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If you are traveling in 2010, there are new passport laws you need to be aware of. For example, at the beginning of last year, American citizens could enter Mexico, Canada and the Caribbean without a passport.
However, on June 1st, 2009, the final phase of the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative (WHTI for short) went into effect. Now, most Americans traveling to these countries do need passports to travel. Here are the details of the new passport laws:
Americans traveling to Mexico, Canada or the Caribbean by plane need a passport book. Americans traveling to these countries by sea need a passport book, a passport card, or a WHTI-approved alternative, like an enhanced driver’s license, a NEXUS card, a FAST card or a SENTRI card. For most Americans, the passport book and the passport card are easiest to obtain, but the passport card can only be used for land or sea travel, not for air travel. The passport book is a better choice, because there is always the possibility you might have to fly home in an emergency.
There are a few exceptions to the new requirements, but they primarily apply for land or sea travel, not to air travel. So, again, even though you don’t technically need a passport if you fall into one of the following categories, it’s a good idea to carry one anyway in case you need to fly home.
Here are the exceptions:
- Children under the age of 16 traveling by land or sea can use their birth certificates, naturalization certificates or certificates of citizenship.
- Children under the age of 19 traveling by land or sea with a school group, religious group, social or cultural organization, or sports team accompanied by an adult chaperon can use their birth certificates, naturalization certificates or certificates f citizenship.
- Cruise ship passengers on a closed-loop cruise, one that begins and ends at the same US port, can use government-issued photo ID (like your driver’s license) and a birth certificate, certificate of naturalization or certificate of citizenship.
Under the new rules, the only circumstance in which an American citizen can travel outside the US by plane without a passport is if you have a NEXUS card and you are traveling to a Canadian preclearance airport with a NEXUS kiosk. Preclearance airports are listed here.
If you need a new passport, the fastest and most reliable way to get one is to use a private passport expediting service like RushMyPassport.com. You’ll get personal attention and help from a passport specialist, plus your application will be hand-delivered to the Department of State for processing times as low as 24 hours.
My passport expires May 27, 2018. I am going to Germany, returning May 20. do I need to renew my passport before leaving because of a 6 month rule?
Hi Karen, Yes, you’ll need to renew before you travel.
I will be going across the border to Mexico during my status as a “Winter Texan.” My passport is due to expire at the end of March, 2018. Is the passport still good until it expires or do I need to get another one before I enter Mexico. I will probably enter Mexico 2-3 times during my 3 month stay in Texas.
No, for Mexico you should be fine.
Will I be able to go on a closed loop cruise with my wife while owing back child support but currently paying?
Probably. As long as you don’t need a passport for the cruise you can go, but it’s a good to idea to get a passport if you’re eligible just in case something happens or you miss the boat. Contact your cruise line to verify the requirements for your specific itinerary.
Do we need a passport to get to the Dominican republic, from the us?
Hi Dyan,
Yes, you do. 🙂
I am a Belize National and also U.S. legal permanent resident. IF I lost my Belize passport on the day of my flight, will I be able to fly back to Belize with just my green card? which states that Belize is my country of birth.
Hi Alexia, Probably not, but you could contact the Belize Embassy and see if they can issue an emergency passport.
Hi i just want to know if i travel from phoenix to new york do i need a passport
Wanting to go to Jaimaica. Have kids, aged 17, 13, & 11.
Likely will fly. I have a passport for me. Do they need them?
Hi Richard,
You’ll be fine entering and leaving the US with your permanent resident card and Jamaican passport, but do check with the Mexican embassy to see whether or not you need to apply for an entry visa ahead of time. Good luck!
hi,im going on a closed looped cruise to mexico. i owe back child support. i am a permanent resident in the u.s. and i hold a jamaican passport. will i be able to go on the cruise and will i be able to get off the ship to site see in mexico? thanks
Hello. I am a US citizen and a French citizen. I can’t get a US passport because of child support arrears. I do have a valid French passport. I suppose I can get out of the US using the French passport and I suppose that I will be let on the plane on my return using the French passport as well… the question is: Can I re-enter the US using that passport and my certificate of naturalization once back home?
Hi Alexander,
Per the Department of State, US citizens with dual citizenship must enter and leave the US using their US passport. Hope this helps!
If I live in los angeles and I’m flying to Nashville TN do I need a passport? If not what do I need is my first time traveling
Hi Wendy, No, you won’t need a passport for that. Just your driver’s license or state ID is all you need. Enjoy your trip!
Hi i am a permanent resident of da u.s with a mexican passport an ofcourse green card i would like to know if thats enough to fly to canadao n da summer of 2012?
Hi Jessica,
Yes, you’ll need to bring both documents with you and you should be fine. Have a great trip!
Hi, could i cross back to the U.S. with my birth certificate and a school ID and Arizona state licence, i am a U.S. citizen and i have a passport but i left it in my other house which is 600 miles away.
Hi Luis,
If you’re a US citizen they have to let you cross back in. But it may take longer than usual as they may hold you for a little while to verify your citizenship. Just be patient and allow extra time in case it takes longer to get through.
Hi Alison,
My family is taking a closed-loop cruise out of Galveston, TX. We will be going to Jamaica, The Cayman Islands, and Cozumel. My mother is a permanent US resident with a valid green card, however, her passport is expired. She is a British citizen. Is a passport required for her or will her green card and a valid driver’s license suffice?
Thank you,
Sandra
Hi Sandra,
That is probably fine, but please double-check with your cruise line as they have the final authority over whether she boards or not. Have a great cruise!
hi, my passport expired last year and I’m planing to travel in Washington do I still need to renew my passport if I ride a plane? I’m not a us citizen but I’m a permanent resident of California. Is my green card will be okey to use??or my driver license?? I don’t have my birth certificate my mom left it in my counrty where I born. Thanks!
Hi Christel,
As long as you’re traveling within the US, you can use either your green card or your driver’s license. Enjoy your trip!
i will take vacation in the philippines. but my passport and my california id dnt have the same last name coz in my passport its still my maiden name and my id is my hubby’s last name.do u think i can still take my vacation?
Hi Lheo,
The Department of State advises that all US citizens must travel under their current legal names. You should get the name changed on your passport before you travel. Have a great trip!
Hi!
I became a citizen two weeks ago and have to travel to Mexico on Monday. I haven’t gotten a passport. Will I have a problem coming back if I’m driving there?
Hi Yenny,
You might experience some delays crossing back over. As a US citizen, you can’t be barred from entering your own country but Customs can hold you temporarily until they’ve verified your citizenship. Bringing your naturalization certificate along may help speed that up, but be prepared for delays on the way back in regardless.
I’m a permanent resident of the U.S. I have a green card but the picture is of me as a 2 year old, and it has my maiden name on it. I married an American citizen. In planning on taking a closed loop cruise to ensanada, mexico leaving from long beach, ca. What documents do i need to bring?
Hi Daisy,
Please contact your cruise line and ask what their requirements are. Have a great trip!
Hi my husband owes back child support due to personal issues, he’s father is very ill and he’s family are asking him to go to he’s country, Honduras, and he can’t get a passport can he travel by car and be able to re-enter USA, he’s ex doesn’t wants any money from him she saids all she wants is for him to suffer because he left her. what can we do.
Hi Mami,
No, he’ll need a passport to get into Honduras. I’m sorry. I would contact your state child support agency and see what they advise you: http://www.acf.hhs.gov/programs/cse/newhire/fop/dos_contacts.htm
My husband is getting deported to Mexico, I’m a us citizen and will be traveling to Mexico by plane. I will stay there for 2 years. Do I have to apply for a double nationality? Will I have any problems returning to the USA by plane? Or is the passport book all I need?
I’m sorry to hear that, Mariela. I know you can travel to and from the US with your passport, but you’ll need to check with the Mexican embassy or the nearest Mexican consulate for information about living there for 2 years. Here’s the website: http://embamex.sre.gob.mx/eua/
Good luck!
I’m a US resident. My family is going to cross tru Canada (driving) in military orders back to the us. Do I need also a passport or only the Permanent Resident Card?
Hi,
Please check with the Canadian Embassy to make sure you have all the documents you need, as the answer may depend on your country of origin.
Thanks a bunch!
Alison
hi need help .question iam a peranent resident of usa. i am planning to go to canada in sept. for a trip , i will drive to new brunswick canada. then fly to vancouver canada. do i need a passport for this can i use my card in stead, i never gave up my citizenship in canada.
Hi. I’m planning a trip to Hawaii and I plan to take one of my friend who is in the process of applying for a resident card. All she has is her international passport and her visa has expired. Will she have any problems coming back to ny from Hawaii. ?
Hi Marie,
Hawaii is part of the United States, so she’s not leaving the US and shouldn’t have to go through Customs at all.
