Worried about getting stuck at the border

[Italiancurves 117]

Hi there, this is my first post. I am concerned that the only identification my husband has to get back into San Diego is his drivers licence and multiple bills with his name and California address. But his entire file full of important documents has gone missing. Getting his birth certificate from England will be rough. Getting his US military documents, also rough. 54 days Til surgery in Tijuana. For those who've come back through at San Diego border... Should we be concerned? Oh and we have our marriage license and I have my birth certificate and license and bills. What's the worst case scenario???

[Arts137 1,811]

Oh boy, you got me. Actually, I thought a passport was required, so...

[unbesleevable1 420]

you need a passport to cross the border back into the US. That is a fairly new regulation in the last 5 years.

[1sunnuri 77]

We crossed back with drivers license and birthcertificates. I believe he needs his birth certificate to prove his citizenship. Drivers license will not prove that... I would get with my coordinators and see...I have no idea what the consequences would b.

[homersmomma 77]

I was thinking you meant the line to get back into the US. Most places offer a fast track pass for a fee that will get you around the extremely long line at the border.I can tell you that the lines to get back into the country are at least two hours long. Take the fast track it is worth it.

[bigntexas 10]

I was in Tijuana almost a month ago... they did look at our passports on the way back in but then just let us drive through.. (we got lucky and there was no line) If I was you I would for sure get my passports. I know they have a deal where you can get it in a few days... it's more money but worth not having a huge hassle.

[Italiancurves 117]

I was thinking you meant the line to get back into the US. Most places offer a fast track pass for a fee that will get you around the extremely long line at the border.I can tell you that the lines to get back into the country are at least two hours long. Take the fast track it is worth it.

What is a fast track, where do u get it and how much do they cost?!

[homersmomma 77]

This was something offered from the clinic I went to. I paid $20.00 and we took a route reserved for medical transports. About passports and so o I found that if you live in a state that issues an enhanced DL you will only need that and an official certified copy of your state issued birth certificate.

[Juciilyps:) 67]

I have a passport card which arrived in about 2 weeks, my 14 yr old son is going with me and he doesn't have one.. Just his birth certificate and ss card.. I hope that's enough for him..

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[J.Diesel 220]

Should not have any issues crossing into Mexico...Passport are now required to re-enter the US by land and air. I believe you can cross currently on a ship with birth certificate. You can fast track one for him.

Better to be safe than sorry!!

[Juciilyps:) 67]

Won't be back in time.. I'm 2 weekS until surgery And his dad lives in another state so getting all those documents and having it back in time.. Won't happen

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[atlchick 42]

Won't be back in time.. I'm 2 weekS until surgery And his dad lives in another state so getting all those documents and having it back in time.. Won't happen

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You may want to research traveling into a foreign country with a child and only one parent. I am thinking you have to have paperwork to show you are able to take him out of the country (like permission from other parent?) I don't know for sure if that is the case for just going into Mexico or not but I thought I read that before....so parents cant kidnap kids from the other parent or something. Again, not sure and maybe you checked this already but thought I would throw it out there in case you didn't.

[atlchick 42]

You may want to research traveling into a foreign country with a child and only one parent. I am thinking you have to have paperwork to show you are able to take him out of the country (like permission from other parent?) I don't know for sure if that is the case for just going into Mexico or not but I thought I read that before....so parents cant kidnap kids from the other parent or something. Again, not sure and maybe you checked this already but thought I would throw it out there in case you didn't.

This was on travel.state.gov: Minors: Mexican law requires that any non-Mexican citizen under the age of 18 departing Mexico must carry a notarized letter giving permission from any parent or guardian not traveling with the child to or from Mexico. This permission must include the name of the parent, the name of the child, the name of anyone traveling with the child, and the notarized signature(s) of the absent parent(s). The State Department recommends that the permission should include travel dates, destinations, airlines and a brief summary of the circumstances surrounding the travel. The child must be carrying the original letter – not a facsimile or scanned copy – as well as proof of the parent/child relationship (usually a birth certificate or court document) – and an original custody decree, if applicable. Travelers should contact the Mexican Embassy or the nearest Mexican consulate for if they have any questions about these requirements and recommendations.