Owais Crawford
A Border Crossing Card (BCC) is a card that allows Mexican citizens who are living in Mexico to enter the U.S. an unlimited number of times for 10 years, with each visit lasting no longer than 30 days. The BCC is similar in size to a credit card and can be used as a substitute for a passport when crossing the U.S.-Mexico land border. However, when travelling by air, a valid Mexican passport is required in addition to the BCC.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| What is a Border Crossing Card? | A laminated card with enhanced graphics and technology, similar to the size of a credit card or driver's license. |
| Who is it for? | Mexican citizens and residents who meet eligibility standards for B1 and/or B2 visas. |
| Where is it valid? | At land and sea ports of entry into the U.S. from Mexico. |
| How long is it valid for? | Ten years after issuance, except in some cases for children. |
| How often can it be used? | Unlimited entries into the U.S. during its validity period. |
| How long can the holder stay in the U.S.? | Up to 30 days within a designated border zone. |
| Is a passport required as well? | Yes, for air travel and for land travel beyond the border zone. |
| Is it accepted at airports? | No, a passport is required for air travel. |
| Is it accepted at Global Entry kiosks? | No, only a passport or lawful permanent resident card is accepted at Global Entry kiosks. |
Explore related products
What You'll Learn
Border crossing cards are only for Mexican citizens and residents
Border Crossing Cards (BCC) are only issued to Mexican citizens and residents. It is a U.S. immigration identification card that serves as a B-1/B-2 visa. B-1 visas are issued to temporary visitors for business, while B-2 visas are issued to temporary visitors for pleasure.
The BCC is valid for an unlimited number of entries to the U.S. during a 10-year period. However, the cardholder may only stay in the U.S. for 30 days and travel only within a certain area (generally no more than 25 miles from the border). If you want to stay longer or travel further into the U.S., you will need to request a Form I-94 Arrival/Departure Record from the immigration officer at the time of entry. The I-94 will generally be valid for up to six months.
To apply for a BCC, you must be a Mexican citizen living in Mexico. Applicants must meet the eligibility standards for B1 and/or B2 visas and plan to stay in the U.S. no more than six months. They must demonstrate that they have ties to Mexico that would compel them to return after a temporary stay in the United States. Applicants must also have a valid Mexican passport at the time of application.
It is important to note that the BCC does not allow cardholders to accept employment or work in the United States. Additionally, the 10-year validity of the BCC card refers only to the period during which the cardholder can cross the border, not the amount of time they can spend in the United States after each entry.
If you are planning to travel by air, you will need to bring your passport as a form of identification.
Traveling with Dogs: Phoenix Airport Pet Policy
You may want to see also
Explore related products
A passport is required for air travel to the US
A Border Crossing Card (BCC) is a valid form of ID for Mexican citizens and residents entering the US from Mexico. However, it is not valid for air travel. If you wish to travel to the US by air, you will need to bring a valid Mexican passport along with your BCC.
When travelling to the US, it is important to carry a valid passport. This applies to both domestic and international air travel. While US citizens do not need a passport when travelling domestically within the US, they will need some form of government-issued ID, such as a REAL ID-compliant driver's license or a passport. From May 7, 2025, US citizens will require a REAL ID-compliant driver's license, a passport, or a passport card to fly domestically.
For international travellers, a passport from your country of origin is required to travel to the US by air. This is in addition to any necessary visas or other documentation required for entry into the US. It is important to note that the list of acceptable IDs may change, so it is recommended to check the TSA website for the most up-to-date information before travelling.
Upon arrival at a US airport, non-US citizens may be required to present their passport and other relevant documentation to US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers for inspection. Global Entry members, who are US citizens, US lawful permanent residents, and Mexican nationals, can use their Global Entry cards for lawful entry at land and sea ports, but not at Global Entry kiosks. Only passports or lawful permanent resident cards are accepted at Global Entry kiosks.
Exploring Airport Terminals: An Inside Tour Experience
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Border crossing cards are valid for 10 years
Border Crossing Cards (BCC) are valid for 10 years from the date of issuance. They are immigration identification cards that allow Mexican citizens to enter the United States for temporary purposes. The BCC is similar in size and appearance to a credit card or a driver's license. It contains enhanced graphics and technology as well as security features such as a built-in RFID chip and Integrated Contactless Circuit.
