FAQs
The Mexico–United States border extends 3,145 kilometers (1,954 miles), in addition to the maritime boundaries of 29 km (18 mi) into the Pacific Ocean and 19 km (12 mi) into the Gulf of Mexico.
How long is the US Mexico land border? ›
Description. The 1,954 miles (3,145 km) border between the United States and Mexico traverses a variety of terrains, including urban areas and deserts. The border from the Gulf of Mexico to El Paso, Texas, follows along the Rio Grande forming a natural barrier.
Do you need a passport to cross the US border by land? ›
Travel by land or water
a valid passport. a Trusted Traveler Program card. an enhanced driver's licence (EDL) or enhanced identification card (EIC) from a province or territory where a U.S. approved EDL/EIC program has been implemented.
How to cross to the USA from Mexico? ›
Mexican citizens residing in Mexico, including children, are required to present a passport with visa or a Border Crossing Card. A Border Crossing Card allows the bearer to enter the U.S. from Mexico by land, ferry, or pleasure vessel with no other documentation.
Which US city is closest to the Mexico border? ›
El Paso and Ciudad Juárez.
What are the six Mexican border states that border the United States? ›
The Border 2025 Program was launched in May 25, 2021 as a partnership of U.S. EPA, Mexico's SEMARNAT (federal environmental agency and EPA counterpart), the four U.S. border states (Texas, New Mexico, Arizona, and California), and the six Mexican border states (Tamaulipas, Nuevo León, Coahuila, Chihuahua, Sonora, and ...
Can a U.S. citizen enter the U.S. without a passport? ›
You are not allowed to enter on your foreign passport, because U.S. law requires all U.S. citizens to enter and depart the U.S. on a valid U.S. passport. U.S. citizens are not eligible for a U.S. visa.
How many ports of entry are there in the U.S.-Mexico border? ›
There are 52 in all, of which 8 are rail lines, 43 are roadways (24 bridges, 2 dams, and 17 roads), and 1 is a ferry. For record-keeping purposes, USCBP groups the 52 crossings into 26 ports-of-entry (POEs), with data from a set of neighboring crossings aggregated under the name of a “master” POE.
Can a U.S. citizen fly within Mexico without a passport? ›
Yes, US citizens can fly domestically within Mexico without a passport. According to the US Department of State, US citizens only need a valid government-issued photo ID, such as a driver's license or military ID, to board a domestic flight within Mexico.
Can I come back to the US from Mexico with a driver's license? ›
When entering the United States, U.S. citizens are required to show passport, U.S. passport card, Trusted Traveler Program card (NEXUS, SENTRI, Global Entry or FAST) or an Enhanced Driver's License.
In a nutshell, U.S. and Canadian citizens older than 16 years old have to show a passport, passport card or another accepted document to cross back into the U.S. Children under 16 may show an original or copy of their birth certificate, a Consular Report of Birth Abroad, a Naturalization Certificate, a Canadian ...
When you cross the border, what do they check for? ›
What Information Do Immigration Officers in the U.S. Have?
- Name.
- Country of citizenship.
- Home address.
- Date of birth.
- Method of travel.
- Purpose of travel.
Gather Required Documentation
- Passport valid for travel to the United States – Your passport must be valid for at least six months beyond your period of stay in the United States (unless exempt by country-specific agreements). ...
- Nonimmigrant Visa Application, Form DS-160 confirmation page.
When U.S. citizen children under the age of 16 arrive by land or sea from Canada or Mexico they may present an original or copy of their birth certificate, a Consular Report of Birth Abroad, or a Naturalization Certificate.
Can I go from Mexico to USA? ›
Mexican nationals are required to present a valid passport and visa or BCC when traveling to the United States by land. For travel by sea, Mexican nationals will need to present a valid passport and visa or a valid passport and BCC.
What border did Mexico and America both claim? ›
Texas claimed the Rio Grande as its southern border. Mexico said the Nueces River, to the north, should be the border. The dispute simmered until Dec. 29, 1845, when the U.S. annexed the Lone Star State, and sent troops to the Rio Grande a month later.
Is the U.S.-Mexico border the longest border? ›
Stretching 5,525 miles, the US-Canada border is the longest land border in the world—more than twice as long as our border with Mexico.
