Guides to crossing the border
Everything you need to know before getting in line at the port of entry, explained briefly.
In short: to cross into the United States you need a passport and a B1/B2 visa or a Border Crossing Card (laser visa); if you travel beyond the border zone, an I-94 permit; and if you drive, insurance valid in the US. Below, each topic is explained step by step.
Documents & Paperwork
Documents & PaperworkWhat Documents Do I Need to Cross Into the United States? Full ChecklistDocuments to cross into the US at a land border: passport, B1/B2 visa or laser visa, I-94, vehicle papers, minors and…Documents & PaperworkI-94 Permit: When You Need It, How Much It Costs and How to ApplyWhat the I-94 is, when you need it crossing by land, how much it costs, how to apply online before you reach the…Documents & PaperworkSENTRI and Ready Lane: Differences, Requirements and How to Apply for SENTRIWhat SENTRI is, what Ready Lane is, which documents work for each lane and how to apply for SENTRI step by step to…
Before You Cross
Before You CrossCar Insurance to Cross Into the United States: What It Covers and What It CostsWhy your Mexican insurance doesn't work in the US, what coverage you need to drive in California, Arizona or Texas…Before You CrossTravel Health Insurance for Visiting the United States From MexicoWhy travel medical insurance is worth it when visiting the United States, what it covers, how to choose one and what…
At the Border
At the BorderBest Times to Cross the Border Into the United StatesWhen border crossing lines are shortest: patterns by day of the week, peak traffic seasons and tips to spend less time…At the BorderWhat Can I Bring Across the Border? Food, Medicine, Alcohol and CashWhat you can bring into the US at a border crossing, what to declare, alcohol and tobacco limits, medicine and how…At the BorderWhat Happens in Secondary Inspection at the Border?Why you get sent to secondary inspection at the border crossing, what happens inside, how long it takes, your rights…At the BorderWhat Happens If You Are Turned Back at the US Border?What it means to be denied entry at the border crossing: withdrawal of application, visa cancellation, expedited…
Money & Payments
Money & PaymentsPayPal Fees in Mexico and the US: How They Are CalculatedHow PayPal charges for receiving payments in Mexico and the US, the international fee, dollar-to-peso conversion and…Money & PaymentsWhere to Exchange Dollars at the Border: Exchange Houses, Banks and CardsHow to get the best exchange rate at the border: exchange houses, banks, ATMs and no-fee cards. What to avoid and what…
Frequently asked questions
What documents do I need to cross into the United States?
A valid passport and a B1/B2 visa or a Border Crossing Card (laser visa). Read the full list.
When do I need an I-94 permit?
If you travel beyond the border zone or will stay more than 30 days. Details in the I-94 guide.
What is the best time to cross the border?
On weekdays, from 9 to 11 a.m. and after 9 p.m. See the best times to cross guide.
Where are you crossing?
TijuanaAcross from San Diego, CA4 hMexicaliAcross from Calexico, CA1 h 40 minNogalesAcross from Nogales, Arizona1 h 20 minCiudad JuárezAcross from El Paso, TX1 h 28 minNuevo LaredoAcross from Laredo, Texas1 hReynosaAcross from McAllen, TX1 hMatamorosAcross from Brownsville, TX1 hVancouver – Surrey ↔ BlaineBritish Columbia – Washington50 minWindsor ↔ DetroitOntario – Michigan5 minNiagara Falls – Fort Erie ↔ Buffalo – Niagara FallsOntario – New York15 minLacolle (Montreal) ↔ ChamplainQuebec – New York5 min
Tools
Exchange rate todayLive US dollar to Mexican peso rate and the Banxico FIX rate.Currency converterConvert pesos, dollars, euros and 20 more currencies.PayPal fee calculatorCalculate PayPal fees and how much you receive in Mexico or the US.Border weatherTemperature and forecast for every border city.