Hey, with the passport requirements for entering Mexico, are we going to need a passport to board a boat and head into Mexican waters, or is type of travel not considered under passport usage requirements? Thanks!
The only reason I asked is because before January 2007, you could enter Mexico with basically nothing but a driver's license and at most a birth certificate for a visa if going deep. But since January 2007, you must have a passport to step foot in Mexico. I was just wondering if the requirements for entering Mexican waters was the same or if there is different requirements for water travel. Just curious with the upcoming fishing trips.
If you leave on a boat from the U.S. (San Diego), and return to the U.S. WITHOUT entering another county, i.e. Mexico, the Bahamas, ... you do not need a passport.
If you get off the boat and fly back to the U.S., say from Cabo or PV; you will need a passport.
We're running into this issue here in FL. A lot of folks go to the Bahamas for the day/weekend from Southeast FL and as of this January, they need a passport.
Getting a passport is just a good idea frankly. While it cost more these days, it is valid for 10 years.
Check with the Boat operators first. Technically. You ARE leaving the U.S and may want to take your passport as insurance. This is U.S. law now. I would ask the operators or look it up before hand.
Here is the latest.... go to www.travel.state.gov for updates. Looking at "may be required", I would bring it. No need for hassles after a great trip. Also who knows what can happen at sea. You may be forced to land in Mexico and fly home due to an emergency. If so, you will have a lot of 'splainin to do trying to board a flight from Mexico without your passport. You probably will be denied boarding and will have to find the nearest U.S. Consulate to get an emergency passport. Bite the bullet and bring it.
"As early as January 1, 2008, ALL persons, including U.S. citizens, traveling between the U.S. and Canada, Mexico, Central and South America, the Caribbean, and Bermuda by land or sea (including ferries), may be required to present a valid passport or other documents as determined by the Department of Homeland Security. While recent legislative changes permit a later deadline, the Departments of State and Homeland Security are working to meet all requirements as soon as possible. Ample advance notice will be provided to enable the public to obtain passports or passport cards for land/sea entries."
Remember everyone! The Indy had 2 guys hurt late last year that required help from Paramedics fishing other vessels nearby to stabilize 1 of the injured.
The Indy then had to make for Cabo to airlift these 2 injured parties to U.S. hospitals. The office crew from the Indy had to fly down to meet the boat and do a looooooottttttttt of splainin to get them home.
No passports in possesion. I have taken mine with me on every trip since 1999. 1 bad roll or a mis-step and life will change in an instance. I urge you all.....take your passports.
Money is usualy tight for me, who doesn't have cash issues, and it was hard to hand out another $100+ dolars to the feds but I feel it was money well spent. Now I can travel almost anywhere and have good ID, unlike my Oregon drivers license.
Even if they aren't required I'd suggest having one, if you have the time they take several weeks to process.
The facts are that in today’s world you need a passport if you leave the USA and travel to another country. The passport is required to get back into the USA.
Also for reasons already cited if you go offshore on a 10 day trip you are required to carry a valid passport because stuff happens and you may have to make a Mexican port of call.
Best advice is to get a passport if you’re going on a 5 day or longer.
Just got passports for myself and the whole family. We all applied the same day. Cost was $253 for four of us. We receieved them 5 weeks from date of purchase. Had been told it would be 6 to 8 weeks. It's a good idea for everyone in this day and age.
