Premium Mexico Links
Mexico Travel Net - Discount Mexico Vacations
Villa Rentals by Earth Sea & Sky Vacations
Premium Mexico Links
Mexico Travel Net - Discount Mexico Vacations Villa Rentals by Earth Sea & Sky Vacations
You are thinking about heading south of the border this year but somewhere you have heard that there are new documentation requirements for crossing the border. Looking for more information? You have come to the right place! Carlos Fiesta has written this page just for you!
Up until recently the documentation necessary for heading south to Mexico or north back into the United States was somewhat casual. This is in the process of changing, and it's a good idea to get up to speed on the new charges before heading south.
NEW PASSPORT REGULATION
The first phase of the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative (WHTI) has already been implemented. U.S. travelers who are heading back to the United States from Mexico and Canada by air must provide a valid passport when clearing U.S. Immigration on the way back home. Some exeptions may be allowed, such as travelers who have receipts for a passport application.
The second phase of WHTI deals with adults re-entering the United States by land or by sea. The exact date for this second phase is not yet set because the State Department is still working on the many details. But they state that land and sea travelers will be required to have passports sometime between January 2008 and June 2009. Until then U.S. Border Officials will ask for a government photo I.D. along with an original or certified birth certificate.
Although the information provided here is strictly about re-entering the United States, the documentation necessary to enter Mexico often (but not always) mirrors the regulations of the U.S. Since we are in the midst of it all right now, we'll have to wait until the dust settles before we put it all in ink.
In the meantime it's safe to say that if you are traveling to Mexico by air (commercial airlines or private aircraft) carrying a valid passport is the only way to go. You might get in or out of the U.S without one, but it's probably going to be uphill and frustrating.
If you are traveling to Mexico in 2008 by car or water try to bring your passport, but be sure to bring a photo I.D. along with a certified copy of your birth certificate. Drop by the TOURIST CARD section of Baja Expo for more information!