Puente Internacional Laredo-Colombia Solidaridad

Border Crossing From Mexico to USA by Land

Opening Hours

Standard Hours: 8:00 AM - 12:00 AM (Midnight) daily Seasonal Adjustments: None reported Holiday Closures: May have limited operations on major Mexican and US holidays

Wait Time & Traffic

Average Wait:

Cars: 15-45 minutes (normal conditions)
Commercial vehicles: 30-90 minutes
Pedestrians: 10-20 minutes

Peak Times:

Weekday mornings (7 AM – 9 AM)
Weekend afternoons (2 PM – 6 PM)
Holiday periods, especially around US and Mexican holidays

Express Options:

SENTRI/Global Entry program for pre-approved US citizens and residents
FAST program for commercial truck drivers

Border Facilities

Immigration Processing: Available Customs Processing: Available Health Screening: Limited (may increase during health emergencies) Services: Restrooms: Available Food: Limited vendors nearby Currency Exchange: Available Duty-Free Shops: Available on Mexican side Accessibility: Basic wheelchair access available Limited assistance for those with mobility issues Service animals permitted with proper documentation

Official Resources

United States Border Authority:

US 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
Aduana Mexico (Customs): http://www.sat.gob.mx
Banjercito (for vehicle permits): https://www.gob.mx/banjercito

Travel Advisories:

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

Overview

The Puente Internacional Laredo-Colombia Solidaridad, also known as Bridge III - Colombia Solidarity, is a vital cross-border connection between the United States and Mexico. As part of the Laredo International Bridge System, it handles both commercial and non-commercial traffic, playing a crucial role in the $339 billion annual international trade processed through the Laredo Port of Entry. This bridge serves as a strategic gateway in North America's premier land trade corridor, facilitating approximately 38% of all imports and exports between the United States and Mexico. The crossing has gained increasing importance as nearshoring trends accelerate, with more companies relocating manufacturing operations closer to the US. The Colombia Solidarity Bridge operates under the direction of the Laredo International Bridge System, whose mission is to provide safe and convenient crossing points while facilitating freight and import-export trade. Despite being one of four bridges in the system, it plays a distinctive role in handling both commercial and personal vehicle traffic, making it a versatile option for travelers and businesses crossing between Texas and Nuevo Leon.

Document Requirements

Valid passport with minimum 6 months validity
Visa requirements based on nationality for both US and Mexico
I-94 permit for entry into the US (may require application in advance)
FMM tourist card for Mexico (can be obtained at the border)
International Driver’s Permit recommended in addition to home country license
Temporary Import Permit (TIP) for vehicles entering Mexico beyond the border zone
Proof of economic solvency may be requested (credit cards, cash, bank statements)

Valid passport or passport card
If driving, valid US driver’s license
Vehicle registration and proof of insurance
For temporary vehicle importation into Mexico: vehicle title or registration in your name
FMM tourist card for stays beyond the border zone (free for stays under 7 days in the border zone)
Temporary Import Permit (TIP) for vehicles traveling beyond the border zone

Valid Mexican passport
FMM tourist card if returning from the US
Mexican voter ID card (INE/IFE) and birth certificate may be sufficient for return entry to Mexico
Vehicle documentation if bringing a Mexican-registered vehicle
For returning with US purchases: keep receipts for customs declaration

Crossing Procedure

From Mexico Side

Cross the bridge and approach Mexican immigration (INM) Present your passport and complete the FMM form if staying beyond the border zone Proceed to Mexican customs (Aduana) Submit customs declaration form for any goods being imported If bringing a vehicle beyond the border zone, obtain a Temporary Import Permit (TIP) at Banjercito office Your vehicle may be selected for X-ray scanning or physical inspection Pay any applicable duties or taxes on imported goods Proceed into Mexico after all clearances are complete

From USA Side

Approach the US Customs and Border Protection checkpoint Present your documentation (passport/visa/identification) Answer questions about your trip purpose and duration Declare any goods, currency over $10,000, or items you're taking out of the country Submit to vehicle inspection if requested Proceed to the international bridge after clearance

Special Considerations

Vehicle Imports/Exports: Temporary vehicle importation requires vehicle title/registration Vehicles must be registered in the traveler's name Temporary Import Permit (TIP) required for travel beyond border zone Deposit required for TIP (refundable upon exit) Goods Allowances: US to Mexico: $300-500 USD duty-free allowance per person Mexico to US: $800 USD duty-free allowance for US residents Alcohol limits: 1 liter per adult over 21 entering US Prohibited Items: Firearms and ammunition without proper permits Illegal drugs and narcotics Fresh fruits, vegetables, meat, and plants Counterfeit merchandise Cultural artifacts Currency Restrictions: Amounts over $10,000 USD must be declared when entering either country Mexican pesos can be brought in/out of Mexico without restriction Known Issues: X-ray machine malfunctions occasionally reported Package handling concerns with possible tampering Potential for unexpected fees or bribes (report to authorities) Long wait times during equipment failures

Accommodations

Hotels and Restaurants in near Border United States:

La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Laredo (25 km from bridge)
Homewood Suites by Hilton Laredo (23 km from bridge)
Texas Roadhouse and Chili’s (near hotels in Laredo)

Hotels and Restaurants in Near Border Mexico:

City Express Nuevo Laredo (15 km from bridge)
Holiday Inn Express Nuevo Laredo (13 km from bridge)
El Rancho Restaurant and Los Pastores (local cuisine options)

Better Options Nearby:

Laredo, TX (25 km) – Wider range of hotel chains and dining options
Monterrey, Mexico (180 km) – Metropolitan city with premium accommodations and dining

Public Review Sentiments

Based on total reviews found online, the Puente Internacional Laredo-Colombia Solidaridad receives mixed feedback from travelers. Early morning crossings are generally reported as efficient and problem-free, with several reviewers noting quick processing times when arriving around 7 AM. Staff professionalism varies significantly, with some travelers praising the honest and clear explanations during customs procedures, while others report concerning interactions. Processing speed fluctuates throughout the day, with midday often experiencing slowdowns due to equipment issues or staffing limitations. Some travelers express frustration about unexpected fees, particularly when entering Mexico as Mexican nationals or when importing goods. Security concerns are occasionally mentioned, particularly regarding package handling, with several reports of missing items from shipped packages. Infrastructure improvements are underway and have been positively noted by some visitors, who comment on the modern appearance of renovated areas. The bridge's operating schedule, closing at midnight and opening at 8 AM, is important for travelers to note when planning their crossing.

Traveler Experiences

"We got there at 7am and there was no problem crossing, the process was efficient and without problems." - Mezz, Local Guide (March 2024)

"Super fast, not a single car in line at 12 Friday. Very honest in Customs, doing their job and nothing more. They checked us and since we brought more than what the franchise allows, they charged us taxes for the difference, but the explanation was very clear and everything flowed very quickly." - Anonymous traveler (January 2024)

"Friends crossing into Mexico arrived at the passport check station at 11am, not long lines but the x-ray machine wasn't working so everyone was unpacking their vehicles. My friends are moving here so they have a truck filled with furniture, clothing, electronics and personal items. It took over 3.5 hours for inspection, which meant an unexpected overnight stay to avoid driving after dark in Mexico. After inspection they paid US$200 in import taxes." - Anne Nicolai (December 2021)

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.