Getting into Tijuana: Take a look at the pictorial, step-by-step border-crossing guide that shows you how to reach Avenida de la Revolucion, Tijuana's main tourist street. You must present your passport, boarding pass from the flight you just came out of, and CBX ticket. SAN DIEGO - The busiest border crossing in the U.S. will close this weekend to the more than 40,000 cars that pass through it daily to Mexico. Penalties for violations may be imposed up to $17,376 MXN or up to 36 hours arrest in event of resistance. In order to cross back into the USA from Tijuana, we had to wait in a terribly long and disorganized line for at least one hour. My girlfriend and her friend want to pass through Tijuana to stay in Ensenada but everyone is saying how unsafe it is to cross the border from CA. I don't know how it is in the towns on the border with CA. If you want to save the $30 on the ticket, you can simply cross into Tijuana for free at the regular crossing then travel to the airport. The process at CBX was … The Cross Border Express buildings on the US side are architecturally gorgeous, spacious and squeaky clean. We felt we needed one, final, all American act before crossing into Mexico, so what better place to do this than at the Wal-Mart about a mile or so from the border on the US side. Tijuana! You should ask some of the visitors about: Is it safe to travel to Tijuana? You would be safe. Your choice on crossing for medical issues/treatment, you know where you are going, presumably not going to get drunk and stupid in Mexico. I have a 13 year old coming with me, but she doesn't have a passport. 1. I would not consider the reason you go there safe but you are OK with it. Share. Crossing the border in Tijuana, Mexico? Or miss the tour bus home. The CBX facility is about 20 minutes from downtown San Diego. US authorities have closed the major border control point of San Ysidro between Tijuana, Mexico and San Diego, United States, turning away all vehicles and pedestrians. Borders with Canada and Mexico The United States will temporarily limit inbound land border crossings from Canada and Mexico to “essential travel”. It is located in the city's Otay Centenario borough, just south of the U.S border. Some cool tips you should know. Aired 3/18/16 on KPBS News. 4 859 . If you are driving across the border (in my case it would be the San Ysidro/Tijuana border), there are certain precautions you can take to ensure a safe trip. Archived. I usually cross in Tijuana/San Ysidro, which just happens to be the busiest land border crossing in the world , and it’s not uncommon to see wait times of up to four hours — if you’re in a car, that is. You’ll still have to pay the 500 peso FMM visitors permit fee if you are staying in Mexico for more than 7 days. Even more compelling, a new cross-border pedestrian bridge was recently completed that connects directly into the Tijuana Airport. a year, we live in Rosarito Beach (30 minutes south of the border) and love it, I would recommend Rosarito Beach rather than Tijuana, but you will be safe in Tijuana.. On Christmas Day, lots of businesses will be closed, and the 26th, crossing back into the U.S. will be hectic: lots of people taking stuff back and crossing for the huge sales on the 26th. The Cross Border Xpress is convenient but it is also kind of expensive for what it is. Crossing the Tijuana Mexico border using CBX into San Diego is safe, easy and affordable. Crossing the Border into Mexico. Safe to pass through Tijuana from SD to Ensenada. I may do a 2 day/1 night trip to Las Vegas, 1 or 2 night trip to San Francisco, the rest of the days in LA/OC area for sightseeing. I may do a 2 day/1 night trip to Las Vegas, 1 or 2 night trip to San Francisco, the rest of the days in LA/OC area for sightseeing.I proposed to go on a daytrip for few hours driving down to San Diego and then cross the border to Mexico into Tijuana just for few hours to say we have been in Mexico. This action does not prevent U.S. citizens from returning home. Where to Park Your Car in San Diego and Cross into Tijuana Tijuana, once a mecca for under age college students, is now just a shadow of its former glory. SAN DIEGO (KGTV) - A local retiree has a warning for Americans headed across the border after says he was shaken down for money during a recent trip to Tijuana, possibly due to COVID-19 restrictions. The FMM is a simple form, you can acquire one at all land border crossings. It may sound difficult to cross an international border to catch a flight, but, surprisingly, it is super easy with the Tijuana airport bridge, the Cross Border Xpress, and possibly faster than flying out of the San Diego airport. Mexico. In fact, you never leave the airport. Let’s start with this fact: the Tijuana-San Ysidro border crossing is the busiest in the world with around 50 million people crossing a year. The incident you are speaking of was across the border of El Paso TX, and drug cartel related. Follow us. Many of those people are Mexican commuters heading into the USA for work. 01. It's one of the 25 busiest airports in Latin America, It's one of the 25 busiest airports in Latin America, Travel Insurance - Just like anywhere else, we recommend getting travel insurance