How do you cross the U.S. border without a passport?

Documents You Will Need

Green card (Form I-551), or document for lawful permanent residents, or advance parole (Form I-512) if your Form I-551 is pending. A visa or other entry document for the countries you will visit.

Can I cross the border into the US without a passport?

In the past, American and Canadian citizens were exempt from the requirement of presenting passports to enter the United States. Effective June 1, 2009, both American and Canadian citizens are required to present a WHTI-compliant document for entry into the United States.

Can you cross the US border with just your ID?

When 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.

Can you cross the border driving without a passport?

Canadians 16 years old and over will require a passport, NEXUS pass, FAST pass, Enhanced driver's licence (EDL) or enhanced identification card (EIC).

Can I cross the US border with my birth certificate?

U.S. citizens under age 16 may present a birth certificate or alternative proof of citizenship when entering by land or sea. All travelers must have a passport book for international air travel. Please note that hospital-issued birth certificates, voter registration cards, and affidavits cannot be used.

What happens if you cross the border without a passport?

Can I go to Tijuana with just my driver's license?

U.S. citizens must present a valid U.S. passport book or card, in addition to an entry permit (Forma Migratoria Multiple or FMM) issued by Instituto Nacional de Migración (INM). Travelers should be sure to enter Mexico with valid proof of automobile registration, even if remaining in the border zone.

Can a U.S. citizen be denied entry back into the USA?

The truth is that no one is guaranteed entry into the United States, not even U.S. Citizens. Even if you have the right documents, visa, or legal status, you may still be denied entry to the United States, so it's best to be prepared for the worst.

What documents do I need to cross the US Canada border?

All international travellers must carry acceptable identification and a valid visa (if necessary) when entering Canada. A passport is recommended because it is the only reliable and universally-accepted travel and identification document for the purpose of international travel.

What documents do I need to enter the US?

All travelers entering the United States from all other countries need a passport upon arrival (regardless of their country of citizenship). Permanent residents and foreign nationals may also need a U.S. visa.

Can I enter the US with just my ID?

Q: Do I need a passport if I have a REAL ID? If you are traveling internationally you will still need your passport. If you are traveling domestically, you will only need one valid form of identification – either your REAL ID or another acceptable alternative such as a passport, not both.

What happens if I go to Tijuana without a passport?

The use of a passport is recommended to go to Tijuana. However, if you do not have a passport and have to travel urgently to the city, customs admit secondary documentation: Valid identification.

Can I enter the US with a ID?

All passengers must continue to have readily available their physical driver's license, identification card, or other acceptable ID listed on the TSA website. The TSA officer may require this physical ID in addition to the digital ID.

Can a U.S. citizen cross the border with an expired passport?

U.S. citizens will not be allowed to use their expired U.S. passport for direct return to the United States after June 30, 2022. If a U.S. citizen overseas has an expired U.S. passport, please contact your nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate to apply for a U.S. passport.

Is a driver's license proof of citizenship USA?

A driver's license, social security card, or a voter registration card does not constitute proof of citizenship.

What documents can I use to cross the border?

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.

Can I get back into the US from Mexico with a birth certificate?

Children: U.S. citizen children ages 15 and under arriving by land or sea from a contiguous territory (Canada or Mexico) may present an original or copy of his or her birth certificate (issued by the Vital Records Department in the state where he or she was born), a Consular Report of Birth Abroad, or a Naturalization ...

How do I get proof of entry to the US?

The I-94: Proof of Legal Entry into the United States

Nonimmigrants who arrive in the United States by air or sea should be issued the passport admission stamp. If a student or scholar has received a passport admission stamp, there will also be an electronic I-94 record. To access this record, visit the CBP's website .

Can a US citizen cross the Canadian border without a passport?

Entry into Canada: Canadian law requires that all persons entering Canada carry proof of citizenship and identity. A valid U.S. passport, passport card, or NEXUS card satisfies these requirements for U.S. citizens.

Can you cross the US and Canada border without a passport?

If travelling to the USA by air must have a Canadian passport or a valid NEXUS card. If travelling to the USA by land or sea, in addition to a passport, other proof of citizenship is allowed, such as an original or copy of his or her birth certificate or a Canadian Citizenship Card.

Can you cross the Canadian border with a driver's license?

Passport: not required, but strongly recommended by the Canadian Border Services Agency. Alternatives: proof of citizenship and a photo identification card. Other forms of identification can include: Enhanced Driver's License (EDL)/Enhanced Identification Card (EIC)

Is there an alternative to a passport?

The SENTRI card can be used in place of a passport for travel across any US border by land or sea. Travelers must be pre-approved by Customs and Border Protection and must provide fingerprints and attend a 30 minute interview. The SENTRI card is valid for 5 years.

What questions do US border guards ask?

Be prepared to answer the two standard questions travellers are routinely asked, what's the purpose of your visit and how long will your trip be. Bring only what you need.

What does Border Patrol look for when crossing?

Border Patrol may stop vehicles at certain checkpoints to: (1) ask a few, limited questions to verify citizenship of the vehicles' occupants and (2) visually inspect the exterior of a vehicle. Agents may send any vehicle to a secondary inspection area for the same purpose: brief questioning and visual inspection.

Can I use my birth certificate to go to Mexico?

To clarify, U.S. citizens entering Mexico must present proof of citizenship (such as a certified copy of a birth certificate), photo ID and proof of sufficient funds. A passport and visa are not required of U.S. citizens entering Mexico for tourism or for transit for stays of up to 90 days.

Can I use my driver's license to enter the US from Mexico?

If you are traveling internationally you will still need your passport. If you are traveling domestically, you will only need one valid form of identification – either your REAL ID or another acceptable alternative such as a passport, not both.