Current Requirements to Enter the United States From Within the Western Hemisphere by Land or Sea

U.S. Citizens
A verbal declaration and the ability to prove to a CBP officer, if requested, that your claim to U.S. citizenship is valid. Because it is difficult to prove your identity and citizenship without documents, presenting a driver's license and either a birth certificate or naturalization certificate, or a passport, is highly recommended.

Lawful Permanent Residents
Alien Registration Card (Form I-551) or other valid evidence of lawful permanent residence status is required.

Canadian Citizens and Citizens of the British Overseas Territory of Bermuda
A verbal declaration and the ability to prove to a CBP officer, if requested, that your claim to Canadian/Bermudian citizenship is valid. Because it is difficult to prove your identity and citizenship without documents, presenting a driver's license and either a birth certificate or naturalization certificate, or a passport, is highly recommended.

Mexican Citizens and Nationals
All Mexican citizens, including children, are currently required to present a border crossing card or passport with visa.

Land Sea Document Requirements
Beginning January 31, 2008, U.S. and Canadian citizens 19 years and older who enter the U.S. at land and sea ports of entry from within the Western Hemisphere will need to present government issued photo ID, such as a driver's license as proof of identity, along with proof of citizenship, such as a birth certificate or naturalization certificate, or a passport. Children age 18 and under will be able to enter with proof of citizenship. Verbal claims of citizenship and identity alone will not be sufficient to establish identity and citizenship for entry into the United States. Please be sure to visit CBP.gov for updates on travel documents and details as to when new requirements will go into effect.

Know Your Destination Country Documentary Requirements
It is strongly recommended that all travelers leaving the U.S. verify the specific documentary requirements for their destination country. This information is available through travel.state.gov, or by consulting with the Embassy of the country you are visiting to determine what documents are needed to meet the entry requirements of that country. These requirements could include a birth certificate, passport, or passport and visa for entry into that country.

For Customs related questions please contact:

U.S. CUSTOMS & BORDER PROTECTION
1300 Pennsylvania Ave., NW, Rm. 5.4D
Washington, DC 20229

Or check the Web site:
www.cbp.gov
for Import & Export and Travel Information

U.S. Customs & Border Protection in Brownsville:
(956) 983-5800

Mexican Immigration Office:
011-52-868-812-0251 in Matamoros.