Originally Posted by
GW McLintock
Looking for any and all information about crossing the border at San Ysidro. I have a day-long SAN layover coming up on Sunday and would like to try to go to Tijuana to get a bite to eat (would cross as a pedestrian). I have Global Entry and I understand I can use that card to cross the border in an expedited lane (I think?).
Specifically, the information I'm looking for is:
- Where is the expedited lane and is it always open?
- How long should I expect to be in said lane?
- Am I totally crazy for trying to do this?
Thanks in advance! I looked for other threads and couldn't find anything with recent info.
-J.
Yes, you can. The GE card can be used in the SENTRI lane to return to the USA as a pedestrian.
You will see a line that starts in Mexico, keep to the right and just cut to the front and show CBP officers your GE card and they will let you in. After CBP lets you in, keep walking on the right and you'll see a line form on the left as it enters the building. Forget about the line, just keep on walking on the right hand side. Be prepared to show your GE card again at this point because they do want to ensure that you are indeed a participant of GE.
I'm usually the first or even the fifth person in line so there's isn't really a wait...
*TIP* Sometimes the Policia Municipal will stop you from walking up to the front. Just show them your GE card and they will let you walk up to the front. I had this happen to me and simply showed my GE card and told him in Spanish that I'm SENTRI and they let me through.
- When doing the initial walk in Mexico to the border, watch where you walk. Uneven sidewalks, little kids sitting, steps, metal plates covering utilities etc...
- Ignore people (even little kids) that try to sell you stuff or ask for money.
The above two pretty much applies to downtown Tijuana.