Documents accepted to enter the United States
Upon entering the United States it is necessary to present official documents accepted by the US government. The documents depend on whether you are an American citizen, a legal resident of the USA or a visitor. For more information visit the official page of US customs and border protection.
Returning to USA
If you are an American citizen.
- American passport. It is only necessary to show your current American passport.
- Passport card. This card is another option to the less expensive passport and is similar to the size of a driver’s license. It is recommended for people who cross the border by car. A passport card is not valid when traveling by plane.
If you are a legal resident of the USA.
- Passport of your country of origin.. The passport must be valid and does not expire within the next six months.
- Resident card (green card). It must be valid.
If you are a visitor
- Passport of your country of origin.. The passport must be valid and does not expire within the next six months.
- Tourist visa. For visitors from other countries it is necessary to have a valid American tourist visa.
Other official documents accepted to enter the United States by land when you are a US citizen
- Enhanced Driver’s Licenses.
- Enhanced Tribal Card (ETC)
- Trusted Traveler Cards (Global Entry*, NEXUS, SENTRI, or FAST )
- Military Identification Cards (For members of the United States Armed Maritime Officer business.)
- *The Global Entry (GE) card is an ENTRY document only and cannot be used to enter Canada, Mexico or an adjacent island.
American Citizens Under 15 years of age.
U.S. citizen children under the age of 15 arriving by land or sea from a contiguous territory (Canada or Mexico) may present an original or copy of their birth certificate (issued by the Department of Vital Records in the state where he or she was born). ), Consular Certificate of Birth Abroad, or Certificate of Naturalization. If the child is a newborn and the actual birth certificate has not arrived from the Vital Records Department, we will accept a certificate issued by the hospital.
Groups of American Citizens between 16 and 18 years.
Young U.S. citizens ages 16 to 18 arriving by land or sea from contiguous territory and traveling with an adult-supervised school group, religious group, social or cultural organization, or sports team may also file An original or copy of your birth certificate, Consular Certificate of Birth Abroad or Naturalization Certificate.