Trying to cross into Tijuana by foot without a passport?
Assuming I have an essential travel need, I would like to know about crossing into tijuana with a receipt + paperwork from the post office that will work as a temporary passport. When you apply for a passport at the post office do they give you something that will serve as a temporary passport? Just was wondering what they give you when you apply for a passport when you never have had one. I am a US citizen.
Best Answer
In addition to the other good answer, I'll answer specifically for Tijuana.
You say you are crossing by foot into Tijuana - All 3 pedestrian ports of entry into Tijuana from San Diego have passport checks, and you are unlikely to be admitted without a passport. I have heard of one or two people being successful in talking the border guards into allowing them in anyway, however these were people that had already been in Mexico and had only temporarily crossed back into San Diego for shopping (etc). I am aware of far more people who have been denied entry due to no passport.
Visitors to Mexico from the US (and other non-Visa countries) are typically required to have an FMM (visitor/tourism permit) which is obtained at the border, and requires presenting a passport to obtain the FMM, so this would make it difficult anyway.
As noted in the other answer, entering by vehicle usually attracts little attention and no stop, so it is possible to enter Mexico by vehicle without a passport, but I would comment that this isn't necessarily legal, even though it is possible, and if you are stopped by INM (immigration) while in Mexico and you can't provide your FMM or passport you will likely be deported.
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Can I walk across the Tijuana border without a passport?
The Mexican government may not let U.S. citizens who are driving or walking to Mexico enter the country at land border crossings if they do not have a U.S. passport book or U.S. passport card.Can you cross the border to Tijuana by walking?
Frequently Asked Questions About Walking to Tijuana Generally driving to the border, parking in one of the border lots, and walking across is the fastest way to get to Tijuana. You can usually drive from Downtown San Diego to San Ysidro in less than half an hour.Can you go to Tijuana with just a birth certificate?
Children under the age of 16 traveling to and from Mexico by land or by sea can use their birth certificates, certificates of citizenship, or naturalization certificates to re-enter the country.What Happened When Trying to Cross into Tijuana Without A Passport
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