Tj access info needed

I am planning to go to TJ in a week or so to help out at an orphanage. I typically cross at Tacate. Has anyone crossed and what am I in for? I called border patrol but they have no info on the Mexico side. Thanks in advance.

 

For the San Ysidro and Otay Mesa POE, there’s no issue to cross back if you’re a US citizen or legal resident. People just tell the CBP officers they went to check on family etc. And there are less lanes open at some parts of the day. Also haven’t heard anyone having trouble crossing into Mexico either.

Can’t comment on the Tecate POE tho

 

Thanks. I will try Tecate first and see. I will report back.

 

update: had no issues crossing the border into Mexico at san Ysidro.

 

good to know, thanks!

 

I am reviving this thread because I need some more help with what is going on at the San Ysidro border. I have been to TJ a few times since last March without issue however with the floodgates open as of today I would like some first hand knowledge. If anyone is crossing in the next few weeks, please let me know how it goes. Thanks. Please keep all of the new residents in California please!

 

Are you walking or driving. If you walk across and don't look Mexican they were pulling a scam as of a few weeks ago where they required you to purchase a 90 day visa for $30. Coming back, customs now takes a photo of everybody who crosses back

 

driving. The 90 day visa is a Mexican law, I have been there 6-7 times since March. A picture has been taken for years..... I am wondering if the additional traffic that is happening now is effecting travel back into the states.

 

The picture thing is new at least at the San Ysidro poe and they never enforced nor required the 90 day permit. I cross pseudo regularly at the sy poe

 

Whether they never enforce nor require the permit it is still the law. Here is the info.


FMM Visitor Permit (Visitante)
The Visitor Permit is for people who are visiting Mexico for tourism purposes, business trips, or volunteer trips that last 180 days or less. You cannot extend or renew it. It works like a tourist visa.

If you do not need a visa to enter Mexico (as outlined above), the Visitor’s Permit is issued at the airport, land border, or seaport when you arrive in Mexico. You will fill out a Forma Migratoria Multiple (FMM) and pay a 575 peso (around $30) fee. I’ll talk more in-depth about the FMM in the next section.

This permit is good for multiple entrances into Mexico if you’re crossing the border by land. If you’re flying in, it’s only good for one entrance.

Here is a picture of how a pothole is repaired:

 

What do you need to know? I cross every two weeks pretty much.

 

Dropped off my Land Cruiser 3 weeks ago. Drove in, walked back. No issues. Took me 51 min in walking line to cross back.

Will be going in 2 more weeks to pick it up. Walk there, and drive back.

SENTRI wait is 12 months I think these days to get it. I use GlobalEntry

 

What orphanage if i may ask

 

Sorry I have been slow to respond, I have been in TJ. To answer my own question the surge of bodies has not effected driving across the border. I entered through Tacate and it was a piece of cake, exited through San Ysidro 1hr. this morning. I no longer exit Mexico trough Tecate as I have for many years because for some reason the wait there is at least 2 hrs.

orbot.... I have been working with City of Angels orphanage and mostly with another one that is ran by Obed and Evelyn Quiones, no official name. Orphanages in TJ are like circleK in the US, one on every block. Most of the kids are not orphans, the parents are not able to care for the kids because of prostitution and/or drugs. I have also built 20 homes with Baja Christian ministries over the past 16 years with pastor Sergio Gomes, my hero.

 

Pretty cool, lots of people in need sadly
On the better days i use to provide the building materials for one down here in tj

 

If you keep check, there are always appointment cancellations, I was able to get one under two weeks from my application date...but definitely worth it's wait in gold even if you don't go to tj (have global entry as well)

 

Great job