If I drive into Mexico, would I need a passport if I continued on into Central and South American countries?

Question

I want to drive all the way down to San Jose, South America.

Answer 1

Yes.

Answer 2

Yes, you will need a passport for any country south of Mexico. You can enter Mexico with a certified copy of your birth certificate or your DD214. You will be able to get a tourist visa for up to six months for that country. You will also need insurance to drive in that country and it will have to be from a Mexican-approved agency. If you have an accident in Mexico without insurance, you will be held in jail and your vehicle will be impounded until the accident investigation verifies who is at fault. You may not get the vehicle back if any of the police take a liking to it. To go into any country south of Mexico, you will need a passport. I know nothing about the legalities of taking a car farther than that country. Additonally, you will need proof of ownership of the vehicle with you at all times. Don't worry about your plates expiring in Mexico. I've seen American plates there that were five to ten years out of date and the drivers never caught any flack.

I lived and worked in Mexico for three years and became fluent in Spanish while there. What I tell you is what I know to be fact.

Good luck on your trip!

Answer 3

As a travel agent, I would strongly recommend having a passport for any situation. Due to the fact that driver licenses and birth certificates are easily forged, a passport is most accepted as official proof that you are a citizen of your country. Also on a road trip like this I would also suggest mapping out your trip and studying your destination’s domestic stability. It would really suck if you end up in an area you are not familiar with and is known for violence against other people especially if you look like you have lots of money.

It’s best to have two copies also just in case you lose one. Other wise you are in for a difficult time getting a new one.

Also off the subject again, I would really recommend buying travel insurance and also ID theft insurance that will cover overseas/international trips.

Road trips are awesome so I hope you have a great time and take lots of pictures!

Answer 4

Unfortunately, you need a passport to cross any international boundary in the world, including into Mexico. A passport is any country's way of saying "I recognize that this person is actually my citizen, and isn't just wandering about under no authority."

Answer 5

You have to have a passport to get into Mexico and to get back into the United States. If you don't have a passport you have to have something that proves that you are a US Citzen. Like your birth certificate, Social Security Card, Voters Registation Card, or sometimes they will let you use you Driver's License or ID.

Answer 6

You will need your passport to go into Mexico regardless. As of December 31, 2007 you'll need a passport anytime you leave the states I believe.

Answer 7

Given the nature of the world today you should carry your passport anytime you leave the states. I don't believe you will need it to pass through into Mexico, but you will definitely need it to pass through South America.

Answer 8

yes, good luck even getting into mexico without a passport. I don't think you can.

Answer 9

the answer is yes - check this link for entry requirements for any country you are going to. also make sure your car insurance is recognized by the country you are going. mexico, for one, does not recognize us car insurance.

http://travel.state.gov/travel/tips/brochures/brochures_1229.html

Answer 10

Yes you do. You have to have one to get back IN the USA as well.