Hope this helps!
When doing a loop cruise without a passport can the travler visit on land?
Hi Valerie,
It depends on the country. Mexico, Canada and some Caribbean countries are happy to let you in with just your driver’s license and birth certificate. Some Caribbean countries require you to carry a passport to disembark, though, so check with your cruise line.
Have a great trip!
We would like to travel to Nova Scotia for a missions trip. My husband and I are getting our passports. I need to know if our three children will need a passport to go. Their ages are 4, 6, and 10. What is required for them to travel, if thy do not need a passport? Thanks you
Hi Michelle,
If you are flying, they need passports. If you’re driving, just a birth certificate is fine. Have fun!
My 20 year old college student is taking a two-day bus trip into Canada for spring break. She has been reassured by the tour director that her drivers license and birth certificate is all that she will need. She is a U.S. citizen. I am so worried.Please advise.
Hi Julie,
If she were under the age of 19, a birth certificate would be fine. However, since she’s 20, she should get a passport, a passport card, or an enhanced driver’s license (if offered in your state). Canada will let her in, and they can’t actually prevent her from getting back into the US since she’s a US citizen, but the group could be delayed coming back into the US while they verify her documents.
Hope this helps!
Can an American go far into Mexico by land with just a passport card. I’ve researched it, but I see yes and no in different sites. Which is it?!
Hi Aline,
Technically, you’re not supposed to go beyond a 25-mile border zone without a passport, but I’m not sure how strict they are about enforcement. I wouldn’t risk it, anyway. Also, keep in mind that you are supposed to have a passport, a passport card, an enhanced driver’s license or a NEXUS, FAST or SENTRI card to get back into the US.
Have a safe trip!
I want to go to Tijuana Mexico but i don’t know what my 10 month old baby need. so we can cross the bored.
Hi Elizabeth,
If you’re flying, she needs a passport. If you’re driving, she needs a birth certificate. If her father isn’t coming along with the two of you, you’ll also need a signed statement from him giving permission for the trip.
Have fun and be safe!
hello
a friend tried getting his passport issued on 2010 but was stopped due to child support services therefore he never got his passport or his brith certificate back.what can he do?
Hi Rodolfo,
First, he needs to pay off his child support and contact the appropriate state child support enforcement department so they can remove him from the passport denial list. Then, he needs to reapply. He can try contacting the National Passport Information Center to see if they still have his birth certificate by calling 1-877-487-2778. If they don’t have it, he’ll just need to order another certified copy of it to reapply. Good luck!
Hello there,
My husband and three kids have to travel to a US/Mexico border city. This is an unexpected trip to see my father. We do not have passports. Can i use my birthcertificate and valid driver’s license to return to the US? We do not have the time or the large amount of money required to get passports for all of us.
Hi Alex,
I hope your father is all right! Are you driving or flying? If you’re flying, I’m afraid you absolutely have to have passports. They will not let you on the plane without them. If you are driving, you can get into Mexico with the documents you mentioned, and as long as you are all US citizens they can’t keep you from re-entering the United States. However, since you are technically supposed to be carrying a passport, you may be temporarily detained while Customs verifies your identity and US citizenship. Allow lots of extra time to get back across the border.
Also, if you’re driving and your kids are under 16, they don’t need passports, just birth certificates. Plus, you and your husband can get passport cards, which are cheaper then regular passports, though you cannot use them for air travel. Call 1-877-487-2778 and see if there is a passport agency near you, and you may be able to get passport cards expedited for the two adults. That would be the cheapest way to ensure you can get home hassle-free.
Good luck!
My family and I are trying to go on a cruise departing from California (closed loop) with a stop in Enseneda, Mexico. My husband is a Lawful Permanent Resident of the U.S. with a valid Resident (Green) Card. Unfortunately his Samoan passport is no longer valid. We are trying to figure out if he can go on this cruise with only his Green Card and Drivers License. Thank you for your assistance 🙂
Hi Steph,
Technically he should be okay, but please check with the cruise line to make sure before you book, as they may have their own requirements. Have a great trip!
i am a U.S RESIDENT from jamaica. i would like to take my family on a trip to the U.S Virgin islands but i owe money in child support that i am paying back. will i be able to go or do i need special documents other than my drivers license to go. i am going by cruise ship. thanks.
Hi Richard,
The US Virgin Islands is still part of the US. You should be okay with just your permanent resident card. However, do check with the cruise line first as they may require you to have a valid Jamaican passport. If so, just contact the Jamaican Embassy- your child support should only be an issue if the Jamaican government has their own policy of denying passports to people who owe child support.
I am just trying to clarify something. My husband, myself, and 3 kids are wanting to go on a closed loop cruise departing from Long Beach, CA to Enseneda Mexico (Carnival). The kids and I are all US Citizens and will take birth certificates and State ID’s. However, my husband is a legal permanent resident and has a current green card. He is a citizen of Samoa but his passport expired years ago. Will he have any problems going on this vacation with just his green card and State ID (Drivers license)? I haven’t been able to get a straight answer from Carnival and I’m finding different answers online while searching. Thank you in advance for your help.
Hi Steph,
I had suggested you contact Carnival, but I see you’re not getting a straight answer from them. Try contacting Mexico’s Department of Tourism:
1 (800) 482-9832. They ought to be able to tell you for sure one way or the other whether he also needs a passport, based on his nationality.
I have a passport card..i want to travel from california to new york.
Do I need mypassport book to fly by plane???
Hi Deanna,
Not if you’re only going to California or New York. You only need a driver’s license to fly within the US, and a passport card should work as well. A passport book is required if you’re flying outside of the country. Enjoy your trip!
I want to take my mother in law and my 3 daughters to Tijuana Mexico. My mother in law has a green card, but I don’t have a passport, and the only “birth certificates” I have for my kids (4, 3, and 18mos) are doctor papers given at the hospital. is that sufficient?
Hi Chelsey,
No, I’m afraid not. Your mom should be fine, but per the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative you need either a passport or a passport card to get back into the US. For your kids, birth certificates are fine but you need the official copy, not the hospital papers. Find the appropriate Department of Vital Records Office here: http://www.cdc.gov/nchs/w2w.htm
Alternately, you can order them through VitalChek for faster processing: http://www.vitalchek.com/
Good luck, and have a great trip!
I am a permanent resident in the US and I’m trying to visit Mexico by car. I have my green card but my passport expired. Can I still visit and return safely just with my green card or is it required to have my passport? What are some other options? Please respond ASAP! Thank you!
Hi Minji,
All you need to get back in the US is your green card. However, per the Mexican Embassy, you need both a valid passport and your green card to travel within Mexico. Contact the closest embassy of the country you’re a citizen of and see if you can get your passport renewed. Have a safe trip!
Hi,
I got married 1.5 year ago and have recently got my social security card changed to my marriage name. That was the only document that has my new name. I will be traveling out of the country in April, can I still use my passport with my maiden name if I book my ticket under the same name? Are they going to find out that I have a different last name on my SS card? Thank you for your help
Hi Michelle,
If that’s the only place you’ve changed it and you’re going by your maiden name, you should be fine. Just make sure all your identification matches your ticket and get it changed when you get back. Have a great trip!
Do I need a passport if I’m traveling from Texas to California? Born and raised in the US and my mother got her US citiEnship.
Hi Melissa,
No, of course not. You need some form of state-issued photo ID, like a driver’s license, to get on a plane, but that’s it. Have a great trip!
Hello my name roberto I am deaf person I just want know my wife is born usa and my son too so her dad say they can go Mexico without passport but I feel worried a lot and board ask must have passport right? Or can use birth certificate? Please let me know write back thank u
Hi Roberto,
To comply with the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative, they need passports or a passport card. Hope this helps!
Hi,
My husband and I are flying to Puerto Rico, staying overnight, and then leaving from a port there for a southern Carribbean cruise for a week which is then returning to the same Puerto Rican port (a loop cruise, I guess?).
From my understanding, I do not need a passport, corect? My passport is still under my maiden name so I didn’t want to use it since I’d probably have to have it redone under my new name.
Thanks! Savanna
Hi Savanna,
You should be fine with just your driver’s license and your birth certificate, but please contact your cruise line to be sure.
Have a great trip!
I am on probation but I need to go to PR with my grandmother.I live in Newyork and want to know can I leave and come back with out probation finding out???????
PLEASE HELP ME SOME 1
THANK YOU!!!!!
Hi Khayla,
You don’t need a passport or anything other than a driver’s license to fly to Puerto Rico, but I would urge you to consider what would happen if your probation officer found out that you violated the terms of your probation. I don’t know if there’s anyway for them to find out or not, but do you really want to take that chance? Puerto Rico is part of the US- like traveling to another state. You may be able to get permission ahead of time to go, and that’s what I’d recommend. Then, you don’t have to worry about getting caught.
