what will happen if you go out of the U.S. without a passport?

Question

New U.S. regulations state that now one has to provide a passport when flying to Canada, Mexico, the Caribbean, and possibly other areas. Soon one will have to provide a passport to drive to Canada and Mexico as well. What will occur if one does not bring a passport? Will the other countries observe U.S. regulations and refuse to let U.S. citizens in? Or will the other countries let U.S. citizens in and we will have to deal with the problem at our border? If this is the case, will the U.S. refuse to let citizens back in if they can't provide a passport? Or is there some penalty, such as a fine? I am curious about how this will be implemented.

Obviously you won't be let out of the country if you fly or go on a cruise. But if you go by car, or walk across the border, will other countries care that you don't have a passport? Or, if not, what will the U.S. do upon your return?

Answer 1

It can be very difficult to return. You could be detained until your identification is known.

Generally, airlines will not allow you to board the plane without a valid passport and visa. This is the case now for other countries. New regulations just add Canada and Mexico to this list.

Answer 2

For international flights, most airline staff won't allow you to board if you do not have a vaild passport and visa (if applicable). So the odds of you even leaving the US via plane without a passport are pretty slim.

When driving across the US-Canada or US-Mexico border, border control could detain you, or refuse entry on either side. If you're found in foreign countries without the appropriate documentation (passport/visa) you can be deported (at your cost of course) and barred from entering the country for a set number of years. Not fun.

It's not the best idea to travel without a passport. Even if it's not required to cross the US-Canada or Mexico borders, it's best to have it with you.

Answer 3

You can't go out or into the US without a passport. The rules are being strictly inforced, and have even gotten tighter since 1/1. They won't even give you a boarding pass at the airport if you are trying to go international without a passport so you won't even get to security.
New rules will require all air travelers to the U.S. to have a passport by Jan. 23, including U.S. residents and citizens returning home by air from Canada, Mexico and the Caribbean.
It usually takes six to eight weeks to obtain a passport, or about two weeks if you're willing to pay for expedited service.
If you do want to obtain or renew a passport, you can get information online from the Travel Industry Association www.GetAPassportNow.com. The National Passport Information Center can be reached at 877-487-2778.

Answer 4

To correct some posters above

If flying by air after January 23, 2007 you will need a passport. After Jan 1st, 2008 you will either need a passport or a passcard.

Hopefully, all you will need is a passcard for land and sea except for cruises. This is supposed to be cheaper than passports.

If you work their. You will still be able to use what you have used in the past without any further ID.

Answer 5

Unless you leave by private carrier, such as a boat you own, you can't travel internationally without a passport. They don't let you leave. Unless you snuck into the country, they wouldn't let you in without one. Should you lose one overseas, you'd have to go to an American Embassy to get one.

Answer 6

Generally, US authorities will not let you leave the country without proper documentation. If airlines or the port authorities err, then the destination country will deport you anyways.

Answer 7

You can't not have a passport. They'll tell you "sorry" and you'll have to go home and get your passport

Answer 8

You have to show ID to get back in.
or you just jump the fence like the rest of the world does

Answer 9

simple, you can't go out of the country, and they tell you can't take the plane until you show them your passport