Border Crossing Stations

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Border Crossing into Mexico

Crossing the Mexican Border

Mexico Border Less than 20 miles south of downtown San Diego lies the world's busiest port of entry - the international border crossing between San Ysidro, CA and Tijuana, Mexico. As you approach Mexico, you will notice multiple lanes, which lane you choose depends on if you have any items that you need to declare. If you have nothing to declare look for the lane that's labeled "Nothing to Declar-Nada que Declarar". If you have items you need to declare or you need a vehicle permit, look for the sign labeled "Declaration Lane-Carril de Declaracion". Enter to the right and park. Let the officials know what items you need to declare.

Border States in the US and Mexico

The U.S. states along the border, from west to east, are California, Arizona, New Mexico, and Texas. The Mexican states are Baja California, Sonora, Chihuahua, Coahuila, Nuevo Leon, and Tamaulipas. Visitors to the northern part of Baja California do not need passports or tourist cards if staying in the country for 72 hours or less. If you plan to stay longer or travel beyond Ensenada, you'll need to obtain a tourist card. This document is free of charge; proof of U.S. citizenship is required. The Borders in Mexico are listed below US border are listed first followed by Mexican Borders:

California

San Ysidro Station: (619) 639-7100 (open 24 hours)
Otay Mesa Station: (619) 661-3249 (6AM-10PM)
Tecate Station: (619) 478-5545 (6AM-Midnight)
Calexico: (open 24 hours)

Arizona / Mexico

Douglas/Agua Prieta (open 24 hours)
Lukeville/Sonoita (6AM-Midnight)
Nogales (open 24 hours)

Texas / Mexico

Brownsville/Matamoros (open 24 hours)
Del Rio/ Ciudad Acuna (open 24 hours)
Eagle Pass/Piedras Negras (Mon-Fri. 8am-8pm, Sat 10am-2pm)
El Paso/Ciudad Juarez (open 24 hours)
Laredo/Nuevo Laredo (open 24 hours)
McAllen/Reynosa (open 24 hours)

To check current border traffic from San Diego, call (619) 690-8999. From Tijuana, call 01 (664) 700-7000. Or check border traffic online. Click here