Good luck!
My husband owes in child support and he has a valid US passport. We are planing a close loop cruise. My question is would he have any problems leaving or coming back with un expired passport.
If you have been working out of the usa and you are behind on child support, can custum detain you coming back to the usa for child support?
Hi Abe,
I’m not sure, but you can lose the ability to renew your passport if you’re more than $2,500 behind.
Hi I’m a US citizens and I want to fly to the US virgin islands this summers I’m being told I won’t be able to return home without a passport is this true?
Hi Latasha,
Not at all. However, since the USVI is considered a “port of entry,” you may be asked to show your birth certificate or naturalization certificate on the way back into the US. Have a great trip!
I am a US permanent resident. Will I need any special documentations to travel to Puerto Rico or the Virgin Islands? Thank you in advance.
Hi Jake,
You shouldn’t need anything but your permanent resident card to go to Puerto Rico or the US Virgin Islands. Hope this helps!
I am a mexican born male, migrated here at the age of nine. 2007 I got the matricula consular which expires in march of this year. Last year I got my residency and I was planning to travel to mexico by plane on the 15th of feb.. is the matricula consular enough or do I need a passport to travel in and out of mexico back to the us?…. I wish I would have asked this question before I bought the un-refundable airfare tickets but hopefully im ok lol
Hi Lilo,
Yes, you’ll need a passport for the trip. Contact the nearest Mexican embassy or consulate for assistance. Thanks, and have a great day!
can i came back from mexico without passport if i go what is going to happeng
Hi Jo,
It depends. If you are traveling by air, no, you won’t be allowed on the plane. If you’re in Mexico now and have an expired passport, you should contact the nearest US embassy to renew it. If you’re traveling by land, Customs can’t actually permit you from entering the country if you are a US citizen, but they can hold you temporarily while they verify your citizenship. I would recommend getting the required travel documents before you leave the US!
Best regards,
Alison
I am chinese citizen living in the US east coast with a new passport from chinese embassy in the US. I lost my greencard years ago and no longer sure if it has already expired. Also, I don’t have a driver’s license. I need to travel soon to Hawaii and sometime this year to Puerto Rico and US Virgin Islands. Would my valid new chinese passport (no stamps yet of arrival to US) be sufficient ID?
Hi James,
For Hawaii and Puerto Rico, all you’ll need is your US driver’s license or other state-issued ID. The US Virgin Islands are trickier, because they’re part of the US but are considered a “port of entry.” That means that while you don’t technically need a passport, they do sometimes ask you to prove your citizenship or immigration status on the way back in. You should go ahead and replace your green card. Once you apply, you’ll get a temporary substitute document allowing you to travel without any hassle until the real one arrives.
Good luck and enjoy your trips!
if i have passport from El Salvador can i cruise from Texas
and what will i need ? thank you
Hi Dimple,
Sure, just bring your permanent resident card and your passport. Have a great trip!
MY husband, me and our son that is 22 months old are planning our vacation to Cancun at the end of February.We will be flying.
My question is: does my son need a passport in order to travel by plane to Mexico? I so need this information.
Thank you very much
Hi Estera,
Yes, if you’re flying he will definitely need a passport. Good luck and have a great trip!
Hi,
I’m a Jamaican citizen – not a US resident but my child was born in the US. Do I need a passport for him in order to travel to Jamaica? He’ll be 2 months old by the time I’ll need to leave.
Hi Jada,
Yes, you’ll need to get him a passport before you go. See our article on how to get a child passport for details: https://www.rushmypassport.com/newlp/blog/2011/05/how-to-get-a-child-passport/
if i have dual citizenship u.s and mexico can i travel to mexico with out a passport?
Hi Jesse,
No, you still need a passport- American citizens with dual citizenship must always enter and leave the US on a US passport. Hope this helps!
Hello can you please let me know what my options are. I would love to travel to Puerto Rico and Mexico; unfortunately i am not an American citizen i was born in Haiti ( I have been in American since I was 7 yrs old I am now 27). I will need to renew my passport from the Haitian embassy correct?. is there anything else i need.
Hi Katia,
You’ll need a valid Haitian passport and your permanent resident card if you’re a permanent resident. Contact the Mexican Embassy to see if you need a visa. Puerto Rico is a US territory-all you need to travel there is your US ID, though of course you should always bring your permanent resident card with you as well. Have a great trip!
My toddler is a us citizen n my husband is not . N they both r planning to travel to Guadalajara Mexico , frm the Tijuana airport which is also in Mexico . Will my son require a passaport to travel ?
Hi Daisy,
Contact the airline to see what type of documents they need for domestic air travel within Mexico. Regardless, it would be best if had one to prove US citizenship.
I have a question my boyfriends kids have been in Mexico for 3 years but they are us citizens. And he been trying to bring them back to the U.S Do they need passports to pass the border . N their mom lives in Mexico a d she’s illegal and they will be coming with their grandma in the bus
Hi Emily,
No, as long as they’re traveling by land they just need US birth certificates. Hope this helps!
Ok I just wanted some clarification. My fiancee is a german citizen, he has a US id and an expired green card. Where can we travel for our honeymoon?
thanks!
Hi Lyns,
He really needs to get his green card renewed before you leave the country. Otherwise he may have difficulties getting back in! They will give him a temporary proof of status when he applies that he can use for travel until it arrives, and as long as he has a valid passport you can go wherever you want. Hope this helps!
Hi, I’m getting marry in Cancun Mexico this November but I’ve ran into a huge problem. My mother is not an US citizen but she have her green card and Vietnam visa. Can she still travels to Cancun to attends my wedding? Thanks
Hi Tramy,
Sure, she just needs to carry her green card and her Vietnamese passport. Congrats on the wedding!
Heya,
My Mother is an American citizen, originally from Mexico. She needs to return to Mexico to attend to family affairs but she doesn’t have a passport. She can drive to Tijuana without a passport but will she need a passport to fly domestic WITHIN Mexico?
Hi Rafa,
I’m not sure what ID is required for domestic flights within Mexico. I would contact the Mexican Embassy and ask them. Here is their website: http://embamex.sre.gob.mx/eua/index.php/en/contact-us
I am an English Citizen but I have been a Permenant Resident of the US for the last 25 years. My passport is currently expired and I was wondering if it is safe to travel to Mexico and return using my GreenCard.
Hi Michael,
Unfortunately, it looks like Mexico won’t let you in without your passport. This is the Mexican Embassy’s website: http://portal.sre.gob.mx/was_eng/index.php?option=displaypage&Itemid=55&op=page&SubMenu=
My daughter went to Mexico and used her birth certificate to return this past summer. We were told she can only do this once. She is now invited to go to Mexico with friends in March. From what I understand from your website, she can use her birth certificate once again. It doesn’t appear there is a limit. She will be turning 15 years old in March during the month she is traveling. Is a birth certificate going to be sufficient. The mode of transportation is car. I appreciate you quick response.
Thank you,
Pam
Hi Pamela,
Yes, children under the age of 16 can just use their birth certificates. Hope this helps!
Thank you so much, Alison! 🙂 I definately will.
Hi there. I am planning a flight later this year within the US and I live in the US. This is my first time flying so I don’t know if I need a passport actually.. Do I need a passport to fly within the US or just identification when I go to the airport? It seems my post got lost or not approved.. thanks so much.
Krista
Hi Krista,
You can use a passport for ID on a domestic flight, but it’s certainly not required. Your driver’s license or state ID card is all you need. Enjoy your trip!
I’m looking to travel to mexico by land and stay near the border. I have my birth certificate but i changed my last name. I have documentation saying i changed my last name and my DL has my new last name. Will this suffice?
Hi Matt,
Technically, you need a passport card, a passport book, a SENTRI card (trusted traveler card for travelers to Mexico), or an enhanced driver’s license ( the kind with the RFID chip, only issued by a few states). Technically, Mexico will let you in without a passport if you enter by land, and Customs isn’t allowed to keep you from entering the country if you’re a US citizen. However, they can detain you temporarily in order to verify your citizenship if you don’t have the approved documents as per above. Whether or not your situation makes that more likely to happen, I can’t say. But it would be best if you got a passport or at least a passport card-then you wouldn’t have to worry.
Have a great trip!
Alison
I have a passport It will expire on Oct 30/2012
I will be going to Mexico for vacation will my passprt be OK
Hi Linda,
Yes, you should be fine. 🙂
can i go on a cruise with a metricula?
Hi Brittany,
In order for me to research this for you, please tell me what country you are a citizen of and the cruise itinerary. Thank you!
