Has anyone had trouble getting across the border without a passport recently?

[latina1974 12]

Has anyone had trouble getting across the border without a passport recently? My husband don't have his.

please let me know.My coordinator told me I didn't have to have one.

[mark! 449]

http://travel.state.gov/travel/cis_pa_tw/cis/cis_970.html#entry_requirements

According to the official US Gubment website, it's required since March 1 2010. I know some people here say they didn't have one, but I'd have to be stuck in Mexico or denied entry because I didn't have a passport. Just get a passport card, it's quick, and cheaper than an actual passport.

[Pelekania 156]

Has anyone had trouble getting across the border without a passport recently? My husband don't have his.

please let me know.My coordinator told me I didn't have to have one.

My mom and I did not have a passport and we had no problems entering the U.S. I was there in February.

[AChristian 112]

My sister and her husband just went there. No problems at all. She said she has done it a hundred times. She use to live in San Diego. I did it once and I had no problems.

[AChristian 112]

You don't have go have one!!!! Really you don't no matter what that government website says

[SpaceDust 585]

As it stands right now, you can get back across with a drivers license and a birth certificate. You *might* end up in the non-compliance line, which takes longer to get through as they ask more questions, I hear. But my understanding is that the enforcement of the current border laws requiring passport, enhanced drivers license or one of the travel cards is nowhere near as stringent as it is at the Canadian border.

Truly, though, I would consider getting a passport or at least a passport card if time still permits. It would ensure that if there's any trouble, you have appropriate proof of citizenship.

[iegal 460]

No problem getting across without a passport, getting back is an issue. Go down at least once a month with my church group. One member forgot their passport and only had DL with no birth certificate. We had to drive back (4hour round trip) to get it and return to border to pick them up. Only takes one agent to mess up your day.

So, do you really want to chance it? Just saying.

[AmandaL 6]

I was just sleeved on March 22 and had a passport, although it was expired, along with my birth cert and DL. We ended up in 2nd inspection because they weren't going to just let us through with the documents I had. 2nd inspection ended up taking about 3 hours to get through (and the other girl with me was PISSED!) but we eventually got through. When I talked with the supervisor, he said it was hit or miss. Some border agents will let you go, others won't.

The girl with me ended up missing her flight because of me. Also, she was in MX for a full body Lipo and butt implants and was so uncomfortable the 3 hours we had to wait. I felt horrible for what happened so I ended up giving her $200 for her troubles and tipped the driver $100 because he missed out on picking up other clients because of me.

Trust me - after having the surgery, you don't want to wait an extra 3 hours. I was miserable. Just do what you have to do to get your husband a passport.

[SerendipityHappens 1,594]

Our van was full of people and I was the only one with a passport. One of the women was taken away for about an hour and finger printed and they ran a full check on her and we were held up for several hours... Typically when traveling, I'm the one who holds people up due to some "questionable" visas in my passport (Lebanon and Pakistan)... but coming back from Mexico, I sailed right through on my passport but the others in the van were subjected to much more scrutiny and were the reason for holding us up... It only took them a few minutes to search our van.. but it took a few hours to clear all the passengers.

[latina1974 12]

thanks everyone

[KatInFL 216]

Has anyone had trouble getting across the border without a passport recently? My husband don't have his.

please let me know.My coordinator told me I didn't have to have one.

Crossed from Tj to US yesterday with a birth certificate and driver's license with no issues. I had a medical pass for the Mexico side, so it took about 20 minutes total to cross.

~Kat

[latina1974 12]

thanks

[EMSJen 6]

I will be going/coming back without a passport. I hope I dont make anyone miss their flight!