Matamoros II International Bridge Mexico USA

Border Crossing From Mexico to USA by Bridge

Opening Hours

Standard Hours: Open 24 hours, 7 days a week Seasonal Adjustments: None reported Holiday Closures: May experience reduced staffing during major U.S. and Mexican holidays

Wait Time & Traffic

Average Wait:

Vehicles: 30-60 minutes during normal periods; 2-4+ hours during peak times
Pedestrians: 15-30 minutes average

Peak Times:

Mornings (7-9 AM) and evenings (4-7 PM) on weekdays
Friday afternoons and Sunday evenings
Holiday weekends and during special events

Express Options:

SENTRI (Secure Electronic Network for Travelers Rapid Inspection) lanes for pre-approved, low-risk travelers
Ready Lanes for those with RFID-enabled documents

Border Facilities

Immigration Processing: Available Customs Processing: Available Health Screening: Limited (may increase during public health emergencies) Services: Restrooms (condition varies) Limited food vendors near the crossing Currency exchange services available Photocopying services (reportedly expensive at $5 USD) Limited parking Accessibility: Basic wheelchair access available Limited accommodations for persons with disabilities

Official Resources

United States Border Authority:

U.S. Customs and Border Protection: https://www.cbp.gov/
Contact: +1 (877) 227-5511

Mexico Border Authority:

Instituto Nacional de Migración (INM): https://www.gob.mx/inm
Mexican Customs (Aduana): https://www.gob.mx/sat
Contact: +52 (868) 812-3244

Travel Advisories:

U.S. State Department: https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/international-travel/International-Travel-Country-Information-Pages/Mexico.html
Mexico Tourism: https://www.visitmexico.com/en/

Overview

The Matamoros II International Bridge, also known as Puente Internacional Matamoros II, is a vital border crossing connecting Brownsville, Texas to Matamoros, Tamaulipas in Mexico. This 24-hour port of entry serves as a critical economic corridor between the United States and Mexico, facilitating both commercial and non-commercial traffic. As part of the broader Brownsville Port of Entry system, it contributes significantly to the billion-dollar daily trade flowing across the U.S.-Mexico border. The bridge handles substantial daily traffic of personal vehicles, pedestrians, and commercial shipments, playing an important role in the region's cross-border economy. Located in a dynamic transborder metropolitan area characterized by high population growth, the Matamoros II Bridge not only facilitates commercial exchange but also strengthens cultural and familial connections that define the unique character of the borderlands. Recent infrastructure improvements in the region aim to streamline traffic processing and reduce wait times, enhancing the efficiency of this crucial international gateway.

Document Requirements

Valid passport with at least six months validity
Appropriate visa for entering the United States or Mexico
FMM tourist card when entering Mexico
Vehicle documentation and international driving permit if driving
Proof of financial solvency and return/onward travel tickets may be requested
Temporary vehicle import permit if bringing a vehicle into Mexico beyond the border zone

Valid U.S. passport or passport card
Enhanced driver’s license (if available in your state)
U.S. permanent resident card (green card) for non-U.S. citizens
Original or certified copy of birth certificate with government-issued photo ID (for children under 16)
Vehicle registration and proof of insurance if driving
Temporary vehicle import permit if traveling beyond the border zone in Mexico

Valid Mexican passport
Mexican border crossing card (if applicable)
Valid Mexican driver’s license if driving
Vehicle registration and Mexican car insurance
FMM tourist card if traveling beyond the border zone in the United States
For Mexican citizens entering the U.S.: Valid passport with appropriate visa or border crossing card

Crossing Procedure

From Mexico Side

Proceed to Mexican customs and immigration checkpoint Present valid identification documents to immigration officials Complete the FMM tourist card if traveling beyond the border zone Declare any items exceeding duty-free allowances Vehicles may be subject to inspection (red light/green light system) If bringing a vehicle beyond the border zone, obtain a temporary vehicle import permit Clear customs and proceed into Matamoros

From USA Side

Approach the outbound lane toward Mexico U.S. border officials may conduct random exit inspections Proceed to the Mexican side of the bridge Pay the bridge toll for southbound crossing (approximately $4 USD)

Special Considerations

Vehicle Imports/Exports: Temporary vehicle import permits required for travel beyond the border zone in Mexico Permits available at Mexican customs office Deposit required (refundable upon exit from Mexico) Vehicles must be legally registered in the U.S. or Canada Goods Allowances: U.S. to Mexico: $300 USD per person Mexico to U.S.: $800 USD per person (reduced to $200 for some land crossings) Alcohol: 1 liter per adult (21+) Tobacco: 200 cigarettes or 50 cigars per adult Prohibited Items: Firearms and ammunition (without proper permits) Illegal drugs and narcotics Fresh fruits, vegetables, meat, and plants Counterfeit merchandise Cultural artifacts Excessive amounts of currency without declaration Currency Restrictions: Amounts exceeding $10,000 USD must be declared when entering either country Known Issues: Occasional delays due to staffing shortages Inconsistent enforcement of regulations Reports of solicitation for unofficial fees or "tips" Limited operational booths despite multiple lanes being available

Accommodations

Hotels and Restaurants in near Border USA (Brownsville)

La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham (2.5 miles)
Residence Inn by Marriott (3 miles)
Sunrise Tacos & Burritos (2 miles)
Cobbleheads Bar & Grill (2.5 miles)

Hotels and Restaurants in Near border Mexico (Matamoros)

Hotel Colonial Matamoros (1.5 miles)
City Express Matamoros (3 miles)
Restaurant El Taquito (1 mile)
Mariscos La Güera (2 miles)

Better Options Nearby:

South Padre Island (25 km) – Better resort accommodations and dining options
McAllen, Texas (90 km) – Wider selection of international hotel chains and restaurants

Public Review Sentiments

Based on total reviews found online, the Matamoros II International Bridge receives mixed feedback from travelers. Most visitors appreciate the professional and respectful staff at the Mexican customs checkpoint, with many reporting courteous interactions even during vehicle inspections. Processing times are generally described as efficient during non-peak hours, with several reviewers noting quick entry experiences with minimal waiting. However, travelers have also highlighted several concerns. Long wait times during peak periods can stretch to several hours, particularly when crossing from the U.S. to Mexico. Limited operational booths despite having multiple lanes available frustrates many travelers, as does the inconsistent merging of traffic where two lanes funnel into one. Some visitors have reported unexpected charges for photocopying documents ($5 USD), which they consider excessive. A few serious complaints mention allegations of corruption involving National Guard personnel, though these appear to be isolated incidents rather than systemic issues. Facility maintenance concerns regarding bathroom cleanliness and lighting have also been noted.

Traveler Experiences

"When you are crossing into Matamoros you can pass through this bridge. I found the personal professional and responsible. We got a red light and needed to pull over. The whole time the person checking our car was respectful and never made us uncomfortable. They did a great job!" - Yvonne Bar_raza1, 2024

"I went to obtain the vehicle permit, wasn't difficult to do because my wife translated for me. Going back to Texas took about an hour or so." - David Rodriguez, 2024

"There was virtually no line at the downtown bridge from Matamoros to Brownsville, and the customs agent was quick and efficient." - Anonymous traveler, 2023

DISCLAIMER: This guide provides general information based on data available at time of publication. Border regulations, requirements, and procedures may change without notice. Always verify current information with official government sources before travel. BorderRoute.com is not responsible for any errors, omissions, or outdated information. Travel decisions and border compliance remain the sole responsibility of the traveler.