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BASICS OF CROSSING
This guide provides essential information about crossing the U.S. border, including required travel documents and available entry lanes. Whether you're a U.S. citizen, legal permanent resident, Mexican citizen, or foreign national, this guide helps you navigate the border efficiently and avoid delays.
WHERE ARE YOU PLANING TO TRAVEL?
Select One
Into the US
For U.S. citizens (adults)
For U.S. citizens (minors)
WHICH TRAVEL DOCUMENTS CAN I USE TO ENTER INTO THE U.S.?
For U.S citizens (adults)
U.S. citizens may present a valid U.S. passport; Passport Card; enhanced driver’s license; Trusted Traveler Program card (SENTRI or Global Entry); U.S. military identification card when traveling on official orders; U.S. Merchant Mariner document when traveling in conjunction with official maritime business; or Form I-872 American Indian Card, or Enhanced Tribal Card.
For U.S citizens (minors)
U.S. citizen children under the age of 16 (or under 19, if traveling with a school, religious, or other youth group) must present a valid passport, birth certificate or other proof of citizenship. The birth certificate can be original, a photocopy, or a certified copy.
For Legal Permanent Residents (Green card holders)
U.S. lawful permanent residents are required to present their permanent resident card (Green Card / Form I-551) or other valid evidence of permanent residence status.
• For Mexican citizens:
Mexican citizens residing in Mexico, including children, are required to present a passport with visa or a Border Crossing Card. B1B2 visa?
• Other foreign nationals or aliens:
Other foreign nationals or aliens entering the U.S. are generally required to present a passport and valid visa issued by a U.S. consular official, unless they are citizens of a country eligible for the Visa Waiver Program or are a lawful permanent resident of the U.S. or citizen of Canada.
DESIGNATED LANES
There are different vehicle lanes you can use depending on the type of documents and nationality. Its important to note that taking a wrong lane can lead to longer processing delays and potential fines.
1. All Traffic Lanes – Least restrictive but often the slowest.
Valid documents include:
• US Passport
• US Passport Card
• Enhanced Drivers License
• Enhanced Tribal Card
• Green Card (Permanent Resident Card)
• Border Crossing Card
• Trusted Traveler Card (SENTRI, Global Entry, Nexus)
• U.S. Birth Certificate
2. Ready Lanes – All passengers must have a document incorporating a Radio Frequency Identification chip or RFID.
Valid documents include:
• US Passport Card
• Enhanced Drivers License (please note California Real ID is not an enhanced DL)
• Enhanced Tribal Card
• Green Card (Permanent Resident Card)
• Border Crossing Card
• Trusted Traveler Card (SENTRI, Global Entry, Nexus)*
3. Trusted Traverler Lanes (SENTRI – Global Entry)
Valid documents include:
• Sentri Card
• Global Entry Card
How to apply? https://ttp.cbp.dhs.gov
4. Medical Lane
Valid documents include:
• U.S. Passport
• U.S. Birth Certificate
• Drivers License
• Sentri Card
• Global Entry Card
• Passport Card
Any Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative travel document
(Border Crosser Card, Enhanced License)
Operating hours: 7am to 9pm
5. Medical Fast Pass – Difference – How to obtain – Hours of operation
Valid documents include:
• Sentri Card
• Global Entry Card
• Passport Card
Any Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative travel document
(Border Crosser Card, Enhanced License)
Operating hours: 7am to 9pm
Directions to San Ysidro FAST PASS lane
6. CBX (Cross Border Xpress)
The Cross Border Xpress (CBX) is a pedestrian bridge connecting the U.S. directly to Tijuana International Airport (TIJ). It allows travelers to cross the border in an expedited, safe, and convenient way without needing to leave the airport or visit an outside port of entry. Immigration and border crossing are handled seamlessly within the airport, saving time and simplifying the travel process between Southern California and Baja California.
Learn more at: www.crossborderxpress.com
Open 24 hours
PEDESTRIAN LANE INFORMATION
1. Pedeast
Open 24 hours and is located on the easternmost part of the San Ysidro Port of Entry. 22 lanes are open and there are Trusted Traveler (SENTRI – Global Entry) lanes, Ready Lanes and All Traffic Lanes.
2. Pedwest
Current hours of operation:
• Northbound (Tijuana to San Diego) from 6:00 AM to 2:00 PM*
• Southbound (San Diego to Tijuana) from 3:00 PM to 11:00 PM*
*as of September 1, 2024
3. Otay Mesa
Open 24 hours. 16 lanes open for Trusted Traveler (Sentri – Global Entry) lanes, Ready Lanes and all traffic lanes.
4. Tecate
Hours of operation are 7 days - From 6:00 AM to 10:00 PM
For legal permanent residents
Designated lanes
All traffic lanes
Ready lanes
Trusted traveler lanes
Medial lane
Medical fast pass
Pedestrian lane information
Pedeast
Pedwest
Otay Mesa
Tecate
CBX
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