Taking kids to Mexico

[FamilyGal]

The twins and I are going to Mexico for a mission trip in July and I am trying to get all of the paperwork I need to get these two across the border. On top of having to get them State Issued ID's and notarized permission from dh to have them travel, I also have to have report cards proving they are enrolled in school.

Do they check this at the border? I will have my daughter's report card, but my son was homeschooled. I plan on printing out a report card, but I am kinda worried they won't accept it. Why do I have to have this? Why does Mexico care if my kids are schooled? (They don't take of their own.) It just seems like an odd hoop to jump through.

If all else, I thought about whiting out my daughter's name and putting his name on a previous report card. Their SS# is one digit off and could easily be changed on it. ;)

[LarkinJoanna]

I don't know about changing that report card. If they put you in jail in Mexico they say it's really hard to get out.:)

[cgwoolf]

I've never taken kids there but I have no clue why they would want a report card. What part of Mexico are you going to? Most of it is pretty unsafe for Americans now.

[Wilson]

I don't have a second to read through this, but you can look here for info:
http://www.hslda.org/laws/default.asp?State=TX

Maybe they have some forums or its in their FAQ. Or maybe it's not even close to the right site. I'll look again later and see what else I can come up with.

[Wilson]

I've thought about this all day and it just doesn't make any sense. I have a friend that has lived in their RV with 4 kids for 2-3 years now and they spend a majority of their time in Mexico, but they are US Citizens and cross the border quite frequently. The kids are all homeschooled and she doesn't have any documentation in regards to their education.

When we took our kids, we only had to provide birth certificates or passports. They checked this at the Continental gate in Mexico as we were boarding the plane to come back to the US.

[FamilyGal]

I really don't understand it either. I will print something off from our curriculum software and hope that works. I would think it will as long as I have the other required paperwork (State ID, birth certificate and notarized forms)

We are going to Monterrey. My mom is having a cow right now about the safety. I'm sure everything will be fine. We certainly won't leave our group or take any risks.

[natvtxn]

You've got your passports, too?

[msucowboy97]

per my co-worker....who goes to mexico every other month. He only needs their Birth Cert. and something that states who they are. Reason they are saying a report card its just a kids form of I.D. since the Twins arent driving.

Now this is only if your crossing at the line.

you only need a Passport if your flying into any other country. Right now you can still get by with a BC and DL if your driving or going by boat.

Start of the new year you will need a passport if your driving to Canada or mexico.

The couple who just got married in Vegas are going on an Alaskan Cruise that leaves out of Canada. He didnt get his passport in time. So they are taking ferry from Washington to the cruise ship.

[FamilyGal]

Thanks MSU. How was Vegas?

[natvtxn]

Didn't you need passport to go to Germany?

[FamilyGal]

Yes, son and I need passport to go to Germany, but have not received them yet. I hope to have those before Mexico, but don't want to count on it in case we don't received them in time.

[FamilyGal]

I was able to apply for our passports at the Panther Creek post office and it took me 10 minutes, tops! We will receive them in four weeks. I can't believe how easy it was and that there was NO wait at that post office. :)

[Candleman]

I have a hard time understanding why groups take mission trips to Mexico or any other foreign country, for that matter. I am sure there are plenty of homes and such that need help here in the good ol USA. Besides the fact I WOULD NEVER TAKE KIDS TO M E X I C O !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[FamilyGal]

Then it sounds like you made the right choice for your family. Personally, I think it will be a good experience for me and my kids. If I was not married and no kids, I would be over in Africa or another similar country.

Americans have more opportunity to better themselves than these other countries. There are tons of programs out there available just for the asking. There are churches on every block practically, whereas in many countries teaching the gospel is illegal.