I have read many different post about traveling without a passport or passport card. I want to go to RP tomorrow and don't have a passport. I will be with 3 family members, one a child. I understand that with a DL and BC I can get back through to the US border with some hassle. Is this correct? What are some of your experiences? I can't afford to be detained in Mexico. I have school... I can't wait to enjoy the beach and the sun.
Any feedback is appreciated.
Thanks:geek:
The reports from people crossing from Mexico into the US without a passport are consistent. They have no significant problem. Most report no problem at all. I have never heard that a US citizen was detained at Lukeville or any other nearby crossings because they did not have a passport. Just show your documentation, driver's license and birth certificate (best the birth certificate is an original not a copy although copies have worked too). You might get 'jawboned' a bit about it. Same going in to Mexico as they seem to be asking on the US side and some have reported having a problem. I'd just nod 'yes' if asked. Smile, be plesant and act a little dopey. Hey if it works for GV it will work for you !!
For an American citizen - the only burden for re-entry is being able to demonstrate that you are a citizen.
There is no law that says a passport is the only legal method of proving citizenship. Therefore, they can not deny you entry (or exit) simply because you don't have a passport. They can implement POLICIES that say that their uniformed agents have to ASK you for your passport, but they can not legally deny a legal citizen entry into their home nation (unless they decide to detain you long enough to have Janet Napalitano petition the President to declare you to be an enemy combatant, but I digress....)
Take your birth certificate, take your DL or other government issued picture ID, and go have a good time.
If you plan to travel back and forth between AZ and Mexico regularly, then by all means, get a passport, because it is certainly easier to flash the blue book than it is to face the myriad of random questions that might arise as a result of using alternative means to demonstrate your citizenship...
For an American citizen - the only burden for re-entry is being able to demonstrate that you are a citizen.
There is no law that says a passport is the only legal method of proving citizenship. Therefore, they can not deny you entry (or exit) simply because you don't have a passport. They can implement POLICIES that say that their uniformed agents have to ASK you for your passport, but they can not legally deny a legal citizen entry into their home nation (unless they decide to detain you long enough to have Janet Napalitano petition the President to declare you to be an enemy combatant, but I digress....)
Take your birth certificate, take your DL or other government issued picture ID, and go have a good time.
If you plan to travel back and forth between AZ and Mexico regularly, then by all means, get a passport, because it is certainly easier to flash the blue book than it is to face the myriad of random questions that might arise as a result of using alternative means to demonstrate your citizenship...
That being said, I once, when red-lighted going into Mexico, was asked for my passport in the last year. Don't know what may have happened if I had not provided it. Would hate to be turned around after 2.5 hours of travel. Just saying.
That being said, I once, when red-lighted going into Mexico, was asked for my passport in the last year. Don't know what may have happened if I had not provided it. Would hate to be turned around after 2.5 hours of travel. Just saying.
That was by the Mexican Border agents, right?
The OP was asking about having a passport to come BACK into the US.
With the Mexican immigration officials - they can pretty much stop you, and deny you entry, or turn you back, for whatever reason they deem appropriate... regardless of whether you have your passport or not.
I've said it before...I have never, ever had a problem going into Mexico or coming back in to the the US with nothing more than a valid US driver's license in the last many years. The last time I used my license only was about a month ago. If you have no issues with our record, you should have no issues. All that said, I typically use my passport or passport card.
I realize that, but that doesn't minimize the fact that entrance into Mexico MAY(???) be denied. Why would they ask me for my passport? Who knows? Damned if I am going to drive to the border only to be refused entry.
Is it not, that MEXICO can deny you entry without a passport?
I was asked one time a while back by an mex border agent to see my passport!
I had it in my possession and even asked for my dog's papers.
Had everything! I do think is saids we need one somewhere, by MEXICO! Good question tho!
Now always carry a passcard. My wife uses a state DL passcard issued by the states that border Canada and MEXICO.
At the border she went in to get an FMM and the mex agent said no, need a passport or a pass card!
The enhanced state DL just makes easy to get back into the states.
Would be real easy for an Arizonan to go to DMV and apply for an enhanced DL and not have to hassle with any other forms of ID and even carrying a birth cerf., to get back.
My wife never got the FMM! But had her apply for a passcard.
The only issue with people who don't have passports or passport cards is the delay they cause others who do have those documents. Nothing worse than being the next car in line when you see a car full of people in front of you passing one piece of paper after another to the agent. Be a good neighbor, just get the proper docs.
