BajaNomad

How serious are they?

Debra - 3-4-2008 at 08:10 PM

Has anyone crossed the border north lately without a passport? I have some friends that want to come down and help me out with my place next month that don't have passports. Will they make it home with just proof of citizenship?

BajaWarrior - 3-4-2008 at 08:12 PM

Birth Certificate and a Government issued I.D. (drivers license for instance) are acceptable at this time.

Mango - 3-4-2008 at 08:39 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by BajaWarrior
Birth Certificate and a Government issued I.D. (drivers license for instance) are acceptable at this time.


Yep, at least till June 08 or 09.. I forget which year. Passport is for air travel only. It does not apply to land travel yet.

BajaGeoff - 3-4-2008 at 10:24 PM

At the earliest, passports for land travel will be required in June of 2009.

DavidT - 3-4-2008 at 10:51 PM

http://www.cbp.gov/xp/cgov/travel/vacation/ready_set_go/land...

Debra - 3-5-2008 at 12:35 AM

Thanks all...............think we will go for it..........


Inless.......others give me different advice.


Please: "Heads Up" with short term expeience wourld be really helpful, Thanks!

Roberto - 3-5-2008 at 01:37 AM

Well, I've crossed since the change in rules, but with a passport both times.
When you say you'll go for it, I'm not sure what you mean. If you have a photo ID and a birth certificate, you'll be fine. If you don't, my opinion is that you'll eventually make it home, but they can make it very painful, as in sitting around in secondary for hours until you can find a way to satisfy the crossing requirements, with maybe a fine - I would not expect them to just let you through. In that case, I would NOT go for it, but that's just my opinion.

How serious are they - they are serious, that's the law now, and they are there to enforce it.

oldlady - 3-5-2008 at 06:15 AM

Probably not resistance. Many people do not travel to places where heretofore they were required. Now, from what I have read and heard, the processing is backlogged for a very long time.

Roberto - 3-5-2008 at 08:28 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by oldlady
Probably not resistance. Many people do not travel to places where heretofore they were required. Now, from what I have read and heard, the processing is backlogged for a very long time.


Far from the truth. Passports are taking 3-5 weeks to turn around right now.

oldlady - 3-5-2008 at 08:41 AM

Roberto...thanks for the update!

Steve&Debby - 3-5-2008 at 09:08 AM

You can also pay extra to expidite the process,hummm sounds like the guy in Ensanada that works in imigration:mad::mad:

David K - 3-5-2008 at 09:13 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by Debra
Thanks all...............think we will go for it..........


Inless.......others give me different advice.


Please: "Heads Up" with short term expeience wourld be really helpful, Thanks!


Debra: Go to the link that DavidT posted above.

NO PASSPORTS REQUIRED... yet!

See the many options for what is needed until June 2009, when the passport or passport card will be required.

After June 2009 and you don't have the passport card or normal passport, then you COULD BE detained until your citizenship can be varified... Which means go to secondary and then probably into the office so they can check your status. Americans cannot be denied entry back into America, but you need to prove you are American.

Debra - 3-5-2008 at 01:17 PM

Thanks all!

Roberto: Having had a passport for 30 plus years, I have never had to encoutner this problem......friends that don't..........with the ever changing "LAWS" mY "GO FOR IT" comment was (it seems) your advice as well.

We are heading down in less than a month,.........so getting a passport is well out of their reach.. Again, thanks!

rglansing - 3-5-2008 at 01:49 PM

How about the kids I'am taking two grandkids to San Felipe with us, will Birth Certificates be enough to get them home?

rglansing - 3-5-2008 at 06:35 PM

Their parents are taking them into Baja and we (Grandparents) are bringing them Home. We do have their Birth Certifcates.

[Edited on 3-6-2008 by rglansing]

Von - 3-5-2008 at 06:40 PM

I just crossed last week and all i used was my drivers license no problem.

Kell-Baja - 3-6-2008 at 01:27 PM

I know a few people who went through a few days age & only had their drivers licenses & were told they could come through this time but next time they needed their passport or a birth certificate along with their license.

bajabound2005 - 3-6-2008 at 03:23 PM

Shari, your friends will need an FMT and the requirements for getting an FMT are pretty much the same as for returning to the US: Proof of citizenship and photo ID.

Martyman - 3-6-2008 at 03:31 PM

Wow!
It seems like a lot of people are having gender changing operations;
All quotes from above:
"Well, Ive crossed since the change"
"3-5 weeks to turn around"
"If you never start the process it will take even longer" (duh!!)
"I just crossed last week"

By the way, am I the only one tired of Cabo Ron's incessant whining?

