Be prepared to pay $10-$15 USD, the airport will be about a 10 minute drive away. Just like at any other airport, the baggage claim process will take a while during the busy travel season, try to be patient. All Rights Reserved. ", Just fill out the paper form that will be provided at the CBX crossing. I was planning a trip (honeymoon) to Mazatlan for one week from the U.S. in August, but I do not yet have my Passport (applying for it this week). Your Convenient Gateway Between Mexico and the US. Flying out of Tijuana Airport (TIJ) is a great way to save money on tickets to Mexico as well as the Caribbean and Central and South America. I just wanted to share that it was not as easy as just going to the immigration office. Your visitor permit is valid for the number of days granted by the immigration official and written on the permit that will never exceed 180 days, but may be less than 180 days starting from the date of your arrival. Add Price Drop Protection and Expedia will pay you back if your flight gets cheaper.*. If youre staying fewer than 7 days, the immigration official will just stamp your passport. The FMM Visitors Visa is non-extendable and you need to leave Mexico before its expiry date. Do I need to surrender my FMM and vehicle permit? (They may accept your old one enforcement varies.). You will pay $25-$30 (depends on currency rates) for a tourist permit. I read that its best to have it 6 months prior to visiting, but the immigration officer may allow me to visit anyway. If you are issued with a paper version and lose your Visitors Permit (FMM) while youre in Mexico, you will need to visit one of the local immigration offices situated in towns and cities across the country, or at the airport, and apply for a replacement before you can leave. Before you enter the sky bridge, you will pass through a security checkpoint. The process I will describe is what non-Mexican citizens will have to follow. Once youve done enjoying the VIP Lounge, or the free seating by your gate, its finally time to board the plane! Parking. How to Get to Tijuana Airport from San Diego. I have my US passport ready, but I have yet to get the required FMM. The best thing to do, if this happens to you, is to contact your nearest Mexican Consulate, who will provide you with guidance. If you fly into Mexico from overseas, the fee is usually included within your air ticket's "fees and surcharges.". Flightradar24 is the world's most popular flight tracker. These include Aeromexico, Volaris, and Interjet. This is my question: Which one do I need, the by land or by air form? Family of four. I always try to speed walk across the San Diego Tijuana bridge, if multiple flights are arriving at the same time, you definitely want to be one of the first people at the US immigration point, savings you plenty of time you would have spent in line. The Cross Border Xpress is basically a big bridge that crosses from the USA directly into the Tijuana Airport. Ave. Revolucin #868-1, Second floor between 2nd and 3rd street., Zona Centro, C.P. Fee for Mexico's Visitor Visa (FMM) If you arrive by land and leave Mexico within 7 days of your arrival date, there is no fee for the permit. If you overstay the time you were granted on your visitors permit (see previous question about validity), you will need to visit an immigration office, or the immigration kiosk at the airport, and pay a fine before you can leave the country. At the very least, use the CBX on the way back to the United States. No exit stamp is placed in passports when you hand-back your FMM, so you should have no problems when you revisit in the future. This process is also similar to using any airport in the USA. The Cross Border Xpress is convenient but it is also kind of expensive for what it is. Dont expect quality foods like you would at major airports, but theres really nothing wrong with the food provided at this VIP lounge. The shuttle service can pick you up from San Ysidro, San Diego, and even Los Angeles. You may also have to show your boarding pass or eTicket. Planning a Business trip to Tijuana? This short video outlines the main points of the article. How to Walk Across the Border to Tijuana. Have you flown out of Tijuana Airport or used the Cross Border Xpress? https://www.mexperience.com/applications-for-residency-from-within-mexico/. Are you planning on flying out of the Tijuana Airport, but want to avoid long Tijuana border lines by using the Cross Border Xpress? Check other time periods: 12:00 AM - 05:59 AM 06:00 AM - 11:59 AM 12:00 PM - 05:59 PM 06:00 PM - 11:59 PM. Please use the Table of Contents below to jump to the spot you need: Theres a couple of obvious things that you will have to plan well ahead of you actual trip day, like buying an airplane ticket (you cant use the CBX bridge unless you have a boarding pass), and buying your CBX ticket. Hector, si yo vivo en la Ciudad de Mexico y quiero viajar a San Diego via Tijuana, puedo cruzar a USA usando el CROSS BORDER EXPRESS, ????? Tijuana