Otay Mesa Border

It is crucial to recognize the delay and border wait times on the lane with the intention to go the US-Mexico border via Otay Mesa, CA <-> Tijuana to keep time and expect in all likelihood delays. You must take into account that you will be crossing from one country to another, so you must verify your personal and car documentation. It is also important NOT to travel with prohibited items such as fruit, weapons, etc.

🇲🇽 Prefieres Español??

Border Otay Mesa Cam 1

What's the waiting time at Otay Mesa Border Crossing now?

  • Otay Mesa - Standard Lane
  • OPEN - Opening Hours: 24 hours
  • 2 open lanes
    1 h. delay
  • directions_walk
    6 open lanes
    45 mins delay
  • Updated 6 minutes ago
  • Otay Mesa - Ready Lane
  • OPEN - Opening Hours: 24 hours
  • 5 open lanes
    1 hs. 5 mins delay
  • directions_walk
    Sorry, no open lanes info
    Sorry, no details on wait times
  • Updated 6 minutes ago
  • Otay Mesa - Sentri Lane
  • OPEN - Opening Hours: 24 hours
  • 3 open lanes
    10 mins delay
  • Updated 6 minutes ago

This information is provided by multiple sources and are average values, including cbp.gov , puentesfronterizos.gob.mx, CityOfDonna.org, laredo.tx.us, YouTube, BorderWait.org, SuperChannel12, ElImparcial, Cityofdelrio.com y PuentesFronterizos.info


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Conversion Table Mexican Pesos to Dollars

  • Exchange Rate today
  • 1 Dollar USD = 19.28 Mexican Pesos
  • 100 Mexican Pesos MXN = 5.19 Dollars
Mexican Pesos (MXN) Dollars (USD)
1 Mexican Pesos $ 0.05 Dollars
5 Mexican Pesos $ 0.26 Dollars
10 Mexican Pesos $ 0.52 Dollars
100 Mexican Pesos $ 5.19 Dollars
1000 Mexican Pesos $ 51.87 Dollars
5000 Mexican Pesos $ 259.34 Dollars
Dollars (USD) Mexican Pesos (MXN)
1 Dollars $ 19.28 Mexican Pesos
5 Dollars $ 96.40 Mexican Pesos
10 Dollars $ 192.80 Mexican Pesos
100 Dollars $ 1,928.00 Mexican Pesos
1000 Dollars $ 19,280.00 Mexican Pesos
5000 Dollars $ 96,400.00 Mexican Pesos

The values of the currencies are updated today and are an average between different banks and exchange houses in the area.

Tips when crossing the border

  • Plan your trip and allow extra time for smooth border crossing.
  • Avoid peak travel times when possible. The peak hours are usually between 5 AM to 9 AM and 4 PM to 7 PM. During periods of heavy travel and long delays, it is important to consider alternate crossings.
  • Declare all agricultural products such as meat, fruit, vegetables, plants, etc. Agricultural products are subject to inspection and may not be permitted in the United States due to their potential to harbor insects and diseases that could harm the agricultural industry.
  • Be prepared to show proof of identity to enter the United States and Mexico (e.g. by presenting your passport and/or ID).
  • Customs officers are responsible for inspecting travelers and their belongings. This may include a person's luggage, vehicle, and registration and is intended to enforce U.S. laws as well as to protect travelers.

Distances to nearby cities.

12.5 miles
Otay Mesa, CA Chula Vista, CA
18min

80 miles
Otay Mesa, CA Ensenada, Mexico
1h 44min

123 miles
Otay Mesa, CA Long Beach, CA
2h 5min

105 miles
Otay Mesa, CA Santa Ana, CA
1h 41min


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Otay Mesa, CA <-> Tijuana Map

What can be entered into Mexico?

DO NOT take ANY WEAPONS OR DRUGS TO MEXICO. If you get caught, you'll most likely end up in prison for a long time.

You are allowed to enter to 🇲🇽 Mexico:

  • 2 boxes of cigarettes or 50 cigars or one kilo of tobacco (2.2 pounds)
  • 3 litres of wine or hard liquor, for example whisky
  • 1 laptop
  • 2 cameras or camcorders

Be reasonable and don't bring amounts of anything that might seem like you're planning to resell them.