My mom wants to go to Arizona but she does not have a passport 🙁 Can she go without it?? And how can she get a passport without her Mexican Birth Certificate ? It was burned is there other ways tp get a passport without the Birth Certificate?? Please help
Hi Mayra,
Is your mom a US citizen? If so, she’d be using her naturalization certificate or Certificate of Citizenship as proof of citizenship anyway, or a Consular Report of Birth Abroad if she was born in Mexico to US citizen parents (if this is the case, see here to replace it: http://travel.state.gov/passport/get/first/first_825.html).
If your mom is a Mexican citizen, she needs to contact the Mexican government (http://www.sre.gob.mx/) to determine what her options are to get a passport without a birth certificate.
Was looking at past questions, people have asked you and l noticed you are telling people that the Nexus card is only good for land and sea. I phoned the Nexus people and they told me that l can fly to Hawaii, with my Nexus card because it is a US state, and the Nexus can be used in place of a passport if travelling to the US. It can be used for air, land and sea travel. Just wanted you to know this for upcoming questions you may get from people.
Hi Michele,
Okay, my apologies and thanks for the clarification. 🙂 I try to help out everyone who comments, but my posts are geared toward US citizens because that’s who we serve. The WHTI states that American citizens need a passport for just about any international air travel, with the exception of NEXUS card holders flying to certain Canadian airports (and not all of them, they have to be Preclearance airports with a NEXUS kiosk).
See below:
http://www.getyouhome.gov/html/lang_eng/eng_at.html
Also, I hope you enjoy your trip to Hawaii. Have a wonderful time!
I am traveling by car to canada this weekend
I have a passport in my maiden name and drivers license in married name – will i be ok? Should i bring my marriage certificate to be safe?
As well my husband has a valid non expired brazilian passport and us green card – will be he be fine?
Hi Dana,
Yes, bring your marriage certificate to be safe. Your husband will be fine.
I am Canadian and have a Nexus card. My passport is expired. I have an opportunity to go to Hawaii and was wondering if l could use my Nexus card to go there, instead of using a passport?
Hi Michele,
Unfortunately, NEXUS cards only work for travel by land or sea. You’ll need to get your passport renewed. Sorry!
Hi,
My boyfriend has left for canada without a passport and was unable to pass customs in canada, however the u.s. allowed him to board an airplane without a passport as well. now the immagration in canada is stating that the u.s. has to take him back because it was an error on their part? is this true? He is not a citizen in the u.s. but has his green card/permanant resediency card. He is a citizen in Serbia. I just spoke to customs here in arizona and they told me that they will not allow him to return to the u.s. without a passport? I am just so confused and would like to get a straight forward answer so i can reassure him what might happen. Would they send him back to Serbia or will they allow him to return?
Thank you very much.
Hi Dians,
I’m so sorry for what you and your boyfriend are going through. Since the decision about where he goes next isn’t up to me, I can’t tell you for sure what will happen. However, per the US Customs and Border Protection website, it doesn’t appear that he would need a passport to enter the US as long as he has his permanent residency card with him. This answer was just updated, so the information should be good. Perhaps you should call CBP’s main number and ask: (877) 227-5511.
Happy Holidays and I hope this helps!
I am a laos refugee and has been a LPR of the US for 30 years. I am not able to get a passport from my country of birth due to my “refugee status”. Can I travel to Cancun Mexico for a weekend with just my Green Card? I’m confused with all the information out there; some says I cannot board international flights or get into mexico with only a green card ???
Hi Maihoua,
You should be able to apply for a travel document that acts as a substitute for a passport if you’re a refugee. Read this for details and contact Customs and Border Control with any further questions:
http://www.cbp.gov/xp/cgov/travel/id_visa/lpr/get_a_travel_document.xml
Thank you so much!:)
Thank you … Another question what happens if i go and i dont have her passaport.?…. Would i have any problems?… And since im leaving this weeked and i apply for her passaport can i take like a proof that i applied for it it just hasent came?
Hi Leslie,
Are you flying into Tijuana or driving? If you’re flying in, you won’t be allowed on the plane leaving the US without her passport. If you’re driving in and then catching a plane, they’ll let you into Tijuana without one, but you need to contact the airline and see what kind of identification they ask for from US citizens taking domestic flights within Mexico. If you do this, you could potentially have problems even if you’re allowed to catch the flight from Tijuana, since technically under Mexican law you’re supposed to have one. Also, when you drive back into the US, you may have to wait at the border for some time while they verify that she is in fact a US citizen. Hope this helps!
Hi im traveling with my daughter whose 16 to mexico we are leaving from the tijuana airport do we (im a resident and shes a us citizen) need a passaport to travel from tijuana to mexico back to tijuana?…
Hi Leslie,
US citizens are required by Mexican law to have a passport if they travel beyond the “border zone,” so she should have a valid US passport in her possession before you leave. Also, since she’s a minor, you should bring a notarized letter from her father giving permission for her travel if he isn’t going with you. If you have sole custody, that’s fine too, but bring proof of that. This is just due to concerns about international child abudction.
Have a great trip!
Alison
Me and my mom and my brother our going to Mexico this weekend for vacations. Am 18 and would I need a passport to enter the united states or just with my birth certificate?
Hi Carmen,
Since you’re over 16 and this isn’t an organized group trip (like for a school or church), you’ll need a passport or a passport card if you and your family are driving down. If you’re flying, you can’t use a passport card and will need a full-sized passport. Hope this helps!
Hi, I am a US citizen living in the US, married to a Canadian. Christmas is a few weeks away… is there anyway to get a passport card prior to Christmas so that I can go to Canada with my wife and kids? Also, I have been across the border twice in the last two or three months without a passport and they let me back in without pulling me inside for questioning. What are the chance that that will happen again? 🙂
Thanks!
Hi Brian,
Expedited processing time via the Department of State is 2-3 weeks right now, so you might squeak by but you’ll be cutting it close. Of course, if you’re traveling within the next 2 weeks, you can make an appointment at a Regional Passport Agency: check here to find thr closest one and to see if they can produce a passport card on site. Of course, we cal also expedite a regular passport for you. 🙂
Of course, you know Canada will let you in without a passport as long as you’re driving and not flying, but as far as the likelihood of getting back in without any trouble again, your guess is as good as mine. 🙂 They can’t legally keep you out of the country, though- all they can do is detain you temporarily while they verify your identity and citizenship.
Hope this helps and Merry Christmas!
My husband and I are married. He was brought here illegally by his parents as a child. We have a child born here in the US. I am a natural born us citizen. He’s been deported. We want to move to Mexico. How can I get my daughter who is a baby a passport when he is in Mexico, and we need to fly because he is so far away.
Vanessa, that’s terrible!
I’m assuming this happened suddenly and you don’t have a court order for sole custody. So, what you’ll need to do is follow the directions for getting a passport for a child and if possible, include a notarized statement from him, using Form DS-3053, which he can print from the Department of State website or our website. If he is unable to fill it out and send it to you, fill it out yourself stating that you can’t get permission from him for the passport to be issued because he’s been deported, and get it notarized. You should also have a notarized statement from him permitting your daughter to travel to Mexico for the plane trip down, as Mexican authorities may want to see it when you enter the country. Hope this helps!
https://www.rushmypassport.com/newlp/blog/2011/05/how-to-get-a-child-passport/
i am married with american but there is a problem, my gabonese passport is lost long time ago but how can i process to get a green card? later on i want to apply for citizenship.
Hi Rokhaya,
Find instructions on getting a green card as the spouse of a US citizen here. To replace your Gabonese passport, contact the Gabonese Embassy.
Hi,i am a u.s citezen and i am 21 years old.i ve been living here in mexico for more than 6 years and i dont have an id or dl i just have my birth.cert and a bunch of other documents from school and stuff.and now i really need to go back to the states but i dont have a passport .i was wondering that in the border would they let me pass or would they just turn me away.ive heard that they legally cant keep u from entering ur country but in my case u think they would?
Hi Rudy,
You’re right, they can’t legally keep you out as a US citizen. However, the harder it is to confirm your citizenship, the longer they can decide to keep you. Since you have your birth certificate, your best option is to contact the nearest US embassy and get your passport. Barring that, bring your birth certificate and as many other documents as you can.
Thank you for all the help you’ve offered to this community Alison. I wish you had a search bar/checklist. It would start off with were u born in the u.s. and go from there where the user would check off documents they had to where they want to travel. It would then tell u if u needed a passport or whatever document u needed.
Ok, onto my question. Born in Germany, green card holder and elgible to become naturalized. I would like to go on a closed loop cruise (leaving and departing from same port).
I lost my green card and unsure whether or not I can get a German passport. I did have one when I was younger…..
In short…where can I cruise to with just a Illinois drivers license assuming cruise lines do not require additional documentation and I’m not concerned Bout being stranded and having to fly back into u.s.
