For Mexican citizens planning to visit the United States, understanding the necessary travel documents is crucial. Whether you are traveling by air, sea, or land, and depending on the duration and distance from the border you intend to travel, different requirements apply. This guide clarifies the essential documentation for your trip from Mexico to the United States.
For Mexican citizens traveling to the United States by air or sea, or crossing the land borders of Texas, New Mexico, or California with plans to travel more than 25 miles from the border, or crossing the Arizona border and intending to travel more than 70 miles from the border, or planning to stay in the United States for more than 72 hours even within the border zone, the following documents are required:
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Valid Visa or Border Crossing Card: A valid U.S. visa or Border Crossing Card is necessary at the time of entry into the United States. It is important to note that the visa or card only needs to be valid upon your entry and does not need to remain valid for the duration of your stay.
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Valid Passport: Your passport must be valid until the date you intend to depart from the United States. U.S. immigration authorities will not authorize a stay period that exceeds the validity of your passport. Ensure your passport’s expiration date is after your planned departure date from the U.S.
For Mexican citizens crossing the land border into the United States through Texas, New Mexico, or California and intending to stay within the 25-mile border zone for less than 72 hours, or crossing through Arizona and staying within the 70-mile border zone for less than 72 hours, the documentation requirements are the same as mentioned above. It is always advisable to carry a valid Visa or Border Crossing Card and a valid passport when entering the United States, regardless of the intended travel distance from the border or duration of stay.
In summary, when traveling from México – Estados Unidos, ensure you have the correct documents to avoid any issues at the border. Having a valid visa or border crossing card and a passport valid beyond your intended stay are key for a smooth entry into the United States. Always check the most current regulations from U.S. Customs and Border Protection for any updates before your travel.
