Many people believe that you need a passport or a visa to enter the U.S. and in most cases that’s true. However, there’s an exception that applies only to Mexican citizens that meet certain requirements. Did you know about this? If not, let’s explain everything very clearly because this might be interesting for many people. So, let’s get started.
Passport or visa, why?
When someone wants to visit the U.S. immigration authorities tend to ask for two basic documents:
- A valid passport, which is used to identify the person and its nationality.
- An American visa, which authorizes the entry to the country for a specific time and with a purpose, like tourism or business.
These documents are crucial for most travelers and authorities will ask you to show them to allow you entry to the U.S.
The exception
Did you know there’s a way to enter the country without a passport or visa? Some Mexican citizens can legally enter the U.S. without the need of these documents, as long as they have a special document called BCC (Border Crossing Card).
This benefit is not automatic or universal; it only applies to people who are eligible to obtain this card and who follow very specific conditions about the way they travel.
BCC
This is a laminated card issued by the United States. According to U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), it includes advanced technology that allows authorities to quickly verify the identity of the person carrying it. This is what you should know about the BCC:
- It has a general validity of 10 years.
- It allows you to do multiple travels during that period of time.
- It’s thought for short visits, mainly tourism or business purposes.
It’s important to understand that the BCC doesn’t completely substitute the visa in all cases, it works under specific rules.
When do you need the passport?
Here’s when most people get confused, so let’s make it all clear: if a Mexican citizen travels directly from Mexico by land, pleasure boat or ferry; they will just need the BCC. In these cases, they won’t have to issue a passport or a visa.
However, if they travel by plane or if they travel by ships that visit foreign ports, they will have to show a valid passport (even if the traveler has a BCC).
As you can see, the means of transport is key to know if the passport is necessary or not.
How long can you stay in the U.S.?
For people entering the country with the BCC by land or sea, they can:
- Stay in the U.S. up to 30 days.
- Move only within the border zone.
This permission doesn’t authorize long visits or moving around the entire country.
Border zone
The border zone is a limited area near the border with Mexico. The distance allowed depends on the state:
- California: less than 40 kilometers (about 25 miles) from the border.
- Arizona: less than 120 kilometers (about 75 miles).
- New Mexico: up to 88 kilometers or as far as Interstate 10, whichever is farther north.
- Texas: less than 40 kilometers from the border.
Leaving these areas with no proper documents is not allowed.
Do you want to apply for the BCC?
To obtain a BCC, applicants must meet certain basic requirements. While the full list of requirements is not detailed, eligibility is limited to Mexican citizens who qualify under U.S. immigration rules. The BCC is intended for short, justified trips related to tourism or business only.
So, you should be informed every time you travel somewhere, you never know what different rules they must have.