Someone told me that there is a new policy about passports now when you're going to Mexico - that you don't have to have one after a certain date or something. Does any of this sound right?
2007-10-23 04:48:35 · 33 answers · asked by regina falange 3 in Travel ➔ Travel (General) ➔ Packing & Preparation
AIR TRAVEL
Implemented on January 23, 2007, ALL PERSONS traveling by air between the United States and Canada, Mexico, Bermuda, and the Caribbean region are required to present a passport or other valid travel document to enter or re-enter the United States.
LAND AND SEA TRAVEL
JANUARY 31, 2008
U.S. and Canadian citizens will need to present either a WHTI-compliant document, or a government-issued photo ID, such as a driver’s license, plus proof of citizenship, such as a birth certificate.
SUMMER 2008
At a later date, to be determined, the departments will implement the full requirements of the land and sea phase of WHTI. The proposed rules require most U.S. citizens entering the United States at sea or land ports of entry to have either a U.S. passport; a U.S. passport card; a trusted traveler card such as NEXUS, FAST, or SENTRI; a valid Merchant Mariner Document (MMD) when traveling in conjunction with official maritime business; or a valid U.S. Military identification card when traveling on official orders.
2007-10-23 05:05:14 · answer #1 · answered by Travel_assistant 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I don't remember the specifics, but I think you're on the right track. The pushed back the date by which you have to have a passport for travel to Mexico and Canada because it was taking so long for passport requests to be processed.
But I think you have to be able to show that you've applied for a passport, or something. Check with a travel agent or the State Department (I'm sure they have a web site explaining all the new rules).
2007-10-23 04:53:04 · answer #2 · answered by Elissa 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
With new travel requirements coming into effect, many people are confused about whether or not they'll need a passport to visit Mexico. The requirements are being phased in gradually and at present, they differ depending on the mode of transportation used to enter and exit the country.
A. Travel by air
The U.S. Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative requires travelers entering or re-entering the United States by air to present a passport. Even though the Mexican government does not require a passport for U.S. citizens visiting Mexico as tourists, they'll need to present one to go back to the United States by air.
Travel by land or sea:
Those traveling by land or sea must present two forms of valid identification such as a birth certificate or naturalization certificate and a driver's license or other identification issued by a state or official agency. These travelers will not be required to present a passport until 2008 (perhaps later), and there is a PASS card (Passport card) in the works that will be credit-card sized and cost less than a passport, which will allow travel in the United States, Canada, Mexico, the Caribbean and Bermuda.
A passport is the best form of ID
It's a good idea to get a passport if you're planning to travel to Mexico, whether or not it is an official requirement.
A passport is the best form of international identification and having one may help you avoid hassles. See the links on the right for information on applying for a U.S. passport.
Good luck.
2007-10-23 04:55:55 · answer #3 · answered by Marv S 2 · 0⤊ 1⤋
If you plan on DRIVING to Mexico before June 2009, you can still use your US or Canadian Drivers License as identification for crossing back into the US. You will NOT need a passport for driving or walking across the border back into the US until June 2009.
The new passport requirement for 2007 ONLY applies to AIR TRAVEL!
From: http://www.mexadventure.com/MexicoTravel/Update_passport_driving_mexico.cfm
2007-10-23 04:53:35 · answer #4 · answered by DrIG 7 · 2⤊ 0⤋
You really don't need a passport to goto Mexico if you cross at border crossing. You will however have a problem getting back into the US if you don't have a passport. The issue is with the US border not the Mexican border.
2007-10-23 04:58:28 · answer #5 · answered by tanzer360 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I would much rather have something and not need it than need it and not have it. I have heard that you do need a passport now to travel to Mexico and the Caribbean. I think that it's a good idea to carry a passport for any international travel these days.
2007-10-23 04:53:52 · answer #6 · answered by loginnametaken 3 · 0⤊ 1⤋
The last I heard, you will need a passport to re-enter the US after January 2008. You should check the TSA website or the passport website to be sure.
2007-10-23 04:56:46 · answer #7 · answered by Brutally Honest 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
They have been postponing that for the last year or two, but I think now it is if you are travelling during or after January 2008 you will need a passport.
2007-10-23 04:58:00 · answer #8 · answered by sometimes 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If traveling from the U.S. to Mexico by air you need a passport. If by land or sea from the U.S. you do not need a passport until next year.
2007-10-23 04:52:24 · answer #9 · answered by crazyguyintx 4 · 2⤊ 0⤋
If you fly, you now need a passport. If you drive across the boarder you can get by with a valid ID (drivers license).
This is the reason the wait for a passport has gone way up.
2007-10-23 05:06:57 · answer #10 · answered by Fester Frump 7 · 0⤊ 1⤋