Is it true that U.S. citizens need to get a permit to go back to the U.S. if we visit another country?

Question

I heard about it in the news, I am very concerned about that because I go to Mexico a lot, I have family there and I am an U.S. citizen.
If somebody knows, is it true? where can I obtain it? how much does it cost?
thank you very much

I already read about that. I read that if you travel through air you need to have that passport starting tomorrow.
By car, you need it until Jan 2008.
phewww
good thing is that I don't fly

Answer 1

Right now, if you are traveling by airplane (international) then yes, you "have" to have a passport. But coming in a vehicle or on foot through a border station, you will not be required to have a passport unilt Jan.2008. But since this is going to be the norm, get your passport as soon as possible to avoid any possible problems. But for now, your OK.

Answer 2

As of today, Monday, January 22, 2007 you must have a passport to re-enter the United States of America.
That means if you cannot get a passport because you are here illegally, or you have been convicted of a crime, or any other reason, you WILL NOT be allowed to return to this country.
The pro-illegals must be very upset by this. Not as upset as they will be as more and more of the security measures recommended by the Department of Homeland Security come on-line.
It's called a passport. It's about 100 U.S. dollars. And I, for one am thrilled about it!
Things are slowly beginning to change in this country only because legally registered voters are demanding change. The peoples voices will be heard. One way or another. I'll vote from the roof-tops if necessary.

Answer 3

As of today, All Americans will need a passport to re-enter the US. Many Canadians have been asking the same question because in the past, they only needed proof of citizenship papers. Americans have been using their drivers' licenses and their birth certificates to enter and leave Mexico, but that will no longer be allowed. Get a passport.

Answer 4

Not a permit, but you do need a passport now or they will not let you back in. It's a very simple process that costs no more than $100 if you include the photo and takes a few weeks to process. You can get the paperwork at your post office, that's where I got mine.

Answer 5

http://travel.state.gov/passport/passport_1738.html

If it is your first time, it costs a total of $97 and you have to allpy in person at the Post Office.

Before this month, all we needed to go adn return from Canada, the Caribbean and some other select places was a birth cerificate, but now we all need a passport to get back in from travelling anywhere outside the US.

I don't know anything about a permit, but perhaps there is some procedure for those travelling while this went into effect?

Answer 6

You need a passport is all.

Actually, I think it is unconstitutional not to let a US citizen BACK, but Mexico and Canada are going to start to require them of us because we are requiring them of Mexicans and Canadians. In any event, you would have to prove your citizenship, and the passport is the best way to do that, right now.

Answer 7

Only a Valid Passport.

Answer 8

My understanding is that US Citizens must have their passports to get back in the country. This is a new ordinance that went into effect this month.

Answer 9

by plane, all you need is an passport by tomrrow, other transportation by Jan 2008, but you need proof of citizenship if you are not going by plane.

Answer 10

It is called a passport and you can get one from your local post office or county seat. I think they cost around $100.00.