Is a passport necessary to cross over the mexico border line from the United States and back?

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bajagurl

The answer to your question depends on how you are planning to cross the border. If you are flying, then yes - you definitely need a passport in order to travel back into the United States from Mexico. This is in effect currently.

In terms of driving, if you are a US citizen, you will need valid U.S. photo ID (such as a Driver's License) and a certified copy of your birth certificate. If you don't have an original certified copy of your birth certificate, there are services that can help you get one - including online. One such service is VitalChek.Com. I'll post their link below.

Other users will tell you that you don't need your birth certificate, or that they've never been asked for it. It is true that many people are not asked - for example, my husband and I have never been asked for it - but if you want to be safe and follow the law, here is the official paragraph from the US State Department (travel.state.gov):

"Land or sea travelers must have a valid U.S. passport (or U.S. citizenship documents such as a certified copy (not a simple photocopy or facsimile) of a U.S. birth certificate, a Naturalization Certificate, a Consular Report of Birth Abroad, or a Certificate of Citizenship are acceptable along with photo identification, such as a state or military issued ID). U.S. legal permanent residents in possession of their I-551 Permanent Resident card may board flights to the U.S. from Mexico."

So if you don't want to risk being barred from re-entry, you should bring those documents even though they may only ask to see your ID.

If you are planning a driving trip for next year (anytime from January 1, 2008 forward) you will probably also need passports for everyone in the car. The US passport office is extremely backlogged and it can take you up to six months to get your passport issued from the time of application, so if you don't already have a passport, you might want to think about applying for one now.

You will also need to carry Mexican auto insurance because your U.S. insurance does not cover Mexico (at least not usually - you should call to check). It is mandatory under Mexican law to have Mexican car insurance, and if you are pulled over or in an accident without it, you can end up in serious trouble - especially since people are presumed guilty until proven innocent with their legal system. Your car could be impounded on the spot, etc.

There are a ton of companies online and at the border that can offer you good insurance for a very decent price, and speaking from experience (we were rear-ended once in Mexico) it is very easy to work with the insurance companies as long as you report your claim while you are still in Mexico. We've used bajabound.com for years and have always been happy with the service.

Feel free to email me if you need more information!

â™¥Madisonâ™¥

yes you need a passport, go to mexicoÂ´s embassy to get it.

JEMJEM

I live in San Diego, California, and i cross over to Tijuana, Mexico, Otay Mesa, and Mexicali all the time without a passport, Just once in a blue moon that you go into revision when entering into Mexico, then that'll be the time when you would have to present your drivers license. When coming back into the U.S. you don't need a passport, just your drivers license if an American citizen, or your green card if a resident.

I know everyone says that the new law demands that you have a passport to enter U.S. soil from Mexico, but its not true. That rule will not take effect until January, 2008. It says so on the electronic bulletin boards at the border.

Charlie

Quick and easy...passports are required to FLY to Mexico, not to DRIVE. Between Jan and June of nest yr., they will be required for driving to Mexico too.

yucatan

Wait - No! You do Not have to have a passport to cross into Mexico and come back! Not until early 2008 if by land. If by air, you only have to have a receipt for having applied for a passport. This was because 17 million Americans applied for passports at the same time and they couldn't handle it. The tourism industry and all those voters had a fit, so they changed the rule. Its in a news bulletin on the passport site!

Due to longer than expected processing times for passport applications in the face of record-breaking demand, the federal government is making an accommodation for air travel. U.S. citizens traveling to Canada, Mexico, the Caribbean and Bermuda who have applied for but not yet received passports can temporarily enter and depart from the United States by air with a government issued photo identification and Department of State official proof of application for a passport through Sept. 30, 2007.

Drivers have until Jan 1, 2008 to get a passport. I know - I live there!!!

Mia

yeah it is.

nicoleyy baby xo

OMGG.yes.the mexicans mostly dont check but the americans sure as hell do!

steven g

If you are flying and you do not have a passport you may reenter the US with proof of application for a US passport. The restriction was temporarily lifted through 9/30/07. If you have an application on file with the State Dept. you can go to their website and print out the proof of application. You will also need your state issued ID and birth certificate.

Ya no estoy en Y!R por Facebook!

Yes it is necessary, if not anyone would enter US without being a legal citizen!!

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