Passport Issues

There is a lot of uncertainty with passports and traveling to Mexico - Do we or don't we need one? Unfortunately there is no definitive answer to the question. We will try and get you all of the information and then let you decide. Bottom line is you eventually will need one so if you can, get it.

Now, for the people who don't have one here is what we know:

- Amor is saying that you will need one for the February 2008 trip to Puerto Penasco. They are telling all trip leaders to make sure that everyone in your group has one.

- Amor provided us this link to a Homeland Security press release that outlines DHS' position as of June 20, 2007. We read the press release to say that as of January 31, 2008, to re-enter the US from Mexico you will need AT A MINIMUM a copy of your driver's license AND a copy of your birth certificate. Children under 16 years of age will need AT A MINIMUM a certified copy of their birth certificate.

(So, adults only need copies but children need CERTIFIED copies of their birth certificates)

Here is a portion from the press release:

Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative (WHTI) Land and Sea Transition: Beginning Jan. 31, 2008, DHS plans to begin initial elements of WHTI implementation at land and sea ports of entry by ending the routine practice of accepting oral declarations alone. At that point, U.S. and Canadian citizens will need to present either a WHTI-compliant document or a government-issued photo ID, such as a driver's license, plus proof of citizenship, such as a birth certificate. DHS also proposes to begin alternative procedures for U.S. and Canadian children in January, whereby children ages 15 and younger would be required to present certified copies of their birth certificates. Groups of U.S. and Canadian children ages 16 through 18, traveling with public or private school groups, religious groups, social or cultural organizations or teams associated with youth athletics organizations would also be able to enter, under adult supervision, with certified copies of their birth certificates.

Here are a few links:

June 20, 2007 DHS' Press Release
State Department website passport page

We will try and monitor the situation and provide updated information when we hear about it. You have time so If you can get it - Get it!