On my Way to Adalitas

My friend told me you need the passport but hopefully someone else here can help better answer this for you.

Please post and update of how the trip goes. Just be careful and dont act like your better than someone else there.

I went on a cruise to western Mexico about a month ago and at the time, a DL or BC was sufficient. They recommended a Passport though, but it wasn't technically necessary. Don't know if the reentry rules are different for land-based crossings.

I'm not positive about this but getting into Mexico isn't the biggest problem (I'm Canadian and need a passport), getting back into the States without a passport could be the biggest problem.

Recent experience: went last July. I have a passport, as the US government tells you it is required for entry, even for citizens. The two US citizens a few places ahead of me in line do not. Border patrol gave them a very hard time about it. Lots of intrusive questions. They were lucky they were only detained a few extra minutes. Save yourself the hassle in the long run and get a passport.

And yes, the rules are (were?) different for cruises. Having to wait a couple hours in a holding room upon your return home kind of fucks up your trip. See www.dhs.gov/files/crossingborders/travel…

"Since March 1, 2010, ... all U.S. citizens age 16 or older must present a valid U.S. passport or passport card to re-enter the U.S., even by land."

http://travel.state.gov/travel/cis_pa_tw…

As JoesParty stated, the rules for cruises are different (though that might have changed as it's been about 5 years since my last cruise). Previously, all you needed to show was proof of identity, BC/WL and a boarding pass. (of course the thought there is that the cruise line has already done the screening prior to your embarking on the voyage)

It's for all of our safety, but it's too bad things had to change. Now, I can't venture into TJ without there being far too many records and traces... no TJ for me!