Santa Teresa / San Jeronimo Border Crossing

Santa Teresa / San Jerónimo Border Crossing: Entering Mexico

The Santa Teresa / San Jerónimo border crossing offers a quieter, more efficient option for travelers entering Mexico from the U.S. Located just outside of El Paso, Texas, this crossing connects Santa Teresa, New Mexico, with San Jerónimo, Chihuahua. It is ideal for those looking to avoid the heavy traffic at the more congested El Paso crossings.

Key Features:

• Less Crowded: One of the main advantages of this crossing is the reduced traffic compared to busier locations like the El Paso-Juárez crossings. This makes for a faster, more seamless entry into Mexico.
• Commercial and Passenger Traffic: While it handles both passenger vehicles and commercial traffic, the crossing remains relatively calm, allowing for quicker processing times.
• Full Service: Immigration and customs facilities at the crossing provide all necessary services for entering Mexico, including vehicle inspections and temporary import permits for cars.

Updated Features for Travelers:

• Real-Time Wait Times: Travelers heading into Mexico can now check real-time wait times online before arriving at the border. The U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) website and apps like Border Wait Times provide up-to-date information on southbound delays, helping you plan your crossing for the least possible wait time.
  • Check online resources for up-to-date wait times to avoid unnecessary delays.

Border Crossing Hours:

• Passenger Vehicles: The Santa Teresa / San Jerónimo crossing typically operates from 6:00 AM to 10:00 PM, but it’s a good idea to check ahead as hours may change during holidays or special circumstances.
• Commercial Vehicles: If you’re entering Mexico for commercial purposes, be sure to verify the operating hours for trucks and commercial traffic, as they can vary.

What to Know Before Entering Mexico:

• Travel Documentation: Make sure you have all the required documents for entering Mexico. This includes a valid passport, and if needed, a visa for longer stays. For those driving into Mexico, securing a Temporary Vehicle Import Permit (TIP) is essential for most parts of the country.
• Insurance: Be sure to have Mexican auto insurance, as U.S. policies are not valid once you cross the border.
• Customs: Be prepared to declare any items you are bringing into Mexico that may require inspection or duty fees, such as electronics or goods in large quantities.

Additional Tips:

• Vehicle Permits: You can also obtain your Temporary Vehicle Import Permit online before crossing, which can save time at the border.
• Safety: As always, it’s important to familiarize yourself with local road safety guidelines and be aware of the driving conditions on the roads beyond the border.

With online wait-time updates and proper preparation, the Santa Teresa / San Jerónimo crossing offers a convenient and streamlined entry into Mexico, far from the long delays that are common at other nearby crossings.