Delays When Entering the U.S. From Mexico By Car

Tips To Reduce The Time And Stress Crossing The Mexican Border

Jun 1, 2009

Returning to the U.S. by auto from Mexico can be frustrating and time-consuming, with long lines at the border. Some pre-planning can cut the time and reduce the stress.

Mexico, with its sunny beaches, outdoor activities and colorful culture, has long been a favorite destination for U.S. and Canadian tourists. Driving through Mexico is especially rewarding, but increased border security since 9/11 has made the return home problematic.

Increased Security at U.S. Ports of Entry From Mexico

Security at all U.S. borders has steadily increased since the 9/11 attacks. In addition, escalating traffic in the movement of drugs and illegal immigrants from Mexico into the U.S. and illegal guns and money from the U.S. into Mexico has led to expanded efforts by both governments to further increase security measures.

Consequently, tourists who choose to vacation in Mexico with their own car now find that their return trip can be delayed significantly at the border. At primary crossings, such as the one between Nogales, Sonora, and Nogales, Arizona, it can take two hours or more to clear the border. Although some delay may be inevitable, pre-planning and preparation can make this crossing less stressful.

How to Reduce Delays Crossing the Border From Mexico Into The U.S.

Long lines of automobiles waiting to cross the border are increasingly common, and can be frustrating to tourists anxious to return home. Several options, however, do exist to mitigate the frustration, if not actually eliminate it:

Choose Less Popular Ports of Entry From Mexico to The U.S.

Popular, naturally enough, equates to crowds, and border crossings are no exception. The most direct route from San Carlos, Mexico, to Tucson, Arizona, is through Nogales. Even with two crossing points, one in the middle of Nogales, Sonora, and an alternative west of the city, this route is one of the busiest along the border. Long lines of cars are typical, and the time from entering the queue to reaching the U.S. border booth can be 2 hours.

Smaller towns along the border, such as Naco, Arizona, and Tecate, Baja California, are rarely crowded and sometimes have no wait. If your itinerary is flexible, return lines can be cut or even eliminated.

Arrive at Mexico to U.S. Border Crossings Early and Avoid Weekends, Holidays

Traffic queues build during the day, typically peaking in mid to late afternoon. If possible, time your arrival at the border before noon, and the earlier, the better.

Similarly, most working tourists return to the U.S. on Saturday and Sunday, the busiest day, and traffic lines are always longer on those days. Holidays, such as a Memorial Day, also are crowded and should be avoided.

Take a Break and Relax When Returning to The U.S. from Mexico

Adjusting your attitude won't cut the time in a traffic queue, but it will make the time seem to pass more quickly. If you are travelling with a companion, trade off the driving, get out of the car and walk around for 10 minutes. Vendors move along the traffic line, so you can do some last minute shopping or enjoy a snack.

Prepare for a Long Wait Crossing From Mexico to The U.S. by Car

Before you get near a busy border crossing, make sure that you are prepared for a wait of 2 hours or more. Stopping at one of the last PEMEX gas stations before the border is a good idea. You can make a last-minute rest room stop, fill your car with gasoline and stock up on snacks and cold drinks.

A road trip to and through Mexico is the richest way to enjoy our southern neighbor, but returning to a long wait at the U.S. border could end your vacation on a sour note. If you plan ahead, you can avoid this delay or at least mitigate the frustration.

The copyright of the article Delays When Entering the U.S. From Mexico By Car in Mexican Travel is owned by Bob Bowers. Permission to republish Delays When Entering the U.S. From Mexico By Car in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.