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A frequent question we receive from readers is if the Fast Pass still exists (and how to get one). Yes it does and most of the time it works great! If you haven't heard of the Fast Pass, below we offer what we know about it and list establishments we are aware of who offer it. If you know of any establishment that we do not have listed, please let us know. Because of helpful readers, we have been able to keep this list as updated as possible.
The Fast Pass Lane, offcially called FastLane, is a designated lane for tourists (vacationers, business people and medical tourism) who have visited certain establishments in Baja. The Fast Pass Lane is open at the Tijuana/San Ysidro border crossing. It differs from the SENTRI Lane. A Fast Pass is a single-use pass that gives you access to a special lane designated for tourists.
This lane does not have any affiliation with U.S. authorities and you will still need to present the necessary documentation to U.S. border officials. The Fast Pass Lane is also known as the Medical Lane and many medical offices in Tijuana and beyond offer it. The Fast Pass program is run by the Ayuntamiento de Tijuana.
This lane will significantly reduce your wait time to get back into the U.S. Reports say the wait on average is 30 minutes or so. 15 minute waits or less are not unusual. Of course it depends upon the time of day and the day you travel. Sometimes the Fast Pass Lane is faster than the SENTRI.
Certain merchants in the city of Rosarito, Ensenada and Tijuana carry the Fast Pass. See the list of establishments below.
The lane is open daily from 8am to 10pm.
Only the San Ysidro border crossing has a Fast Pass Lane at this time.
See our photo directions on how to get to the Fast Pass Lane.
The pass is generally free once you have met the hotel's requirements. However we have heard some establishments do charge for the Fast Pass.
It is similar to the SENTRI in that you may cross the border faster, however there is no background check and the pass is only good for one crossing.
Yes. In San Ysidro and Otay Mesa are the Ready Lanes. These lanes require you to have one of the several types of RFID enabled cards like a passport card, SENTRI card, enhanced drivers license, etc. Passports with chips do not always work in this lane however. Read more about the Ready Lanes...
Read about 3 Ways To Cross Back to the U.S. Faster!
Know of a hotel or medical office that offers the Fast Pass? Let us know! Unfortunately, now that the pass is under the control of the Ayuntamiento de Tijuana, there is not an official list of establishments. Therefore we try our best to find out where they are being offered. Please email us - service(at)bajabound.com - if you have any information. It would be greatly appreciated!
Are you looking to offer the Fast Pass to your guests? If you are a business located in Tijuana, Rosarito, or Ensenada, the Ayuntamiento de Tijuana may be able to offer the Fast Pass to your hotel or medical office. Contact their offices at (664) 973-7036 Monday through Friday 9am to 2pm. Let us know your business offers the Fast Pass and we will add you to our list.
Have you used the lane already? Please let us know your experience by emailing us at service(at)bajabound.com. Let us know how the Fast Pass worked for you!