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 Visas)
will be very small. Tourist Visas are free and optional if your stay is 7 days or
less.
Back to Trip Prep Section