OTAY MESA Border crossing Basics.

[StinkyFeet]

I'm more or less ABC / ABV. Was crossing the border in the morning getting to work. This was at 7:00 in the morning. Border staff. A female and a make. Youngish mid to late 20's pulls me aside for a half hour questioning. Later photo copying my passport.

Although I live primarily in China. I need to visit California fit business. Weekends relax  in Mexico and pay the cheaper price of the hotels. Save some money.

What would border patrol have any suspicion of me?

[Luvem]

Unless there was a big influx of people, blending in would be difficult as last weekend, I went via by foot and they asked each person if National or Foreign and need to show proof with ID. Hence, I had to fill out a visitor permit.

Decided to cross yesterday afternoon at San Yisdro the wait was about 15 minutes. Gave the agent my passport and said I was in Mexico one day for beers and food. She immediately handed my passport back and I was on my way. The line was full of middle age gringos, she knew we all wanted pussy and was trying to get us through.

[SBeach25]

I went to Tijuana today and crossed through Otay to avoid the 'visa' requirement at San Ysidro port. Well Mexican customs have started doing the same thing as whatever they do in San Ysidro. Lucky for me there were several people bunched up at counter not knowing what it is all about; the one single Mexican custom agent said any Mexican citizen to just walk on through so I just went / blended with them.

So anyone that goes through the Otay Mesa port to avoid San Ysidro 'visa' requirements be aware that you may have to now at Otay. Tijuana taxi driver said it started 2 weeks ago. Guess now I won't have to waste time going to Otay. Last time I crossed through San Ysidro was before the whole 'visa' requirement and to cross into Mexico was through the side the trolley is. So have to figure out which way Mexican citizens go through and blend in with them to avoid stamp on passport and visa.

Spartan.

Unless there was a big influx of people, blending in would be difficult as last weekend, I went via by foot and they asked each person if National or Foreign and need to show proof with ID. Hence, I had to fill out a visitor permit.

[SBeach25]

Drive. They haven't started checking any documents for vehicles crossing southbound at San Ysidro. Of course, the vehicle insurance will cost a bit.

Just recently tested my vehicle in both borders into and out at both borders. Yes, as of last weekend there has been no need for the visa stamp or checking for any documents. Unfortunately, Otay now has been updated and require all non-mexicans to fill out the visa documentation if you walk into Mexico. I also recall the lady at the desk either scanned my passport card or photocopied it but I could not see before she stamped my entry document. I just saw her hand movements and heard a machine like a scanner. No charges as I was staying only the weekend.

[WombatEd2]

No car. I read in another section here that there were some red buses that go from San Ysidro into Tijuana that might avoid the stamp / visa requirements but didn't read if it was true or not. I'm going to Tijuana this coming Tuesday during morning and see if I can find those buses if not will just try and blend in and go through Mexican national lane.

AFAIK, bus passengers unload at the entry point and go through the same stamp line as the pedestrians.

I've gone with groups where we all left Chula Vista at the same time, half in cars and half on a bus, and the bus arrived in Tijuana about an hour after the cars. I've seen that a good number of times.

[Luvem]

No car. I read in another section here that there were some red buses that go from San Ysidro into Tijuana that might avoid the stamp / visa requirements but didn't read if it was true or not. I'm going to Tijuana this coming Tuesday during morning and see if I can find those buses if not will just try and blend in and go through Mexican national lane.

I know passport card avoids the stamp but I just had gotten the Global Entry card didn't want to then apply for passport card.

Spartan.

Thanks again, I will be checking to hear how things go. I have heard about the buses also but never tried it. I have to fly to get to San Diego so driving is out for me. I only get one or two trips a year so haven't invested in a passport card or global entry. Maybe I will now. My next visit will be next Saturday so no time for that now.

[Spartan94]

Drive. They haven't started checking any documents for vehicles crossing southbound at San Ysidro. Of course, the vehicle insurance will cost a bit.

No car. I read in another section here that there were some red buses that go from San Ysidro into Tijuana that might avoid the stamp / visa requirements but didn't read if it was true or not. I'm going to Tijuana this coming Tuesday during morning and see if I can find those buses if not will just try and blend in and go through Mexican national lane.

I know passport card avoids the stamp but I just had gotten the Global Entry card didn't want to then apply for passport card.

Spartan.

