Basics of Crossing Back Into The U.S. - Smart Border Coalition (2024)

TRAVEL DOCUMENTS RESTRICTED GOODS DESIGNATED LANES LONG GUIDE

Which Travel Documents Can I Use to Enter into the U.S.?

You are an adult and a U.S. citizen:

U.S. citizens may present a valid U.S. passport; Passport Card; enhanced driver’s license; Trusted Traveler Program card (SENTRI or Global Entry); U.S. military identification card when traveling on official orders; U.S. Merchant Mariner document when traveling in conjunction with official maritime business; or Form I-872 American Indian Card, or Enhanced Tribal Card.

You are a U.S. minor citizen:

U.S. citizen children under the age of 16 (or under 19, if traveling with a school, religious, or other youth group) must present a valid passport, birth certificate or other proof of citizenship. The birth certificate can be original, a photocopy, or a certified copy.

You are a U.S. lawful permanent resident:

U.S. lawful permanent residents are required to present their permanent resident card (Green Card / Form I-551) or other valid evidence of permanent residence status.

You are a Mexican citizen residing in Mexico:

Mexican citizens residing in Mexico, including children, are required to present a passport with visa or a Border Crossing Card.

Certain other foreign nationals or aliens:

Other foreign nationals or aliens entering the U.S. are generally required to present a passport and valid visa issued by a U.S. consular official, unless they are citizens of a country eligible for the Visa Waiver Program or are a lawful permanent resident of the U.S. or citizen of Canada.

THE U.S. GOVERNMENT AND THE STATE OF CALIFORNIA ENFORCE NUMEROUS COMPLEX RULES CONCERNING GOODS ENTERING THE U.S.

Which Items Do the U.S. and California Limit or Prohibit from Bringing from Mexico?

No firearms or ammunition may be transported across the border without advance official permission from both Mexico and the U.S. Doing so without permission is a serious crime.