a passport to travel to any foreign country. The days of being able to go to Canada and Mexico without a passport are long past. Check this: How to Apply for a Passport from the U.S. State Department. As of April 2019, the following information applies to visiting/returning from Canada: Entry into Canada: Canadian law requires that all persons entering Canada carry both proof of citizenship and proof of identity. A valid U.S. passport, passport card, or NEXUS card satisfies these requirements for U.S. citizens. Children under 16 need only present proof of U.S. citizenship. Entry into the United States: When traveling by air from Canada, U.S. citizens are required by U.S. law to present a U.S. passport book. A few exceptions to this rule exist and a full list of documents that can be used at land and sea borders are provided on the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) website. As of April 2019, the following information applies to entering Mexico: Visit the Mexican National Institute of Migrations (Instituto Nacional de Migracin, INM) website (Spanish only) or the Embassy of Mexico in Washington, D.C., for the most current entry, exit, and visa requirements. U.S. citizens should be aware that a valid passport book is required to enter Mexico by air, and that those attempting to enter at an airport with a U.S. passport card only may be denied admission. If you enter Mexico by land and plan to travel beyond the immediate border area (approximately 20 kilometers into Mexico) you must stop at an INM office at the port of entry to obtain an entry permit (Forma Migratoria Multiple or FMM), even if not explicitly directed to do so by Mexican officials. You must present a valid passport in order to receive the entry permit. You may be asked to present your passport and valid entry permit at immigration checkpoints on your route of travel. For more information, visit the INM website (Spanish only). If you enter by sea, review the Mexican boating permit requirements prior to travel or contact the Embassy of Mexico in Washington, D.C. for more information.