Destination LAX

Hi there, hows it going?

Just a quick question regarding my trip to L.A. in the spring.

My friend and I are travelling using the VWP to the US and are considering a short trip (if possible...) to Mexico.

Are there any restrictions regarding this? Does the VWP only allow travel in the stated country and becomes invalid once you leave the country and are there any alternatives/solutions?

Any help is grealty appreciated, take care.

avanutria

Going to Mexico will not reset your 90-day allowance but other than that I don't think it will have an effect - I'm sure the experts will confirm or correct this. My husband once took a day trip to Niagara Falls (Canada) while on the VWP and had no problems.

Noorah101

This is correct. You can travel to Mexico and re-enter the USA, all within your allotted 90 days. Leave plenty of time for the trip to Mexico and time to get back into the USA before your flight out of the USA back home. You will not get the 90-day clock reset.

Rene

cdf85

The last time I went to the States I went on the VWP spent a week in the US, before going to Canada for 10 days then returning to the US for 3 days before I left for the UK. I didn't have any problems, in fact border control when I returned the US from Canada took about 2 mins.

lisa67

Don't know where you're planning on going to in Mexico, but do some research regarding the safety if thinking of just travelling over the boarder near to the US...not good at the moment!

meauxna

The VWP considers travel in the region to all fall under your initial US admission (Mexico and Canada and any of the 'adjacent islands' will have their own separate entry requirements) so the 90 days admission you get at first entry to the US must cover all of your travel including Mexico.

You can't go to the US for 80 days, Mexico for 2 weeks and back into the US.

Bill_S

Don't take a US rental car into Mexico without understanding the risks involved. If this was part of your plan, research it VERY CAREFULLY in advance.

meauxna

+1

Marocco

I did it twice, didn't have any problems. Be prepared for a long queue at the POE on the way back, if travelling by car, and make sure to check what the situation is like in the border areas, particularly in and around Tijuana.

Destination LAX

Thanks a mill for the information. Greatly appreciate your time.

Regarding the USA VWP, you have to fill in the online ESTA form etc. before hand. Is there anything for Mexico or Canada? Or can I just turn up, and roll through.

I've passed through the Ukrainian border several times and sometimes they give you a form to fill in, sometimes they don't, however, theres a fair difference between Ukraine and Mexico

Just a quick question, I read in a book that in order to use the VWP you have to have a valid 10 year passport. I've never heard of this anywhere else. Maybe the book is dated i'm not sure, but will my 5-year passport be ok?

Thanks again everyone!

Eric S

Note that Mexico is not a member of the Visa Waiver Program. I assume you are a UK citizen. You should check what UK citizens need to visit Mexico (visa, passport only, etc.). Also note that ESTA is just for visiting the US.

US citizens can visit Mexico with just a passport. I don't know about UK citizens.

- Eric S.

meauxna

You should probably get your facts online; a lot is changing and quickly, so books are less reliable.
The US State Dept is one source: Visa Waiver Program (VWP) and the people in charge of the border is another. This will explain the passport intricacies. Frequently Asked Questions about the Visa Waiver Program (VWP) and the Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA)

Why do you have a 5-year passport?

For Mexico and Canada, you can review the required documentation from this reliable airline tool (I know!): http://www.delta.com/planning_reserv...tion/index.jsp


Are you planning to drive in Mexico? It's no joke, it's quite unique. You also need special insurance if taking a US vehicle in.

E3only

Just curious – what are the risks involved?

ian-mstm

Neither is Canada. I'm just throwing this in since he asked about both countries!

Ian

ian-mstm

Well, being killed for one, when some drug cartel operative notices that you're driving a rental... perhaps a rental that he could use instead of you!

Ian