Can I use my birth certificate to cross the US border?

U.S. citizens under age 16 may present a birth certificate or alternative proof of citizenship when entering by land or sea. All travelers must have a passport book for international air travel. Please note that hospital-issued birth certificates, voter registration cards, and affidavits cannot be used.



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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).

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Someone at a port of entry who demonstrates his/her US citizenship to the satisfaction of the immigration officers has met the immigration inspection requirements and must be allowed to enter the US, even if he/she does not have a US passport or meet other entry requirements.

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In place of a passport, you can use WHTI-compliant documents like passport cards, trusted traveler's cards, and NEXUS cards. While these allow you to travel to these regions by sea and road, they are not acceptable for international flights.

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Q: Can I use my REAL ID card to cross the border into Canada and Mexico and for international travel? No. REAL ID cards cannot be used for border crossings into Canada, Mexico or other international travel.

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If traveling domestically, a passport is not needed but If you are driving into the United States (U.S.) and have not yet received a birth certificate for a U.S. or Canadian citizen infant, the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) Officer will accept: the birth record issued by the hospital, a letter on hospital ...

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Mexico Cruise Passport Requirements US citizens on closed-loop cruises, meaning they begin and end at the same US port, can travel to Mexico with proof of citizenship other than a passport. Accepted alternative documents include: US state-issued copy of the birth certificate.

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U.S. citizens must present a valid U.S. passport book or card, in addition to an entry permit (Forma Migratoria Multiple or FMM) issued by Instituto Nacional de Migración (INM). Travelers should be sure to enter Mexico with valid proof of automobile registration, even if remaining in the border zone.

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