Border Crossing Tips
Documents You Need
- ✓ Passport book or passport card — required to re-enter the US
- ✓ SENTRI card — gets you through the fast lane (worth it if you'll return for follow-ups)
- ✓ Enhanced Driver's License (EDL) — accepted at land crossings (only issued by MI, MN, NY, VT, WA)
- ✗ Regular driver's license or Real ID — NOT sufficient for crossing back into the US
Getting there
Drive to Winterhaven, CA (just west of Yuma, AZ). The border crossing is at the end of Andrade Road. From Yuma, it's a 15-minute drive. From Phoenix, about 3 hours. From San Diego, about 3 hours via I-8.
Crossing into Mexico
Walk through the turnstile — no line, no questions, takes 30 seconds. The dental district starts immediately on the other side. Most clinics are within a 5-minute walk of the border gate.
Crossing back into the US
This is where the wait happens. Early morning (before 9 AM): 5-15 minutes. Midday: 15-30 minutes. Weekends and holidays: up to 45-60 minutes. SENTRI cardholders typically wait under 5 minutes.
Best times to go
Weekdays are significantly less crowded than weekends. Schedule your appointment for early morning — you'll be done and back across the border before the line builds. The crossing is open 6 AM to 10 PM daily.
Getting there
Easiest option: Take the San Diego Trolley (Blue Line) to San Ysidro station, then walk across the PedWest border crossing. No parking hassle, no driving in Tijuana. Many clinics offer pickup from the border. By car: Drive to San Ysidro and cross at the San Ysidro Port of Entry.
Crossing into Mexico
Walk through — usually no wait entering Mexico. If driving, crossing south is quick (5-10 minutes).
Crossing back into the US
Walking (PedWest): 20-45 minutes typical. Driving (San Ysidro): 1-3 hours depending on time of day. SENTRI lane: 10-20 minutes. Use the CBP Border Wait Times tool to check current waits before heading back.
Clinic transportation
Most Tijuana partner clinics offer complimentary pickup and drop-off at the San Ysidro border crossing. Confirm this when booking your appointment — it's included in your treatment coordination.
Where to Park
Always park on the US side. Do not drive your personal vehicle into Mexico unless you have Mexican auto insurance (your US policy does not cover you there).
Los Algodones Parking
Quechan Casino Lot (Winterhaven, CA)
~$5/day. Large open lot, 5-minute walk to the border gate. Well-lit, security cameras. Most dental tourists park here.
Private lots on Andrade Road
$5-10/day. Several small lots run by locals line the road to the border. Closer to the gate but smaller. Cash only at most.
Tijuana Parking
Las Americas Premium Outlets (San Ysidro)
Free parking. Walk to PedWest crossing in 10 minutes. Large, well-lit lot with security. Open early to late.
Border Station Parking
$8-15/day. Right at the San Ysidro crossing. Closest option if you want to minimize walking, especially after a procedure.
Take the trolley instead
Blue Line from downtown San Diego to San Ysidro — $2.50 each way, runs every 15 minutes. Park for free at any trolley station with a lot. No border traffic stress on the way home.
Cancun: Where to Stay Near Partner Clinics
If you're getting dental work in Cancun, stay in the Hotel Zone or downtown Cancun — both are within 15-20 minutes of our partner clinics. Here are reliable options at different price points.
Hotel Adhara Hacienda Cancun
Downtown Cancun
Clean, comfortable, 10 minutes from clinic district. Pool, restaurant, free WiFi. Popular with medical tourists for the price and proximity.
~$60-80/night
Courtyard by Marriott Cancun
Hotel Zone / Downtown
Familiar brand with US loyalty points. 15 minutes from partner clinics. Good for patients who want comfort and predictability during recovery.
~$100-140/night
Hyatt Ziva Cancun
Hotel Zone (All-Inclusive)
All-inclusive means soft food options always available — important during recovery. Beach access, pool, room service. 20 minutes from clinics.
~$250-350/night
Recovery: What to Expect After Your Procedure
Recovery varies by procedure. Here's what to plan for so there are no surprises.
| Procedure | Stay in Mexico | OK to Fly | Full Recovery |
|---|---|---|---|
| Crown or Veneer | Same day | Same day | 1-2 days |
| Single Implant | 1-2 days | Next day | 3-7 days soreness, 3-6 months osseointegration |
| Multiple Implants | 2-3 days | 48-72 hours | 5-10 days soreness, 3-6 months osseointegration |
| All-on-4 / All-on-6 | 3-5 days | 48-72 hours | 7-14 days swelling, 4-6 months full healing |
| Root Canal | Same day | Same day | 2-3 days |
Flying After Dental Work
Crowns, veneers, root canals: You can fly the same day. No restrictions.
Single implants: Most patients fly home the next day with no issues. Take your prescribed pain medication before boarding.
All-on-4 or extensive surgery: Wait 48-72 hours. Cabin pressure changes at altitude can increase swelling. Stay hydrated and avoid alcohol during the flight.
Bone grafting: Wait at least 72 hours. Your dentist may recommend a longer wait depending on the extent of grafting.
Driving Home After Your Procedure
If you were sedated: Do NOT drive. Have someone with you or arrange a ride. The sedation effects can last 4-6 hours.
Local anesthesia only: You can drive once the numbness wears off (1-3 hours). For Los Algodones patients, this means you can often drive home to Yuma or Phoenix the same day.
After extensive work: Even if you weren't sedated, pain medication can impair driving. If you're taking prescription painkillers, have someone else drive.
What to Pack
Essentials
- • Passport or passport card
- • Your treatment plan (we email this to you)
- • Any current dental X-rays or records
- • List of medications you take
- • Comfortable, loose-fitting clothing
- • Sunscreen and hat (Algodones is desert)
For Recovery
- • Soft foods for the drive/flight home (applesauce, yogurt)
- • Ice pack or cold compress
- • Travel pillow (keeps your head elevated)
- • Ibuprofen or prescribed pain medication
- • Straws (for drinking without disturbing the site)
- • Phone charger (you'll be in a waiting room)
Ready to Plan Your Trip?
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