Thank you
Hi Viet,
That’s a great idea, thanks!
Now, as for your question: To cruise outside of the US, you really need to replace your green card. Otherwise, you’re pretty much restricted to the US Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico, both of which are US territories and only require a photo ID. (But even for these, check with the cruise line before you book, please!) Wherever you decide to go, have a great trip!
Hi,
We are going on a Cruise leaving from LA and going to Puerto Vallarta and Cabo. Neither my son or daughter have a passport and I don’t know that we will have time to get them one. It looks like they only need the birth cert for the cruise but what other identification do we need? Do we have to get some sort of ID card for them since they are under 16 and don’t have a photo ID? THanks
Hi Steve,
No, as long as they are under 16 just the birth certificate is fine for a closed-loop cruise like this. Have a great trip!
I am US Citizen.
If I am going to Mexico by land for holydays, what kind of documents do I need (instead of passport) to get back to US?
Hi Ivan,
You still need a passport unless you are a minor. Have a great trip!
Hi, if i’m paying child support, but i’m still back up on payments for more than 2,500 dollars, would i qualify for a passport? can someone please help? thanks!
Hi, I am planning a trip to Cancun with my husband and two kids. I am have a passport. We are flying. Do I need to get passport for my two kids. One is 3 yrs and the other is 1 yr. And my husband only have a green card. Will he be able to re enter the US?
Hi Tiffany,
Yes, your children will both need passports. As long as your husband has a valid green card, he should be fine. Have a great trip!
We are expecting a baby in early May, and would like to plan a trip to France with our entire family in late June. What would we need to do to ensure we can get a passport in time? I have two older kids, but cannot recall how long it takes to even get a birth certificate. Can we expedite?
Hi Sally,
Congratulations! Birth certificates are issued by the city, county or state, so I would suggest your contact your Office of Vital Records to see how long it takes to get one: http://www.cdc.gov/nchs/w2w.htm
If you have less than six weeks I highly suggest expediting the passport application with the Department of State; less than three weeks, make an appointment with your nearest regional passport agency office or we can help. Have a great trip!
Hi. I live in san francisco california. Im going to give birth to a baby in a week. After one month I will travel to brazil to visit the family with my newborn. Do I need a passport for my baby? And do I need to buy him a ticket also? Thank you.
Hi Nessa,
Congratulations! Yes, your baby will need a passport for sure. Check with your airline to see if he will also need a ticket.
Hi. I am a British citizen with an expired passport. I have a valid Greenland and drivers licence. Can I drive from phoenix AZ to fairbanks AK. Going through Canada? Thank you. 🙂
Hi Ed, You’ll need to renew your passport first.
Hello Alison, my wife recently became a U.S. citizen and has the certificate of naturalization. We are going on a closed loop cruise (Galveston, TX) to the carribean but dont have enough time to get a pasport. Can she use her certificate of naturalization as a substitute for a passport? Thank you.
Hi Edward,
Double-check with your cruise line, but for a closed-loop cruise that should be fine. 🙂
Hi,
We live in Pasadena and we are traveling to Guadalajara from TJ, I am a permanent resident and I have a Resident Alien card an expired Mexican passport book and a matricula consular also expired.
What kind of problems would I confront?
Hello im about to give birth and I live in Los Angeles and my husbands family lives in Tijuana Mexico and we want to take the baby once she’s born so everyone can meet her and we were wondering how much time to be able to take her and if need a passport or the birth certificate if fine.?.
Hi Michelle,
Congrats on the new arrival! You can take your daughter across the border with just her birth certificate if you drive across. However, if you fly, she needs to have a passport (the book, not the card.) Hope this helps!
Hi im a permanent resident of the united state – i do have a current dominican passport and valid green card but , i do owe child support -can i travel outside the usa ?
Hi Michael,
Yes, as long as your green card and Dominican passport are valid. The Passport Denial Program only applies to American citizens, but should you become a citizen, you would need to get your payments current in order to be issued a passport.
Hi I live in the U.S. but I`M NOT A CITIZEN. Do I need a passport to go to Purto Rico? Can I go using only an American Driver`s license?
Hi Rebecca,
Yes, Puerto Rico is part of the US, so your driver’s license should be fine. That said, I found this on the TSA’s website: “Non-US/Canadian citizens are not required to carry their passports if they have documents issued by the U.S. government such as Permanent Resident Cards. Those who do not should be carrying their passports while visiting the U.S.”
So, it seems like it would be prudent to carry your passport and/or a permanent resident card, if applicable.
I’m traveling to canada
Then, yes. Per the Canadian Customs website, “Children under the age of 18 should have valid identification with them. If you are travelling with a child and you are not the child’s parent or guardian, you should have a letter from the child’s parent or guardian authorizing entry into Canada.”
So, you’ll need to get your parents to write and sign a letter giving you permission to go, and I would have them get it notarized as well. Hope this helps!
I am 17 with a US passport, traveling by bus with a big group of people that are in their 20’s. Do I need a letter from my parents to go and if so what type of letter?
Hi Camilla,
Where are you traveling to?
my friend recently applied for a passport and realized she inverted one number from her ssn and now she is very worried
i told her i do not think they would verify her number then again maybe they do . But if they do verify your number
would they send her a letter or an email so she can correct her error ? and how long before the passport
office send an inquiry …..she sent it expedited almost a month ago
Hi Deana,
Tell your friend to call the National Passport Information Center at 1-877-487-2778. They’ll be able to check the status of her application and let her know how to correct any errors. Good luck!
Hi i plan on driving to Canada next week my passport is expired. can i
use my certificate of american citizenship ? if not is there any way i can get
a passport quickly ?
Hi James,
As long as you’re driving, you won’t need a passport to enter Canada: your certificate of citizenship will be fine (see the Canadian Customs website for details: http://www.cbsa.gc.ca/security-securite/admiss-eng.html) Where you may run into difficulties is on the way back, since you’re supposed to have a passport or a passport card to re-enter the US. That said, if you’re an American citizen they can’t keep you from entering, they can only detain you temporarily while they confirm your citizenship.
That said, if you want to get a passport before you go, you can make an appointment at the nearest passport agency office (see here to find the nearest one: http://travel.state.gov/passport/npic/agencies/agencies_913.html) or contact us and we’d be more than happy to help!
hello,
i am a U.S citizen i was wondering if i am flyin from a part of mexico to tijuana, would they airline give me problems just having my ID and b.certificate. because they dont ask for my passport information just said i need an ID to obtain my tickets.
Hi Nettie,
I’m not familiar with what ID is required for domestic flights within Mexico; contact the airline to verify what you need. If you do need a passport, the nearest US Embassy should be able to assist you in getting one. Good luck and have a great trip!
Hi I am a U.S resident and i live in california me and my husband want to travel to New York with our two kids a 3yr old and a 2yr old what are the proper documentation that me and my kids need? my husband is a U.S. citizen so can we use my kids birth certificates? and do I only need my green card to come back to California? pls let me know I really want to get this stress of off me thank you!
Hi Adriana,
No need to stress! You’re not leaving the US, so all you’ll need is your green card (just in case anyone asks) and driver’s license or other photo ID for your husband. It’s a good idea to bring a copy of the kids’ birth certificates, too. Have a great trip!
I am in college in Washington, DC, but my license has my address in New Jersey. In order to get a passport, do I need to go to New Jersey?
Hi Taylor,
No, not at all. You can apply in DC. However, since your driver’s license is from New Jersey, the Department of State does require you to present “a second ID containing as much of the following information as possible: your photo, full name, date of birth and the document issuance date.”
Hope this helps!
Hi there,
I’m a Brazilian citizen who married an American citizen. I’m in the process of getting my green card. We plan on going to Puerto Rico and would like to know if I will go through immigration once returning to the US. Do you think I’m ok traveling with my driver’s license only.
Thanks in advance
Hi Vivian,
Puerto Rico is part of the United States, so you should travel with the same documents you’d use for flights from one state to another. There’s no need for anything else since you aren’t actually leaving the country.
I owe less than 2500 in child support why cant I get passport?
Hi Kevin,
You’ll need to ask the Department of State why they won’t give you a passport. If it’s because of back child support, contact the child support enforcement department for the state in which you owe. Contact info for the various state agencies is here: http://www.acf.hhs.gov/programs/cse/extinf.html
Good luck!
My son is 18 months old and his Aunt wants to take him to the US
Virgin Islands on a family trip with her kids. Does he need a passport
to travel to the US Virgin Islands? Do I need to give her any form of
authorization to travel with him?
