Mexico Border Crossing

Question

I am going down to Ensenada, Mexico next week with my church for a missions trip, and I was told that I need to bring my birth certificate, Social Security Card, and a photo id (I'll be bringing my drivers permit). However, this seems to me to be a lot of identification, and I am worried about it somehow getting misplaced while I am down there. Am I allowed to bring just copies of these things, or do I need the originals?

Answer 1

ok if annyone can help its me i live in a border town if assuming youre taking the san yisdro/tijuana border right well you are allowed to bring copies and social security is not nessecary neither is the birth certificate you now need a passport if you dont have one i suggest you dont go because your lokking at a hefty fine or a long stay in mexico because they will not allow you to pass hope i helped if u neen more info e mail me and illtell you all you need to know

o and dont listen to the gut that said something about the drug dealers like i said i know a lot about this and i cross the border about every week and the truth is they wont do nothing if you dont do nothing there not just killing random people they kill people who screwed with them or cops which are what you should be worried about they are as currupt as they get but give them like five bucks and thell back off so just relax have and have a nice time

Answer 2

Beginning January 31, 2008, U.S. citizens returning to the U.S. by land or sea will be required to have a government-issued photo ID plus proof of citizenship such as a birth certificate. Your drivers permit must have your photo on it, if not go to the DMV and get an ID card.  You will need a certified copy of your birth certificate.  I suggest that you go to a stationary store and get a plastic cover for your birth certificate and keep it in your carry on so that you can show it along with your photo ID.  

Answer 3

Marsha is correct about not needing a passport for land travel, and you can leave the S.S. card at home...it is never accepted as a form of I.D.   But, people under 18 do not need to provide a photo I.D.  If you have one fine, but it is not required for minors. Also, minors leaving the U.S. without their parents, and entering Mexico, must have a letter of permission from their parents giving the responsible adult permission to take their child.  The leader of the church group should know this and take care of getting those letters.  It would be wise of you to verify that this is being done.  See site below and read section on Minors under "Entry Requirements" to  see that this is Mexican law.

Answer 4

You don't need your SSC.

Also take a photo copy of the documents with you and store in a seperate place - in case you do lose the originals.

You need a notarized letter signed by both parents.