Surgery in Mexico ....

     Just wondering if we have to have a passport to have surgery in Mexico?   

No.  But you need one to get back in the US. 


"Since March 1, 2010, all U.S. citizens – including children – have been required to present a valid passport or passport card for travel beyond the “border zone" into the interior of Mexico. The “border zone" is generally defined as an area within 20 to 30 kilometers of the border with the U.S., depending on the location. Regardless of the destination in Mexico; however, all U.S. citizens age 16 or older must present a valid U.S. passport book or passport card to re-enter the U.S. by land. A passport book is required to return to the United States via an international flight."


travel.state.gov/travel/cis_pa_tw/cis/cis_970.html#entry_req uirements

Technically you need one to get back in the US but I didn't have mine so I took my DL and my birth certificate and they let me through, no questions asked, it took about 5 minutes.  I went through the fast lane because my surgeon gave me a medical pass.

 i needed it both ways. Got the stamps to prove it. i went by plane tho. I don't know about driving.

Times have changed. You really need a passport these days to get back into the country, even from Canada. And it takes awhile to get one, so if you don't have a current passport, apply for one asap.

Larra

You need a passport to get in and out. Just because they made an exception for one person doesn't mean they will do it for you. Get a passport. And IMHO, you really shouldn't travel out of the US without one. **** happens.

PLEASE DO NOT attempt to go without a passport ! Homeland Security is cracking down in a lot of border locations. You will be detained and denied access without a passport anymore. I would be shocked if anyone currently could return to the US without a passport, whether driving and especially if flying.

Info to apply  here: 
http://travel.state.gov/passport/get/first/first_830.html

Yes, you need a passport. No, they never checked mine (I'm pretty white looking I guess.) But I flew into San Diego and went across the border by car.

So was Cortes...Hernando Cortes...white looking.  He was a light skinned, blue-eyed, redhead, as a matter of fact.  And, after he burned his own ships so his sailors would not mutiny and go home...he's the reason almost everyone in Mexico speaks Spanish.

So the Mexicans--expecially the ones with mostly Indian blood--know to be on the lookout for "your type," lest another one land and conquer and make everyone learn to do Riverdance routines or something.

And, boy!  Do you look Skinny!