USA entry requirements for travellers from Mexico
Visa requirement summary
Mexican passport holders need a US visa to visit the United States. Mexico is not a member of the Visa Waiver Program. The standard visa for tourism is the B-1/B-2 visitor visa.
A widely used alternative for frequent border crossers is the Border Crossing Card (BCC), also known as the laser visa. The BCC functions as a combined B-1/B-2 visa and border crossing document. Mexican nationals living near the US-Mexico border commonly use it for short trips into the US. It allows stays of up to 30 days per visit within 25 miles (in most areas) or 75 miles of the border in certain zones, or up to six months with advance parole if the BCC holder has a valid B-1/B-2 visa alongside it. Many BCC holders also apply for a full B-1/B-2 stamp for unrestricted travel beyond the border zone.
The B-1/B-2 visa application involves a DS-160 online form, a $185 fee, and a mandatory in-person interview at a US Embassy or Consulate.
Applying for the B-1/B-2 visa
The B-1/B-2 is a combined business/tourism visitor visa. Applications are made online and in person through the following steps:
1. Complete the DS-160 form at ceac.state.gov. This is the standard nonimmigrant visa application form. Answer all questions fully — incomplete or inaccurate responses can result in refusal.
2. Pay the MRV fee. The current visa application fee is $185 per person. This is non-refundable regardless of the outcome. Payment is made through the local US Embassy’s payment system before you book your appointment.
3. Schedule an interview appointment at the nearest US Embassy or Consulate. Wait times for interview appointments vary significantly — from a few days to many months depending on the embassy location and time of year. Check current wait times at the US Embassy’s local website before you plan your trip.
4. Attend the in-person interview. Bring your passport, DS-160 confirmation, photo, appointment confirmation, and your supporting documents. A consular officer will ask about your travel plans, employment, finances, and ties to your home country.
5. Collect your visa or receive a decision. If approved, your passport will be returned with the visa sticker. If additional administrative processing is needed, this can add several weeks.
Key documents to prepare
- Passport valid for at least six months beyond your intended stay
- Bank statements for three to six months
- Proof of employment or income in Mexico
- Property, family, or other ties to Mexico
- Travel itinerary
How long you can stay
The B-1/B-2 visa is often issued for ten years with multiple entries. CBP determines the admission period at the port of entry — typically up to six months for tourism. Border Crossing Card holders are limited to 30 days and a specific geographic zone unless they also hold a B visa stamp.
Passport validity requirements
Passport must be valid for at least six months beyond your planned departure from the US.
Proof of funds and onward travel
Bank statements and a confirmed return itinerary.
Health requirements
No vaccination requirements for Mexican citizens entering the United States.
Other entry requirements
You cannot work in the US on a B-1/B-2 visa or Border Crossing Card.
FAQs
Do Mexicans need a visa for the USA?
Yes. Mexican passport holders must apply for a B-1/B-2 visitor visa or use a Border Crossing Card.
What is the Border Crossing Card?
A combined visa and entry document (the laser visa) used for frequent short trips across the US-Mexico border, typically allowing stays of up to 30 days within the border zone.
How much does a B-1/B-2 visa cost?
$185 non-refundable MRV fee.
How long is the US visa valid for Mexicans?
Typically ten years with multiple entries; each stay is capped by CBP on arrival.
Where do I apply in Mexico?
US Embassy Mexico City and US Consulates in Ciudad Juárez, Guadalajara, Hermosillo, Matamoros, Mérida, Monterrey, Nogales, Nuevo Laredo, and Tijuana all handle visa applications.