If Im in Mexico without a US Passport, how can I travel to other countries?

Question

Hi, there is a new regulation by the US Department of Travel which allows US citizens to travel to Mexico and bordering coutries without a passport through September 30th 2007. This is due to a back up of Passport applications ... I will be traveling to Mexico on September 30th and will actually be in Mexico without a US passport (until its mailed to me back home in 4-6 weeks, I will then have my mother mail it to me in Mexico). I have 2 questions ... 1) will travel be easy in Mexico without a Passport? Will hotels or places that serve alcohol ask to see my passport? and 2) suppose my mother throws away my mail with the passport in it ... I know I cant enter the US without the US passport, but would I be able to travel the world still? Like to Australia and Europe? Do I need to get a Mexican Passport? Or in Mexico, do you not need a Passport to travel Internationally? Thanks for the intelligent answers, Im not looking for "well then youre screwed" comments.

Answer 1

If you have some valid photo id you will be able to get back to the US but that's it. Without a passport you cannot travel anywhere else. Mexican citizens traveling abroad also require a passport. These days you really cannot cross any borders without it, you need a passport even between US and Canada, drivers license used to be fine before this year.

Answer 2

You won't really need your passport once you are inside Mexico as long as you stay in Mexico. Hotels may ask for it but they would be fine if you had other ID and a credit card.  The only reason a hotel is looking for ID is in case you check out and take the TV with you, they just want to be able to cover themselves. They don't need your passport for that.

Pretty unlikely that you would be asked for ID at a place that serves alcohol but they would be fine with a photo ID, like a drivers license.

I don't know if it would be easier or not but if you are staying in the same place for a while you may want to see if you can have your passport delivered to the nearest US embassy or consulate and pick it up there. I don't know if it's possible but it might save the step of having your mother mail it to you. I think it would be worth asking anyway.

Answer 3

You will not be able to travel to any other country without your passport.  You will not be allowed on an international flight.  You cut it REALLY close going to Mexico on the 30th without a passport.  You will be allowed to fly back to the U.S. with your proof of application, but nowhere else.  And...there is no guarantee that passport is going to arrive at your home in 4 to 6 weeks.  If your mother is going to mail you your passport, she will need to send it through Fed-ex or you are VERY unlikely to ever get it.  It is possible to go to the American Embassy in Mexico City and get an emergency passport in one or two days, but I am not sure if they would do that while your other one is pending in the states, but you could ask.  See link below for contact info for American Embassy.

You cannot get a Mexican passport...only Mexican citizens can get Mexican passports.  Hotels, etc. will ask to see your passport, but explain you do not have it yet and use your other I.D.  Be sure you have your certified birth certificate and photo I.D. and do not lose them.  It is a good idea to have severl forms of I.D. and keep them in different places in your luggage or on your person. Please be sure your mother watches carefully for that passport and sends it by FED-ex ONLY.  I hope you are going to be in ONE location, a major city or hotel, where Fed-ex delivery is not going to be a problem.  If she sends it by regular mail, you will never see it.  Hope all works out well for you.  Be VERY careful with I.D. papers, you proof of application for your passport, and money.  NEVER set your carry-on bag down...keep strap around your arm or hand. If it is left in a taxi or your eyes are off it briefly, it will be gone.  I am an American living in Mexico  and find it to be very safe...but I am not in a touristy area.  Have had friends who lost I.d., bags...lots of inconvience...so just be careful.  have a great trip.