Re: surgery in Mexico

Delia1 · February 5, 2005

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

GeezerSue · February 5, 2005

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?

hagerteresa · February 5, 2005

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?

GeezerSue · February 5, 2005

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!

La_madam · February 8, 2005

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

GeezerSue · February 8, 2005

Shelly,

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

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

DeLarla · February 8, 2005

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.

Tarafeena · February 9, 2005

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

DeLarla · February 9, 2005

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.

Vera · February 9, 2005

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.

Zoe · February 9, 2005

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.