If you’re planning a trip to Tijuana, Mexico, whether for dental work or medical tourism, understanding the border crossing process will make your visit much smoother. Below, we break down everything you need to know about passports, pedestrian and vehicle crossings, and how to speed up your return to the U.S.

Do I Need a Passport to Visit Tijuana?

Yes, a valid U.S. Passport is required for U.S. citizens traveling to Tijuana, even for same-day trips or dental appointments. All visitors to Mexico must also complete a Tourist Visa FMM form (Forma Migratoria Múltiple) upon entry.

  • Stays up to 7 days: Tourist permit is free.

  • Stays longer than 7 days: $28 fee for up to 180 days.

  • It is available online or at the border, then stamped on entry/exit

 

What Documents Facilitate Easy Entry & Re-Entry?

To speed up your return to the U.S., you have a few document options:

1/ U.S. Passport Book

  • Grants full entry but requires you to use the All Traffic lanes when driving.

  • Pedestrians will use the standard pedestrian lanes.

2/ U.S. Passport Card or Enhanced Driver’s License

The new U.S. Passport Card or Enhanced Driver’s License, equipped with an RFID chip, allows travelers to use the faster Ready Lane when crossing the border. This RFID technology speeds up processing by allowing Customs officers to scan documents electronically, significantly reducing wait times for both drivers and pedestrians.

  • Both are equipped with RFID chips.

  • Allows you to use the faster Ready Lanes at U.S. Customs.

  • Typical wait times for Ready Lanes: 15 minutes, much faster than the regular lanes.

3/ Global Entry and SENTRI Programs for Pedestrian Travelers

Both Global Entry and SENTRI provide faster processing for pedestrians crossing the U.S.-Mexico border at busy entry points like San Ysidro and PedEast. With Global Entry, travelers use expedited pedestrian lanes by scanning their Global Entry card or passport at designated kiosks, reducing wait times when returning to the U.S. from Tijuana. SENTRI members have access to dedicated SENTRI pedestrian lanes, which typically offer the fastest pedestrian processing at the Tijuana border. These programs are ideal for frequent travelers seeking to minimize delays when crossing on foot for medical, dental, or personal visits to Tijuana.

What Are the Entry Options for Pedestrians?

Many dental patients cross into Tijuana on foot for convenience. Here are your two main options:

PedEast

PedEast is the primary pedestrian crossing at the San Ysidro Port of Entry, connecting San Diego and Tijuana. As the busiest pedestrian border crossing, it often experiences longer wait times during peak hours.

PedWest (San Ysidro Crossing)

By choosing PedWest, you’ll likely cross faster, enjoy more consistent processing times, and avoid the longer lines common at PedEast. It’s a reliable and efficient choice for pedestrian border crossings.

  • Closest to the San Diego Trolley.

  • Usually the fastest entry point.

  • Average wait time: 5 to 25 minutes.

Driving Across the Tijuana Border for Dental Work

Driving is a great option if you’re heading to Tijuana for dental work or other appointments.

Trusted Traveler Programs for Drivers: SENTRI and Global Entry

For frequent visitors to Tijuana, enrolling in SENTRI or Global Entry can provide access to the SENTRI Lane for the fastest border crossing into the U.S. Global Entry members who want to use the SENTRI vehicle lanes at the border must register their vehicle with U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP). Vehicle registration involves a separate process and an additional fee.

Program

Cost

Time to Approve

SENTRI Lane Access

SENTRI

$120 (5 years)

Usually 2 weeks. If the application requires further review, it can take between 12-24 months to complete.

✅ Included

Global Entry

$120 (5 years)

Usually 2 weeks. But if additional review is required, the process can take 4-6 months

✅ Only if vehicle is registered (additional steps)

Medical Pass to Speed Up Your Return to the U.S.

If you visit our dental clinic in Tijuana, you may qualify for a Medical Pass (Fast Pass), which gives you access to the Medical Lane at the San Ysidro border. This pass grants access to the dedicated Medical Lane when driving back to the U.S.

  • Medical Lane wait times: 15 to 30 minutes.

  • Cost: Usually free

  • Much faster than general lanes (which can be 45 minutes to 3+ hours).

 

If you’re planning to travel to Tijuana for dental work, using one of the border crossing options discussed above can make your trip much faster and more convenient. Many U.S. residents save thousands of dollars by visiting Tijuana for high-quality dental care at a fraction of the cost compared to dental services in the United States. Feel free to contact BioDental Care if you have any questions or need assistance.