What is the best time to cross the border?

Travellers crossing the border by land are encouraged to cross during non-peak hours such as early morning. The Monday of holiday long weekends tend to be the busiest, with longer border wait times – pick another day to cross the border if you can. Looking for a port of entry's hours of operation?



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Though the border is open 24/7, you'll should arrive first thing in the morning to be in daylight but also avoid the masses who tend to arrive in the largest numbers during the mid-to-late morning. In Mexico, it is recommended by both the U.S. and Mexico to avoid driving on the roads at night.

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The most commonly-used is the San Ysidro Crossing (El Chaparral), but there's also the Otay Mesa Crossing. With so many travelers driving to Mexico from Los Angeles and driving to Mexico from San Diego, this is a popular route.

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Documents You Will Need
All U.S. citizens need U.S. passport books if re-entering by air. Land and sea border crossings accept additional travel documents, such as U.S. Passport cards and Trusted Traveler cards. Child travelers have additional options - see the Traveling with Children section.

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Given all relevant factors, the safest crossing is Laredo-Colombia Border Crossing, located on the Laredo-Colombia Solidarity International Bridge.

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When it comes to safety in Mexico, some of the safest states with a good reputation include Palenque, Puerto Escondido, Isla Mujeres, Sayulita, and Todos Santos. These states have lower crime rates and are popular among both locals and expats.

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