Proper documents speed crossings at the U.S. Border

There are two questions that we are asked frequently. One is what documentation do I need to cross back into the U.S. after visiting Mexico? The second is what’s the fastest way of crossing?

As of June of 2009 a passport or other document approved under the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative (WHTI) is required. A driver’s license or birth certificate is no longer acceptable.

Remember that passports take a few weeks to process (unless you get rush processing), so allow enough time before your planned visit. The current cost for a passport book, which is good for 10 years, is $100.

If you only plan to travel between the U.S. and Mexico or Canada, a passport card is a good alternative. The driver’s license-sized card also is good for 10 years and costs $45. Processing time is about the same as for a passport book.

You might also want to get both a passport book and passport card at the same time ($120 total cost), giving you a backup document plus one that’s easy to carry in your wallet at all times.

For frequent travelers between Mexico and the U.S. we recommend they obtain a SENTRI card. This trusted traveler program allows them to use special lanes when re-entering the U.S. and saves a lot of commuting time.

Further information and SENTRI applications are available at www.travel.state.gov

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