Do I have to have a passport to travel to Mexico by land and do my kids have to have a passport to?

Question

Do I have to have a passport to travel to Mexico by land and do my kids have to have a passport to?

Answer 1

As I'm going to Cancun for two weeks in July I'm getting my passport now by expedited service as a passport can take up to three months to get.

Have fun in Mexico.

AIR TRAVEL

ALL PERSONS traveling by air outside of the United States are required to present a passport or other valid travel document to enter or re-enter the United States.

LAND AND SEA TRAVEL

The following summarizes information available on the Department of Homeland Security’s website.

CURRENTLY:

U.S. citizens need to present either (a) a passport, passport card (available in spring 2008), or WHTI-compliant document; or (b) a government-issued photo ID, such as a driver’s license, along with proof of citizenship, such as a birth certificate.

LATER:

As early as June 1, 2009, the U.S. government 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 a passport, passport card, or WHTI-compliant document.  

Note: The passport requirement does NOT apply to U.S. citizens traveling to or returning directly from a U.S. territory.

U.S. PASSPORT AND WHTI COMPLIANT DOCUMENTS:

U.S. Passport:

U.S. citizens may present a valid U.S. passport when traveling via air, land or sea between the U.S. and the aforementioned Western Hemisphere countries. Canada

Mexico - Bermuda

The Caribbean region (includes 17 regions)



The Passport Card: U.S. citizens may begin applying in advance for this new, limited-use, wallet-size passport card beginning February 1, 2008. We expect cards will be available and mailed to applicants in spring 2008. When available it will only be valid for land and sea travel between the U.S. and Canada, Mexico, the Caribbean region, and Bermuda.

WHTI-Compliant Travel Documents for U.S. citizen travel via land or sea, as of January 31, 2008:

Trusted Traveler Cards (NEXUS, SENTRI, or FAST)

State Issued Enhanced Driver’s License (when available)

Enhanced Tribal Cards (when available)

U.S. Military Identification with Military Travel Orders

U.S. Merchant Mariner Document when traveling in conjunction with official maritime business

Native American Tribal Photo Identification Card

Form I-872 American Indian Card

Answer 2

From the US?  Currently you need government ID (driver's license) and proof of citizenship (birth certificate).  Your children will need proof of citizenship.

If you are one parent traveling alone with the children, you'll need a signed, notorized letter from the other parent consenting to the child leaving your home country and possibly additional documentation.  Check with your travel agent, airline or US & Mexican Embassies for current document requirements long before flight time.

Here's the Mexican embassy site:

http://www.embassyofmexico.org/english/m...

Answer 3

"tonalc" is right.  you can also read the section on MINORS under "entry Requirements on the page below.