Crossing Mexico Border With Driver License
Jun 22, 2016 - Crossing the U.S.–Mexico Border: Flying vs. Border security. A driver's license or a picture ID must be presented, along with a credit. There are many different types of documents you can use to cross the US Canada border. Explanation of Passport, Passport Card, Global Entry, Enhanced Driver License, Enhanced Identification Card, Nexus, FAST, SENTRI, VISA's, Canpass.
New Laws
New passport laws in the United States now require anyone entering the country from any location to present a passport. That means if you are a United States citizen or permanent resident who traveled to Mexico, Canada, Europe, or anywhere outside the United States, you will need to present a passport to re-enter the country. You will also need to present a passport upon leaving the United States, so get one now.
All children, including infants, are required to have their own passports. If you're taking your children into another country, you must provide documentation showing you have the legal rights for the children to travel with you. If divorced, you will need to present divorce and custody papers and a notarized letter of consent from the other parent.
Entering Canada
Certain items are restricted or prohibited when you cross the border.
- You may be able to bring firearms if you declare them and meet other requirements.
- Tobacco: 200 cigarettes and 50 cigars are allowed.
- Alcohol: Spirits are limited to 1 item of the following: 40 oz. of liquor, 53 oz. of wine, or 24 cans of beer. You must be the legal drinking age in whichever province you are entering in order to bring alcohol into that province.
- Pets: Pets must have current shots; they cannot expire while you are in Canada. Have all signed vaccination records with you. Consider having your pet implanted with an information chip, providing contact information.
- Prescriptions: Should be in its original container. If you don't have the bottles, get a copy written prescription to carry with you. Also bring your doctor and pharmacy numbers available at all times.
Also take proof of citizenship, like your driver's license or passport, just in case.
Entering Mexico
Driving your vehicle across the Mexican border has many requirements. You need to show your current vehicle registration, and show a valid credit card under the same name. At some border crossing locations, you will be required to pay a permit fee, while others do not require it. The permit states that you will keep your vehicle within 25 miles of your entry point, not sell your vehicle in Mexico, and that you will return the car to the United States within that period.
Drivers must obtain Mexican insurance, which you can purchase at the border, or through some travel agencies located near the border in Texas.
A free tourist card is also required if you plan to be in Mexico longer than 72 hours. You can get one at the border, or at Mexican tourist offices in the States.
It's a good idea to register some of your belongings, such as jewelry, cameras, and watches, as you enter Mexico, too. This registration will serve as proof of ownership as you re-enter the U.S. so you won't have to pay duty taxes on them.
Don't take any weapons into Mexico. Also note that if you travel by air, you WILL need a passport to get back.
Re-Entering the U.S.
Crossing Mexican Border With Drivers License
Coming back into the United States from Canada or Mexico, certain items are prohibited. These include, but are not limited to, narcotics, food, plants, animals, and products made from endangered species.
Don't think you can bring back those Cuban cigars you bought. It's illegal, and they'll probably be confiscated. You may also be fined or jailed, or at least yelled at.
You may bring back up to $800 worth of purchases made from non-U.S. territories without paying duty taxes on the items. If you visited a U.S. territory, such as Guam or the U.S. Virgin Islands, your duty-free limit is $1,600.
Traveling to our neighboring countries is relatively easy, as long as you follow the rules. Educating yourself before you go will prepare you for most circumstances. Prepare ahead of time, then relax and enjoy!
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A Mexican flag flies over the border crossing outside of Tijuana.(Photo: mexican flag image by apeschi from Fotolia.com )
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Tijuana in Mexico is a short drive from San Diego, less than 20 miles from the border. The lively Mexican town on the Baja Peninsula makes for a great daytrip from California. The main drag, a crowded street called Avenida Revolución, has tons of restaurants, bars and shops, offering a taste of Mexican culture close to home. Most tourists drive across the border to Tijuana and return the same day. It's important to be prepared when passing through immigrations and customs at the border, particularly when returning to the U.S.
U.S. Border Crossing
There is tight security at the U.S. border between California and Mexico. Known as the San Diego Sector, the region is heavily patrolled and closely guarded to prevent illegal immigration and smuggling. The main border crossing is located in San Ysidro, the busiest port of entry into the U.S. You'll pass through the Imperial Beach Station when you return to California from Tijuana.
There are several ways to cross into Mexico through the border station. Drive your personal vehicle in one of 24 lanes. Buses with more than 21 passengers have separate designated lanes. Pedestrians can walk through a pedestrian booth at PedWest, a section of San Ysidro. The crossing is open 24 hours a day and can be quite busy, especially on the weekends or on Friday afternoons, so allow enough time to wait. Always be patient and polite when crossing the border and follow all instructions.
What to Bring
Have your passport or a valid photo ID ready when entering the border crossing. U.S. citizens must have a valid, unexpired passport or an Enhanced Driver's License to come back into the U.S. Resident aliens must have a valid green card. Children under the age of 16 can show an original or certified copy of a birth certificate when arriving into the U.S. via land. However, a passport is always the best option when traveling in and out of the U.S. Be sure your passport is valid for at least one month past your travel date and have a blank page for any stamps.
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What Not to Bring
Everything acquired while in Mexico must be declared to customs when returning to the U.S. There are several things that are not permitted, including Cuban cigars, illegal drugs or medications, switchblade knives and most fruits. Declare any gifts or personal items over $800. Alcohol is allowed, but there are specific limits – you're restricted to one liter of an alcoholic beverage every 30 days as long as you're over 21. Be prepared to have your vehicle searched and don't bring anything that's restricted back into the U.S. from Tijuana. Check with a border patrol officer if you have any concerns or questions about what's allowed.
References
About the Author
Emily Zemler is a freelance writer and journalist based in London who has traveled the world extensively. She has written about her experiences for USA Today, Fodors, Lonely Planet, Refinery29 and Thrillist.
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