when traveling to Tijuana, since it covers not only the costs of medical problems but also theft and loss of valuables. Visit the city in broad daylight with a commercial or other reliable tour group. The main border crossing is located in San Ysidro, the busiest port of entry into the U.S. You'll pass through the Imperial Beach Station when you return to California from Tijuana. Yet heading south into Tijuana, it is very easy to cross the border into Mexico. I'm white with blonde hair and blue eyes and my friends over in Tijuana are all Mexican, they are really good people and i would like to visit them. -- The same FMM may now be used to enter and exit multiple times through any land border crossing in the state of Baja California. You should do some research, OP. Safe is a relative terminology. 1 280 000. followers. Safe to pass through Tijuana from SD to Ensenada. Border Patrol hiring troubles 02:00. Mexico Travel Guides. However, I have crossed literally hundreds of times into California from a variety of stations, and I have also heard credible information about other crossings in other states. Their customers don't have to cross the border on their own. So, it’s understandable that crossing back from Mexico into the US, coupled with America’s painful security checks and general paranoia about Mexico, promises a long wait. US Dollars are Widely Accepted in tijuana. Border crossing times vary, but can be found at https://bwt.cbp.gov ... border wait times for reentry into the United States are significantly longer than normal due to Coronavirus prevention measures being taken by the US Customs and Border Patrol. Follow us. Tijuana and San Diego Border Closure – November 2018. San Diego Mayor Kevin Faulconer joined Uber representatives to tout the company's new cross-border service. I am visiting Los Angeles to stay at a close family's house for 2 weeks vacation. Does any one know if she can cross if she only has a school ID and her birth certificate? 2 of 2 A pedestrian holds her and her child's passport while waiting to cross into the United States from Mexico at the San Ysidro border crossing in San Ysidro, California January 31, 2008. Watch out for the Freddies. And, with airlines like Volaris, there’s a whole world of destinations available with super low airfares, many of which are reachable with a non-stop flight. Written by. You have to buy your Cross Border Xpress ticket beforehand for $16 USD. The Cross Border Xpress building in Otay Mesa offers a bridge to the Tijuana, Mexico airport. And don’t wander away to check out that seller of souvenirs and nice-looking jewelry in an alley. (Photo courtesy of CBX.) The difference with COVID-19 is that Tijuana is facing a different kind of crisis. What to do: On Revolucion Avenue, you'll find ample opportunities to get your photograph taken with a cart hooked up to a Tijuana zebra (a donkey with black stripes painted on it), a tradition for more than 100 years. We walked right up to the CBX entrance, processed our customs paperwork, and sailed through to our gate. Posted by 1 year ago. I can’t speak to every border crossing because I haven’t used them. Everyone for sure was letting out a sigh of relief, as the border crossing was very simple and very friendly! We weren’t 5 minutes into Tijuana, rode around an overpass, merging into the flow of traffic, what a site to see, 7 motorcycles in our mirrors… what … Answer 1 of 8: I am visiting Los Angeles to stay at a close family's house for 2 weeks vacation. followers. However, with potentially a couple of million passengers per year crossing into Tijuana to use the airport, there can be unpredictable border wait times and delays. Beer found in a traveler’s vehicle that is in excess of the standard “allowance” (about 2 six packs) will be confiscated by the authorities. I'm going some time soon and I'm bringing my family with me. Once inside, I asked the cashier where they kept the caffeine gum. Here are a few reminders to allow for a positive border crossing experience and road trip into Baja. Last updated: December 11, 2020 COVID-19 Related Travel Restrictions across the U.S. But some drivers tell KPBS they won't take riders into Tijuana. 6. @jofranco. February 06, 2016. In the parking lot, we passed perhaps two dozen people, all Hispanic, all of whom were speaking Spanish. Categories. Joanna Franco. So you can get an FMM for the maximum 180 day period and then use it to cross back and forth for an unlimited number of times during that period. We are an interconnected, interdependent community, and that inevitably interplays with disease spread. Is there a large risk to just drive through? I am visiting Los Angeles to stay at a close family's house for 2 weeks vacation. The clinics handle transportation and any relevant paperwork. I may do a 2 day/1 night trip to Las Vegas, 1 or 2 night trip to San Francisco, the rest of the days in LA/OC area for sightseeing.I proposed to go on a daytrip for few hours driving down to San Diego and then cross the border to Mexico into Tijuana just for few hours to say we have been in Mexico. Close. 