I am doing research for a religious friend of mine who wants to visit brethren of his down in Mexico and South America. His family has no identification. they don't use modern technologies and do not use photos and have no SSN or birth certificates. I have read where he would need at least a birth certificate to cross into Mexico. Does anyone know of a way he could get across without one? Would he be able to go into Mexico but have a hard time returning?

Regretfully there is a simple answer to this enquiry. No can do.

You cannot travel out of, or get back into, the United States without a passport, thanks to Osama bin Laden.

Your friend was born in the US but doesn't have a birth certificate? How does that happen?

I think you can still come to Canada by car with a birth certificate and driver's license, but it's easier with a passport.

The answer to the question, "Do I Need a Passport to Visit Canada and Mexico?" depends on how you are planning to cross the border and when.

US Citizens Visiting by Air
Since September 30, 2007, American citizens flying to Canada and Mexico have needed a passport.

US Citizens Visiting by Land or Water
As of Dec 21, 2007, passport requirements have been once again delayed meaning that US citizens arriving in Canada or Mexico by land or water do not need a passport until at least summer 2009.

Necessary ID to Enter Canada or Mexico by Land or Water before the WHTI Dates:

Until the WHTI land and water dates go into effect, American citizens crossing the border into Canada or Mexico by land or water need ID that proves two things: 1) Citizenship, and 2) Identity by way of a photo.

A driver's license on its own or a Social Security Card on its own are not valid ID to cross the border.

The following pieces of identification will serve as satisfactory proof of American citizenship to enter Canada or Mexico.

Please note, however, that photocopies of ID must be notarized:

* US passport

OR

* Birth certificate,

OR

* Certificate of citizenship or naturalization,

AND

* Photo ID, such as current driver's license

Yeah, that's what I thought. It sucks.