Do you need a passport to enter Tijuanna, Mexico?

Question

It's been a few months since I've been there, but the last time you just walked into the Mexican border and nobody asked for anything.

But on your way out they ask for ID, or proof of citizenship.

I know they made a new law, but does that mean you need your passport to enter Tijuanna, or just a passport to enter the US again?

Answer 1

you only need a passport if you are flying into mexico. if you are driving, you don't

Answer 2

For right now you don't need a passport entering the US from Mexico when you are DRIVING.  

Starting next June, it will be mandatory for US citizens to have their passport for driving to Mexico or Canada.

The rules changed that you must have a passport to enter the US when FLYING back from Mexico or Canada and the Caribbean.

Answer 3

"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 (scheduled to be in full production beginning in July 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:

On 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. "

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.

The Passport Card: Passport card applications are currently being accepted in anticipation of land border travel document requirements.  Based on current projections, we expect the passport card to be in full production beginning in July 2008. We will provide additional updates as available. Once in production, the passport card 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

For further information see U.S. Customs and Border protection.

Answer 4

They don't ask you for your passport going in but you have to have it with you anyways because you need it to come back in to the US!

Answer 5

You do not need a passport to enter into Mexico via driving. You will, however, need a passport on your way back. You would need a personal and car permit if you intend to drive into the interior of Mexico.

A simple birth certificate and a government issued id will do at this time. They are a bit lenient, since not everyone has had the chance to get their passport.