Do you need a passport to travel to Mexico and the Caribbean?

American citizen

YES and it will cost u.
contact local post office to find nearest office for passport.

Yes, starting in 1/23/07 you need a passport when traveling by air

Sign up early as I hear the process takes quite a while!!

i think so because im goin to mexico this summer and i was told to get a passport for the plane

You need a passport NOW if you are going to FLY. If you are traveling by LAND or SEA, you do not need a passport until after SUMMER 2008. See website below and read top half of the page carefully for CURRENT info. If you are going on a cruise , that begins and ends in the u.S., you do not need a passport now. However, some cruise lines want theri passengers to have passports so it is wise to call and ask them. See 2nd websie for all passport info.

You need a passport any time you reenter the United States. Go to your local post office and ask for the application form and inquire about what you else you need.