Traveling to Mexico by Land / Sea and Air
Passports Required to Return to the United States for US Citizens
ATTENTION: Effective June 1, 2009 all US citizens will be required to hold a US passport to re-enter the United States by land, sea or air. This is the final stage of the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative. (WHTI) Verbal declarations of citizenship and multiple forms of identification (driver license and birth certificate) will no longer be accepted effective June 1, 2009.
What was initiated by the Bush administration as a reaction to 9/11incident the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative requires all citizens to hold a valid passport to return to the United States.
At the initiation of the program about 20% of US citizens held passports, the lowest of any industrialized nation, including communist China. Nearly a decade after the plan was enacted only 30% of citizens now hold passports. More aptly called the Western Hemisphere ANTI-Travel initiative this policy has dramatically hurt the Mexican travel industry nationwide and here in Baja. It now costs the average family of four $320 more just to plan to go to Mexico. A cross-border jaunt for bargain shopping has been made financially impossible for nearly 70% of Americans.
Traveling with minors to Mexico
Children must also have valid passports when traveling to Mexico to return to the United States.
It is very important to note that when one parent is traveling with a minor child that parent must have signed AND NOTARIZED documents indicating that the parent not present agrees to allow the child to enter Mexico. This has been enacted to prevent separated parents from 'friendly abduction' of a child and fleeing to Mexico. The Mexican government is very strict about enforcement of these rules, do not expect exceptions.
Crossing U.S. Borders – Updated June 1, 2009
U.S. Border Crossing Requirements Have Changed- Make sure you are compliant today!
Simplify your travel checklist!
Starting June 1, 2009, U.S. citizens returning home from Canada, Mexico, the Caribbean or Bermuda, by land or sea, are required to present one of the travel documents listed below.
U.S. Passport – This is an internationally recognized travel document that verifies a person’s identity and nationality. It is accepted for travel by air, land and sea.
U.S. Passport Card – This is a new, limited-use travel document that fits in your wallet and costs less than a
U.S. Passport. It is only valid for travel by land and sea.
Enhanced Driver’s License (EDL) – Several states
and Canadian provinces are issuing this driver’s license
or identification document that denotes identity and citizenship. It is specifically designed for cross-border travel into the U.S. by land or sea.
Trusted Traveler Program Cards – NEXUS, SENTRI or FAST enrollment cards can speed your entry into the U.S. and are issued only to pre-approved, low-risk travelers. The cards are valid for use at land or sea; the NEXUS card can be used in airports with a NEXUS kiosk.
Special Groups – Information for Children, Groups of Children, Native Americans, "Closed Loop" Cruises, U.S. Lawful Permanent Residents, U.S. Military, Merchant Mariners, Ferries and Small Boats, and Boaters.
Knowing what documents are required and having them ready when you return home will help streamline the entry process and ensure your return to the U.S. is as smooth
as possible.
Lawful Permanent Residents
Air Travel
All travelers including children must present a passport or secure travel document when entering the United States by air.
Land/Sea Travel
Lawful permanent residents may continue to present their Form I-551, Permanent Resident Card. More information available at CBP.gov.
Citizens from Other Countries
Air Travel
All international visitors regardless of country of origin must present a passport or secure document when entering the United States by air.
US-VISIT biometric procedures apply to international travelers holding a non-U.S. passport or visa with these limited exceptions. Find out how US-VISIT works.
Land/Sea Travel
Canadian Citizens - Beginning June 1, 2009
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US-VISIT biometric procedures may apply to some Canadian citizens. Find out if US-VISIT applies to you.
All Others
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Travel Document Requirements - Visitors Traveling Under the Visa Waiver Program International travelers entering the United States under the Visa Waiver Program need to present an e-Passport if their passport was issued on or after October 26, 2006.
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US-VISIT. Entry and exit process for visitors requiring a visa, using biometrics such as digital fingerscans and digital photographs, to ensure the person crossing our border is the same person who received the visa.
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ESTA Internet-based Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) to screen Visa Waiver Program (VWP) applicants prior to traveling to the United States.
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e-Passports. The United States requires that travelers entering the United States under the Visa Waiver Program have an e-Passport if their passport was issued on or after October 26, 2006.
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Travel For Non-U.S. Citizens (CBP) Information for visitors to the United States that are visiting for the purpose of working, studying, business travel or immigration.
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More information available at www.getyouhome.gov.