Hi Eve,
He shouldn’t need a passport because the Virgin Islands is part of the US. If they plan to go over to the British Virgin Islands, he’ll need a birth certificate if they’re taking a boat and a passport if they’re flying. It can’t hurt to give your sister a notarized letter giving permission to take him, just to be on the safe side. Here’s a link to an article with more details about what should be on the form: http://www.smartertravel.com/travel-advice/important-documents-for-traveling-with-children.html?id=2402472
i hope to travel to ensenada, mexico by land, from los angeles. I will be taking my two sons age 1 and 3. I will only need there birth certificates correct to and from/across the border correct?
Hi Roxcee,
That’s correct. However, if they are traveling with you only, you’ll need a letter of authorization from the father or proof that you have sole legal custody. See here for details: http://gomexico.about.com/od/entryrequirements/f/kids_entry.htm
I would like to go on a cruise to Mexico with my husband. He is a U.S citizen
and I have a green card. My green card still has my maiden name on it.
Will this be a problem getting back into the U.S for me? My driver license
has my married last name on it but green card still has maiden name.
Cruise line is Carnaval.
Thank you so much!
Hi Caroline,
The best thing to do would be to call Carnival to make sure they’ll let you board. If you do need to change it, this fact sheet has instructions: http://www.uscis.gov/USCIS/Resources/B2en.pdf
Have a great trip!
hi i have dual US and UK citizenship but only hve a UK passport cal i leave US with a UK passport and can i get back in to the US wont give me a passport cos of childsupport
Hi Steve,
Unfortunately, dual citizens must enter and leave the US using a US passport. See here for more details: http://travel.state.gov/travel/cis_pa_tw/cis/cis_1753.html
I trying to find out if I need to get a passport for my two children to travel from Eagle Pass texas across the border into mexico by car or can we use their birth certificate and their school id with a picture on it.
Hi Melanie,
If the kids are under 16, that should be fine. If they’re over 16, you’ll need to get them a passport or a passport card.
I am a US citizen, and married to a mexican citizen. I live in Tijuana, Mx with my husband
I have a passport card,birth certificate, marriage licence and california ID.
I would like to take to Puerto Vallerta by plane and was wondering if these document that I have are all that is need to go by plane from Tijuana, Mexico to Puerto Vallarta and back..and
if not what else do I need.
Hi Sharbear,
You should check with the airline to see what type of ID is acceptable for US citizens for domestic flights within Mexico.
i’m traveling to Puerto Rico from New York and I am a permenent resident of the US. Will my resident card and NY ID be going to travel with?
Hi Jenice,
Your permanent resident card and your NY ID should be fine for domestic travel. Have fun!
I WAS WONDERING IF MY 10 MONTH OLD BABY US CITIZEN NEED A PASSPORT TO TRAVEL BY AIR FROM TIJUANA TO GUADALAJARA.. I HAVE HER BIRTH CERTIFICATE AND SS CARD …
Hi Jessica,
She’d need a passport to fly to and from the US and Mexico for sure, but I’m not sure what Mexico requires for travel within the country. I’d suggested contacting your airline.
My husband was born in Canada. He has his permanent residence card for
the U.S. and his Canadian birth certificate. (No Canadian passport)
We live in the U.S. Can he go on a cruise starting and ending in
San Juan going to St. Thomas, USVI, Barbados St. Lucia, WI
St Kitts, WI, St. Maarten? Will he be able to get back on the ship and
back in the U.S with just his permanent residence card and his
Canadian birth certificate?
Hi Shelli,
His permanent resident card is technically all he needs to get to and from the US. However, I’d recommending checking with the embassies of each country where you’ll be stopping to see what documents are required for Canadian citizens/US permanent residents to enter. Also, contact your cruise line as they may refuse to let him board with just the permanent resident card and may require that he carry a passport anyway. Good luck, and have fun!
My fiance and I are planning our honeymoon, I am a US citizen and he is a permanent resident. We are exploring our options. Can you help me understand the document requirements for traveling by air to and from Hawaii or Puerto Rico as well as for a cruise to mexico and carribean?
Thanks 🙂
Hi Telly,
For traveling by air to Hawaii or Puerto Rico, you won’t need to worry about a passport since you’re not leaving the US. For a cruise to Mexico or the Caribbean, if it’s a closed-loop cruise that begins and ends at the same US port, you can use your driver’s license and birth certificate, though it would be better if you had a passport book in case you needed to fly home for an emergency or missed the boat and needed to meet it in another port. Your fiance should bring his permanent resident card and his passport.
Congratulations!
But there must be a loop hole
Hi Kailey,
No, sorry, there is no loophole. You can see here that the only exceptions are if you are traveling with the military or the merchant marine, or if you are a lawful permanent resident:
http://www.getyouhome.gov/html/lang_eng/eng_at.html
Hi if I’m leaving
To the Bahamas in two days by airplane and my friend doesn’t have a passport is there anyway to let her
Go to the Bahamas with just a birth certificate?!!!!and she is under 16
Hi Kailey,
Unfortunately not. She’d be all right if you were sailing there, but since you’re flying she will absolutely need a passport. Sorry!
Please help, My husband and our 2 children are taking a cruise to the bahamas. my husbands passport card was denied because he owes back child support in ohio in the amount of $2,065 but is still making payments. Is there anything we can do to get a passport card? They say it has to be paid in full even though the passport agency says as long as it’s under $2500 it’s o.k. Please help we leave in 4 weeks. Is there anything we can do to get around this?
Hi Regina,
That’s unfortunate. We can’t expedite a passport for him if he’s on the passport denial list, but he may not need a passport at all. If it’s a closed-loop cruise, one that begins and ends at the same US port, he should be able to go with just his driver’s license and birth certificate. Call the cruise line and confirm with them whether or not this will work and to make sure they will permit boarding, but it should be fine as long as you aren’t spending any nights on land.
Good luck!
my husband and i are going on a cruise from california to ensenada mexico i am a citizen and have a paaport but he has a permanent resident card since he was 3 years old does he need a passport to go on the cruise
Hi Peggy,
The US doesn’t require him to have one for a closed-loop cruise – he can just use his green card. However, contact the cruise line ASAP and check because they may still require one. Also, depending on what country he’s a citizen of, Mexico may require him to have a passport.
See:
https://help.cbp.gov/app/answers/detail/a_id/1139/kw/permanent%20resident%20entry
Good luck!
Hello,
I’m traveling to Mexico in 3days and I’m a Japanese citizen with a green card. Can you travel by air with your expired passport and valid green card to Mexico. Thank you for your help!!
Hi Jane,
It appears you’ll need a valid passport to enter Mexico.
See this link to the Mexican Embassy’s website for details: http://embamex.sre.gob.mx/usa/index.php/consular-services
whats the deal if your burth certificate was dated two yrs after birth
Hi Carl,
You’ll probably need to submit a combination of early public records along with your birth certificate. See this link for details: http://travel.state.gov/passport/get/secondary_evidence/secondary_evidence_4315.html
SHOOT! I KNEW it! She is an Irish citizen coming in for a visit. That’s exactly what I was trying to figure out–how she would go about getting her passport expedited in Ireland.
She is BUMMING OUT! She’s been planning this trip for months. Poor thing has been overwhelmed with health issues in her family, and was taking this vacation as a break. She just never thought to check her passport. 🙁 Hopefully she can use her tickets another time.
Thank you for your prompt response!
Awww, that’s awful!
I searched Google for you, and it looks like she may be able to get her passport expedited from there, though it will cost extra. Send her this link and see if it helps:
http://www.dfa.ie/home/index.aspx?id=254#express
Hello,
I have a friend coming in from Ireland THIS Friday, and she just realized that her passport expired last month. Can she gain entry to the U.S. with this one-month old expired passport? If so, can she rrenew it here? If not, do you know if she can get a VERY expedited passport in Ireland?
Thank you.
Hi Joanne,
Wow, how unfortunate! Is she an Irish citizen or a US citizen living abroad? If she’s an Irish citizen, no, she won’t be allowed in with an expired passport. I’m not familiar with the procedures for expediting passports in Ireland -she would need to contact her government’s passport agency. If she’s American, she should be able to go to the US Embassy to get her passport renewed before she leaves.
Good luck!
Hi I’m a naturalized us citizen, I don’t have a passport right now I’m in mexico. I have a mexican passport but not an american. Could I use it to flight back to houston? Or what can I do?
Hi Betty,
As a citizen, you’re required to use your US passport to enter and exit the country. Go to the nearest US Embassy and they can help you. Best of luck!
Hi,
I just applied for a new passport with my married name. I realized when filing my taxes today that I have not changed my name (Due to marriage) with the SSN office. Will that delay the processing of my passport?
Hi Summer,
No, you should be fine. If you need to check the status of your application, check here under your married name: http://travel.state.gov/passport/status/status_2567.html
I am an Irish citizen, but living in the US for 15 years now. I hold
a permanent resident card for the US. Can I travel on my honeymoon to
the US Virgin Islands with a US Driver’s license and my permanent
resident card? I have applied for my Irish Passport but it will not
arrive in time for my honeymoon.Let me know asap , thanks!!