Terry28 - 3-7-2008 at 11:12 AM

I take our 13 yr old daughter and friends to Baja all the time, we were there last month, for minor children all you need is the birth certificate, a school picture ID card helps but not necessary. I have never had a "notorized letter" etc. That is usually needed in the US for getting medical care in case of an accident. Not needed in Baja, or aked for when returning.

David K - 3-7-2008 at 11:24 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by Terry28
I take our 13 yr old daughter and friends to Baja all the time, we were there last month, for minor children all you need is the birth certificate, a school picture ID card helps but not necessary. I have never had a "notorized letter" etc. That is usually needed in the US for getting medical care in case of an accident. Not needed in Baja, or aked for when returning.


The nototized letter, while a good idea, has not been asked for since the 70's when I went to Baja at 16 & 17 years of age without adults/ parents... I have taken my kids to Baja (without their mother along) as well as their friends to Baja... and have never been asked for a letter from the missing parent(s).

[Edited on 3-7-2008 by David K]

The Gull - 3-7-2008 at 12:25 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by Martyman
By the way, am I the only one tired of Cabo Ron's incessant whining?


No

DENNIS - 3-7-2008 at 03:42 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by CaboRon

I thought I was helping.... If that's the way you feel I am finished with this forum.



Don't leave, Ron. Your opinion of yourself is what matters and I enjoy your company.

David K - 3-7-2008 at 05:46 PM

For the one or two who like to complain about a contribution here, there are hundres + who have no problem with what is posted or are big enough to just go to something else if they don't like what is said here.

As long as posts don't violate the Nomad rules or are anti-personal, there should be no issue... Ron, don't let one opinion chase you away... there are thousands of Nomads and lurkers who aren't so easily irritated. If the moderators would have seen that anti-personal comment and deleted it before you read it, then you wouldn't have a reason to leave...

More Baja and more Baja Nomad posts, not less!

lingililingili - 3-8-2008 at 08:52 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by rglansing
Their parents are taking them into Baja and we (Grandparents) are bringing them Home. We do have their Birth Certifcates.

[Edited on 3-6-2008 by rglansing]


Boy, I would get a notarized letter from their parents stating they have given you permission to do so.

Al G - 3-8-2008 at 09:56 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by lingililingili
Quote:
Originally posted by rglansing
Their parents are taking them into Baja and we (Grandparents) are bringing them Home. We do have their Birth Certifcates.

[Edited on 3-6-2008 by rglansing]


Boy, I would get a notarized letter from their parents stating they have given you permission to do so.

I know I shouldn't do this, but the problem I see with your opinion is Not all parents and grandparents live in glass houses....they are real families. JMHO
Please don't misunderstand, as I am from a generation of respectful children...my views and parents views differed, but they loved my children as much as I did. I am sure if you thought about it your parents would and could protect your children as good as you would and could without your permission.

bajaguy - 3-8-2008 at 10:01 AM

Better to have the letters and not need them than to need them and not have them.

Al G - 3-8-2008 at 10:11 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by bajaguy
Better to have the letters and not need them than to need them and not have them.

Just bothers me that they could be needed...one of the many good things I love about Mexico...family.

The Gull - 3-8-2008 at 10:52 AM

The US Government may think that kidnapping children is possible in the US Society. Is that possible?

Since the letters are not needed to BE in Mexico, but only possibly needed when returning to the US, it seems that a family photo with G-parents and Parents with the kids would be strong evidence without the letter.

This is where it might get tricky, the children could assert that all the photographed people are related. It may only be a short trip to secondary, if the agent can't deal with the situation.

I would vote for not having the letters and take the chance that the CBP having no sympathy and understanding. If the CBP kept the kids and G-parents locked up, just think of the stories that would be told for generations in the family.

bajaguy - 3-8-2008 at 11:15 AM

From another Board:
************************************************
We need an expert answer here, so I'll forward your question to a real one: Jennifer Rose, a highly qualified attorney and resident of Mexico, who generously helps us out on legal matters.

Please stand by!

People's Guide legal expert, Jennifer Rose:

Here is the general rule on crossing the border with children:

If a minor child is not escorted by both parents, a notarized consent from the absent parent is required. A similar consent from both parents must accompany the child traveling alone or escorted by a nonparent.

Jennifer

Debra - 3-8-2008 at 12:30 PM

The problem is not bringing the kids back. It's leaving with them.


By US law (not Mexican) you must have the noterized letter! No if ands or buts...........Having said that, I know many, many people that travel with children with only one parent (or Grandparents) that will say they have never gotten the paperwork and never had a problem.