[Captain Solo]

Excellent recommendation. I drive straight through EL Chaparral every time with no delay, no passport check, no visa fees, 10 minutes max to Hong Kong, safe, cool, comfortable effortless. Everyday about 30,000 cars with CA license drive into Tijuana, so you are not alone.

Mexican liability only insurance policy costs only $90 at AAA.COM. Apply and pay on line, print out the policy and go. So easy.

If any bro can find driver insurance for Mexico, it would be even cheaper. Let me know.

Drive. They haven't started checking any documents for vehicles crossing southbound at San Ysidro. Of course, the vehicle insurance will cost a bit.

[WombatEd2]

Thanks Spartan,

I have been using Otay also for the same reason. This is disappointing. Anyone else have advice on avoiding the passport stamp?

Drive. They haven't started checking any documents for vehicles crossing southbound at San Ysidro. Of course, the vehicle insurance will cost a bit.

[Luvem]

I went to Tijuana today and crossed through Otay to avoid the 'visa' requirement at San Ysidro port. Well Mexican customs have started doing the same thing as whatever they do in San Ysidro. Lucky for me there were several people bunched up at counter not knowing what it is all about; the one single Mexican custom agent said any Mexican citizen to just walk on through so I just went / blended with them.

So anyone that goes through the Otay Mesa port to avoid San Ysidro 'visa' requirements be aware that you may have to now at Otay. Tijuana taxi driver said it started 2 weeks ago. Guess now I won't have to waste time going to Otay. Last time I crossed through San Ysidro was before the whole 'visa' requirement and to cross into Mexico was through the side the trolley is. So have to figure out which way Mexican citizens go through and blend in with them to avoid stamp on passport and visa.

Spartan.

Thanks Spartan,

I have been using Otay also for the same reason. This is disappointing. Anyone else have advice on avoiding the passport stamp?

[Spartan94]

I went to Tijuana today and crossed through Otay to avoid the 'visa' requirement at San Ysidro port. Well Mexican customs have started doing the same thing as whatever they do in San Ysidro. Lucky for me there were several people bunched up at counter not knowing what it is all about; the one single Mexican custom agent said any Mexican citizen to just walk on through so I just went / blended with them.

So anyone that goes through the Otay Mesa port to avoid San Ysidro 'visa' requirements be aware that you may have to now at Otay. Tijuana taxi driver said it started 2 weeks ago. Guess now I won't have to waste time going to Otay. Last time I crossed through San Ysidro was before the whole 'visa' requirement and to cross into Mexico was through the side the trolley is. So have to figure out which way Mexican citizens go through and blend in with them to avoid stamp on passport and visa.

Spartan.

[Phordphan]

Is the taxi fare considerably more expensive after you cross in Otay? Its $6 from San Ysidro to HK, curious how much from Otay?

If you cross the "street" (the several lanes of traffic going from and to the border) and get a Libre who just finished dropping off a fare, figure around 150 pesos, in that range. Avoid the White / Gold airport taxis. They are very expensive. You DO use pesos, don't you?

[Captain Solo]

Run between Otay and Centro, drop off / pick up at Constitucion and 3rd.

Should cost very little compared to taxis, like 20 pesos.

[Nite_Runner]

Is the taxi fare considerably more expensive after you cross in Otay? Its $6 from San Ysidro to HK, curious how much from Otay?

Otay Mesa was a pretty decent way of crossing. I got a little confused when I searched on google but there is a pedestrian crossing without the need for a passport, LOL.

Anyway, I crossed at the USA Customs Border and Protection. The best parking in my opinion would be at a gas station or further down the street for 8-10 $. It is on Rolls Drive so if you google map Rolls Drive, Otay Mesa CA you should find it. From there just keep walking down Rolls Drive till you see the building. You'll see 2 long lines of people right in front of you. Don't go there, apparently those lines are for "permits". To the right there is a bridge, go up the stairs and through there. You will go through an Iron Swivel Door and then another one (2 total). Right after those gates you are in Tijuana. Keep walking and following the crowd, no one will check your passport and then eventually you will walk to a small tent with taxis. From there just ask the guy where you want to go.

Hope this helps.

[Lemming22]

How's Otay these days? Are you still able to walk straight through? I'm planning to spend this coming weekend in Tijuana and will be entering Mexico with a non-USA passport. I want to avoid getting a passport stamp so I'm hoping that Otay is still clear.

Thanks in advance!