Opening Hours
Wait Time & Traffic
Average Wait:
- Vehicles: 45 minutes to 3 hours (northbound); 15-30 minutes (southbound)
- Pedestrians: 30 minutes to 2 hours (northbound); 5-15 minutes (southbound)
- Commercial Vehicles: Directed to Otay Mesa crossing
Peak Times:
- Northbound morning rush: 5:00 AM – 9:00 AM (weekdays)
- Northbound weekend returns: Friday-Sunday afternoons (1:30 PM – 8:00 PM)
- Holidays and special events (Christmas, Black Friday, Spring Break)
- Summer tourist season (June-August)
Express Options:
- SENTRI (Secure Electronic Network for Travelers Rapid Inspection) for pre-approved travelers
- Global Entry for pre-approved U.S. citizens and permanent residents
- Ready Lane for those with RFID-enabled documents
- CBP One™ mobile app for appointment scheduling (pedestrians)
Border Facilities
Immigration Processing:
Available (full service on both sides)
Customs Processing:
Available (full service on both sides)
Health Screening:
Available (periodic implementation based on health concerns)
Services:
Restrooms: Available on both sides
Food: Vendors and food courts available near both sides
Currency Exchange: Multiple options on both sides
Duty-Free Shops: Available on the U.S. side
Information Booths: Available during standard business hours
Cell Phone Coverage: Strong on both sides
Wi-Fi: Limited public access
Accessibility:
Wheelchair accessible routes available
Designated accessibility lanes
Elevator access to pedestrian crossings
Special assistance available upon request
Official Resources
United States Border Authority:
- U.S. Customs and Border Protection: https://www.cbp.gov/travel/us-citizens/know-before-you-go
- Border Wait Times: https://bwt.cbp.gov
Mexico Border Authority:
- Instituto Nacional de Migración: https://www.gob.mx/inm
- Mexican Customs (Aduanas): https://www.gob.mx/sat
Travel Advisories:
- U.S. Department of State: https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/international-travel/International-Travel-Country-Information-Pages/Mexico.html
- Government of Mexico travel information: https://www.gob.mx/guiadelviajero
Overview
The San Ysidro Port of Entry stands as North America’s busiest land border crossing and the fourth busiest globally, facilitating the critical connection between San Diego, California and Tijuana, Mexico. Operational since 1906, this massive international gateway has evolved to handle extraordinary volumes of cross-border traffic, processing approximately 70,000 northbound vehicles and 20,000 northbound pedestrians daily. The port encompasses an extensive infrastructure with 34 northbound vehicle lanes, 24 inspection lanes, dedicated bus inspection, and separate pedestrian crossing facilities that operate continuously.
Located at the terminus of Interstate 5 and connecting with Mexican Federal Highway 1, San Ysidro serves as the primary crossing point in the San Diego-Tijuana metropolitan region, which houses over 4 million residents. The port features an integrated transportation hub on the U.S. side that includes the San Diego Trolley light rail station, public buses, taxi stands, and various shuttle services. Recent expansion and modernization efforts by the U.S. General Services Administration aim to improve operational efficiency, enhance security, reduce wait times, and accommodate the projected 28% increase in primary inspections by 2025, ensuring this vital piece of binational infrastructure continues to serve both countries’ economic and social needs effectively.
Document Requirements
- Valid passport from country of citizenship
- Valid U.S. visa or ESTA (Electronic System for Travel Authorization) approval for those from Visa Waiver Program countries
- Valid Mexican visa (if required based on nationality)
- I-94 form (Arrival/Departure Record) for entry to the U.S.
