Crossing the border at Tijuana back into the US without a passport, just a green card?

Question

Is my green card realy enough to cross the border by foot or car back to the US? I am a Canadian citizen residing in the US with a green card. Unfortunately my Canadian passport has expired and it takes several months for them to renew it, just like in the US. I am planning a trip to Tijuana and I get conflicting information about the passport requirements. Will I run the risk of not being allowed back in the US if I have no passport, just the green card? I checked the travel.state.gov site but they give no specific information for green card holders in regards to this, just for US citizens.

Any information you have would be greatly appreciated!

Answer 1

My dad crosses the border by car with his green card and has no problem!

Answer 2

Several of my friends have been in this similar situation before.  I say, forgo the trip until you get your new passport just to be safe.  It's better than going and having the worst happen.

Answer 3

Hi there,

I think the answer to your question may depend upon how long you plan to be away from the US.  There is a site called foreignborn.com designed to help people of international origin who wish to enter and live in the United States, and they say that:

"If you are a lawful permanent resident (immigrant) returning to the United States from a visit abroad of less than a year, you may apply for readmission by presenting your Permanent Resident Card ("Green Card") to the immigration authorities at a port of entry."

Since you are only planning a trip to Tijuana and not moving there for a long period of time, it seems to me that your green card would work for this purpose - as long as you carry other valid US id such as a drivers license.  

Don't forget that if you are driving into Mexico you are required to have Mexican insurance on your car (whether it is your own car or a rental car).  You wouldn't want to be pulled over by a cop in Mexico - or in an accident - without the insurance.  Even having a passport wouldn't help you in that kind of situation...  

I am posting the link to the website that discusses green cards and various forms of immigration visas below.  Good luck!