Question:
Do you need a passport to travel to Mexico, or will a birth certificate
still suffice? Also, is there an up-to-date government website with
information on this?
Answer:
A birth certificate will generally provide proof of citizenship, but you
will also need proof of identity -- generally a government issued picture
ID such as a driver's license.
Note that an acceptable birth certificate must be an officially issued
govenment certificate with a raised seal.
Also note the use of the term "generally". If you should happen to have any
problems a passport will quickly become highly desirable. In my opinion,
it is foolish to travel abroad without a passport -- the cost and bother
are well worth the security.
The possible exception to this is travel to "boarder cities" along the
US/Canada and US/Mexico boarders. Even then, if you travel with any
frequency, I'd recomment a passport.
For full and authoritative information see
http://travel.state.gov/passport_services.html
This assumes, naturally, that the original poster is a US Citizen.
The passport line is generally much shorter
I went to website, and while the posters here have convinced to apply for a
passport today, I did read something I never saw before: what is a tourist
card? Is this simply issued at airport upon presentation of birth
certificate?
MEXICO - *Passport and visa not required of U.S. citizens for
tourist/transit stay up to 90 days. Tourist card is required. Tourist card
valid 3 months for single entry up to 180 days, no charge, requires proof of
U.S. citizenship, photo ID and proof of sufficient funds. Tourist cards may
be obtained in advance from Consulate, Tourism Office, and most airlines
serving Mexico upon arrival. Departure tax $10 is paid at airport when not
included in the cost of the airline ticket. Notarized consent from parent(s)
required for children under age 18 traveling alone, with one parent, or in
someone else's custody. For details and information on other types of
travel, check with the Embassy of Mexico's Consular Section, 2827 16th St.,
N.W., Washington, DC 20009-4260 (202/736-1000) or nearest Consulate General:
AZ (602/242-7398), CA (213/351-6800, 415/392-5554 and 619/231-8414), CO
(303/331-1110), FL (305/716-4977), GA (404/266-1913), IL (312/855-1380), LA
(504/522-3596), NY (212/689-0460), PR (809/764-0258) or TX (210/227-1085,
214/252-9250, 713/271-6800, 512/478-9031 and 915/533-4082).
At http://travel.state.gov/foreignentryreqs.html
It is issued by Mexican immigration when you arrive in Mexico.
You must surrender it when you depart.
I take it you are from the US? If so, sorry I don't know.
UK citizens (and there are quite a few of us in you) need passports.
Make sure you keep in in a safe place. They really do want
it back. They interogated one of our group who tossed it
away not realizing what it was. This was a long time ago.
Given the current border and airline security concerns
I would think it might be a major inconvenience today.
In prevous postings on this subject I assumed USA citizen ship.
I appologize if this offended an non-USA citizens.
If you are NOT a USA citizen, I suggest the followne resources for
further information:
Your tavel agend and/or the ariline on which you are traveling.
The office of your govenment which issues passports.
The nearest embasy or consulate of the contry (Mexico in this case)
to which you will be traveling.
Keep in mind that the requirements for entry into the destination country
may be more or less stringent that those for re-entry into your country
when you return. (Which is another reason to get a passport and simplify
things!)
Tourist cards are what you get from the Mexican government. When you drive
over the border for a day trip, at least the last time I did this, which was
some time ago, we did not need them. May have changed now.
Don't confuse the Tourist card with ID.
For ID you need
(U.S. Citizens)
Some form of government issued proof of identity.
Some form of proof of citizenship.
A Passport provides both.
When in doubt there is the time honored tradition of the moribida.
Mexican Immigration Officers will accept several US Presidents as Proof
of Identity and Citizenship in the event that you have lost your
identification papers while in transit to Mexico. Usually, they like
Andrew Jackson along with two Abe Lincolns. However, you may have to
improvise with several different presidents. True, there are signs
everywhere at Immigration advising travelers not to "tip" the officers
as there are severe penalties if ought. But, a moribida is not a tip;
it's a bribe. These occupy as quasi-legal status amongst Mexican
officials of all kinds.
If things don't work out, it's best to come clean and tell the
Immigration officer's superior that there has been a misunderstanding.
You thought you could make at donation "por los niņos" and that the
Immigration officer would channel it to the proper charity. The more
sincere you sound, the more likely you will be allowed to enter and get
your Tourist Card.
It should be stressed that this alternate method should only be employed
if you have lost your Photo ID or your Birth Certificate but not both.
If you have no documentation whatsoever, then no quantity of American
Presidents can help you.
Ultimately, it's a good investment to obtain a valid passport as you
probably won't need to carry any extra moribida money.