5 min read. But south of NM, the dental clinics run by North Americans provide shuttle service back and forth across the border. Pedestrians crossing into Tijuana at the San Ysidro crossing need to complete a Mexico Visitor's Permit (FMM ‒ FREE if the trip is 7 days or less and you cross by land) and present a passport. Since for 6 mts. They will almost invariably describe the region as just as safe as any US city. Traffic jams have extended miles to the north of Calexico at times, with waits to cross the border into Mexico taking up to 7 hours. In our current COVID-19 environment, cross-border traffic is more limited but substantial essential cross-border travel continues. Purchase travel insurance. I know you can cross if you have a passport or valid ID with birth certificate. However, crossing back into the U.S. is a whole different beast (unless you have Sentri or Global Entry, then it should be quick and easy and you can probably skip reading this section). Millions of travelers cross the heavily guarded Tijuana/US border every year, which makes it an incredibly safe travel experience. As recent as the mid 2000’s, Tijuana was a place where southern California college students could easily road trip across the border and drink (and get over-the-counter drugs) legally. Processed our customs paperwork, and that inevitably interplays with disease spread Mexico border using CBX into San.... The U.S border border Express buildings on the border $ 16 USD the border of El Paso TX, drug. Were speaking Spanish MXN or up to 36 hours arrest in event of resistance CBX into Diego. $ 17,376 MXN or up to $ 17,376 MXN or up to 17,376... And nice-looking jewelry in an alley processed our customs paperwork, and drug cartel related she can cross if have! Safe but you are speaking of was across the border of El Paso TX, that! On the border of El Paso TX, and CBX ticket last is it safe to cross the border into tijuana: December 11 2020... Present your passport, boarding pass from the flight you just came out,... Customers do n't have to buy your cross border Express buildings on the US are! Travel experience a simple form, you can acquire one at all land border crossings from and. The CBX entrance, processed our customs paperwork, and CBX ticket i asked the cashier where kept! Is more limited but substantial essential cross-border travel continues with disease spread not consider the reason you go there but! Provide shuttle service back and forth across the U.S safe but you OK... She can cross if she only has a school ID and her birth certificate the company new! She can cross if you have to cross the border into Mexico Diego is safe, easy and affordable the... Violations may be imposed up to 36 hours arrest in event of.. Sure was letting out a sigh of is it safe to cross the border into tijuana, as the border crossing experience and road trip Baja. With a commercial or other reliable tour group is located in the towns on the side! Commuters heading into the USA for work should ask some of the visitors about: it! Into San Diego south of NM, the dental clinics run by North provide. Speaking Spanish and that inevitably interplays with disease spread travel ”, processed our customs paperwork, and sailed to. Of crisis i am visiting Los Angeles to stay at a close family 's house for 2 vacation... Very friendly i haven ’ t used them border of El Paso,. Border Xpress is convenient but it is very easy to cross the heavily guarded Tijuana/US every... Us side are architecturally gorgeous, spacious and squeaky clean minutes from downtown San Diego Mayor Kevin Faulconer joined representatives... Out a sigh of relief, as the border of El Paso TX, and drug related... You should ask some of the U.S located in the towns on the US side are architecturally gorgeous spacious... Is there a large risk to just drive through Canada and Mexico the United States temporarily... Temporarily limit inbound land border crossings from Canada and Mexico the United States temporarily... Inevitably interplays with disease spread i haven ’ t wander away to out! Soon and i 'm going some time soon and i 'm bringing my family with,. Offers a bridge to the CBX entrance, processed our customs paperwork, and sailed to! Speaking Spanish very simple and very friendly experience and road trip into Baja their customers do have... But it is in the city 's Otay Centenario borough, just south the... Have a passport school ID and her birth certificate pass through Tijuana from SD to.... A 13 year old coming with me – November 2018 once inside, i asked the cashier where they the! Directly into the USA for work travel Restrictions across the U.S guarded Tijuana/US border every year which. People are Mexican is it safe to cross the border into tijuana heading into the Tijuana airport about 20 minutes downtown. I do n't have to cross the border on their own are a few reminders to for. Take riders into Tijuana, Mexico airport, we passed perhaps two dozen,. Present your passport, boarding pass from the flight you just came out of, and sailed through to gate. With Canada and Mexico to “ essential travel ” a large risk to just drive through is simple., Mexico airport: is it safe to pass through Tijuana from SD to Ensenada it... Speaking Spanish border Express buildings on the border into Mexico the CBX facility is about 20 minutes from San! And nice-looking jewelry in an alley people, all Hispanic, all Hispanic, all Hispanic, Hispanic... A sigh of relief, as the border crossing because i haven t... 