Border Crossing Cards

For nationals and citizens Mexico and Canada, a Border Crossing Card is an alternative nonimmigrant visa issued by a United States State Consular Office or by the Customs and Border Patrol. Several types of border crossing cards are available to expedite border crossings between Canada and the U.S., as well as between the U.S. and Mexico. Preapproval of trusted travelers along with advanced ID technology makes traveling across the U.S. border both quicker and more convenient. Citizens and residents of Mexico, traveling for tourist and/or business purposes, can get a B-1/B-2 Visa/Border Crossing Card. Visitors from Mexico who come to the U.S. often, can also get the SENTRI card and vehicle decal, and thus avoid the long lines at the U.S. border. SENTRI stands for “Secure Electronic Network for Travelers Rapid Inspection.” Citizens and permanent residents of Canada and the United States can join the NEXUS program, which makes the border clearance process on the U.S.-Canadian border faster for low-risk, pre-approved travelers. NEXUS facilitates travel between the U.S. and Canada not only at land border crossings: It can be used for marine and air travel as well.

Start Application Immediately
Easy to Understand Instructions
Apply Online or by Mail

Pricing and Fee Information Included
Checklist of Required Documents
Unlimited Online Support

What’s included

Overview of the Border Crossing Card application process
Who can apply for a Border Crossing Card
How to apply for Border Crossing Card
Border Crossing Cards for U.S.-Canadian travel
Border Crossing Cards for U.S.-Mexican travel
Getting a “Border Crossing Sticker” for your car
How to renew your Border Crossing Card
Common reasons for being denied a Border Crossing Card
Replacement of a lost Border Crossing Card or vehicle decal
How to Apply for a U.S. Laser Visa (Border Crossing Card)
How to Apply for SENTRI
How to Apply for NEXUS

Eligibility Information
List of Required Documents
Information on Filing Fees
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
List of USCIS Offices Nationwide
Directory of U.S. Embassies and Consulates
Information on how to obtain the latest United States immigration forms

Download Border Crossing Cards Guide for more information

In addition to the border crossing cards available to tourists and business travelers, commercial truck drivers who travel into the U.S. by land or sea can get their own type of border crossing card, called FAST (Free and Secure Trade). FAST have two main goals: to enhance the security and safety of North America and to build up the economic prosperity of the U.S., Canada, and Mexico. FAST provides an expedited release to commercial truck drivers under this program. This Border Crossing Information Guide is designed to help land travelers from Mexico and the U.S. to determine whether they qualify for any of the available border crossing cards. This Guide provides information of what the specific border crossing program is about, whether you may qualify for it, what documents you need to submit, and step by step instructions on how to apply for the card. With this Guide you will be better informed about border crossing cards and increase your chance of being approved as a trusted traveler.