FAQs
Documents You Will Need
All U.S. citizens need U.S. passport books if re-entering by air. Land and sea border crossings accept additional travel documents, such as U.S. Passport cards and Trusted Traveler cards. Child travelers have additional options - see the Traveling with Children section.
What is needed to cross the border from Mexico to the US? ›
Documents You Will Need
All U.S. citizens need U.S. passport books if re-entering by air. Land and sea border crossings accept additional travel documents, such as U.S. Passport cards and Trusted Traveler cards. Child travelers have additional options - see the Traveling with Children section.
What are the points of entry for the US border with Mexico? ›
List of Mexico–United States border crossings
| United States Port of Entry | Code | Structure or Notable Feature |
|---|
| El Paso–Ysleta | YSL | Ysleta–Zaragoza International Bridge |
| Tornillo | FAB | Tornillo-Guadalupe Bridge |
| Fort Hanco*ck | FHK | Fort Hanco*ck – El Porvenir International Bridge; no trucks |
| Presidio | PRE | Presidio–Ojinaga International Bridge |
52 more rowsWhen entering the United States, U.S. citizens are required to show passport, U.S. passport card, Trusted Traveler Program card (NEXUS, SENTRI, Global Entry or FAST) or an Enhanced Driver's License. Resident aliens must possess a green card.
What do I have to declare when entering Mexico? ›
No firearms or ammunition may be transported across the border without advance official permission from both Mexico and the U.S. Doing so without permission is a serious crime. You must declare medicines, animals, and agricultural products, if they are not for personal use and enjoyment.
Can a U.S. citizen be denied entry back into the USA? ›
U.S. citizens have the right to enter the United States, so if you are a U.S. citizen and the officers' questions become intrusive, you can decline to answer those questions, but you should be aware that doing so may result in delay and/or further inspection.
What do Mexican citizens need to enter the US? ›
Border Crossing Card: The Border Crossing Card (BCC) is a travel document issued by the U.S. government to Mexican citizens to enter the United States for a temporary visit.
What are the rules for entering Mexico? ›
All citizens of the United States must present a valid passport when entering Mexican territory by any means of transportation. There are no exceptions for minors.
What can I bring into Mexico by car? ›
What is Allowed for Driving or Flying Into Mexico:
- Only one camping tent.
- Your regular clothing and shoes. ...
- Up to three cell phones.
- Up to two cameras.
- Only a single laptop.
- Personal prescription medication (bring the prescription for proof)
In a nutshell, U.S. and Canadian citizens older than 16 years old have to show a passport, passport card or another accepted document to cross back into the U.S. Children under 16 may show an original or copy of their birth certificate, a Consular Report of Birth Abroad, a Naturalization Certificate, a Canadian ...
Entry Into the United States by Land and Sea
U.S. citizens entering the United States by land or sea can present a valid: U.S. Passport. Passport Card (see below) Enhanced Driver's License (see below)
What do you need to come back from Mexico? ›
U.S. citizens may present a valid U.S. passport; Passport Card; enhanced driver's license; Trusted Traveler Program card (SENTRI or Global Entry); U.S. military identification card when traveling on official orders; U.S. Merchant Mariner document when traveling in conjunction with official maritime business; or Form I- ...
What happens if you get stuck in Mexico without a passport? ›
When traveling in Mexico, the law requires that foreign visitors carry a passport and entry permit. You may be asked to present these documents at any point. If you do not present these documents, immigration authorities may lawfully detain you for up to 60 days while they review your immigration status.
What documents do I need to cross the Mexican border? ›
U.S. citizens must present a valid U.S. passport book or card, and an entry permit issued by Instituto Nacional de Migración. Enter Mexico with valid proof of automobile registration, even if remaining in the border zone.
What medications cannot be brought into Mexico? ›
Specifically, products that contain stimulants (medicines that contain pseudoephedrine, such as Actifed, Sudafed, and Vicks inhalers) or codeine are prohibited.
Can I bring tires into Mexico? ›
Although Mexico's federal laws prohibit the importation of unusable or waste tires, anecdotal evidence suggests that some tires not suitable for reuse—according to California Vehicle Code specifications5 —are occasionally included in used tire shipments going from California into Mexico.
What do you need to cross the US border by car? ›
As with travel into Canada, the U.S. requires Canadians to show a passport or NEXUS card to enter the country. If you are traveling to a port of entry by car, U.S. Customs and Border Protection may also request to see your vehicle registration or other documentation.
What paperwork do you need to enter the US? ›
To enter the US, your passport must be valid for the length of your planned stay. If you're travelling through another country on your way to or from the US, check the entry requirements for that country. Many countries will only allow entry if you have at least 6 months validity remaining on your passport.
What documents do I need to leave Mexico? ›
You will need to carry your FMM (or a copy of it) with you at all times. It is VERY important that you hand the FMM over to immigration authorities upon exiting Mexico, as this constitutes proof of exit. If you plan to re-enter Mexico, a new FMM will have to be issued and paid for.
