What do you need to cross the border as a US citizen?

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.
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What documents do I need to enter the US as a U.S. citizen?

U.S. citizens entering the U.S. at sea or land ports of entry are required to have documents that comply with the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative, which are a U.S. passport, a passport card, a trusted traveler card such as NEXUS, SENTRI, or FAST, or an enhanced driver's license.
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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.
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Can a U.S. citizen enter the US without a passport?

U.S. nationals, including dual nationals, must use a U.S. passport to enter and leave the United States. Dual nationals may also be required by the foreign country to use its passport to enter and leave that country.
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Can I come back to the US with my naturalization certificate?

You cannot fly back to the US with your naturalisation certificate.
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How Long Does It Take To Cross The U.S. Border?



Can a US citizen return to the US with a passport about to expire?

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.
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Can you cross border without 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.
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What is required to return to the US?

What information must be included on the test result? A negative test result must show the sample was taken no more than 2 days before the flight. A positive test result for documentation of recovery from COVID-19 must show the sample was taken within the 90 days before the flight.
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Can I cross the border with my ID?

Crossing the U.S.-Canada Border

U.S. citizens entering Canada by land must carry proof of citizenship and identity. A valid U.S. passport, passport card, or NEXUS card, denoting membership in that Trusted Traveler Program, satisfies the requirement.
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Do I need a passport to get back into the US from Mexico?

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).
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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.
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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.
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Can a U.S. citizen be deported?

Yes, a naturalized citizen can be deported and have their citizenship revoked when denaturalization has occurred. This process is rare, but does occur. Usually, when you obtain your United States citizenship, it is a status that you will keep forever. You do have the option to appeal a denaturalization decision.
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What are 3 Acceptable forms for proof of US citizenship?

Proof of U.S. citizenship: You must either provide your most recently issued passport, an original U.S. birth certificate, a Consular Report of Birth Abroad (FS-240), a naturalization certificate, or a certificate of citizenship.
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Can you cross the Mexican border with just your driver's license?

What do I need to travel to Mexico by car? Along with the essential steps facing anyone crossing an international border, here's what you need to drive your car into Mexico as a U.S. citizen, as advised by the U.S. State Department: Your U.S. passport or U.S. passport card. Your state-issued driver's license.
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Can I cross the US border with a birth certificate?

You can re-enter the United States with only a birth certificate and government-issued photo I.D.
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Can you enter the US with a driver's license?

Until full enforcement of REAL ID begins on May 7, 2025, DHS and its component agencies, including TSA at its airport security checkpoints, will continue to accept for identification purposes all state-issued driver's licenses and identification cards issued by compliant states, as well as noncompliant states with a ...
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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.
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Is vaccination required to enter US?

Noncitizens who are nonimmigrants and seeking to enter the United States by air are required to show proof of being fully vaccinated against COVID-19 before boarding a flight to the United States from a foreign country.
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Does the US require Covid test to enter?

Are there COVID-related entry requirements for U.S. citizens? No. Is a negative COVID-19 test (PCR and/or serology) required for entry? No.
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Can I cross the U.S. border by car 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.
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What do you need to cross the U.S. border without a passport?

Land or Sea Travel: U.S. citizens entering the United States by land or sea are required to present a valid WHTI-compliant document, which include:
  • - U.S. Passports.
  • - U.S. Passport Cards.
  • - Enhanced Driver's Licenses.
  • - Enhanced Tribal Card (ETC)
  • - Trusted Traveler Cards (Global Entry*, NEXUS, SENTRI, or FAST.
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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.
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Can I exit the U.S. with an expired passport?

You do not qualify to travel on your expired passport if: You wish to depart from the United States to an international destination.
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What is the penalty for US citizens entering leaving the U.S. on a foreign passport?

There are no penalties. The customs officials might be furious but the only thing they can do is confirm you're citizen and let you back in. As for leaving the US, the US doesn't have exit checkpoints so you can leave on any passport.
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