I came back via Altar-Sasabe this morning....the middle of nowhere...picked up a hitchhiker at the toll booth and we had fun trying to communicate(damn I need to take Spanish lessons).They are racing the Quarter horses in Sasabe mexico today...fast...oh, the middle of Caborca to the border at Sasabe in 1.75 hours
So what ever happened did you end up going to Rocky Point? Are you back lol We would like to go this weekend but i do not have a passport
This subject has been beaten to death here. Do a subject search and see all the posts and information. A passport is 'requested' and good to have BUT citizens are NOT being prevented from crossing back into the US, nor are US citizens being prevented from entering Mexico without a US passport. Bring a government issued photo ID, driver's license is fine and an original birth certificate is preferred, not a fascimile. Again US citizens without a US passport are NOT being prevented from crossing back into the US . Again US citizens without a US passport are NOT being prevented from crossing back into the US . Again US citizens without a US passport are NOT being prevented from crossing back into the US .
What's the next question? The election is over so yes you can buy booze.
Come on down, the water is fine and the beer is cold, the streets are quiet and safe until GV the one man crime wave comes down in August, then all bets are off. Don't miss the Rocky Point Talk rumble in the alley behind Guau Guau's sat night when Disneynut takes on all contenders, Dry will showcase his martial arts skills and Kenny and the Dog wil have a rematch. We expect several notable walk on's too.
This subject has been beaten to death here. Do a subject search and see all the posts and information. A passport is 'requested' and good to have BUT citizens are NOT being prevented from crossing back into the US, nor are US citizens being prevented from entering Mexico without a US passport. Bring a government issued photo ID, driver's license is fine and an original birth certificate is preferred, not a fascimile. Again US citizens without a US passport are NOT being prevented from crossing back into the US . Again US citizens without a US passport are NOT being prevented from crossing back into the US . Again US citizens without a US passport are NOT being prevented from crossing back into the US .
What's the next question? The election is over so yes you can buy booze.
Come on down, the water is fine and the beer is cold, the streets are quiet and safe until GV the one man crime wave comes down in August, then all bets are off. Don't miss the Rocky Point Talk rumble in the alley behind Guau Guau's sat night when Disneynut takes on all contenders, Dry will showcase his martial arts skills and Kenny and the Dog wil have a rematch. We expect several notable walk on's too.
Roberto....are you 100% sure that I don't need a passport to get back into the US? :stir:
I've been to Rocky Point several times this year, and every time with people without a passport. Never a problem. They try to act tough and give you a bunch of crap, but they lighten up after a few min.
Funny story....last month we were with a group of people. The car behind us (our friends) was a girl from Wisconsin and her hispanic boyfriend from Arizona. None had passports. But both had AZ DL's, original birth certs, college ID's, etc. The works.
We pull through border back into AZ and wait for them at the gas station. We could tell after 10 min something was wrong. They pull the car into the bay and start searching the car....and escort our friends into the AZ border office.
20 min later they come out and meet us at the gas station. I laugh and say "Damn Chris, this was because you look Mexican!"
He says, "NOPE! It wasn't me! The US Border Patrol was complaining about Mrs. Goodie Goodie Wisconsin girl because he birth cert from her po-dunk small town was handwritten and the border patrol was saying it was faked!"
Give me a break USBP......you guys have nothing better to do sometimes. LOL
Ok all that but do you need a passport to get across the border from Mexico?? I'm thinking about crossing and I'm worried. I have not even been to the border let alone across for about 2 years now. Is the border in the same place or have they moved it? Is the panhandler with the walker still there? How about the one armed man who was cleaning windows?
Ok all that but do you need a passport to get across the border from Mexico?? I'm thinking about crossing and I'm worried. I have not even been to the border let alone across for about 2 years now. Is the border in the same place or have they moved it? Is the panhandler with the walker still there? How about the one armed man who was cleaning windows?
A shades of the Sam Shepard Case. The Fugitive.
Don't worry Roberto, they'll let you accross. They may not let you back, but never fear, I'll drive down there and sneak you accross. :notme:
Ok all that but do you need a passport to get across the border from Mexico?? I'm thinking about crossing and I'm worried. I have not even been to the border let alone across for about 2 years now. Is the border in the same place or have they moved it? Is the panhandler with the walker still there? How about the one armed man who was cleaning windows?
You will be fine.
And yes, there is still a lady with a walker and the one armed man. The one armed man doesn't clean windows but always has a cup asking for change. Really feel bad for that guy. But he makes loot. I throw him coin every time.
