Getting across the border to the land of the Bandito with nary a passport...

September 21, 2007 12:14 PM

I want to make a daytrip into Matamoras, Mexico in about a month. I've done this several times in the past (mostly to Neuvo Laredo) but right now I do not have a passport. Has the North American 'passport-only' travel rule taken into effect yet, or does it kick in January 1st like my father says?

As much as I'd like to obtain a current US passport, time and limited resources dictate that this just won't be possible before my planned trip.

I have a copy of my birth certificate and other citizenship documents, including a moving report I wrote in the 2nd grade about why I love my country so much. True, most of the reasons I gave had to do with Hulk Hogan and the Von Erichs, but as wrestling is a favorite sport among those south of the border this may play out in my favor.

Any loopholes or other suggestions would be great.

posted by Item to travel & transportation (6 comments total)

I got this page by typing "mexico passport requirements" into Google.
posted by vacapinta at 12:39 PM on September 21, 2007

As much as I'd like to obtain a current US passport, time and limited resources dictate that this just won't be possible before my planned trip.

It may be that you're aware of this, and that "limited resources" refers to circumstances that otherwise make it problematic, but expedited passport service is a standard option, and should get you your passport in well less than a month.
posted by cortex at 12:40 PM on September 21, 2007

You don't neeed a passport to drive or walk over the bridges to/from Mexico until at least January. And even then, I bet it is delayed again [it was supposed to take effect last year, then this year, now next year]. All you need is a driver's license or other state issued ID if you "look" American. They'll ask your citizenship and you say United States and you're repatriated. Sometimes they don't even ask me for ID. People who look "Mexican" or "Middle Eastern" are often asked more questions. If you have your birth certificate, you can bring it along just in case. I'd only give that to the agent if they have a problem with your driver's license [they run the number against some database sometimes, sometimes they just look at it to see if you match the picture].

And to follow up on cortex's, thought if you have enough money, you can get a passport in 3 business days from third party expiditors. You need a reservations for international air/sea travel coming up and about $150 over what State charges. But you don't need that yet for land travel.
posted by birdherder at 1:09 PM on September 21, 2007

expedited passport service is a standard option

Yeah, I'm aware of that. I'm kind of in a money crunch right now, though, and can't really justify spending the extra dough for an expedited passport right now that I'll only be using once for a day trip.
posted by Item at 1:12 PM on September 21, 2007

I just got my passport; I paid for expedited service and got the thing in one week. (The person who took my application commented to me that the delays were over, and that expedited service wasn't necessary, but I was worried enough to pay.) You may well be able to get your passport in time with just the normal fees.
posted by tomboko at 4:17 PM on September 21, 2007

But alas, it seems I don't need to.

Thanks everyone!
posted by Item at 9:34 PM on September 21, 2007