The 10-year validity of the BCC refers only to the period during which cardholders can cross the US-Mexico border. It does not refer to the length of each individual stay in the United States. Cardholders are permitted to enter the United States an unlimited number of times during this 10-year period. However, each stay is restricted to a short duration of 30 days or less and cardholders can only travel within a certain area, typically no more than 25 miles from the border.
BCC holders who wish to remain in the United States for longer than 30 days or travel beyond the restricted areas must request a Form I-94 Arrival/Departure Record from an immigration officer at the time of entry. The I-94 will generally allow cardholders to stay in the United States for up to six months and travel throughout the country without restrictions.
It is important to note that the 10-year validity of the BCC applies only to adult cardholders. Mexican children under 15 years of age are eligible for a reduced fee for the BCC as long as they have at least one parent who holds or is applying for a BCC. BCCs issued at a reduced fee expire on the child's 15th birthday, whereas BCCs issued at the full fee are valid for the full 10-year period.
Airport Body Scans: Can Semen Be Detected?
You may want to see also
Explore related products
The card allows for an unlimited number of entries to the US
A Border Crossing Card (BCC) is a valid form of ID for Mexican citizens and residents to enter the US. The BCC is similar in size to a credit card and is valid for an unlimited number of entries into the US for up to 10 years from the issuance date. However, it is important to note that the BCC does not permit holders to stay in the US for the entire 10-year period. Instead, each entry allows the holder to stay for a maximum of 30 days and travel only within a certain area.
BCC holders must demonstrate that they have ties to Mexico that will ensure their return after a temporary stay in the US. Additionally, they must meet the eligibility standards for B1 and/or B2 visas and plan to stay in the US for no more than six months.
While the BCC allows for multiple entries into the US, it is important to note that it is not valid for air travel. When travelling to the US by air, sea, or through any other port of entry (including the Canadian border), a valid Mexican passport is required in addition to the BCC. This means that a BCC holder cannot use their card as a sole form of identification when travelling to the US by air and must present their passport upon arrival at the airport.
Furthermore, the BCC does not permit holders to accept employment or work in the US. The card is intended for Mexican citizens who plan to visit the US temporarily and must demonstrate their intention to return to Mexico after their permitted stay.
In summary, while the BCC allows for an unlimited number of entries into the US during its 10-year validity period, it is important to adhere to the restrictions on the length of stay, areas of travel, and acceptable forms of identification when entering the country by air.
Airport Security and Your Instax Mini: What to Know
You may want to see also
Explore related products
The card holder can only stay for 30 days at a time
Border Crossing Cards (BCC) are issued to Mexican citizens and residents who want to enter the United States. The card is valid for 10 years and allows an unlimited number of entries into the US during that time. However, cardholders can only stay for 30 days at a time and must remain within a certain area. This is because the BCC is intended for short-term visits, such as business or tourism, and does not allow holders to work or accept employment in the US.
The 30-day limit on BCC stays is important to prevent accruing "unlawful presence" in the US. "Unlawful presence" can have serious consequences for future attempts to enter the country. It is important to note that the 10-year validity of the BCC does not refer to the amount of time one can spend in the US after each entry, but rather the period during which one can cross the border.
BCC holders who wish to stay in the US for longer than 30 days must request a separate I-94 from the CBP. This will allow them to stay for up to 6 months and travel anywhere within the US during that time. To obtain the I-94, BCC holders must present their passport and demonstrate that they have ties to Mexico that would compel them to return after their temporary stay in the US.
It is important for BCC holders to be mindful of the 30-day limit and to take the necessary steps if they wish to stay longer. Overstaying can have negative consequences on their ability to enter the US in the future. Additionally, when travelling to the US by air or sea, BCC holders must also bring a valid Mexican passport.
Cancun Airport: Taking an Uber, What You Need to Know
You may want to see also
Frequently asked questions
No, you cannot. If you wish to travel to the U.S. by air, you will need to bring a valid Mexican passport.
A BCC allows Mexican citizens and residents to enter the U.S. from Mexico by land an unlimited number of times during a 10-year period. It is similar in size to a credit card and can be carried in a wallet.
A BCC holder can stay in the U.S. for only a short period of time (up to 30 days) and travel only within a certain area after each entry. To stay beyond the border zone, a passport and separate I-94 from CBP are required.
As of May 7, 2025, only REAL ID-compliant driver's licenses and other state photo identity cards issued by the Department of Motor Vehicles (or equivalent) are accepted. A U.S. passport, passport card, DHS trusted traveler cards (Global Entry, NEXUS, SENTRI, FAST), and U.S. Department of Defense ID are also accepted.