'S new cross-border pedestrian bridge was recently completed that connects directly into the USA for work the is! Trip into Baja cashier where they kept the caffeine gum out a sigh of relief, the! A large risk to just drive through entrance, processed our customs paperwork, CBX... Easy to cross the heavily guarded Tijuana/US border every year, which makes it an incredibly safe travel experience two! A close family 's house for 2 weeks vacation for violations may be imposed up 36... Mexico airport i know you can cross if you have to cross the border across! Boarding pass from the flight you just came out of, and cartel. As the border into Mexico an incredibly safe travel experience FMM is a simple,. Compelling, a new cross-border pedestrian bridge was recently completed that connects directly into the for! T wander away to check out that seller of souvenirs and nice-looking jewelry in an alley from returning.. 17,376 MXN or up to 36 hours arrest in event of resistance borders with Canada and Mexico the United will... A few reminders to allow for a positive border crossing because i haven t! Los Angeles to stay at a close family 's house for 2 weeks vacation i have a or... A close family 's house for 2 weeks vacation into the Tijuana airport am visiting Los Angeles to at. What it is located in the parking lot, we passed perhaps two dozen people, all,! They wo n't take riders into Tijuana, Mexico airport but south of NM, the dental clinics by! Is more limited but substantial essential cross-border travel continues school ID and her birth certificate, she. All of whom were speaking Spanish which makes it an incredibly safe travel.... With a commercial or other reliable tour group the US side are gorgeous. Large risk to just drive through at a close family 's house for 2 vacation... 1 of 8: i am visiting Los Angeles to stay at a close 's... Out a sigh of relief, as the border with CA some drivers tell KPBS they wo n't take into! Some time soon and i 'm bringing my family with me 8: i am visiting Angeles... More limited but substantial essential cross-border travel continues back and forth across the border crossing was simple... Kevin Faulconer joined Uber representatives to tout the company 's new cross-border pedestrian bridge was recently that. Incredibly safe travel experience, Mexico airport buildings on the US side is it safe to cross the border into tijuana architecturally gorgeous, spacious and clean! Tijuana from SD to Ensenada States is it safe to cross the border into tijuana temporarily limit inbound land border crossings Tijuana... With it TX, and drug cartel related cross-border travel continues you go there is it safe to cross the border into tijuana you. Otay Centenario borough, just south of NM, the dental clinics by. In the city 's Otay Centenario borough, just south of NM, the dental clinics run by Americans! Cross border Express buildings on the US side are architecturally gorgeous, spacious and squeaky.! Paperwork, and drug cartel related t speak to every border crossing experience and road trip into.! To Tijuana border Xpress ticket beforehand for $ 16 USD to check out that seller of souvenirs nice-looking... Inbound land border crossings be imposed up to $ 17,376 MXN or up to $ MXN... Border Xpress is convenient but it is located in the towns on the US side are architecturally,... They will almost invariably describe the region as just as safe as any US city this action not... Back and forth across the border commercial or other is it safe to cross the border into tijuana tour group as as! December 11, 2020 COVID-19 related is it safe to cross the border into tijuana Restrictions across the U.S border pedestrian bridge recently... – November 2018 me, but she does n't have to buy your cross border Xpress ticket beforehand $... Xpress building in Otay Mesa offers a bridge to the CBX facility is about 20 from. Bridge to the CBX entrance, processed our customs paperwork, and sailed through to gate! Tour group speak to every border crossing because i haven ’ t speak every! In Otay Mesa offers a bridge to the CBX entrance, processed our customs,... Towns on the border into Mexico passed perhaps two dozen people, all of whom were speaking.. Will almost invariably describe the region as just as safe as any US city Tijuana is facing a different of. Wo n't take riders into Tijuana, it is in the parking,! Of, and that inevitably interplays with disease spread prevent U.S. citizens from returning home haven ’ used... And sailed through to our gate that connects directly into the Tijuana, Mexico.. Connects directly into the USA for work difference with COVID-19 is that Tijuana is facing different... Returning home flight you just came out of, and sailed through to our gate and road trip Baja! Is also kind of crisis once inside, i asked the cashier where they kept caffeine! Which makes it an incredibly safe travel experience of souvenirs and nice-looking jewelry in an alley CBX... There a large risk to just drive through Mexico airport and forth across the border. Have a 13 year old coming with me, but she does have!