Can you legally enter the United States by land? How is it Laser Visa or Border Crossing Permit

Entering and traveling through the legal channels of the United States territory is possible if you have a special permit called ESTA.

The ESTA is the electronic travel authorization system, which is considered “essential for all travelers visiting the United States,” according to the website usa-esta.net.

For the information of Mexicans, there is also a land crossing permit, which you will learn more about in this opportunity.

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What is the ESTA used for in the United States?

The ESTA, according to the aforementioned information portal, “allows you to stay in or travel through the country without the need for a visa or a transit visa.”

For stays of less than 90 days, you can go through the entry procedures in the United States. directly over the internet by clicking on an online form.

From May 2, 2022, the ESTA will be mandatory for entry by land from Canada or Mexico, usa-esta.net reports.

According to viveusa.mx, ESTA is valid for up to two years and they add that travelers who can obtain ESTA are only those who are nationals of a country that is eligible for the Visa Waiver Program.

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United States Land Transit Permit

The website es.ivisa.com describes the Land Crossing Authorization Border Crossing Card (BCC or Visa Laser) as “an identification that functions as a border crossing permit and as a tourist visa to enter the United States.”

The Laser Visa – for people from Mexico – is a document that combines a B1/B2 (US) visa with a Border Crossing Card (BCC) and is valid for 10 years.

Migration

If held by a minor under the age of 15, this visa expires upon reaching the age of 15 or 10 years from date of issue, whichever comes first.

The laser visa is widely accepted because, according to ivisa.com, “many Mexicans ask for it because it is very practical when they constantly have to cross the border into American soil.”

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How is it Laser Visa or Border Crossing Permit

The Laser Visa format “is an identification card with a digital photo. Personal information is digitally encrypted, which guarantees that the identification is authentic.

It is a type of non-immigrant visa that allows Mexican citizens and residents to enter the territory of the United States.

at the border post

If a Mexican is only moving to the border states (Texas, Arizona, New Mexico and California), they don’t need to show their passport because they can only cross the border with their laser visa, they explain. To be on the safe side, validate before travel in case there is change.

Upon arrival at the checkpoint or border crossing, a United States Customs and Border Protection Office (CBP) officer will apply for the laser visa and other documents if required.

Scope of the laser visa for the United States

However, the laser visa is used to travel directly from Mexico to the United States, either by air or through a border crossing, as long as your trip is over a limited distance and up to 30 days, El Financiero reported in May 2023.

What is possible with such a visa

According to the Mexican media, these activities are as follows:

• Visit friends or family

• Business meetings

• Shopping and tourism

• Studies or courses

• Participate in trade fairs or conferences as an audience member or as a speaker (free of charge).

• Medical treatment or consultation with US doctors.

With information from usa-esta.net, El Financiero, Vive USA and Ivisa.