Photo: EasySentri / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 4.0)
The San Ysidro Port of Entry, at the southern end of Interstate 5 and Interstate 805, is one of the busiest land border crossings in the world. Together with Otay Mesa to the east, it links San Diego with Tijuana for commuters, students, shoppers, families and tourists. Heading south is usually quick. Coming back north is where planning pays off.
Documents
U.S. citizens returning by land or sea need a document approved under the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative: a passport book, passport card, trusted traveler card such as SENTRI or Global Entry, or an enhanced driver’s license. Children under 16 can present a birth certificate when crossing by land. Non-citizens need the documents their immigration status requires. Visitors staying in Mexico beyond the border zone or for longer stays may need a Mexican immigration form (FMM).
Checking wait times
U.S. Customs and Border Protection publishes estimated wait times for each port and lane type on its Border Wait Times site and app. Northbound waits are typically longest on weekend evenings, Sunday afternoons and around holidays.
Lane types
- SENTRI: dedicated lanes for pre-approved, low-risk travelers who have passed a background check and interview.
- Ready Lane: for travelers whose documents all carry an RFID chip, such as passport cards and enhanced licenses.
- General: everyone else.
Walking across
San Ysidro has two pedestrian crossings, PedWest and PedEast. The UC San Diego Blue Line Trolley ends at San Ysidro station next to the port, so many people ride the Trolley to the border and walk across.
Flying from Tijuana
The Cross Border Xpress (CBX), opened in 2015, is a pedestrian bridge in Otay Mesa that connects directly to Tijuana International Airport. Travelers buy a ticket and need a boarding pass for a flight to or from the airport.
Bringing things back
Declare everything you bring back. CBP limits or prohibits many items, including certain fruits, meats and medications, and fresh produce rules change often.