Before your family boards your flight or during the flight to Cancun, each of you will be given a tourist card to fill out. This card must be completed prior to landing in Cancun and should be kept with your airline tickets at all times during your travels. On this form, you'll need to write your name, address, passport number, where you'll be staying in Mexico, your arrival and departure dates, and other information that's relevant to your trip. Ultimately, you will need to present this card upon entering and exiting the country. More information about Cancun International Airport can be found online at www.cancun-airport.com.

Also during your flight from the United States to Cancun, you'll be provided with a customs form to fill out prior to landing. This completed form will be handed to the customs agent when you arrive in Cancun. To avoid unnecessary delays, be sure the form is fully and accurately completed. If you need assistance, ask your flight attendant.

United States citizens can enter into Cancun without a U.S. passport as long as they present a birth certificate and a government-issued photo ID (such as a valid driver's license). Ideally, a passport should be presented as you go through immigration at the airport upon your arrival to Cancun. A visa is not required for American citizens to enter into Cancun (or any part of Mexico). As you go through immigration, you may be asked several questions, such as the purpose of your trip and how long you'll be staying.

Once you've gone through immigration, you will be directed to baggage claim to collect your luggage. It's important to have your luggage claim tags ready. (These are provided when you check it at the airport prior to your departure.) With your luggage in hand, you'll then go through customs and ultimately be directed to the area of the airport where you can meet ground transportation to take you to your hotel or resort. The length of this whole process ranges from thirty to ninety minutes, depending on crowds.