Hi Anna,
Unfortunately, you’ll need a valid passport to travel. Best of luck to you, and congratulations on your marriage.
Hi my family and I are planning on moving to Mexico my husband is a permanant resident and I a US citizen do I need to do anything besides have our passports to move there or since he is a Mexican citizen is everything fine.
Hi Ann,
Contact the INM and see what you need to do to move to Mexico as the spouse of a citizen. You can find their contact info here: http://www.inm.gob.mx/index.php/page/Contacto/en.html
I don’t have a birth cert or any pertinent vital records I have sent
passport agency every thing from a family bible to high school
transcripts they still say that I need to send then more info but
there is none available just wondering if there are any loop holes
for US citizens that cant proove thier place of birth but can
establish citizenship through one or more parent
Hi Gray,
Oh my goodness, that sounds awful! If you’ve already provided the Department of State with all the secondary documentation they’ve requested, I would contact your representative in Congress. Find out how here: https://writerep.house.gov/writerep/welcome.shtml
Hey, I have an fbla trip to rochester, I live in valley stream new york, but my passport is expired, can I use my greencard however to travel? And im in the process of citizenship
Hi Jaspreet,
As long as the flight is domestic, your green card should be fine. Have a great trip!
Hi, my husband is Mexican and he has a flight to Mexico this weekend. He can’t find his passport. He has his visa card and copy of his Mexican passport. Would this hinder him from flying in or out of the US?
Hi Brenda, Yes, to fly he’d need a valid passport. I’d contact the Mexican Embassy as soon as possible.
I need some advise Alison or any of the gurus here that can help.
I am a born American Puerto Rican citizen
I recently received my new puerto rico birth certificate that was
was ordered through vital chek
I sent out my passport application DS-11 through the post office Feb
14 I still do not see a status on my application for some reason?
When i sent out my birth certificate the post office made a photo copy
of my drivers license. My drivers license has my patronymic fathers
last name, on my birth certificate it shows both parents last name
same as my social security card.
Now when I filled out the DS-11 form I have filled it out the same way
that is noted on my Birth Certificate. Would the drivers license be
a problem from me obtaining a passport?
Also would like to note when I filled out both last names on the
DS-11 form I added a coma in between to show that the last name should
be separated since my birth certificate does not show a hyphenated
last name. Would the coma also cause delays or would they just ignore
it?
Hi Joey,
First of all, make sure you’re entering in your last name exactly as you entered it on form DS-11. If you’re still not getting a status, call the National Passport Center at 1-877-487-2778 and they should be able to help you figure out what’s going on.
Hope this helps!
My sons (14 years old) passport expires August 2011, we are traveling to Puerto Vallarta in June of 2011, (2 monhts before the expiration date, will we run into any problems?
Hi Gloria,
You should be fine. Have a great time!
Hell,
i have not been to mexico in while now and was considering going to TJ
for the weekend can i still use my Driver License and Birth Certificate
to cross back over?
Hi Derrick,
I’m afraid not. You’ll need a passport or a passport card, or another WHTI-compliant ID like an enhanced driver’s license with an RFID chip inside.
My x husband owes me a lot of money in back child support and he can not a US passport because of
because of this. His new girlfriend lives in the UK and they will be
Married next summer, she is going to live here for 2 years than they are going to go to france
to live. If my x still owes me back child support can he still move to
France or the UK.
Thank you for your time.
Hi Leslie,
Well, he can’t get a US passport without paying it back or at least making payment arrangements that satisfy the department of child support enforcement in your state.
Hi, I am a US permanent resident (without any passport) and would like to travel to Cancun, Mexico.
Do you know which documents I need to have before booking the trip. Many thanks.
Hi Danny,
You’ll need a valid passport issued by whichever country you are a citizen of and your permanent resident card. If your passport is expired, contact the nearest embassy or consulate for your home country and get it renewed.
Have a great trip!
does anyone know about a new law where if u got ur passport at the age of 16 u have to renew it even if it isnt expired?
Hi Ashley,
No, I’ve not heard that, and there’s nothing about it on the State Department website either. It must be just a rumor!
I’m from France and I married an American in the USA. The question is it is taking to long to get My new passport with my married name on it over here can I fly back with my old one underneath my maiden name and wait or start a new passport and or name change here. I have a card and marriage certificate with me and a valid passport just underneath my old name. Can I fly back to the USA thank you very much I’ll wait for a reply
Hi Bobby,
You should be able to fly back to France with the passport you have now, just make sure to book the tickets under you’re maiden name.
Congratulations on your marriage!
Can he use his birth certificate and driver’s licence? will he be allowed to travel with me?
Is a US citizen? If he is, he can use his birth certificate and driver’s license. If by “permanent resident” you mean he’s an immigrant, he’ll just need his green card.
Enjoy your cruise!
can my fiancée travel to the Bahama’s on a cruise that begins and ends in Miami?
he owes back child support in new jersey. he is a permanent resident of Florida.
IF I AM A U.S CITIZEN AND I AM DRIVING TO TIJUANA AIRPORT AND TAKING THE PLANE TO GUADALAJARA DO INEED A PASSPORT OR AN ID?
Hi Alma,
To drive across the border you need a passport or a passport card. Note that if you are flying back to the US you’ll need passport book (not the card). I would contact your airline to see what kind of ID they require from American citizens flying within Mexico.
My husband was born in Canada. He has his residence card for the U.S. What will he need to be able to travel to St. Thomas and to get back into the U.S?
Hi Shelli,
St. Thomas is the US Virgin Islands, so he should be fine with just photo ID and his residence card. If you’re going to visit the British Virgin Islands as well, he’ll also need either a copy of his birth certificate or his Canadian passport.
Enjoy your trip!
I am a 53 year old born in the U.S.A. Male Veteran. I am currently making
child support payments dating back 23yrs, but is still behind more
than 2,500dls so this makes me in-eligible for a Passport or Passport
Card. I need to go desperately to Mexico to tend to some family
matters about my ailing mother, i realize that entering Mexico is not
a problem however, what problems will i encounter upon my return to the
U.S.? Will, or can I be denied Entry to my Country? The Sentri Card
does not apply to me either. Thanks for any help.
Hi Javier,
Technically, Customs cannot legally deny you entry into your own country. What they can, and probably will, do is detain you temporarily while they verify your identity and citizenship. Expect delays. 🙁 You don’t mention where in Mexico you’re headed, but you should know that you will not be able to fly in and that US passports are now required for citizens traveling more than 12 miles into the country. See this article for more details: http://www.kpbs.org/news/2010/mar/01/mexicos-new-passport-law-takes-effect/
If you haven’t already, try contacting the state agency that handles your child support to see if they’ll grant you a hardship exception.
Good luck!
Hello, I am engaged and am applying for medical school in the caribbean. But my fiance owes back child support because he had emergency open-heart surgery at 21 and got behind. My question is, can he move with me? I have heard he has to owe less than 2500 dollars. Is this true and if so, is there any way of getting around this? He hasn’t missed a payment for over 5 years and is working to pay it back.
Hi Michole,
I’m sorry, but it looks like he’ll have to pay it back first. You can contact the state agency that handles his child support payments to see if they’ll grant him a hardship exception, though.
Hi,
A group of friends want to go to Puerto Rico. We leave in New Jersey, but I have a Washington dl because that’s where I always lived , but I’m going to college in New Jersey I leave here now . So would there be any pronlem??
Thanks
Hi Steve,
No, it shouldn’t. Puerto Rico is in the US so you’ll just need a valid ID (like your driver’s license) to get on the plane.
Hi
if i have passport from El Salvador
can i fly to california without a
visa or residence????
please i need to know..
thank you
Hi Maricela,
Are you in El Salvador currently, or are you trying to get to California from somewhere else in the US?
Hi, I am a permanent resident and would like to travel to Puerto Rico. Would I need more documentation other then my DL and updated green card?
Hi Taylor,
You shouldn’t, since it’s not an international flight.
I was married in September and have changed all my documents except my passport to my new name. My passport is not expired but can I use it since it has my old name? We wanted to leave the country for thanksgiving.
Well, the TSA has started requiring that the name you book your ticket under matches your ID. As long as you can book the ticket under your maiden name so that everything matches, you should be fine, but please do contact your airline first and confirm!
My passport and green card expired,can I still obtain a new passport if my guardians are US citizen .I need new passport fast for school
Hi Felly,
You’ll need to check with the embassy of the country you are a citizen of.
I go by my middle name; have never used my first name except when
I file taxes. Even my drivers license and social security card has
just my middle name on it. Do I have to use my first name when I get
my passport?
