My son is an american citizen, as am I, is it true that he needs a passport to go back into the states?

Question

He´s only three, but we´ve been in Mexico for the past 8 months for work purposes. We now plan on going back but it's come to my attention that even amercian citizens need a passport to cross by land. I haven´t applied for my son´s passport yet, will it be a problem?

Answer 1

not until next year all u need right now is his birth certificate.

Answer 2

Until next year, to DRIVE across, his birth certificate will do. After that ANY ONE,-FOLKS READ ANYONE RE-ENTERING THE US, MUST HAVE A PASSPORT! ( I do wonder what is going to happen when an American is denied re entry because of lack of a U.S. Passport ! I'll bet that causes a problem, some where, some time!!) I am also American, but my wife is Mexicana nativa, and we cross, regularly. I have had my passports for many, many years and she has her U.S. and Mexican passports, visa's, permanent resident and green cards. JUST BE AWARE THAT THE POLITICIANS PASSED THE LAW, BUT DID NOT FUND $ FOR THE HUGH ONSLAUGHT/ OVERLOAD OF PASSPORT APPLICATIONS !!! The last I heard, It is taking SEVERAL MONTHS TO GET YOUR or A NEW PASSPORT !!!! Pay attention to the above answers, most are also correct! Typico lado's de politicos idiotas !!! Pero, tu es Americana, y sabe estas! Suerte Buena, Hija!
Uncle Wil Tio Wil

Answer 3

, new law :
US and Canadian biz officials discussed fears yesterday that new US passport rules, enacted because of terrorism concerns, would harm cross-border travel, according to the UPI. Passports are not currently neccessary for US citizens crossing the Canadian and Mexican borders; that requirement is being phased in through # 2007.# Travel associations have commented negatively on proposed implementation of new US-Canada/Mexico passport regulations, especially for student travelers, but lauded a cheaper ID card proposal.
it is mandatory for children to have passport and safer for the whole family
get him a passport ,it will be good for 5 years
beginning December 31, 2006, you will need a passport for air or sea travel and beginning December 31, 2007, you will need a passport for land travel
Getting a passport is a great idea, though; it functions as universal international ID, and it's far cheaper and easier to get one at your leisure than just before you need it.

The US Department of State recommends traveling with a valid U.S. passport when returning from Mexico to "...avoid delays or misunderstandings." As of this writing, you will not be kept out of the US because you don't have a passport... but any travel, including travel to and from Mexico, can be simpler if you have one.

Answer 4

Yes. My husband just went for business and had to rush to get passport There is a passport just for Canada and Mexico. Look on the US passport web site

Answer 5

For as long as you have his US birth certificate, crossing the border by land is fine. The passport requirement doesn't go into effect until July 2008.**

Answer 6

Your concern is valid. Contact the US Embassy, and explain why he is there without a passport, arrange for a copy of his birth certificate to be sent to the Embassy, and they can probably arrange an entry permit. Then he can get a passport before he leaves again.

Answer 7

To drive across the border, all you need is valid ID and birth certificates.
If you are flying , you will need a passport.

Starting Jan 1 2008 you will need a passport to do both.

Answer 8

To get an answer please contact US embassy in mexico. Isn't that hard to get passport for your son if necessary to have it to get back in his origin country.

Answer 9

probably
http://travel.state.gov/passport/get/first/first_830.html

it takes AGES to get a passport, so apply early

Answer 10

If he has other legal documentation of his citizenship status (birth certificate in the US, etc.) that would suffice.

The passport is a combination picture-ID and citizenship confirmation.