Tecate
Tecate, B.C.
Passenger vehicles
- Standard2 h
Pedestrians
- Standard5 min
Commercial vehicles
- StandardClosed
Live
Tecate, California, California ↔ Tecate, B.C.
Tecate, California – Tecate border wait times
LiveChecked with CBP 2 min ago · 5:55 p.m. (Tijuana time)
Quick answer: right now, crossing from Tecate to Tecate, California by car takes Tecate 2 h (standard). On foot: Tecate 5 min (standard). Source: CBP, checked at 5:55 p.m. (Tijuana time) on Sunday, November 8, 2026.
- Dollar today (MXN)
- $18.63
Up to 20 min 21 to 60 min Over 60 min Closed · Hover over a wait time to see how long ago CBP measured it.
What the community is reporting
Report the lineNo user reports in the last 3 hours yet. Are you in line? Tell us how it's going (free account required).
How to cross between Tecate, California and Tecate
The small town of Tecate, California, sits next to the border crossing into Tecate, Baja California. It's a good option for getting back to East County San Diego, Campo or Jamul without the San Ysidro traffic.
Tips for crossing at Tecate, California
- Remember the crossing closes at night: plan your return with time to spare.
- Gas stations and stores on the U.S. side are few and far between; stock up beforehand.
What do you need to go from Tecate, California to Mexico?
The wait times on this page are for entering the United States. There is usually no long line to enter Mexico, but Mexican Customs may inspect you using the red/green light system. Before heading south:
- If you are a foreign national going beyond the border zone or staying several days, check with Mexico's National Immigration Institute (INM) whether you need the Multiple Migration Form (FMM).
- Your U.S. auto insurance almost never covers you in Mexico: buy Mexican liability insurance.
- To drive outside the free zone you need a temporary vehicle import permit (Banjercito).
- Declare it if you carry more than 10,000 dollars in cash or its equivalent.
On the way back, have your passport or resident card ready and check the wait time above. Also read what you can bring across the border.
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Frequently asked questions about the Tecate, California border crossings
How long is the wait right now to cross from Tecate to Tecate, California?
According to the latest CBP report, by car: Tecate 2 h (standard). On foot: Tecate 5 min (standard). The data on this page refreshes every 5 minutes.
Is it faster to cross at Tecate than at San Ysidro?
Often, yes, especially at peak hours, but it has fewer lanes and limited hours. Compare the live times.
What do I need to go from Tecate, California to Tecate?
A passport or passport card to return to the U.S. and, if you drive, Mexican auto insurance. If you are a foreign national going beyond the border zone, check with Mexico's National Immigration Institute (INM) whether you need the FMM.
What is the dollar exchange rate today in Tecate?
The reference exchange rate is $18.63 pesos per dollar. Banks and exchange houses apply their own buy and sell margin. Check today's exchange rate.
Guides for crossing at Tecate, California
All guidesDocuments & 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…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…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…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…
Tools
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