Proper planning essential when traveling to Mexico Published Feb. 5, 2007 By Staff Sgt. Austin M. May 47th Flying Training Wing public affairs LAUGHLIN AIR FORCE BASE, Texas -- Laughlin members wishing to travel to Mexico by car will not necessarily be required to carry a passport until early next year. According to Rick Pauza, U.S. Customs and Border Protection public affairs, the requirement all U.S. citizens to present a passport for re-entry into the U.S. by vehicle will not go into effect until January 2008. Currently, crossing into and returning from Mexico via car requires, in most cases, only oral confirmation of citizenship. Proof of citizenship may be required in some instances, so it is still recommended for Laughlin members to carry documents, such as a birth certificate, into Mexico. Student pilots from foreign countries and their families cannot cross the border back into the U.S. using their military I.D. They must show their passport with the correct visa and a form I-94. U.S. citizens do not require this form. Permanent residents of the U.S. currently serving in the military are required to present their resident alien card upon re-entry from Mexico. "As of Jan. 23, 2007 passengers arriving in the United States by airplane from Canada, Mexico, Bermuda, the Caribbean, Central or South America will have to show the required documentation," Mr. Pauza said. "U.S. citizens must show a U.S. passport, legal permanent residents must show their resident alien card and visitors from other countries must show their passport and a non-immigrant visa." Special Agent Jessie Garcia, Air Force Office of Special Investigations Detachment 410 at Laughlin, said it is a good idea for everyone traveling to Mexico, including infants and children, to have ID or proof of citizenship. "U.S. citizens visiting Mexico for less than 72 hours and remaining within 25 kilometers of the border do not need permit," he added. "Persons traveling past the 25 kilometer area into the interior of Mexico will require immigration and vehicle permits." Coming back into the U.S. is a bit more complicated. Agent Garcia reiterated that military ID cards are not proof of citizenship. "Occasionally U.S. customs will ask for some form of ID," Agent Garcia said. "Military issued ID cards and state driver's licenses are accepted but do not meet the criteria of establishing proof of citizenship." With the passport law going into effect about a year from now, Agent Garcia said it is recommended to plan well ahead. "U.S. Customs and Border protection officials recommend that if you plan to visit Mexico, apply for a passport now." For additional information, visit http://www.cbp.gov/xp/cgov/travel/alerts/whti/.