Well, let’s see… are you spontaneously driving or spontaneously flying? If you’re flying, you’re out of luck- you have to have a passport to board the plane.

If you’re driving, you are still required by the Mexican government to carry a passport or a passport card if you’re going past the “border zone,” 20 km into Mexico.

As far as driving back is concerned…if you’re a US citizen, they can’t keep you out…but they have the option detain you while they verify your documents if your documents do not comply with the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative. Yours do not- under the initiative, a passport or a passport card is required. But again, they can’t keep you out. The amount of hassle you’ll get depends on who’s on duty when you cross back in.

Hope this helps! And I recommend at least getting an inexpensive passport card for future (land and sea ONLY) trips!

I am spontaneously traveling to Mexico this weekend with the family. I am currently 19 years old and my passport expired at the beginning of February. Will it be a problem getting back into the US with a birth certificate and a drivers license from AZ? Thank you for your insight.

Do you all have a passport or a passport card? If you do, you should have no problems. Otherwise, even if you bring a birth certificate to prove your US citizenship, you may experience delays and extra scrutiny when you re-enter the US.

I’d recommend getting a passport or at least a passport card, as the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative requires. Have a safe trip!

I am 18 years old and taking a week trip to Rocky Pointe with 3 friends, will we have any problems at the border, both in and out of Mexico?

Help please.

You shouldn’t have any problem getting to Rocky Point as it is within Mexico’s “Border zone.” However, on the way back you are supposed to have a passport or a passport card, per the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative. Now, they can’t keep you from re-entering the US if you’re a citizen, but they can temporarily detain you while they verify that the ID/citizenship documents you do have with you are valid.

If you’re dead set on traveling without a passport or a passport card, I’d bring all of the documents you mentioned above. But really, I’d advise you to either renew your passport or at least get a passport card for this trip.

My passport has recently expired

What documents do I need to carry (naturalization cert./driver’s license/expired passport) if I would like to go to Puerto Penasco/Rocky Point via land?

Will I have issues re-entering the US?

Please advise.

Double-check with your cruise line, but a passport card should be fine. Congratulations, and have a great trip!