Hi there.! I've seen these questions and I'm concerned about it...
could somebody help.. I'm desperate... I'm stuck here in Mexico and i wanna go back to The States.. but I dont have a passport.. everybody tell me that i cant pass the border without it. in fact i have all my original documents
well, I have both birth certificates the abstract form and de large form.. the large one i have a recent one.. I ordered it three months ago
My S.S.
baptismal record
immunization record
Operation kid print
and a few diplomas they gave me in school
well, I have both birth certificates the abstract form and de large form.. the large one i have a recent one.. I ordered it three months ago
My S.S.
baptismal record
immunization record
Operation kid print
and a few diplomas they gave me in school
unfortunately I've been living here for a while...
Long story...
the thing is that I'm illegal here in Mexico, I'm young so i didn't know what to do.. I'm desperate about my situation..
If you're under 18 and you show up at the border alone with the documents you described, be prepared for a long interrogation. Not saying they won't let you in, but you're going to have a lot of explaining to do without a picture ID, and under the circumstances you described. Can your parents or someone meet you at the border with a government issued picture ID?
well, not really we're not that close and they live far from the border. My dad.. well I never met him and my mom.. well like i told you.. LONG STORY..
I'm not that young I just turned 20
but like i said, I was younger and had no Idea what to do..
Like I said earlier, you're going to have a lot of explaining to do when you get to the border. Unfortunately, a lot of how they treat you right off the bat will depend on your appearance. Are you blonde and blue-eyed? Obviously not a Mexican trying to cross with false documents? Put yourself in their shoes, and think about what they will ask you and how they will see you with obvious suspicion right off the bat. Do you have any warrants out for your arrest? Any past problems with police? They will investigate you thoroughly and may even ask to take your fingerprints. I'm not trying to discourage you, I'm just letting you know what you may be in for.
They're also going to want to know how long you've been in Mexico, who you've been living with, how you've been surviving, working, etc. If you have any tattoos, you can be sure they will check to see if they're gang related.
Well, I'm clean, no problems with police, I don't have blue eyes and I'm not blond, anyway I know all this is gonna happen, and of course I'm not a mexican trying to pass with false documents :lol:
Four of us crossed back to the US a couple of weeks ago. One of our friends didn't have his passport with him so used his AZ license. No problems, hassles or attitude before before being waved through.
I think the reality of it is if you want to know, you just have to collect what you have and show up at a crossing and try. Unless you have some outstanding criminal charges they will just refuse you entry to the US and not hold you and you can return to Mexico. As for being illegal in Mexico, my experience is that no one cares unless you get into trouble. The US does not care about your immigration status in Mexico. You could call a border station to inquire but I do not think they will tell you much, they will ask to see your documents. There is a fair chance that you will show up in their comprehensive computer records so if you are clean that might help you.
You should definately consider throwing yourself on the mercy of the US authorities before you arrive at the border. Try a US Consulate office. You can e-mail them. I'm confident that your situation is one they have worked on before. If things are as you allude to it should be ok.
I have a green card and have never needed to show my passport when I return to the US (or at those annoying stops at Why and north of Ajo), so I have stopped bringing it. The last thing I need is to lose my passport in Mexico, because it's the sort of thing I would do. I just show the green card.
I've never been asked for a passport on the Mexican side except of course when I needed to get my FMM.
Those guys at the annoying stops must lose their minds. The last time I went through he asked "Everyone a US Citizen?" and of course I said "no". He looked at me and said "Have a nice day" and waved me on.
Last time I went through some new dipshit tried to tell me my 11 year old needed a Passcard. After telling him he was a dipshit he brought over a supervisor that agreed with me. This was 4th of July weekend and they waved me through. It would be nice if these retards working customs knew the actual laws. Lol
Argh Hooch, almost everytime you post something on here you manage to upset some people. Did you know everything when you started a new job? There is a learning period for all jobs and I'm sure their job training is tons and tons of information.....It would have been a much pleasanter exchange if you would have said nicely that you were sure he was wrong and would he call a supervisor over.....And lastly, what are you going to do when your daughter calls her teacher a dip#$%&? She'll think it is ok because you do it....
3Yrs ago I was in Long Beach. We were going out on a cruise the next day. Somewhere between the hotel dinner and hotel, my passport disappeared. Early the next morning I went to the cruise office at the port, ship was in. They gave me their fax number and my daughter faxed them a copy of my passport. Customs wrote something on it and with my drivers license I was good to go. By the time we got back to Long Beach the information was in the computer system and I had my copy. No problem. I have copies of my passport with 3 different people just in case.
Has this changed since this post? Was going to walk or maybe drive into Mexico.
Rhino said:
I've said it before...I have never, ever had a problem going into Mexico or coming back in to the the US with nothing more than a valid US driver's license in the last many years. The last time I used my license only was about a month ago. If you have no issues with our record, you should have no issues. All that said, I typically use my passport or passport card.