As of 2009, anyone entering the United States must show a valid passport to enter. Canadians visiting the United States only require a valid passport to visit the U.S. Mexicans must have a valid Mexican passport, but must also have a non-immigrant visa issued by the U.S. government and permission to enter the U.S. when they travel.
Canadians should fill out their government's Form PPTC 153 for adults and Form PPTC 155 for children. Fill out Form PPTC 054 to renew a Canadian passport. On the form you must give your personal information such as age, date of birth and residence. You must present proof of citizenship with your birth certificate or naturalization papers. You must also present a valid ID and two passport photos. As of 2010, passport fees are $87 Canadian dollars for an adult passport and $37 Canadian dollars for a child passport. You can apply for a Canadian passport at a local passport office or through the mail.
Passport Canada
Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada
Gatineau QC K1A 0G3
Canada
To obtain a Mexican passport, you must visit the Secretaria de Relaciones Exteriores (Secretariat of External Relations) office in your municipality, or the nearest Mexican Consulate office in the foreign country where you reside. You must present a certified copy of a birth certificate and a valid ID, such as a Credencial de Elector (Voters Registration card) or a higher education diploma with photo identification. You must also present two color passport photos. As of 2010, Mexican passport fees are 1,000 pesos, or $87 dollars American.
Canadians are not required to have a U.S. non-immigrant visa if they are only visiting the United States temporarily. You are only required to have your valid Canadian passport, unless you are working as a diplomat, coming into the country as a fiancé, or are a child of a fiancé entering the country to obtain permanent residency status.
Mexican citizens must have a U.S. non-immigrant visa to enter the United States. To obtain this visa, call your nearest U.S. Embassy to set up an appointment with an immigration officer; you must provide your Mexican passport number over the phone as you set up the appointment. At the appointment, you must show a valid Mexican passport, valid ID, proof of income, bank statements, property ownership and a bank receipt showing proof of having paid for the application. During the interview process, you will be asked the purpose of your trip. As of 2010, expect to pay a $140 application fee and, if approved, you will be given a 1 to 10 year visa. The length of the visa depends on the approval officer's recommendation. Upon entering the U.S. you will need a temporary permit allowing you to enter the country for the number of days you plan to stay, obtainable at Immigration on the Mexican-American border or at Immigration in the airport. This temporary permit costs approximately $20 as of 2010.
