Can a 17 year old cross the Mexican border without a passport?
Yes. A US passport book is mandatory when traveling to Mexico by air. Also, minors (babies and children) will need a passport to enter Mexico. Once you arrive in the country, border control authorities will check and stamp your passport for entry.
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All citizens of the United States must present a valid passport when entering Mexican territory by any means of transportation. There are no exceptions for minors. Stays less than 72 hours within the border area, do not require an Official Entry Immigration Form (FMM).
To clarify, U.S. citizens entering Mexico must present proof of citizenship (such as a certified copy of a birth certificate), photo ID and proof of sufficient funds. A passport and visa are not required of U.S. citizens entering Mexico for tourism or for transit for stays of up to 90 days.
If you are in the U.S. and you are flying domestically, the good news is that you do not need your passport. You can fly by showing any photo ID issued by the government. It can be done in all 50 U.S. states. Not only that, but the U.S. overseas territories also allow this.
All foreigners, regardless their nationality, are required to present a valid and not expired passport or travel document when entering Mexico (traveling by air, land or sea). The Mexican government only requires that your passport must be valid during the entirety of your trip.
Minors (17 years old and under) must be accompanied by their parents to legally enter Mexico. If traveling with only one parent, minors must produce a notarized letter of authorization to travel from the absent parent.
In addition to a valid passport, you will need a free, short-term permit known as an FMM, acquired from the Mexican authorities at the Mexican port of entry or online.Mexican auto insurance: you should never drive in Mexico without Mexican auto insurance.
U.S. citizens may present a valid U.S. passport; Passport Card; enhanced driver's license; Trusted Traveler Program card (SENTRI or Global Entry); U.S. military identification card when traveling on official orders; U.S. Merchant Mariner document when traveling in conjunction with official maritime business; or Form I- ...
United States Customs and Border Protection (CBP) requests written consent from both parents or the parent who is not accompanying the minor for minors (those less than 18 years of age) traveling to the U.S. alone or accompanied by only one parent. This written consent must be in English.
Do you need a passport to enter Mexico? Yes, Americans need a passport (or appropriate alternative travel document) to visit Mexico. In the past, visiting Mexico with just a driver's license or birth certificate was possible.