Opening Hours
Standard Hours: Open 24 hours daily at Calexico West (Downtown)
Seasonal Adjustments: Calexico East operates from 6 am to 12 am daily
Holiday Closures: Commercial port hours adjusted for federal holidays in 2025 (laden trucks until 2:00 PM, empty trucks until 3:00 PM)
Wait Time & Traffic
Average Wait: 30-45 minutes for passenger vehicles northbound (standard lanes); 5-15 minutes for southbound traffic; 1-2 hours for commercial vehicles
Peak Times: Weekday mornings (7-9 AM) for northbound traffic; weekend afternoons and evenings (3-7 PM); holiday periods experience significantly longer waits
Express Options: SENTRI lanes for pre-approved travelers; Ready Lanes for those with RFID-enabled documents; Global Entry for U.S. citizens and permanent residents
Border Facilities
Immigration Processing: Available at both Calexico West and East facilities
Customs Processing: Available at both facilities; enhanced capabilities at Calexico East for commercial traffic
Health Screening: Limited routine screening; enhanced measures may be implemented during health emergencies
Services: Restrooms (both sides); limited food vendors (Mexican side); currency exchange (Mexican side); duty-free shops (both sides)
Accessibility: Wheelchair access available at main facilities; limited assistance for disabled travelers
Official Resources
United States Border Authority: U.S. Customs and Border Protection (www.cbp.gov); Contact: +1-877-227-5511
Mexico Border Authority: Instituto Nacional de Migración (www.gob.mx/inm); Contact: +52 686 552 8728
Travel Advisories: U.S. State Department (travel.state.gov); Mexico Travel Advisory (consulmex.sre.gob.mx)
Overview
The Calexico-Mexicali Port of Entry is a vital international gateway connecting the United States and Mexico through two separate facilities: Calexico West (Downtown) and Calexico East. As one of the busiest crossings along the 1,954-mile US-Mexico border, it facilitates approximately 30,000 daily vehicle crossings and serves as a crucial economic corridor for both nations. The downtown crossing (Calexico West) operates 24/7 and primarily serves non-commercial traffic and pedestrians, while Calexico East (6 miles east) handles both commercial and non-commercial vehicles from 6 am to midnight.
Recent expansion projects have improved capacity and traffic flow, addressing previous challenges of long wait times, especially for northbound travelers. The port plays a significant role in binational trade, with over 461,967 truck crossings recorded in 2024, supporting commerce, tourism, and social connections between communities on both sides. The crossing features modern infrastructure including the SIAVE computerized inspection system on the Mexican side, demonstrating the ongoing commitment to efficient border management while maintaining necessary security protocols.
Document Requirements
- Valid passport from country of citizenship
- U.S. visa appropriate for intended visit
- Mexican visa if required based on nationality
- Vehicle documentation (if applicable)
- Proof of sufficient funds for intended stay
- Return/onward travel documentation
- Declaration forms for any goods being transported
- Valid U.S. passport, passport card, or enhanced driver’s license
- Global Entry card (if enrolled)
- Vehicle registration and proof of insurance
- Declaration forms for any goods being transported
- Follow designated lanes toward Mexican inspection stations
- Stop at primary inspection booth and present required documentation
- Answer questions regarding purpose and length of stay
- Submit to SIAVE computerized inspection system processing
- If selected, proceed to secondary inspection area for more thorough examination
- Obtain FMM tourist card if traveling beyond the border zone
- Pay any applicable import duties for goods or vehicles
Crossing Procedure
From Mexico Side
Follow designated lanes toward Mexican inspection stations
Stop at primary inspection booth and present required documentation
Answer questions regarding purpose and length of stay
Submit to SIAVE computerized inspection system processing
If selected, proceed to secondary inspection area for more thorough examination
Obtain FMM tourist card if traveling beyond the border zone
Pay any applicable import duties for goods or vehicles
From USA Side
Follow designated lanes toward the Calexico exit
Passenger vehicles use left lanes, RVs and trailers use right lanes
Approach U.S. exit checkpoints (minimal inspection for outbound traffic)
Proceed through designated route to Mexico entry points
Be prepared to stop if selected for random inspection
Special Considerations
Vehicle Imports/Exports: Temporary vehicle importation permits required for Mexico beyond border zone; CBP Form 3299 needed for vehicle exports to Mexico
Goods Allowances: U.S. residents: $800 duty-free per person; Mexican residents: $300 duty-free (land border)
Prohibited Items: Firearms, ammunition, illegal drugs, certain agricultural products (fresh fruits, vegetables, meats), Cuban products
Currency Restrictions: $10,000+ USD must be declared when entering/exiting either country
Known Issues: Long wait times during peak hours; confusing road configuration on approach to border; limited signage in English on Mexican side
Accommodations
Hotels and Restaurants in near Border United States:
- Holiday Inn Express Calexico (1.5 miles from crossing)
- Best Western John Jay Inn (2 miles from crossing)
- Las Palmas Restaurant (0.7 miles)
- Imperial Palace Restaurant (1 mile)
Hotels and Restaurants in Near Border Mexico:
- Hotel Lucerna Mexicali (2.5 miles from crossing)
- Fiesta Inn Mexicali (3 miles from crossing)
- Asadero La Rumorosa (1 mile)
- China House Restaurant (1.5 miles)
Better Options Nearby:
- El Centro, California (12 km from border) offers more accommodation options and chain restaurants
- Downtown Mexicali (5 km from border) provides authentic Mexican cuisine and business-class hotels
Public Review Sentiments
Based on total reviews found online, the Calexico-Mexicali crossing presents a mixed experience for travelers. Many users report improved crossing times at certain periods, with some noting "the crossing is fast" and "the line is quite fluid." Several reviewers specifically mention excellent service from customs agents who are described as "correct" and "respectful." The newer facilities at "Garita Nueva" receive positive mentions for their modern infrastructure and efficiency.
However, significant frustrations exist regarding wait times, with multiple travelers reporting lengthy delays of up to two hours during peak periods. A common complaint focuses on insufficient staffing levels, with one reviewer noting "many booths and only a few are open." Several users express concerns about confusing road layouts, describing the approach as a "spaghetti-like entanglement of roads" with poor signage. Some travelers also mention security concerns and report negative interactions with officials. Despite these challenges, regular crossers acknowledge that delays are "part of every day" at this busy international gateway.
Traveler Experiences
"Despite being very busy, the crossing is fast. I've crossed multiple times in 2024 and noticed significant improvements in wait times compared to previous years. The agents are generally efficient and professional." - March 2025
"The lines are very slow. It is incomprehensible that Mexico still cannot finish with a project that was promised to be ready more than 3 years ago. Just like the USA, instead of doing something to improve their border, they increasingly hinder unnecessary traffic." - January 2025
"Garita Nueva new town is very beautiful and the lines move quickly! The recent infrastructure improvements have made a huge difference, though I recommend avoiding rush hour if possible. Bring water if crossing during summer months." - February 2025
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.
