Leaving Mexico

Driving across the border can be tricky.

Check out these guides to help you get across as efficiently as possible.

Regular Lane Driving Directions

The regular lanes for crossing the border are for travelers who do not have an RFID chip or a Sentri pass. Keep in mind this can at times be waits of several hours, depending on how busy the border crossing is.

San Ysidro Crossing

Photo Directions
Video Directions

Otay Mesa Crossing

Photo Directions

Ready Lane  Driving Directions

The Ready Lane is a dedicated lane for travelers entering the United States with a passport containing an RFID (Radio Frequency Identification Device) Chip.  You may not use this lane unless your passport has this chip. U.S. passports issued after 2007 all have RFID chips embedded in the front cover.
Photo Directions
Video Directions

Sentri Lane Driving Directions

The Sentri Lane provides expedited entry for pre-approved travelers that are considered low risk.  You must go through a process to receive a Sentri card and drivers who enter the Sentri lane without an approved Sentri pass are subject to fines. For more information on how to apply for Sentri, please visit the U.S. Customs and Border Protection website.
San Ysidro Sentri Lane
Photo Directions
Video Directions
Otay Mesa Sentri Lane
Photo Directions
Video Directions

SmartGringo thanks you for being awesome, you are being redirected to our exceptional insurance
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you have any questions.   The agents there love insurance and LOVE Mexico!