San Ysidro & Otay Mesa Border Crossing Wait Times: Tijuana, Mexico

Wait times at border crossings fluctuate by time of day, day of the week, and season. For accurate, live updates on the San Ysidro border crossing, visit our website, bordergarita.com, before your trip from Tijuana, Mexico, to San Ysidro, US.

Our report is live-updated with CBP data, and we also share other border-crossing reports for travel into the U.S. from Mexico and Canada.

If you are traveling from Mexico into the United States through the San Ysidro, Otay Mesa, or Pedwest border crossing or any of the Tijuana ports of entry, you must present valid identification and travel documents. Requirements vary depending on your citizenship status and age.

When re-entering the U.S. through the San Ysidro, Otay Mesa, PedWest border crossing or any other Tijuana port of entry, U.S. citizens must present one of the following documents:

• U.S. Passport: This is the most widely accepted and recommended document for crossing from Tijuana, Mexico, into the United States at the San Ysidro or Otay Mesa border, or at any Tijuana port of entry. It is valid for entry by land, air, or sea and provides the highest level of identification. A passport book is required for international air travel and is accepted at all U.S. ports of entry.

• U.S. Passport Card: A wallet-sized alternative to the passport book, designed specifically for land and sea travel between the United States, Mexico, Canada, and the Caribbean. It is commonly used by travelers crossing from Mexico into the U.S. on foot or in a vehicle at the San Ysidro or Otay Mesa border crossings. While convenient and less expensive than a passport book, the passport card cannot be used for international air travel.

• Enhanced Driver’s License (EDL): An Enhanced Driver’s License (EDL) is a state-issued driver’s license that also serves as proof of identity and U.S. citizenship. It is accepted for land and sea border crossings from Mexico into the United States, including entry at the San Ysidro border crossing.

  Like the passport card, an EDL cannot be used for international air travel. Still, it is a convenient option for frequent travelers crossing from Tijuana into San Ysidro by car or on foot.

• Mobile Passport Control (MPC): A free U.S. Customs and Border Protection app that allows U.S. citizens and lawful permanent residents to submit passport information and customs declarations on their mobile devices. MPC users may access dedicated, shorter processing lanes at participating ports of entry, including select border crossings.

Lawful permanent residents traveling from Mexico to the United States through the San Ysidro, Otay Mesa, or any Tijuana port of entry must present a valid Permanent Resident Card (Green Card).

U.S. citizen children under the age of 16 arriving by land or sea from Tijuana, Mexico, to San Ysidro, U.S., may present one of the following documents when crossing at the San Ysidro, Otay Mesa or PedWest port of entry:

• * Original or a copy of a birth certificate

• * Consular Report of Birth Abroad

• * Naturalization Certificate

Wait times at the Tijuana border crossings vary considerably depending on the time of day, day of the week, and season. Therefore, we recommend checking our live, up-to-date report with reliable data for the lines at San Ysidro, Otay, and Chaparral, which run from Tijuana to California, USA.

At Bordergarita.com, we provide reliable, real-time data on current conditions at the Tijuana-San Ysidro border crossings.

In our traffic report, you can find information for the US-Tijuana - U.S ports of entry, including:

- Otay Mesa: With reports on commercial and tourist traffic.

- San Ysidro: With data on pedestrian traffic, SENTRI, and Ready Lane.

- PedWest: With updated hours of operation.

Additionally, on our website, bordergarita.com, you can find reports on crossings at different cities along the Mexico-U.S. and Canada-U.S. borders.

Wait times at each border crossing vary based on hours of operation, traffic, and other factors. To determine the best crossing from Tijuana into the United States, consider the following:

- Crossing through the San Ysidro port of entry is generally more convenient for reaching Tijuana, as it connects to various points of interest within the city.

Crossing through Otay Mesa usually results in shorter wait times but may require more extended travel from central Tijuana. The Otay area is a major commercial district and experiences heavy traffic. Consider your route and time of day.

PedWest border crossing operates daily from 6:00 am to 2:00 pm. Its reduced hours may mean lower traffic, but you must plan to arrive during open hours to use this route.

If you need to reduce your wait time when crossing the border from Tijuana into the United States, there are official options available.

- SENTRI

- Global Entry

- Medical FastLine

It is recommended to check the requirements for these documents on official U.S. government websites. Applying does not guarantee approval, but if approved, frequent travelers can save up to 90% of their crossing time from Tijuana into the United States.

Remember that when crossing the Tijuana/San Diego border (in addition to showing official documentation), you will need to consider the following points:

- You will not be allowed to bring raw foods, fruits, or vegetables. You can find more details about this rule on the official CBP website.

- To cross with pets through the queue at the Tijuana/San Diego border crossings, your pet must have the vaccination and microchip requirements mandated by the U.S. government starting August 1, 2024. Consult the official website for details.

- To cross with controlled medications, you must carry an official prescription and only bring the medication for your own use. Consult the official regulations on the government website.

Tijuana is the world's most-visited border city. It has a strong binational dynamic, with thousands of people crossing daily to work, live, shop, and enjoy the tourism offered by both Tijuana and San Diego.

People from all over the world use the Tijuana border. In recent years, both Americans and Mexicans have integrated into a binational lifestyle.

On the U.S. side of Tijuana is San Diego. You can reach it by crossing through the San Ysidro, Otay, or PedWest border crossings.