BajaNomad

expired Passport

Santiago - 6-12-2021 at 02:29 PM

Let's not spread this around but a certain someone forgot to check his passport - it expired last year. Must have been something going on last year that didn't require international travel.:rolleyes:
Sooooo, we are driving south in a few days and then drive north a few days later. We are going to hand the officer two passports, one good and the other not, and see what happens. We have PP cards and Global Entry cards as well.
We can cross NB at Tecate, Mesa or TJ, any suggestions on which one will have the most understanding BP officer? Just trying to avoid secondary.
Of course, will re-up when we get back, I didn't want to send in the book and card in the mail.

JZ - 6-12-2021 at 02:35 PM

I wouldn't try to use Sentri. I'd probably just be upfront with the CBP guy and tell him it is expired, but you didn't realize it until you were in MX.

Don't think the location matters, so much as what person you get and how you play it with them. Worst is you go to secondary. I've only had to a couple of times and it was never a lengthy delay for me. Less than 20 mins.

Let us know what happens.





[Edited on 6-12-2021 by JZ]

SFandH - 6-12-2021 at 03:35 PM

The State Department considers an expired passport as proof of citizenship.

https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/passports/how-app...

Who knows if the border guards know that though.

New passport advice

AKgringo - 6-12-2021 at 03:53 PM

When you get your new passport, don't compare the photo to the one you got ten years ago. It can be very depressing! :no:

Don Pisto - 6-12-2021 at 03:57 PM

Quote: Originally posted by SFandH  
The State Department considers an expired passport as proof of citizenship.

https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/passports/how-app...

Who knows if the border guards know that though.



a month ago I presented my expired passport crossing north at SY, nothing was said

Santiago - 6-12-2021 at 04:32 PM

I have Residente Permanente so ok going south, right?

SFandH - 6-12-2021 at 04:32 PM

Quote: Originally posted by lencho  
Quote: Originally posted by SFandH  
The State Department considers an expired passport as proof of citizenship.

But Mexico may require at least 6 months remaining for their immigration processes. I know it pertains to some of them, don't know about for the tourist card.


I thought the OP's concerns are about going north. True, foreign countries don't like expired passports.

advrider - 6-12-2021 at 07:16 PM

For ground travel you do not have to have a valid passport per the US border two years ago, we crossed with one that was expired and we asked if it was an issue either direction and they said not for ground crossing. When we came into Mexico the guy wanted a bribe for the expired passport, when we asked for receipt several times he just processed us in? FWIW...

willardguy - 6-12-2021 at 07:25 PM

Quote: Originally posted by advrider  
For ground travel you do not have to have a valid passport per the US border two years ago, we crossed with one that was expired and we asked if it was an issue either direction and they said not for ground crossing. When we came into Mexico the guy wanted a bribe for the expired passport, when we asked for receipt several times he just processed us in? FWIW...


you are correct......Canada and Mexico. The WHTI gives U.S. citizens access to Canada and Mexico without requiring a passport book when traveling by land or sea.

its that damn FMM thats the glitch!

WestyWanderer - 6-12-2021 at 08:25 PM

I have crossed NB at TJ and Mexicali many times with an expired passport, never has it been an issue. Your problem will be getting and FMM. I would fill out the FMM paperwork online and change the expiration year from 2021 to 2022, they won’t notice, at least they didn’t for me when I did it this year.

Santiago - 6-13-2021 at 04:29 AM

I have a RP, so I don't need an FMM.

WestyWanderer - 6-13-2021 at 08:30 AM

Perfect, it’s a non-issue then for sure. Cross wherever is easiest for you.

AKgringo - 6-13-2021 at 09:03 AM

One more thought about your application. If you are shopping at Costco, they do passport photos for a low fee. I only knew this because when I picked up the application at the post office, the employee there suggested it to me.

David K - 6-13-2021 at 09:15 AM

The Costcos around here (San Diego County) closed their in store photo departments... Only online now.

AKgringo - 6-13-2021 at 09:20 AM

Quote: Originally posted by David K  
The Costcos around here (San Diego County) closed their in store photo departments... Only online now.


Good to know! My last passport application experience was for my grandson when he turned eighteen a couple of years ago, so things may have changed in AK also.