VISAS
B1/B2 Tourist & Business Visas
New "BBBCV"
Business and Tourism (B1/B2) Visa and Border Crossing Card
Since January 8, 2007 the U.S. Consulate in Merida is issuing "BBBCV" visas. This visa is considered identical to the older "Laser" visa by the U.S. Government, and both are also known as the DSP-150. The visa is a combination of a B1/B2 business and tourist visa, and a border crossing card (BCC).
The older laser visa will no longer be issued by the U.S. Consulate in Merida after January 5, 2007. The new BBBCV visa will be delivered to the visa holders more rapidly, usually within 7-10 days of the visa interview.
If you wish to visit the United States as a tourist you will need to apply for a visa.
The Consulate of the United States processes visa applications each working day, Monday through Friday (please keep in mind the visa section is closed on American and Mexican holidays). An appointment is required. Please call the telephone number indicated in "How to apply," with passport in hand, between 7:00 a.m. and 9:00 p.m., Monday through Friday, and from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Saturdays, Sundays and holidays.
If it is the first time that you are applying for a visa, your previous visa was issued for a limited period of time, or your previous visa was lost or stolen (and you have a police report) the appointments are usually given during the morning.
For the renewal of a visa that had a validity of 10 years and will expire shortly or has expired less than a year ago, or if your spouse possesses a valid 10-year visa, appointments are usually given during the afternoon.
Please call to make an appointment well in advance as indicated in "How to apply."
You must:
Bring the Banamex bank receipt indicating that you have paid the required PESO EQUIVALENT of $131 dollars for the processing fee.
Present your Mexican passport with a minimum validity of six months from the date of your appointment.
We recommend that you fill out the visa application, preferably via Internet using the computer, before coming for your interview.
Fill out the supplementary application if you are male between 16 and 45 years of age, preferably via Internet using the computer; if this is not possible, you can obtain a copy when you come to the Embassy for your appointment, although this will delay you.
In case of a lost or stolen previous visa, present the police report.
A Consular Officer interviews all applicants. The interview is brief but detailed. At this point you should have the application filled out, and the Consular Officer will review it. The application should be filled out in its totality, accurately and truthfully.
If you intend to travel as a tourist, you should be able to explain and prove how and when you plan to travel, where you plan to stay, and how you will pay for the trip. United States law specifies that you should prove “that is it reasonable to suppose that you will return to your place of origin once you have completed your trip.” In order to comply with this requirement, it is suggested that you present original documents that support your claim of economic solvency. Depending on your particular situation, you may wish to present original, recent bank statements (letters from banks are not acceptable substitutes), receipts of payroll and the pink copy of the Social Security registration if you are employed, your stamped income tax return if you are a business owner, documentation regarding your business, your tax receipt if you own property, your professional I.D., etc. We reiterate: copies are neither acceptable nor necessary.
You can obtain additional information by calling the telephone numbers indicated in "How to apply."
Please do not buy a non-refundable plane ticket until you are issued a visa.