Greyhound Travel Between the U.S. and Mexico by Bus

Traveling across the U.S.-Mexico border requires proper documentation and an understanding of customs regulations.

Traveling into the U.S.

Required Documents

U.S. Citizens:
  • A valid U.S. passport, OR
  • Enhanced Driver’s License, OR
  • Other WHTI-Compliant ID (See the full list).
Non-U.S. Citizens:
  • Mexican citizens: A valid passport AND visa.
  • Other foreign nationals: A valid passport AND visa (depending on citizenship).
  • Proof of departure from the U.S. (e.g., a round-trip ticket).
  • The address of where you will be staying in the U.S.
  • I-94 form (issued by the immigration officer).
    (For more details, visit the I-94 form information page).

If you do not have the correct documents, you will be denied boarding and required to buy a separate ticket back.

Border Crossing Process

  1. All passengers must leave the bus at the border.
  2. Take all belongings, including checked baggage.
  3. Customs officers may ask about your trip’s purpose and search your luggage.
  4. Advanced Passenger Information (APIS) may be collected upon boarding to speed up processing.
  5. Once cleared, you can reboard the bus and continue your journey.

All unclaimed baggage at the border will be removed by U.S. officials.

Children Traveling into the U.S.

  • A passport is required as proof of citizenship.
  • Children under 18 cannot travel alone into the U.S.; they must be accompanied by an adult.
  • Mexican law requires any non-Mexican citizen under 18 leaving Mexico alone to carry a notarized written letter from a parent or guardian.

Bringing Food into the U.S.

Certain agricultural products are restricted because they may carry pests or diseases harmful to U.S. crops and livestock.
Check the U.S. Customs and Border Protection guidelines here:
http://www.cbp.gov/travel/international-visitors/agricultural-items

All agricultural products must be declared at the border.

Traveling into Mexico

Required Documents

Mexican Citizens:
  • A valid passport.
Non-Mexican Citizens:
  • A valid passport OR Enhanced Driver’s License OR Certificate of Indian Status.
    (For more details, visit the U.S. Customs and Border Protection website).
  • Proof of departure from Mexico (e.g., a return bus ticket or ticket to another destination).
  • The address of where you will be staying in Mexico.

Important: If you do not have the correct travel documents, you will be denied boarding, as entry into Mexico will be refused. You will need to purchase a new ticket to return to your point of origin.

Border Crossing Process

  1. All passengers must leave the bus at the border.
  2. Take all belongings, including checked baggage.
  3. Immigration officers may ask about the purpose of your trip and conduct baggage inspections.
  4. Once cleared, you can reboard the bus and continue your journey.

Children Traveling into Mexico

  • A passport is required as proof of citizenship.
  • Minors under 18 years old must be accompanied by an adult.
  • If a child is traveling with someone other than a parent or guardian, they must have notarized written permission from a parent or guardian and carry this document.

Bringing Food into Mexico

You can bring food across the border if it is in its original, sealed packaging. However, you cannot bring:

  • Fresh fruits, meat, or vegetables
  • Certain dairy products, flours, or raw cereals

Customs regulations may change, so verify the latest rules before traveling.

U.S. Border Patrol Searches

Greyhound’s Statement on Warrantless Border Searches

  • U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) may conduct searches on buses, even without a warrant.
  • Greyhound does not coordinate with CBP and does not endorse these actions.
  • Bus drivers are not allowed to stop federal agents from boarding the bus.
  • Greyhound encourages customers to know their rights and express concerns to members of Congress.

For more details, visit the U.S. Customs and Border Protection website.

Important Notes

  • Bus companies are not responsible for ensuring you meet border entry requirements.
  • If you are denied entry, return travel will be at your own expense.
  • It is your responsibility to stay informed about travel regulations.

For the latest official border information, visit:
Mexico’s National Migration Institute (INM): https://www.gob.mx/inm
U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP): https://www.cbp.gov/

Busbuster Travel Tips

1. Ensure You Have the Right Visa or Travel Authorization

  • Mexican citizens must have a valid visa or a Border Crossing Card (BCC) to enter the U.S.
  • If you need an I-94 form (for trips over 25 miles from the border), apply online before your trip to save time: https://i94.cbp.dhs.gov.

2. Keep Printed Copies of Your Travel Documents

  • Have a printed copy of your passport, visa, and return ticket in case of digital issues.

3. Expect Long Wait Times at the Border

  • Border crossings from Mexico into the U.S. can take over an hour due to customs and security checks.
  • If possible, travel during off-peak hours (early morning or late evening) to reduce waiting time.

4. Declare All Items Honestly

5. Pack Light and Stay Organized

  • You will need to take all luggage off the bus for inspection at the U.S. border.
  • Pack in a way that allows quick repacking after inspections.

6. Avoid Carrying Large Amounts of Cash

  • Carry only enough U.S. dollars for food, transport, and emergencies.
  • Large amounts of cash can attract extra questioning from customs officers.

7. Be Ready for CBP Officers to Board the Bus

  • U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers may board the bus to check passenger documents.
  • Answer their questions clearly and honestly.

8. Make Sure Your Ticket Matches Your Travel Plans

  • If your final destination is far from the border, ensure your bus ticket covers the full journey.
  • Some border towns require you to switch buses, so check if you need to rebook a separate connection.

General Tips for Border Crossing

  • Know Emergency Contacts: Have the bus company’s customer service number and your country’s embassy contact information in case of issues.
  • Avoid Last-Minute Ticket Purchases: Prices can be higher, and some trips may require early booking due to high demand.
  • Check Weather Conditions: Delays may occur due to storms, heavy snowfall (Canada), or extreme heat (Mexico-USA).
  • Use Official Bus Stations: When possible, use bus company terminals instead of informal pick-up locations to avoid scams.
  • Charge Your Devices: Some buses have charging ports, but bring a power bank in case yours doesn’t.

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