is waiting for you. Social distancing: (5 to 7 feet) in all documenting lanes, customs, inspection points, baggage claim, arrival and departure areas, etcetera. Airline staff will check-in your luggage, check your passports, and let you know what gate your flight will be departing from. Dont be worried though, it would be hard to miss the signs and lines leading you to the CBX bridge. Recently, Aeromexico also began offering direct flights from Tijuana to two destinations in China, Inside a Tijuana Bar During an Armed Robbery, take the trolley from San Diego to San Ysidro. There is also no limit on how many times you can re-enter Mexico each year with a new FMM; however, see the caution note below about continual exit and re-entry to Mexico using a FMM. After the immigration check, you will place your luggage in the X-Ray machines for inspection. Obviously, it is located right on the San Diego-Tijuana border. For example, when I travel in December, I make sure to arrive at the CBX terminal 4 hours before my flight. It would be a nuisance to get to the airport and be sent back to the border for your FMM. Be sure to negotiate the fare before accepting the ride. Seating options are plentiful at both concourses, Ive never had issues finding a spot to wait for my flights, even in December, the busiest travel season at the Tijuana Airport. The form asks for basic travel information such as your name, passport number, where you are going in Mexico, for how long, etc. The bridge itself is 390 feet long, though you have to go up and down stairs, and walk through several halls to reach the actual bridge. After everything is scanned and the gate opens, you can proceed across the bridge. SAN DIEGO. In this case, you wont even have to walk outside. https://www.mexperience.com/lifestyle/transport/driving-in-mexico/#31. So we plan to put the same day for arrival to Mexico and Date of Departure. Whether you are arriving at or departing from the Tijuana International Airport, there will be Covid-19 measures to ensure safe passage through the facilities. If you drive into Tijuana, the drive should not take more than 10 minutes from Otay. The airport is located just immediately south of the U.S border, in Tijuana's Otay Centenario borough, 6 miles east of the Tijuana city center, and 18 miles south of San . Since I wont be on a payroll of any kind, I wont have to get any special permits, right? The Tijuana Airport Main Terminal is shaped like a flat U, a flat walkway connects concourses A & B. Here is this months selection of Tijuanas up-and-coming delicious restaurants, La Garita, authentic Mexican flavors & ambiance a few yards from Otays international border crossing. You can register your vehicle for multiple entries and exits. We know of cases where people have been turned away at the border after trying to re-enter Mexico continually using a FMM; if you intend to stay in Mexico longer-term, we recommend you consider applying for residency in Mexico. If you dont have a boarding pass, you will not be allowed across the CBX bridge, so you must either print it at home, or use the check-in counters at the CBX facility. For more general safety info, check out my. Definitely a great deal! Tacos, tacos, and more tacos! Do you know if thats possible. I have a temporary residence card (Residente Temporal). Inside, youll find both Mexican and US immigration booths that you pass through while crossing the international border. I am coming up to the end of my 180 day FMM permit. See route maps and schedules for flights to and from Tijuana and airport reviews. Recently, Aeromexico also began offering direct flights from Tijuana to two destinations in China, Beijing, and Shanghai. Using the CBX bridge to cross into the Tijuana Airport will require you to have the documents you would typically need when you cross an international border, plus docs needed for airport travel. Better to use peso in tijuana right .dollar is down. There are a number of budget airlines operating throughout Latin America that dont serve the US but offer plenty of flights from Mexico. The Cross Border Xpress address is 2745 Otay Pacific Drive, San Diego, CA 92154. https://www.mexperience.com/volunteering-in-mexico/. What is best way to go from San Diego Airport to Otay Mall? The CBX sky bridge is fully enclosed and is 390 feet long. On the way back, you can catch a taxi from Tijuana airport to the border. Tijuana Airport Contact Tel: +52 (664) 607-82-00 ICAO: MMTJ Postal Address: AP 447, CP 22300 Tijuana BC, MEXICO, Carretera Aeropuerto - Meza de Otay, CP 22300 Tijuana, Baja California, MEXICO Tijuana's airport, officially known as the General Abelardo L. Rodrguez International Airport, serves the Tijuana area in Mexico as well as San Diego in the United States. As a One Key member, you can earn OneKeyCash on top of airline miles. In this section, Ill explain how to use the Cross Border Xpress, step-by-step. The use of face masks is mandatory in all areas of the airport. You