• Print
• E-mail
• Add to My Trips

Holding a U.S. passport is the easiest way to travel to Mexico and Canada. But under the temporary waiver, effective until Sept. 30, 2007, you can use a government-issued photo ID and "proof" of passport application to leave from and return to the U.S. from those countries.

An earlier online version of this story incorrectly said Canada and Mexico require travelers to present proof of citizenship, such as a passport or birth certificate, to enter. In practice, people driving into these countries are often asked only to show a driver’s license or photo ID. The box incorrectly said Canada would not accept a certified copy of a birth certificate. A certified copy is acceptable.

Those countries, however, have their own entry requirements:

Mexico: A U.S. passport or proof of U.S. citizenship, which may be an original or certified copy of a birth certificate, or a certificate of naturalization with a photo of the traveler.

Canada: A U.S. passport is not required to enter Canada. But if you don't have it, you must have an original or certified copy of your birth certificate and photo identification.

For most up-to-date requirements, check with the embassy or the consulate of the country you are visiting.

Travelers who paid $60 for expedited service and "did not receive their passport on an expedited basis" should request a refund by writing to the following address:

Department of State

Passport Services/PPS/Refunds

2100 Pennsylvania Ave. N.W.

Washington, D.C. 20037-3202.

The refund request should include the applicant's passport number (if available), name, date and place of birth, approximate date of the passport application, a mailing address and telephone number.

The department will not refund the regular passport application and execution fees, which total $97 for new passports and $67 for renewals for adults age 16 and older. Different fees apply to those under age 16.

For details, visit http://www.travel.state.gov.