Peter Greenberg: Mexican Border Crossing
By: Peter Greenberg | Source: Peter Greenberg | 2008-09-05
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What's the latest on the situation at the border? How long does it take to cross into Mexico, and is there anything you can recommend to speed it up?
-Howard, West Jordan, Utah
One tip is to avoid the busiest border crossings if at all possible. According to Joanne Ferreira at the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, they are:
- San Ysidro, Calif. (south of San Diego)
- El Paso, Texas
- Brownsville, Texas
- Laredo, Texas
So if you're driving down from Utah, stick to Arizona or New Mexico to make your border crossing. And remember, it's not crossing into Mexico that usually requires waiting; it's coming back across the border into the United States.
If you cross the U.S.-Mexico border frequently (or are planning to do so), you should consider applying for a SENTRI card. This is part of the U.S. Customs and Border Patrol's "Trusted Traveler Program" and will give you access to dedicated express lanes on the border so that you can (theoretically) skip the wait. The application includes a fee of $122.25, a background check, and an interview. You can begin the application process online at this address: https://goes-app.cbp.dhs.gov.
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