cannot drop off your luggage at these counters, that will have to be done at the actual Tijuana Airport. You can always wait for the day of your flight, but ticket costs are higher, and you might encounter a long line, something you always want to avoid when having to get to a flight on time. Usually 50% or even 75% lower than the prices you would see flying out of Southern California. Enjoy hassle-free travel between Mexico and the US with our secure and reliable service. I spent a couple of days enjoying Cancun on a stopover then booked a cheap flight to Havana on Interjet. Prior to entering the Tijuana Airport, you must pass through Mexican immigration, this is where the FMM form is presented. The ride from the border to the airport takes about 10-15 minutes depending on traffic. We must take care of each other so locals and visitors alike can travel safely. About halfway through, you will see a bronze plaque indicating exactly where the US-Mexico border is. Here you will find bathrooms, car rental booths, Taxis, etc. Be sure you bring rolling luggage, or make use of the many CBX push carts available. If youre like me and sped through the Tijuana Airport as fast as possible, the bathroom at the CBX Terminal will be a welcome sight. If you cross at the regular borders ((ta && ta.queueForLoad ? This was convenient for me because I was already living in Tijuana at the time. Hi Maria, the online FMM application procedure is quite new and youd need to contact the INM direct to ask them to be sure, although its probably the Air option you need. If you are departing Mexico on a flight, your airline will insist you surrender your paper Visitors Permit, or show them the stamp in your passport before they will allow you to board. Parking at CBX is somewhat limited, and will run out early on busy travel seasons, such as December for the holidays. If youre flying another airline, youll have to wait until youre in the ticketing area in Tijuana Airport to check-in. Cross the skybridge in five minutes and fly directly out of Tijuana If you fly into the Tijuana Airport and have the appropriate passport/documents, yes. There is also a shuttle service that will take you to the Cross Border Xpress bridge. We are going to Punta Mita (flying TIJ-PVR) in a couple of weeks. Hey, it was worth it for the shorter immigration lines! Learn About Your Mexico Visitors Permit, FMM, Its important to keep this paper document safe, Subscribe to our Mexico Newsletter - It's Free, Learn more about the number of days being granted, As paper versions of the permit are phased out, Documents required for travel and entry to Mexico, Procedures for entering and leaving Mexico, financial criteria to qualify for residency in Mexico, https://www.mexperience.com/lifestyle/transport/driving-in-mexico/#31, https://www.mexperience.com/do-i-need-a-visa-to-visit-mexico/, https://www.mexperience.com/applications-for-residency-from-within-mexico/, https://www.mexperience.com/volunteering-in-mexico/, https://www.mexperience.com/lifestyle/mexico-essentials/mexican-consulates-abroad/, Mexico Phasing Out Use of Paper Visitor Permits (FMM), Changes to Time Allowed in Mexico Using a Visitor Permit, FAQs: Mexicos Visitor Visas and Visitor Permit, the FMM, Documents Required for Travel and Entry to Mexico, Procedures for Entering and Leaving Mexico, Principal Routes to Obtaining Legal Residency in Mexico, Time Limits on Mexico Visitor Visas and Residency Permits, Temporary and Permanent Residency in Mexico, Covid and Expiring Mexico Visitor and Residency Permits. Is it worth it for $30 USD? The Cross Border Xpress really is a fantastic option, you get all of the benefits of cheaper Mexican domestic flights, without the hassle of crossing the border via San Ysidro or Otay, which can be a complete nightmare. The paper versions of the FMM are being gradually phased out and replaced with a stamp in your passport. Here, you must scan your CBX ticket, passport, at an automated gate. Learn more about the number of days being granted to people arriving in Mexico under the auspice of a visitor permit, FMM. If youre like me, you want to keep going. But if you are already in Tijuana, why would you not just go to the airport or one of the borders beforehand and get your FMM? Sources: Covid-19 containment measures. thank you so much for your great report lol this is the first time i will fly and use CBX to los cabos. Cheap Flights from Tijuana to Cancun (TIJ-CUN) Prices were available within the past 7 days and start at $47 for one-way flights and $124 for round trip, for the period specified. For more info, check out my complete guide to FMM visitors permit here or check out my Youtube video about the FMM. Note that paper versions of the permit are being phased out and substituted for a stamp in your passport, so this issue is becoming less relevant. Particularly if you use the Cross Border Xpress. Then it wants us to specify what "State" in Mexico we are visiting and the address. You can find