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DEPARTING SAN FELIPE, MEXICO Below are directions to the downtown Mexicali/Calexico border crossing, which is open 24 hours per day.
See driving times in the Driving Times section of the "Arriving" portion of the web site. Add the amount of time you expect to be waiting in line at the border to this time. I have spent as little as 1 minute waiting in line (early morning on New Years day) to 2 hours in line (on a Sunday around 11 AM in December). On an average, normal weekday, it usually takes me 20 to 40 minutes. I don't know how much worse this will be when passports are required in 2008. Be certain to obtain gasoline before you leave San Felipe because there are no gas stations between San Felipe and Mexicali. If you do run low on gasoline, look for signs that say "Emergency Gas". Some mini-marts keep a few gallons on hand, but it will be expensive. The first Pemex on the outskirts of Mexicali will be on your left hand side and usually has a mobile taco coach next to it (we enjoyed the tacos). If you are leaving on a Sunday, we recommend that you obtain gasoline Saturday evening in order to avoid long waiting lines. The Pemex by El Dorado Ranch should be open soon and that should make obtaining gas easier. Military Checkpoints are located at the intersection of Highway 3 and 5. These checkpoints are here at the U.S.'s request to try and prevent drug smuggling. The military are usually very young men in uniform carrying weapons. So far, every encounter we have had at a military checkpoint has been pleasant. The men have been friendly and polite. At the checkpoint, you will most likely be asked to exit the vehicle and open the trunk (if you are driving a car), so they can search the vehicle (and trailer if you are towing one). Most of these men don't speak English, so if you don't understand what they are saying, then have everyone exit the vehicle and open the trunk or trailer, whichever is applicable. Your vehicle will be searched for drugs and weapons. Once they are finished, you can return to your car and continue your journey. If it is a very hot day and you have cold water, these young men would most likely be grateful if you gave them a few bottles. Click here to see the Restrooms section of the "Arriving" portion of the web site. As of the January 31, 2008, U.S. and Canadian citizens 19 and over planning to travel from Mexico to the United States will be required to have a government-issued photo ID, such as a driver’s license, and proof of citizenship, such as a birth certificate, naturalization certificate or passport to enter the U.S.
When you reach the west border at Mexicali (as per the directions above), the lanes to the right are for people without SENTRI (Secure Electronic Network for Travelers Rapid Inspection) pass cards. SENTRI is a fast crossing lane for vehicles and passengers that have enrolled in the SENTRI program. The fast lanes typically allow vehicles to cross into the US with a delay of under five minutes, though during rush hour there can also be quite a backup. Applicants must complete an extensive background check with an interview and the vehicle must be brought to a designated border crossing point for checking and installation of the electronic pass card. Note that only the people that have been screened for the designated vehicle are allowed to use the special lane. If you have passengers that are not enrolled in the plan you must use the regular crossing lanes at the border. A family enrollment plan costs about $260 US dollars and is valid for five years. Click here for more SENTRI information. When you reach the U.S./Mexico border booths, you may be asked questions or you may not. Common questions are whether you are bringing anything back with you, what items you are bringing back, how long you were in Mexico, and why you were in Mexico. They will also ask for proof of your citizenship. Their primary goal is to ensure you are not returning with prohibited items or item amounts and to be certain you have the correct documentation to enter the U.S. The customs agent may use a mirror to look under your vehicle or ask you to pull over in a designated area in order to search your vehicle(s). If you have a camper or RV, expect to be searched. One time we were asked a lot of questions about where we were going and what we were doing. It turned out that we said we were from California, but the car we were driving was from Arizona (we were renting it from the airport at San Diego). Once we showed the car rental paperwork, everything was fine. Another time, our car was searched because we didn't have any luggage and the customs agent thought that was suspicious. It was just that we were driving back and forth to San Felipe on a regular basis and had left our luggage behind. Cats and dogs are easy to transport over the border as long as you say they belong to you and they look healthy. Click here for details on entering the U.S. with animals. Buses run several times per day. However, you may not find anyone who speaks English. You can email abc@abc.com.mx or call the main Autotransportes de Baja California (ABC) number to obtain a schedules and costs at (from the US) 011-52-686-621-2424. Click here to see estimated costs. In San Felipe, the bus station is located in town on Mar Caribe South near the last Pemex (with the AM/PM mini-market) on the way south out of town. The phone number for the San Felipe bus station is 011-52-686-577-1516. You can take the bus from San Felipe to Tiajuana, Ensenada, or Mexicali and take a bus to the U.S. or a taxi to walk across to the U.S. Mexicali: Tiajuana: Ensenada: Click here to see the "Flying" section of the "Arriving" Portion of the web site.
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