- Proof of sufficient funds for intended stay
- Evidence of onward travel plans
- Accommodation details for planned stay
- U.S. passport or passport card
- Enhanced driver’s license (if available in your state)
- Trusted Traveler Program card (NEXUS, SENTRI, or Global Entry)
- U.S. Military ID with travel orders
- U.S. Merchant Mariner Document when traveling on official maritime business
- Mexican passport
- Border Crossing Card (BCC) or “laser visa”
- Mexican voter ID card (for re-entry to Mexico only)
- Valid U.S. visa (if applicable)
- SENTRI card (if enrolled in the program)
- Properly completed Form FMM (Forma Migratoria Múltiple) for stays longer than 7 days in Mexico’s border zone
Crossing Procedure
From Mexico Side
Pass through Mexican immigration checkpoints
Present valid identification and travel documents
Complete and submit FMM form if staying beyond the border zone or 7-day limit
Proceed to customs declaration area
Declare any goods exceeding duty-free allowances
Undergo random vehicle inspection if selected (red light/green light system)
Exit to Tijuana and connect with Mexican Federal Highway 1
From USA Side
Follow directional signs to the southbound lanes of Interstate 5 toward Mexico
Proceed through the southbound vehicle lanes (no formal exit checks by U.S. officials for most travelers)
Have documentation ready as you approach Mexican immigration
For stays longer than 7 days beyond the border zone, complete the FMM form and pay the associated fee
Proceed to Mexican customs for potential inspection of goods
Special Considerations
Vehicle Imports/Exports:
Temporary importation permits required for vehicles traveling beyond the border zone in Mexico
Mexican insurance mandatory for U.S. vehicles
Vehicle export permits may be required when taking Mexican vehicles to the U.S.
Commercial vehicle imports subject to specific regulations at Otay Mesa crossing
Goods Allowances:
U.S. to Mexico: $300 USD per person duty-free
Mexico to U.S.: $800 USD per person duty-free
Alcohol: 1 liter per adult (21+) entering U.S.; 3 liters entering Mexico
Tobacco: 1 carton of cigarettes or 50 cigars entering either country
Prohibited Items:
Firearms and ammunition without proper permits
Illegal drugs and narcotics
Agricultural products (fruits, vegetables, meats, plants)
Counterfeit merchandise
Cultural artifacts without documentation
Certain medications without prescriptions
Currency Restrictions:
Amounts over $10,000 USD (or equivalent) must be declared when entering either country
Mexican peso amounts over 10,000 must be declared when entering Mexico
Known Issues:
Extended wait times during peak periods
Traffic congestion in surrounding areas
Limited parking facilities
Occasional border closures during protests or incidents
Potential for secondary inspection delays
Accommodations
Hotels and Restaurants in near Border United States
- Las Americas Premium Outlets (shopping and dining, 1 km)
- Knights Inn (budget accommodation, 2 km)
- Best Western Americana Inn (mid-range hotel, 3 km)
- McDonald’s, Jack in the Box, and various fast food options
- Border Tacos and other local eateries
Hotels and Restaurants in Near border Mexico
- Hotel Nelson (budget accommodation, 1.5 km)
- Hotel Pueblo Amigo (mid-range hotel, 2 km)
- Caesar’s Restaurant (birthplace of the Caesar salad)
- La Placita food court
- Various street food vendors
Better Options Nearby:
- San Diego downtown (25 km) for premium accommodations and dining
- Tijuana Zona Río district (5 km) for upscale hotels and restaurants
- Playas de Tijuana (8 km) for beach accommodations
- Chula Vista (15 km) for suburban hotel options
Public Review Sentiments
Based on total reviews found online, the San Ysidro Border Crossing receives mixed feedback that reflects its position as the busiest land port in North America. Border crossing times vary significantly, with many travelers reporting experiences ranging from quick 45-minute crossings to lengthy waits of 3-8 hours, particularly during peak periods. Most visitors appreciate the organization and security of the facilities, describing the crossing as “smooth,” “secure,” and “well-managed” with “clean facilities.” However, wait times remain the primary concern, with frequent mentions of long lines, especially during holidays, weekends, and peak travel hours between 1:30-4:30 PM. Some travelers note inconsistent customer service experiences, praising Mexican officials while criticizing attitudes on the American side. Seasoned crossers recommend strategic planning, such as using the pedestrian crossing instead of driving, arriving during off-peak hours, and considering express options like Global Entry or SENTRI for faster processing. Despite the challenges, many regular travelers have developed effective strategies for navigating this essential international gateway.