En esta noticia
The U.S. visa and passport are key documents for traveling to the United States as a tourist, being part of the list of mandatory requirements that the authorities will generally request in order to authorize the trip.
However, Mexicans who qualify for Form DSP-150 will be able to obtain an alternative document to enter certain areas of Texas, New Mexico, Arizona and California without presenting either a traditional visa or passport.
Form DSP-150: how to use it to enter the United States without a U.S. visa in the passport
The Border Crossing Card (BCC) can be used to visit the country by sea or by land for 30 days without a passport or visa.
The geographic limit where its use without a passport is allowed is known as the “border zone” and when it is used as an independent document it only allows short visits; for longer stays it must be presented with a passport. In this last case it can be used to enter by any means.
“It is issued as a laminated card, with enhanced graphics and technology, similar in size to a credit card,” indicates the Department of State.
Requirements to obtain Form DSP-150
To obtain this document, it is essential that the following three requirements be met
- Be Mexican and reside in Mexico.
- Meet the eligibility standards for the B1 or B2 visa.
- Demonstrate strong ties to Mexico that are considered sufficient reasons to return.
The process must be carried out at the United States Embassy in Mexico or at the nearest consulate.
Border zone: how it is made up for those who present the document independently
Independently and only for tourism, business -unpaid- or family visits, it is allowed to visit
- California: less than 40 km from the border
- Arizona: less than 120 km from the border
- New Mexico: within 88 km of the border or up to Interstate 10, whichever is farther north
- Texas: less than 40 km from the border
The BCC is valid for 10 years after its date of issue.