Documentation requirements when traveling to/from Mexico

Summer’s just around the corner and if you’re planning a vacation to or from the United States, read on!  Don’t get caught unprepared…  To ensure a happy vacation, it’s critical that you have all the right documents to ensure a smooth border crossing. 

Beginning January 31, 2008, implementation of Phase 1 of the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative went into effect.  What does this mean?

Travel by Land & Sea:

U.S. & Canadian Citizens:

U.S. and Canadian citizens 19 years and older who enter the U.S. at land and sea ports of entry from within the Western Hemisphere will need to present:

1. A government-issued photo ID, such as a driver’s license as proof of identity AND

2. Proof of citizenship, such as a birth certificate, a naturalization certificate, or a passport.

Children age 18 and under will be able to enter with proof of citizenship only, i.e. a birth certificate, naturalization certificate or a passport.

Travelers who do not present one of these documents may be delayed while U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers attempt to verify their identity and citizenship.

In order to further secure U.S. borders against illegal entry, the U.S. will no longer be able to admit travelers based on nothing more than a person’s oral assertion of citizenship. During October to December 2007 alone, CBP officers reported 1,517 cases of individuals falsely claiming to be U.S. citizens.

While a passport or other comparable document is not currently required for entry by land or sea, travelers are highly encouraged to carry proof of identity and citizenship.

U.S. Lawful Permanent Residents

Permanent Resident Card (I-551) or other valid evidence of lawful permanent residence is required.

Mexican Citizens

Mexican citizens, including children, must present a valid passport and a valid nonimmigrant visa or a Border Crossing Card.

Click here for additional information on Changes in Requirements for Land & Sea Travel. 

Travel by Air:

All persons, including citizens of the United States, traveling by air between the U.S., Canada, Mexico, the Caribbean and Bermuda are required to present a passport unless traveling with a U.S. Permanent Resident Card, asylee or refugee document, Merchant Mariner Document, or NEXUS Air Card (NEXUS enrollment is limited to citizens of the United States and Canada, and lawful permanent residents of the United States and Canada).

Children will be required to present their own passport. 

Note: If you’re a Mexican citizen traveling by air from Mexico to the United States, it’s important to make sure your visa hasn’t expired.

Specific information on documentation requirements may be found at http://www.cbp.gov/xp/cgov/travel/vacation/ready_set_go/.  For general information on WHTI or other travel-related programs, please visit www.dhs.gov or www.travel.state.gov.