As My father was born in Canada, and I was born outside canada in the first generation, I was able to claim Canadian Citizenship under the new laws of April 17 2009. I am a US Permanent Resident, I have family in canada, Since the recession hit, I was thinking of trying my luck in Canada for work. As a Canadian Citizen who has never been there before, and have a British Passport,. Can I just move there? or would I need to go through the immigration process?? Am slightly confused on that level.
Hi Louie,
Contact Canada’s Citizenship and Immigration office and they can advise you: http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/contacts/index.asp
Seriously, a US citizen asked if you needed a passport to go to hawaii??!! Someone needs to learn the current US states apparently!!
Hi, I have been living in mexico for some time now and my passaport just expired the 10 of august
expired the 10 of august 2005 and i wanted to know if I could fly back to the U.S.A or pass by the
border
back or pass by the
Hi Omar,
No, youi can’rt fly into the US on an expired passport. Go to the nearest US embassy and get it renewed.
sorry…re-entry from Canada.
my husband’s passport has been denied due to back child support. what documents can he use for re-entry into the states?
Hi Judy,
Unfortunately, he won’t be able to travel by plane outside the US at all until he gets his passport. However, if he’s traveling by land or sea, he can use an enhanced driver’s license, assuming your state offers them, or a NEXUS or SENTRI card (he’ll need to pass a background check to apply for either of these.) Details here: http://getyouhome.gov/html/lang_eng/eng_ttp.html
If he’s already in Canada, they can’t stop him from returning by land-he should just bring as much identification as possible and allow a lot of extra time to cross.
does a US citizen over 16 need a passport to travel from the lower 48
to Alaska by car?
Hi Josh,
Since you’re passing through Canada, you’ll need a passport OR a passport card, Enhanced Driver’s License (check with your state DPS to see if they offer this), or a trusted traveler card like a NEXUS, FAST or SENTRI card.
i live in california and my eighth grade class is going to new york and d.c an dbaltimore. do i need a passport to travel there in airplane or no?
Hi Karen,
No, you won’t need a passport since you’re not leaving the US. Enjoy your trip!
We are planning a cruise to the western carribean in March 2011 and my 12 year old son will be traveling as well which brings me to my question he will not be required to have a passport just his birth certicate according to what I reas above right?
That’s correct, Benika. I would get him a passport anyway, though. You have plenty of time, and that way if you need to fly home for any reason, or if you miss the boat and need to fly to the next port to catch up with it, you’re covered.
I am leading a missions trip to Mexico to build a house with a group of students 18 and under. Am I correct in assuming that the law states that the 18 and under students can cross the border both ways with a birth certificate and notarized letter from parents? We did this last year and the border guards gave some of our vehicle leaders a hard time crossing saying everyone should have passports when that is not what the law says. Why did they do this? Don’t they know the law? Could you point me to the place I can get an official copy of this stipulation for border crossings so I can bring it with me this year? Thanks a lot
Matt,
You are correct, and I’m not sure why the border guards gave you a hard time. You can print off the relevant page from the US Customs website here: http://getyouhome.gov/html/lang_eng/eng_sa.html
If you want something sent to you instead of just a print out, I’d try calling US Customs and Border Protection: (877) CBP-5511
Best of luck!
Me, my wife and my daughter are permanent residents. But we have newborn that was born in US. So she is US citizen. As I understand we can go to Mexico and return back by green cards. But what documents do we need to have for newborn to enter and leave Mexico? We want to visit “border zone” near San Diego.
Thank you.
Hi Alex,
Congratulations on your little one! It depends on whether you are driving or flying. If you are flying to/from Mexico, you have to have a passport for her. However, if you’re traveling by car, since she’s under 16 you can just bring her birth certificate. Hope this helps!
Hi
I heard that they are asking for the passport book when returning from mexico now even if you travel by land. Is this correct? I have a passport card but my relatives state they have been asked for the passport book in the last couple of months. Thanks
Hi Sarah,
As long as you’re traveling by land, a passport card should be fine. That’s what they were created for!
Hello, I am a bus driver for a band out of Nashville, Tn. Do I need a passport to enter into Canada on my job?
Hi Jesse,
Yes, you’ll need a passport or a passport card, as will everyone else on the bus.
I will be 16 and traveling by car to Canada. I am a U.S. citizen.
Can I just use my birth certificate or will I need a passport? I don’t
have my driver’s license yet.
Hi John,
Only kids UNDER 16 can travel with just a birth certificate. If you’re 16 or older you need a passport, a passport card or an enhanced driver’s license with a RFID chip inside, assuming your state issues them.
I have a job which is relocating me to England. I’d like to fly my daughters family out to visit, but her baby’s Dad has a felony charge for vandalizing property. He is on probation, but since becoming a Dad has not gotten into any trouble. The charge is about 2 years old. Will England allow him to visit on vacation?
Hi Lin,
Contact the British Embassy: http://ukinusa.fco.gov.uk/en/ They should be able to get you the information you need.
I have bounced ck charges against me that i have not been able to take care of
can i still get a passport
Hi Robin,
If they’re just misdemeanors, probably. If they are felonies, probably not. You can contact the National Passport Center to see if they can give you a better answer: 1-877-487-2778.
I sm a US permanent resident, however, my panamenian passaport expired. Can I use my expired passport to exit the US?
if I’m a permanent resident born in el salvador…do I need a passport to travel to Hawaii?
I want to take my 8 year old son to hawaii, we are planning to Fly from California. Can he go if his passport is expired? or is a passport required? We are both US Citizens.
Hi Evelyn,
You don’t need a passport to fly to Hawaii-it is part of the US
I am traveling to the Bahamas on Discovery Cruiselines. I was told by the cruiseline I only need a birth certificate for my toddler to travel. Yet my family is freaking out that I need to get her a Passport…is that true?
You don’t need a passport for her if it’s a closed-loop cruise, on that begins and ends in the same US port. However, it’d be a good idea to get one anyway in case something comes up and you need to fly home with her-even toddlers have to have passports to fly.
Hi
me my mom and my sister are going to Mexico this weekend and we dont have
passports were going by bus would we be able to go and come back with out
them???
If you aren’t going very far into Mexico (less than 12-18 miles past the border), the Mexican government won’t require passports for you to enter. However, if you’re going any further than that, you will need passports to get into the country. Coming home, if you don’t have passports it will be a huge hassle. They can’t really keep you out if you are a US citizen, but they can detain you until your citizenship is proved to their satisfaction. Also, if you’re going with a tour bus they may not let you on board without proper documentation.
Can I get a passport if I had a felony conviction in my past.
Hi Chris,
You probably can, but there are some exceptions. See this entry for details: https://www.rushmypassport.com/newlp/blog/2009/07/can-i-get-a-passport-with-a-felony/
I owe child support rear what is the law for us father’s to get a passport to prove of citizens an identification
Hi,
If you owe more than $2,500 in back child support, you are not eligible to get a passport until acceptable payment arrangements have been made. For more details, see this page: http://travel.state.gov/passport/ppi/family/family_863.html
It states you need a passport to travel to Mexico but do not need one on a cruise if the start/end ports are the same. Do we need a passport to take a cruise to Mexico?, or can we still just use our Birth Certs and drivers license. Leaving from Long Beach CA and returning to Long Beach with a stop in Ensenada along the way.
Hi Mike,
Double-check with your cruise line, but you should be okay with just a driver’s license and a birth certificate. Have a great trip!
It said Americans traveling to Mexico, Canada or the Caribbean
by plane need a passport book. so this does not apply if
you are flying to Puerto Rico or the U.S Virgin Islands if
your a U S CITIZEN? JUST A BIRTH CERTIFICATE WILL DO?
Hi Sonia,
As long as you’re going to Puerto Rico or the US Virgin Islands, you do not need a passport because they are part of the US. Have a great trip!
Is a passport required to fly to & from puerto rico if you are a US citizen?
Hi Todd,
Nope, Puerto Rico is a US territory, so no passport is required.
im an american citizen, born in america, i lived in canada for a few years, and now live in the states. i have an expired passport, can i still travel there and back with this new law, i never had a problem for the last 5 years
Hi John,
No, you can’t travel to Canada with an expired passport. The law has changed, and if you are flying you need a VALID (not expired) passport book.
If you are driving or sailing, you can use one of the following: a passport card. an enhanced driver’s license (a new type of license that has an RFID chip in it just like a passport, not all states offer them), a NEXUS card, a FAST card or a SENTRI card.
if i am a resident of California but born in mexico, do I need a passport to travel from mexico to
the USA?
Are you a US citizen? If you are a US citizen you need a passport to return to Mexico by air and a passport or passport card to return by land or sea. If you are a US permanent resident you will use your green card to return to the US.