Tips for travellers

Border Crossing

The border coming back into the US can take a long time. That's why the US government has introduced a program called SENTRI, which allocates 4 lanes specifically for pre-screened people. This will drastically reduce the border wait time from over an hour to just a few minutes.

The SENTRI (Secure Electronic Network for Travelers Rapid Inspection) program, launched by US Customs and Border Protection, are dedicated commuter lanes where prescreened applicants and vehicles are allowed to cross the border Northbound into the US usually more quickly and efficiently. The enrollees have been rigorously background checked and have been determined to be a low risk to the security of the US border. As one approaches the inspection area, photos and information are given to the inspector about the driver, passengers and vehicle from the SENTRI decal on the vehicle and the information on the SENTRI Portpass card. Secondary inspection is randomly determined by computer or if the inspector senses something suspicious.

Visit the site to sign up for SENTRI today:

https://goes-app.cbp.dhs.gov/

Water concerns

As opposed to mainland México, Baja California's water has been considered safe for years. In addition, there is a Mexican federal law stating that restaurants must serve purified, "drinkable" water, tested free of contaminants both for drinking and for ice.

Most Hotels in Baja California also provide bottled or purified water in guest rooms and popular international brands of bottled water are available for purchase virtually everywhere.

On the road

* Make sure to have a valid driver’s license and registration for your vehicle.

* Car insurance is not mandatory but it’s highly recommended.

There are many companies along the USA-Mexico border that sell Mexican car insurance by the day, week or month or year.
Keep in mind that most US insurance policies don’t provide coverage while driving in Mexico.

* Be aware that speed limits in Mexico are set in kilometers (1 mile= 1.6 kms.) for example speed limit on highways is 55 Miles per hour and within city limits it averages 25 miles per hour.

* While driving respect and obey traffic signs, don’t drink and drive.

Green Angels

They will provide FREE road assistance to visitors in case of a vehicle malfunction while on Mexican highways. They also have a communication network with different government offices and offer basic tourist information. (Look for the green pick up trucks; they are constantly patrolling the highways and are there for you).

24 hours / 7 days a week Baja California Highways Emergency Toll Free Numbers:

* 01 800 990 3900: Tijuana – Ensenada & El Hongo – La Rumorosa Toll Roads
* 01 800 888 0911: Tijuana – Tecate Toll Road

You can dial this numbers from any conventional or cell phone; they will direct emergency assistance to you including towing services to the nearest toll gate or mechanic in the area.

Bringing Pets into Mexico

If you'd like to take your dog or cat with you to Mexico, you'll need to bring proof that your pet's immunizations are up to date in order to bring them back into the US.