99% of the time I travel with my son alone, Although I always carry the required paperwork, the only time I've needed it is when getting our FMT's, then I have ALWAYS been asked to show it. You wouldn't get away with it trying to board a plane out of the country.

It's such a simple thing to do, (just go to your bank, they have the proper form) With the ever changing "rules" and up coming passport requirements........It seems to me that to take the chance on what could turn out to be a major hassle I'd just get the paper........NO WORRIES.

mtgoat666 - 3-8-2008 at 12:35 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by David K
Quote:
Originally posted by Terry28
I take our 13 yr old daughter and friends to Baja all the time, we were there last month, for minor children all you need is the birth certificate, a school picture ID card helps but not necessary. I have never had a "notorized letter" etc. That is usually needed in the US for getting medical care in case of an accident. Not needed in Baja, or aked for when returning.


The nototized letter, while a good idea, has not been asked for since the 70's when I went to Baja at 16 & 17 years of age without adults/ parents... I have taken my kids to Baja (without their mother along) as well as their friends to Baja... and have never been asked for a letter from the missing parent(s).

[Edited on 3-7-2008 by David K]


This is what most travel websites and INM will tell you -- of course, you can ignore it, and and flirt with the risk of trouble :o if you get entangled with Mexican authorities:

(from US Mexico embassy website)
Unaccompanied Minors Departing Mexico
In order to combat international child abduction or the exploitation of minors, Article 215 of Mexico’s Ley General de Población requires that minor non-Mexican children leaving Mexico must be accompanied by both parents or guardians or be prepared to present written authorization to travel from the absent parent or parents.

This document must include:
the name(s) of the authorizing parent(s),
the name of the child,
the name(s) of the adult(s) accompanying the child, and
the notarized signature(s) of the absent parent(s)

The child must be carrying the original letter – not a faxed or scanned copy – as well as proof of the parent/child relationship (usually a birth certificate) – and an original custody decree, if applicable.

If there is only one custodial parent, the accompanying adult should be prepared to present documentation to that effect (e.g, a court order granting sole custody to one parent, a death certificate for the absent parent, etc.).

lingililingili - 3-8-2008 at 12:40 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by Al G
Quote:
Originally posted by lingililingili
Quote:
Originally posted by rglansing
Their parents are taking them into Baja and we (Grandparents) are bringing them Home. We do have their Birth Certifcates.

[Edited on 3-6-2008 by rglansing]


Boy, I would get a notarized letter from their parents stating they have given you permission to do so.

I know I shouldn't do this, but the problem I see with your opinion is Not all parents and grandparents live in glass houses....they are real families. JMHO
Please don't misunderstand, as I am from a generation of respectful children...my views and parents views differed, but they loved my children as much as I did. I am sure if you thought about it your parents would and could protect your children as good as you would and could without your permission.


There is no doubt in my mind that I would trust my parents with my children's lives. My comment was made because a notarized note was required of me when I traveled to Mexico with my own two year old son. His father was not in attendance and the authorities wanted to know I was not stealing him.

Debra - 3-8-2008 at 12:50 PM

I have to ask David, Have you ever gotten Chirs or Sarah a FMT? I know you have taken them to Mexico hundreds of times with no problem, it only takes once though.

Again, lots of people do it and get away with it. However, it is breaking the law...............

We all talk about illeagles in the US, is this any different? (no, that question is not directed to David alone. Just something to think about.

DENNIS - 3-8-2008 at 01:40 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by Debra
We all talk about illeagles in the US, is this any different?


What do you think?

vandenberg - 3-8-2008 at 02:34 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by DENNIS
Quote:
Originally posted by Debra
We all talk about illeagles in the US, is this any different?


What do you think?


I think most of the "ILL" Eagles would be in Alaska and won't be of much concern to Baja.:P
Too far to travel.:biggrin:

It depends on who you deal with that day

Sharksbaja - 3-8-2008 at 04:02 PM

Just as always.....:rolleyes:


old relevant thread

[Edited on 3-8-2008 by Sharksbaja]

Terry28 - 3-9-2008 at 12:40 PM

This is really getting confusing...the letter issue seems to only matter to Mexican officials...when was the last time anyone dealt with a Mexican official when leaving the country by car??? Probably never. When we flew to Cabo several years ago we took a 9 year old with no letter, we had to get a notarized doc. form letter from a notary at the airport stating that we were not stealing the child...that was all. We have never been asked for any letters etc. when getting a tourist card for our grandaughter at the border. They never asked anything.... Everyone has their own opinion but we do this many times each year with no problems at all....