Everyone keeps telling me in jan you will need a passport to go to mexico?

Question

ive looked on the ins.gov web site and frim what i understand in jan you will only need one if traviling by air and wont need anything untell summer 2008 if traviling by car am i miss understanding the new laws or is the other people that has told me ill need a passport to go across and if i do need a pass port how do i get one? how much dose it cost ? and how far in advance should i apply for it?

Answer 1

You have it right.  Now you need it only to go to Mexico via air, and the requirement for it via land will not occur until Summer 2008 (according to the government's web sites).  This date was originally to be in January, but was moved back.

That said, a passport is generally a better choice as far a documentation - so if you can get one it will be good.  It takes 4 to 6 weeks to get a passport, you need about $90 in fees, two passport size photos, proof of citizenship, proof of identity and a form.  I'm including the link to the State Department's international travel website, for all the details and the form to fill out.

There was a backlog for most of the summer, but the passport agency reports being up to date now.  I'd still leave at least 8 weeks between application and your date to leave.

If you don't get a passport you will need a certified copy of your birth certificate and a photo ID issued by the govenrment (a drivers license is most useful).  If you have changed your name you will need the legal documentation of this name change (i.e. a marriage license or divorce decree if you did it that way.)

Answer 2

You will need a Passport to get back into the US. Apply now,the have a back log of applications and it may take awhile.

Answer 3

please get  a passport

Answer 4

HI,

Here's the real deal... To cross the Mexican Border from the USA to Mexico no problem.

On your return to the USA you will have to have a verifiable set of Identification your Driver's License or Birth Certificate will get you back into the USA. The law is going into effect in January 2008, that requires all people entering the USA to have a Passport, however, it will not be enforced until July 2008.  That will give everyone plenty of time to get it together.

Answer 5

Yes, you will need one.  They had made it effective last summer, but too many people applied all at once, and there was a huge bottleneck, so they extended it to January.

Go to your local post office to get the proper forms and to have any of your questions answered.  You will also have to have a picture taken, not just any old picture will do.  A good photographer will be able to supply you with a passport photo.

Because of the application processing bottleneck, you should apply ASAP.  It took me 6 months to get mine.  I think you can pay extra to have it processed faster, but I'm not 100% sure.

Answer 6

You can get a passport by going to the post office.. you will need to go to a place such as CVS, Wallgreens, or such type of store and they will take your picture for you.

You should start getting your passport at least 3 months before you need it because it does take time to get it.

As far as cost. 16 and up is around a hundred bucks and 16 and under about 75-80.