Find out the conditions and the price of the laser visa for Mexicans who wish to travel to the United States and the procedure for obtaining it.
The entry requirements for Mexican travellers to the United States are slightly different from those of other travellers from other destinations. There is now a simplified procedure for obtaining a visa for the United States for Mexicans, known as the Laser Visa or BCC. On this page, we will explain what the laser visa is and how to obtain it, under what conditions and at what price.
BCC laser visa for the USA: Key points
- The BCC laser visa is an entry document for Mexican travellers to the United States for tourism, business or education purposes.
- It allows temporary stays, mainly along the US-Mexico border.
- The BCC laser visa is a smart card with an electronic chip containing biometric information.
- It is cheaper than other US visas, making it a popular option for short stays.
- Holders of this visa can enter the United States without needing a passport.
The Laser Visa, also known as the BCC or Mexican Border Crossing Card, is actually an identification system available to Mexicans who wish to travel to the United States. It actually works in the same way as a traditional tourist visa for that country.
Of course, the laser visa is currently one of the most requested visas in Mexico for the purpose of visiting the United States, especially for travellers who regularly drive to the United States. It should be remembered that Mexico has a long land border with the United States.
The purpose of the laser visa is to allow travel to the United States for tourism, medical treatment or even business travel. Of course, it does not allow you to work or study in the USA.
The laser visa can be obtained directly online from a service provider offering an application form. It allows you to cross the border between Mexico and the USA by land, sea or air.
The laser visa process is particularly short and fast and will take only a few minutes. All you have to do is fill in an online application form to obtain this precious sesame.
Of course, in order to obtain this laser visa, it is necessary for Mexican travellers to respect certain conditions, including
Please note that while the application process for a US laser visa is relatively quick, it will take a minimum of 4 weeks, or one month, to receive your visa.
More and more websites allow you, as a Mexican traveller, to obtain a laser visa directly online for the United States.
Some sites, like the partner we present on our page, allow you to obtain a simplified form that will save you from having to answer 150 questions with half the length. You can, of course, fill in the form at your own pace and make any changes later if you need to modify your answers.
The sites offering online laser visas also have the advantage of offering support and assistance if you have difficulty answering certain items on the form.
To apply for a laser visa directly online with a service provider like the one we present on this page, simply follow this procedure:
Note that to apply for this laser visa online, you will need a photo of your valid Mexican passport. Travellers who are simply renewing their laser visa need only provide a photo of their old BC laser visa.
The laser visa is a slightly different visa from the traditional tourist visa as it only allows you to visit certain states bordering Mexico, including California, Arizona, New Mexico and Texas.
The laser visa allows you to engage in certain activities in the United States, but prohibits you from engaging in others. For example, you can go to these cities to do tourism, shopping, buy goods or real estate, visit friends or family, take a recreational class, attend trade shows, conventions as a listener or speaker, undergo medical treatment, go to a consultation with an American doctor, sign contracts or go to a business meeting.
Thus, the laser visa will not allow you to work in the United States or to study there temporarily. Of course, this visa will not allow you to reside permanently in the country or to obtain a US driving licence. Your child will also not be allowed to study in a public school in the country.
It should also be remembered that the laser visa has a limited duration of use. This residence permit is valid for 10 years from the date of issue. You can therefore make as many trips to the United States as you wish during this period, provided that you respect the maximum duration of stay, which must not exceed 30 consecutive days, and the conditions concerning the reason for your stay in the United States.
Adeline HARMANT
As a web writer and globetrotter with a passion for travel and tourism, I have acquired in-depth knowledge of the procedures that are essential for travellers. I help travellers to complete all the formalities required for a successful trip, particularly when it comes to obtaining a visa online. With several years' experience in this field, I'd like to offer you some valuable advice to help you discover the world with complete peace of mind.
As stated on this page, the Laser or BCC visa is only for Mexican citizens who wish to travel to the United States to visit or attend an appointment in one of the American cities bordering Mexico. Of course, there are other requirements for obtaining this visa, but once obtained, it can be used for a period of 10 years from the date of issuance.
The application process for a laser or BCC visa for Mexicans wishing to travel to the United States is fairly straightforward and requires few mandatory documents. However, you will need to have your passport and a photo of your passport with you when you apply for your visa and possibly a photo of your old laser visa if you are renewing your application.
If you are not a Mexican citizen and you wish to travel to the United States for tourism or business, you can apply for an ESTA visa online, which is an electronic visa that allows you to stay in the country. This electronic travel authorisation is however also reserved for certain travellers, mainly from the European Union.
