Hey guys, I have a couple of relatives and friends who don't go to Baja anymore, simply due to the Passport issue. I'm not defending thier sloth-like
ways, I just want to know if there is an alternative to having a passport. I think I remember someone mentioning that there is a "thing" to get that
allows you to go to Canada/Mexico, is that true? Any information would be appreciated!
Returning to the states if they're Americans, a birth cert will do. Just tell them to be humble and play ignorant at the border.
If they plan on going south to a point they need a Tourist Permit, they'll have to have a passport to get one.sancho - 5-21-2012 at 10:26 AM
I have a Passport, but having walked back thru the US
Cistoms Bldg at San Ysidro, there is a sign inside
where you approach the Officer booths, to the left
1-2 lines are Sentri, the middle 10 or are signed
Passport, Passport Card, etc., to the right are 4-5
lines signed Drivers License, Birth Cert, or no Official
ID. So techinally you can come back with nada.
Driving I've heard they may send you to secondary
to confirm your status, and as pointed out to get
an fmm the Passport or Passport Card is needed
[Edited on 5-21-2012 by sancho]BonzoBaja - 5-21-2012 at 01:52 PM
I thought there was some "certificate" or something like that that was for Mex/Canada only. Anyone heard of this?BajaNomad - 5-21-2012 at 08:54 PM
Quote:
Originally posted by BonzoBaja
I thought there was some "certificate" or something like that that was for Mex/Canada only. Anyone heard of this?
Probably the Passport Card that bajaguy linked to above - for land crossings only.BajaNomad - 5-21-2012 at 09:44 PM
Quote:
Originally posted by sancho
Driving I've heard they may send you to secondary
to confirm your status
My understanding is that this is still rare, as long as you still have birth cert, and government ID.
fwiwjohn/gerda - 5-22-2012 at 03:13 AM
United States citizens crossing back into the United States with out a passport-book or passport-card, is done all the time.
They will most likely check you out more thoroughly than if you had brought your passport with you.
They will ask if you.... do you posses, or have-applied for a passport. If you have not, they will most likely investigate a bit further. This may
still not be a big deal and may only take you a few extra minutes.
You will be warned if you try this again though, they will not be so accommodating. You will be told you may face a fine and a court appearance. I
have heard they will also keep you in a little room for half a day just to Fu** with you.
You try this a third time and you may be turned away and may be required to apply formally for a re-entry.
So yes , you can cross back into the United States with out a passport once, or even twice (maybe), but you can not do it time and time again.
hope this helps, if any other Nomads have more to add or to help clarify this please do so......It's just my opinion based on my experiences.
good luck to you....David K - 5-22-2012 at 09:08 AM
Quote:
Originally posted by BajaNomad
Quote:
Originally posted by sancho
Driving I've heard they may send you to secondary
to confirm your status
My understanding is that this is still rare, as long as you still have birth cert, and government ID.
fwiw
A family member has not yet had the finances to obtain his passport, but he has frequently crossed the border with his birth cert. and photo ID, and
has never had any problem with U.S. customs.
My wife and I both have passports, and it certainly opens up the world to travel possibilites... but, just so we have accurate information on Nomad,
we have yet to know anyone who was hassled by U.S. officers soley because they lacked a passport or passport card.