Semaforo de Aduanas

When you cross most borders you will be asked to press a button or your car will automatically activate it. If your light is green, you will continue to pass. If you hit a red signal, your luggage and vehicle will be searched.

In addition, if you look suspicious or come to the attention of any Customs agent, you can be inspected regardless of the light you have.

If you or your vehicle has been selected for inspection, a customs inspector will conduct the examination. If the Customs Inspector finds goods that should have been declared and you did not, the Inspector will classify and value the goods and impose the appropriate penalties.

What items can be included in my personal tax-exempt luggage?

Goods for personal use, such as clothing, footwear and personal care and beauty products, provided they are appropriate for the duration of the journey, including items for wedding parties Travel accessories for babies, such as prams and walkers.

Two cameras or video recorders, 12 rolls of film or videotapes; photographic equipment; three portable cellular phones or other wireless networks; global positioning equipment (GPS); a portable typewriter; an electronic calendar; a portable computer (laptop), notebook, omnibook or other similar items; a portable copier or printer; a portable projector and accessories.

Two sports equipment, four rods, three boats with or without sails and their accessories, trophies or recognitions, provided that they can be transported normally and commonly by the passenger, a climber and a bicycle.

A portable radio for the recording or playback of sound or mixed tapes; or a digital sound player or portable compact disc player and a portable DVD player, such as a pair of portable speakers, and their accessories.

10 DVDs, 30 compact discs (CDs) or magnetic tapes (audiocassettes), for sound reproduction, three software packages and five storage devices or memory cards for any electronic equipment.

Books, magazines and printed documents.

Five toys -including collector's items- and a video game console and five video games.

A device to measure blood pressure and another for glucose, as well as personal medication; in the case of psychotropics, a doctor's prescription must be shown.

A set of binoculars and a telescope.

Suitcases, trunks and suitcases needed for the movement of goods.

Two musical instruments and their accessories.

A tent and camping equipment, as well as its accessories.

A set of tools including its case, which can have a hand drill, wire cutter, wrenches, dice, screwdrivers, power cables, among others.

Up to two dogs or cats, and their accessories, provided that the corresponding animal health import certificate issued by SAGARPA is presented to customs officials.

What other items must be declared?

Animals, agricultural products and medicines.

If you carry more than US$10,000, or the equivalent in other currencies, in cash, checks, money orders or any other monetary instrument, or a combination thereof, you must declare the amount exceeding US$10,000.

You will not have to pay duties and taxes, but you will have to declare it on the customs declaration form. Failure to declare it is a violation of Mexican law and such violation is sanctioned with administrative and even criminal penalties.

What are 🇺🇸 American citizens allowed to bring home from Mexico?

  • $800 worth of duty-free purchases
  • 200 cigarettes or 100 cigars or 4.4 pounds of tobacco
  • 1 litre of alcoholic drinks such as tequila, wine or spirits
  • The fish they caught in Mexico

And that they are NOT allowed or prohibited?

  • Steroids, make sure you have a prescription for any other medications.
  • Illegal drugs; if you have the least amount, you can be fined and sent to jail - your car can even be impounded.
  • Shelves
  • Many fruits from Mexico are forbidden in the US, so it is better not to bring them into the US.
  • Weapons of any kind; even ammunition.
  • No clothing, bags, wallets, or shoes/boots made from endangered species, such as sea turtles.

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Frequently Asked Questions

  • Can I bring food as a traveler (fruit, cheese, meat, etc.)?

    You may be able to bring food such as fruit, meat or other agricultural products, depending on the region or country you are traveling from. Restrictions are placed on these products to protect the health of the community, preserve the environment, and prevent the introduction of devastating diseases to plants and pets.
    All food products must be declared.


  • How much gas should I have while waiting in the lane?

    Before entering the line to cross back into the U.S. or Mexico, make sure you have at least half a tank of gas in your gas tank. If there is an unusually long wait, you may run out of fuel before crossing the border.


  • What is Sentri Lane ?

    Sentri and Global Entry are the U.S. CBP programs that allow for expedited clearance for pre-approved low-risk travelers upon arrival in the United States.

Border crossing videos

Questions? Comments? Want to share your experience?