New Passport Requirements – June 1st, 2009
On June 1, 2009, U.S. citizens returning home from Mexico by land will be required to present one of the travel documents: U.S. Passport This is an internationally recognized travel document that verifies a person’s identity and nationality. It is accepted for travel by air, land and sea. U.S. Passport Card This is a new, limited-use travel document that fits in your wallet and costs less than a U.S. Passport. It is only valid for travel by land and sea.
Children: Beginning June 1, 2009, U.S. citizen children under age 16 arriving by land from Mexico may also present an original or copy of his or her birth certificate. A passport is not required for U.S. citizen children under 16.
Groups of Children: Beginning June 1, 2009, U.S. citizen children under age 19 arriving by land from Mexico and traveling with a school group, religious group, social or cultural organization, or sports team, may also present an original or copy of his or her birth certificate. The group should be prepared to present a letter on organizational letterhead with the following information:
- The name of the group and supervising adult,
- A list of the children on the trip, and the primary address, phone number, date of birth, place of birth, and name of at least one parent or legal guardian for each child,
- A written and signed statement of the supervising adult certifying that he or she has obtained parental or legal guardian consent for each participating child.