This may be a stupid question...however I don't know. Will I need a passport to have surgery done in Mexico?

Not driving through...just a photo ID. Driver's license will do. But I find that I go through faster WITH a passport. I've only used a passport in air travel, but I don't think you need one.

Where are you having surgery?

I heard Lisa mention something about needing a passport to drive over the boarder at the end of this year. Nobody knew if it was going to be fact or not, so who knows?

AHA! here's from the gov't website:

Returning to the United States – Caution! Make certain that you can return to the United States with the proof of citizenship that you take with you. Although some countries may allow you to enter with only a birth certificate, U.S. law requires that you document both your U.S. citizenship and identity when you reenter the United States.

The best document to prove your U.S. citizenship is a valid U.S. passport. Other documents that establish U.S. citizenship include an expired U.S. passport, a certified copy of your birth certificate, a Certificate of Naturalization, a Certificate of Citizenship, or a Report of Birth Abroad of a U.S. citizen. To prove your identity, either a valid driver’s license or a government identification card that includes a photo or physical description is acceptable.

Well for once, I was ahead of the game! Time for every to get a passport!

Hey Sue do you have the web site address of that site. I want my 17yr old son to read it. He has got this wild hair up his butt to go to TJ with his buddies and I want him to read it to put some fear into him since he has no photo ID other then last years school ID, no dirvers license.

Thanks

Shelly,

I'm not sure where I got it, but it's here, too:

http://www.pueblo.gsa.gov/cic_text/state/foreignentryreqs.html

I've been to Mexico (both borders) 4 times in the past 9 months. You can drive right through both ways with just a driver's license. However, on my way home, they advised me that STARTING 2006 you'll need an actual passport. They were telling all cars heading back into California.

Michelle, right now you don't need a passport, but border patrol picks and chooses which cars they'll search and/or detain. If your son is going with friends, high-school boys seem like an easy target. They might be asked for a passport even though everyone else just needs a drivers license. Tell him they'll all need one next year anyway, so better get them now.

You need your drivers licence and birth certificate only!! I had the same question yesterday.. When are you going?? I am going on Feb.17.. I keep thinking am I nuts??? I can't wait!!! Good luck!!!

Tara

I've been there 4 times recently and nobody ever asked for a birth certificate. I've only needed a driver's license, but that's Mexico for ya. Like a box of chocolates, you never know what you're gonna get.

If your flying into Mexico (not just crossing the boarder) I would advise a passport. A year and a half ago I flew with a birth certificate and had to get a notery/affidavit ($40) at the airport and was a major hassel. Just got my passport monday.

Down memory lane... Back in 1975 I ran away to Mexico with no ID at all except a photo card from the newspaper where I worked part-time. All I had to do was sign an affidavit at the airport (U.S.) swearing that I was 18 (which I was, barely). No fee. Of course that was during the Ford administration, before a lot of you were even born.