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:
  1. - U.S. Passports.
  2. - U.S. Passport Cards.
  3. - Enhanced Driver's Licenses.
  4. - Enhanced Tribal Card (ETC)
  5. - Trusted Traveler Cards (Global Entry*, NEXUS, SENTRI, or FAST.
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Can I cross the US 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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How can a U.S. citizen enter the US without a passport?

Procedures for Entering the United States
  1. American citizens entering the U.S. must show a valid passport, U.S. passport card, a Trusted Traveler Program card (NEXUS, SENTRI, Global Entry or FAST), or an enhanced driver's license. ...
  2. Lawful permanent residents of the U.S. need to show a Permanent Resident Card (Green card).
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Can you get across the border without a passport?

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)
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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.
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What happens if you cross the border without a passport?



Can I cross the US border with just my 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 ...
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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.
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Do U.S. citizens need a passport to go to Mexico?

Entry, Exit and Visa Requirements

A valid passport book is required to enter Mexico by air, and those attempting to enter at an airport with a U.S. passport card only may be denied admission.
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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.
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Can I 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.
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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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What is alternative to 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.
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Can a U.S. citizen be denied entry with an expired passport?

Answer: According to the U.S. Department of State, all American citizens must possess a valid passport in order to exit and re-enter the United States. Trying to return to the U.S. with an expired passport may result in being denied entrance. It is best to resolve this before your return trip.
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What documents do you need to cross the US border by car?

a valid passport. a Trusted Traveler Program card. an enhanced driver's licence (EDL) or enhanced identification card (EIC) from a province or territory where a U.S. approved EDL/EIC program has been implemented.
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Can you walk across the US Mexico border without a passport?

All U.S. citizens must present a valid passport when entering Mexico by any means of transportation. There are no exceptions for minors.
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Can someone else drive my car across the US border?

To avoid issues at the border, you will need to provide your driver with the following documents: a letter of authorization from you stating that they have your permission to take the car across the border and other details including your U.S. address. a photocopy of your passport.
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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 you cross the Canadian border with a driver's license?

Americans with an Enhanced Identification Card (EIC) or Enhanced Drivers License (EDL) from Washington State, Minnesota, South Dakota, Michigan, New York, or Vermont can be allowed to travel to Canada without a Passport.
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Can you cross us Canada border with birth certificate?

United States and Canadian citizen children under age 16 arriving by land or sea from contiguous territory may also 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, a Naturalization Certificate, ...
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What happens if you 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.
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Can I use REAL ID instead of passport?

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.
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Can a Mexican citizen visit the US with just a passport?

Mexican nationals are required to present a valid passport and visa or diplomat require a visa to enter the United States. BCC when traveling to the United States by land. For travel by sea, Mexican nationals will need to present a valid passport and visa or a valid passport and BCC.
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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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What do I need to get back into 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 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.
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