Cancun Airport's Mobile Passport: What You Need To Know

Cancun International Airport has introduced a new electronic immigration system, allowing US passport holders to scan their way into Cancun for faster immigration. The new system includes self-service kiosks and electronic passport control machines. This means that passengers can skip the traditional immigration line and head straight to the kiosks to scan their passports, get their photo taken, and collect a QR code receipt. This new system has simplified the immigration arrival process, making it faster and more efficient for travellers.

Cancun Airport now has e-Gates for faster immigration

Cancun International Airport has introduced e-Gates to streamline the immigration process and enhance security amid a surge in tourist numbers. The new system allows eligible travellers to scan their way into Cancun, reducing wait times and improving the overall travel experience.

E-Gates are self-service kiosks that eligible travellers can use upon arrival at Cancun Airport. The kiosks speed up ID checks and provide a more touchless experience for travellers.

Who can use the e-Gates?

The e-Gates are currently available for holders of valid passports arriving from the United States, Canada, and other low-risk countries. To use the e-Gates, travellers must be over 18 and non-Mexican citizens.

To use the e-Gates, travellers need to follow these steps:

• Carry a machine-readable biometric passport.
• Remove any accessories that may obstruct the biometric scan, such as sunglasses or headwear.
• Open the passport to the page containing the photo and personal details.
• Step onto the foot-shaped marker on the floor.
• Place the passport and boarding pass on the scanner and look at the screen.

The e-Gates offer several advantages:

• Reduced wait times: The digital border can process information in just 30 seconds, significantly shortening immigration queues.
• Streamlined airport transfers: With faster immigration clearance, travellers can proceed to baggage claim and airport transfers more efficiently.
• Improved passenger satisfaction: The e-Gates address previous issues with crowding and long wait times at Cancun Airport, enhancing the overall travel experience.
• Increased security: The electronic immigration system strengthens security at the external Mexican border by allowing authorities to manage the influx of travellers more effectively.

For travellers who opt for the traditional immigration process or are ineligible for the e-Gates, there are still manual options available. The manual process involves filling out a "Tourist Card" or "Migration Form for Tourists" upon arrival or in advance online. This process is generally slower and may involve longer queues.

Tips for a smooth e-Gate experience:

• Ensure your passport is valid and biometric.
• Have your boarding pass ready, as it is required for the e-Gate process.
• Follow the instructions at the kiosk carefully to avoid delays.
• Keep your receipt with the QR code safe, as it may be required upon departure.

The introduction of e-Gates at Cancun Airport marks a significant step towards modernising the immigration process and enhancing the overall travel experience for visitors. By reducing wait times and streamlining procedures, Cancun continues to establish itself as a leading tourist destination, offering a seamless arrival process for travellers from around the world.

The e-Gates are available in Terminals 3 and 4

Cancun Airport has introduced a new electronic passport control system, with e-Gates now available in Terminals 3 and 4. This system is designed to speed up ID checks and enhance security at the external Mexican border, particularly as the number of inbound travellers continues to increase. The e-Gates in Terminals 3 and 4 offer a self-service option for eligible travellers, reducing wait times and improving the overall airport experience.

To use the e-Gates, travellers must be over 18 and non-Mexican citizens. The process involves scanning your passport, having your photo taken, and collecting a receipt with a QR code. It is important to retain this receipt, as it may be requested upon departure from Mexico. While the e-Gates provide a faster and more streamlined option, they are not always operational, and travellers may still need to use the traditional immigration lines.

The e-Gates are part of a series of improvements at Cancun Airport, including construction on the main boulevard connecting the airport to Downtown Cancun, which has helped reduce traffic congestion. These developments aim to enhance the overall travel experience for the growing number of visitors to Cancun.

You need a machine-readable biometric passport to use the e-Gates

Cancun International Airport (CUN) has introduced an electronic passport control system, which is currently only available in Terminals 3 and 4. This system requires travellers to have a machine-readable biometric passport to use the e-Gates.

A machine-readable passport (MRP) is a type of travel document that contains an identity page with optically recognisable characters, allowing computers with cameras and suitable software to directly read the information. The International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) requires all ICAO member states to issue MRPs, standardising the format to include the document type, name, document number, nationality, date of birth, sex, and expiration date.

Biometric passports contain an electronic chip that holds the same information printed on the passport's data page, including the holder's name, date of birth, and other biographic details, as well as a biometric identifier such as a digital photograph. This chip enables faster processing of arriving passengers and greater accuracy in data reading and matching against immigration databases and watchlists.

To use the electronic passport control machines at Cancun Airport, travellers must scan their machine-readable biometric passport, have their photo taken, and collect a receipt with a QR code, which must be retained for departure from Mexico. This system simplifies the immigration process, making it more efficient and secure for travellers entering the country.

You must be 18 or over and not a citizen of Mexico

Cancun International Airport has introduced a new electronic passport control system to streamline the immigration process and enhance security. This system involves the use of e-gates or self-service kiosks that allow eligible travellers to scan their passports and expedite their entry into Mexico.

The e-gates are currently available only in Terminals 3 and 4 for travellers who are 18 years or older and are not citizens of Mexico. To use the e-gates, individuals must hold a valid passport from a country that does not require a visa for entry into Mexico. It is important to note that green cards, student visas, and work permits are not considered passports. Additionally, the passport should be machine-readable and biometric.

Upon arrival at the e-gate, individuals are required to follow specific steps for successful scanning. This includes removing any accessories that may obstruct the biometric scan, such as sunglasses or headwear. The passport should be open to the information page displaying the photo and personal details. Standing on the foot-shaped marker, travellers should then place their passport and boarding pass on the scanner and look at the screen in front of them.

It is crucial to ensure that your passport remains valid throughout your stay in Mexico. If your passport expires before or during your trip, it is mandatory to renew it before travelling. For passports expiring shortly after your visit, it is advisable to check with your airline regarding their policies on accepting expiring passports for travel to Mexico.

In addition to a valid passport, all international visitors, except those from the USA, are required to fill out a "Migration Form for Tourists, Transmigrants, Visiting Businesspersons, or Visiting Consultants," commonly known as a Tourist Card. This form can be obtained from travel agencies, airlines, or at the point of entry into Mexico. Alternatively, it can be completed online in advance to expedite the immigration process further.

You will get a printed slip of paper to keep until you fly out

Cancun International Airport has introduced a new electronic immigration system to speed up ID checks and increase security. This means that eligible travellers can now use self-service kiosks to scan their way into Cancun. This process is available for travellers arriving from the United States, Canada, or other low-risk departure points.

The e-Gates are located on the left-hand side of the passport control area and are currently only available in Terminals 3 and 4. To use the e-Gates, travellers must be 18 years or older and must not be citizens of Mexico.

Here's what you need to do:

• Obtain a printed slip of paper: After entering and scanning your passport, you will need to wait for your photo to be taken. Following this, you will receive a receipt with a QR code that you need to retain until your departure from Mexico. This slip of paper is important, so keep it safe during your entire trip.
• No need to fill anything online: Contrary to what some travellers believe, there is no need to fill out any forms online while you are in Mexico. Simply hold on to your QR code receipt until your departure.
• Keep the slip until you fly out: When you are leaving Cancun, you will need to offer this slip of paper at the departure gate. It is recommended to keep your slip with your passport in a safe place so that you don't lose it.
• No stamp required: When using the e-Gates, you will not receive a stamp on your passport. The printed slip of paper serves as proof of your legal entry into Mexico.

By following these steps and keeping the printed slip of paper until your departure, you can ensure a smooth and efficient experience when travelling through Cancun International Airport.

Frequently asked questions