Passport Info
Passport Update

For Re-entry into the U.S.

There has been quite a bit of confusion regarding when Passports will be needed for re-entry into the U.S.A.   Here's the latest
clarification on this issue:

  • Adults 18 and Older - Passports are needed for re-entry into the U.S. at this time.
  • Minors 17 and Younger - Passports are needed at this time for re-entry into the U.S. unless the following exception  is used below.
  • Minors 18 and Younger Exception - A Passport is recommending but an original Birth Certificate and photo ID (for students) is
    acceptable at this time if they are accompanied by their parents or mission trip leader.  We would highly recommend a Passport
    if possible.

U.S. Department of State Issue;

The following info has been taken from the U.S. Department of State website.  Here’s a link if you would care to confirm these findings
for your info as well: http://www.getyouhome.gov/html/lang_eng/eng_sa.html

  • Children: Beginning June 1, 2009, U.S. and Canadian citizen children under age 16 arriving by land or sea from contiguous
    territory may also present an original or copy of his or her birth certificate, a Consular Report of Birth Abroad, a Naturalization
    Certificate, or a Canadian Citizenship Card.
  • Groups of Children: Beginning June 1, 2009, U.S. and Canadian citizen children under age 19 arriving by land or sea from
    contiguous territory and traveling with a school group, religious group, social or cultural organization, or sports team, may also
    present an original or copy of his or her birth certificate, a Consular Report of Birth Abroad, a Naturalization Certificate, or a
    Canadian Citizenship Card.

If you have students who don’t have Passports, and need to take advantage of the above exception, the group should be prepared to
present a letter on organizational letterhead with the following information:

  • The name of the group and supervising adult.
  • A list of the children on the trip, and the primary address, phone number, date of birth, place of birth, and name of at least one
    parent or legal guardian for each child,
  • A written and signed statement of the supervising adult certifying that he or she has obtained parental or legal guardian consent
    for each participating child.

U.S. Department of State Website: http://travel.state.gov/travel/cis_pa_tw/cis_pa_tw_2223.html


For entry into Mexico

All that is needed for entry into Mexico is an original Birth-Certificate or Passport.  The chances of being asked for these, however,
(unless you obtain Tourist Cards) will be very small.