- Mexico, the United States and Canada comprise North America.north america image by NataV from Fotolia.com
The continent of North America consists of Canada at its northern tip, the United States in the middle, and Mexico to the south. Each country has its own passport requirements to enter the country. Between the three countries themselves, the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative says citizens of the three countries present a valid form of identification illustrating country of origin to enter the country. - The United States requires a valid passport for all foreign nationals entering the country, except in extenuating circumstances such as refugee situations. A passport can be deemed invalid within six months of the date it expires. Visas are not required of British, Canadian or Australian citizens staying in the United States under 90 days. Citizens of other countries would be well-advised to check with the United States embassy in their country to determine if a visa is necessary for entrance into the United States. According to World Travel Guide, a tourist, student or transit visa cost $131 in 2010 and usually takes at least five but up to 90 days to process.
- All international visitors, with the exception of United States citizens, are required to have a valid passport to enter Canada. Citizens of the United Kingdom, Japan, Mexico, Germany, France, Australia and the Republic of North Korea need not have a visa; almost all individuals from other countries do need a visa. Additional documentation may be required depending on the country of origin of the individual; it is best to contact the Canadian embassy in the country of origin to determine what paperwork may be required. Children under 18 years of age need not have a passport, but a birth certificate or other proof of citizenship is necessary. A single-entry visa was $75 in 2010, according to Citizenship and Immigration Canada.
- All international visitors to Mexico must have a valid passport. Mexico requires some, but not all, citizens of other countries to have a visa, as well. There are 93 countries in which citizens from that country need not acquire a visa, including the United States, Canada and Australia. Visitors from these 93 countries need to obtain a Forma Migratoria Mutiple, also known as an FMM, which is not a formal visa, but a visitor's permit that can be acquired upon entry to the country. The fee for an FMM was $22 in 2010.
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