I'm writing for a friend. Does a U.S Citizen need a passport to visit Mexico for a few days? The trip would be in April, 2006. thanks.

http://travel.state.gov/travel/cbpmc/cbpmc_2223.html

You might want to read Stewbear's response on the Latin America/Mexico forum.

No, they do not if they have two pieces of ID such as a drivers license and original birth certificate.

There is upcoming legislation that even though you may be able to enter other countries (w/birth cert.)etc. in order to get back in the US, you will need a passport. It is coming & soon. I would go ahead & prepare accordingly.

Please note that this is not just 2 pieces of ID. One must be an official picture ID and the other must be proof of citizenship (hence the original birth certificate). And the isues is not getting into Mexico - but back into the US.

Since the passport lasts ten years - and will soon be needed for everywhere - why not just bite the bulet and get one - while there's plenty of time and no rush charges.

As the link explains, government issue photo ID and original birth certificate are fine until the end of the year.

Just came back 2 weeks ago today, they worked fine.

Keith

One last thing, you don't need the original birth certificate since the authorities will not give it to you but an orginal certified copy of your birth certificate.

C'mon, guys, in this climate why not just spring for a passport? I don't go anywhere without mine, even Mexico and Canada. It's coming...might as well prepare.

Do these rules apply for someone who is just walking across the border for a little shopping day?

Yes, they do.

Technically, yes. In practice maybe not. I wouldn't go without a passport now, even to TJ for a few hours (not that I'd go to TJ anyway). Just for the sake of argument, suppose the threat level was raised while you were there. You wouldn't get back into the US without the requirted documentation.

Sorry, by original I met one that has the offical seal. Not a copy of one.

Keith

Barbara, Well I would not leave the U.S. without a passport myself, but that is not the question the OP asked.
;-)

Jayne1973

Only if you ever plan on returning to the US.

suze, I wasn't replying to the OP actually, but to jayne 1973. You're such a sweetie to point that out, though.

Correct. You need the passport to get back into the United States not to get into Mexico or Canada.