Passport changes for crossing the border
Prepare for new border crossing rules
There have been a lot of changes in border control this year with the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative. All of us need to be aware of the regulations involved with entering Mexico. Perhaps the biggest change is the need for a passport- but you have a few options. As of June 2009, a valid US passport is required for any border crossing. Here is some information to get you started on preparing for your next trip to El Sauzal.
Option 1: Get a Passport
For information on obtaining a passport, you can visit www.state.gov. Simply click on the travel tab and choose “passports” under that drop-down menu. First-time applicants must apply in person at an approved acceptance facility. You will need a DS-11 form (available online), but make sure you don’t sign it until you are present at the agency. Also, be sure you bring proof of citizenship with you; acceptable forms of ID are clearly listed on the travel.state.gov website. You will need to present your own passport photos, and prepare to pay $100 if you are 16 or older and $85 if you are younger than 16.
Option 2: A Passport Card
A second option is the passport card. The appeal of this option is its cheaper price. One drawback is that this card is not valid for air travel into or out of Mexico. The process for applying is similar to the process noted above. For first-time applicants, the passport card will cost $45 for adults and $35 for children under age 16. Adults with fully valid passports issued within the last fifteen years who are eligible to submit Form DS-82 by mail will pay only $20 for a passport card.
Option 3: Enhanced Driver’s License
This next option is available currently only in Washington state. Younger students interested in trips to El Sauzal also have the option of the enhanced driver’s license. When applying for your driver’s license, you will only pay $15 extra for this option. Again, the drawback of this method is that it is only valid for travel by land or sea. For those of you who already have a valid driver’s license, the cost is only $35 to upgrade. You can visit www.dol.wa.gov for more information.
Traveling with Minors?
For groups traveling with youth under age 18, please note that you will need a parental letter for each minor. The gomexico.about.com website has examples of acceptable letters.
We hope this clears up some of the confusion surrounding the new border crossing rules! Hope to see many of you this year at El Sauzal Orphanage.
by Patty Siegmund