There are, no doubt, similarities and differences between the many ports of entry into Mexico. Here in this pictoral we show you what to expect when you cross the border at San Ysidro, California.
Before you cross the border, be vigilant of the signs telling you where the declaration lanes are if you need to declare anything to the Mexican customs officials. At the San Ysidro port of entry, this lane is to the extreme right. If you need a vehicle permit or a tourist card, you may drive thru this lane as well, park, and obtain those documents.
The 805 South joins the 5 South before crossing into Mexico. It is more difficult to move over into the declaration lane from the 5 than the 805 especially during rush hour. The U.S. Government has set up concrete dividers between the lanes that hold seven (one for each lane) automated license plate readers that record when your vehicle enters Mexico.
If you don't need to declare anything, you may cross in any lane that says "Nothing to Declare ~ Nada que Declarar." But this doesn't mean that you won't be questioned or searched by customs officials. When you cross, you will see a traffic light with a red light and a green light. A red means you have been selected for secondary inspection and a green means continue on your way unless an official tells you otherwise. If you are selected for secondary inspection, you must pull over into the customs facility. The main facility is to the right, however sometimes you can get your vehicle checked on the left as well. Here, they will conduct for the most part, a quick search unless they find something that should have been declared. Usually they check the trunk and take a glance inside the vehicle.
Now you crossed successfully and are on your way to your destination.
