Columbus
Puerto Palomas, Chih.
Passenger vehicles
- Standard15 min
- Ready LaneClosed
Pedestrians
- StandardNo wait
Commercial vehicles
- StandardClosed
Live
Columbus, Nuevo México, New Mexico ↔ Puerto Palomas, Chih.
Columbus, Nuevo México – Puerto Palomas border wait times
LiveChecked with CBP 3 min ago · 6:17 p.m. (Tijuana time)
Quick answer: right now, crossing from Puerto Palomas to Columbus, Nuevo México by car takes Columbus 15 min (standard). On foot: Columbus no wait (standard). Source: CBP, checked at 6:17 p.m. (Tijuana time) on Sunday, November 8, 2026.
- Fastest: Columbus
- 15 min
- 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
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How to cross between Columbus, Nuevo México and Puerto Palomas
Columbus is a small town in southern New Mexico, across from Puerto Palomas. It's the shortest route from Deming to northwestern Chihuahua.
Tips for crossing at Columbus, Nuevo México
- Carry Mexican insurance if you're going to drive in Chihuahua.
What do you need to go from Columbus, Nuevo México 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.
Are you in line?
Share how the line looks in Puerto Palomas on the community forum. You need a free account.
Frequently asked questions about the Columbus, Nuevo México border crossings
How long is the wait right now to cross from Puerto Palomas to Columbus, Nuevo México?
According to the latest CBP report, by car: Columbus 15 min (standard). On foot: Columbus no wait (standard). The data on this page refreshes every 5 minutes.
Is Columbus open 24 hours?
Check the current hours on the crossing's page.
What do I need to go from Columbus, Nuevo México to Puerto Palomas?
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 Puerto Palomas?
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 Columbus, Nuevo México
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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