details on this article: https://www.mexperience.com/lifestyle/mexico-essentials/mexican-consulates-abroad/. As you are a temporary resident of Mexico, you need to attend an immigration kiosk at the airport/border before you depart the country. You will find all of the amenities you would expect from a busy airport. There is another important form that you will need to cross into the Tijuana Airport via the CBX bridge, the FMM, a Mexican customs/immigration form. Tijuana is the largest city in the Mexican state of Baja California, set on the Pacific Ocean and right on the border with the US state of California. Fly from Tijuana (TIJ) with Mexico and Central America's leading airline. Please SAVE the PDF for your personal use. Both lots are relatively secure, though parking will be limited, the Tijuana airport really wasnt built to handle tons of parking like you will see at many American airports. ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-113599012', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');san Ysidro is more stricter.you need a passport to get your fmm. All you'll need to fly within Mexico is your passport. It could potentially save you a 3+ hour line back to the United States, which is not unusual at either San Ysidro or Otay. You can also complete the FMM form at the Cross Border Xpress terminal, they have setup a station with multiple computers where you can complete the form and print it out. There are discounts for families or if you buy tickets in bulk if you need to cross often. All international departures from *any* Mexican airport require an FMM form; the destination of said (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? If youre willing to put in a bit more effort on the planning and booking side, as well as make the trip to Tijuana, you can save hundreds of dollars on your international airfare this way. I had lost my receipt and had no option but to pay again. This post has been removed at the author's request. " You are free to walk to any of the two concourses. After passing through immigration, youll see a counter where an airline staff member will take your checked luggage. Transportation from San Diego to Tijuana airport. I used this trick when I went to Cuba. In addition to the periodic sanitizing and cleaning of all areas in Tijuanas International Airport, both airport personnel, and passengers must follow these safety measures. Ok, so youve got your parking situation figured out, youve got your CBX and flight tickets ready, luggage all packed, passports in your possession and youre ready to cross into Mexico! The first step in your journey to Mexico via the Tijuana Airport, is, of course, to purchase your flight tickets. The actual purchase process is very straightforward, go to the CBX website, choose the ticket type and amount you need, input the required payment information, and you will receive a digital copy of your ticket via email. After crossing the border, catch a taxi or Uber to the airport. Please advise and thanks again. If you fly out in late December, CBX parking will be at 100% capacity, and street parking full for miles around. Sometimes the immigration official fills the form out for you. Also: Read this article about changes in the number of days being granted to people arriving in Mexico under auspice of a visitor permit, FMM. There is no time limit to remain outside the country before re-entering using a new FMMand thus obtaining up to another (maximum of) 180 days to stay in Mexico. I am flying back to Vancouver next week only because I want to turn around and come back to Puerto Vallarta and stay another 180 days. The Tijuana Airport even has a VIP Lounge too! ; Evidence: Information presented in testimony or in documents that is used to . The tourist permit fee is usually included in the flights ticket price under taxes and fees. The CBX terminal opened in 2015 and makes TIJ the worlds first binational airport. Enjoy our entertainment on board, including free food and drinks on all flights from Tijuana. Will I be allowed? You can complete the form online at the Instituto Nacional de Migracion website, print it out and bring it with you with the rest of the documents. ; Devise: To gift property by will. You can just drive there, walk across, and catch your flight. Hi Mike, This step-by-step guide will walk you through flying out of Tijuana airport and using the Cross Border Xpress. If youre looking for flights to Central or South America, I recommend you check for flights from Mexico City. You have just completed a fantastic trip to Mexico, but alas, time to come back to reality and return to the USA. The CBX is also convenient if youre driving. 40101 note) and the item relating to that section in the table . Some people have been using the flexibility of the FMM to stay in Mexico longer-termleaving Mexico when it expires, and re-entering Mexico again in short order. Given that the Tijuana Airport primarily serves domestic flights, the VIP Lounge does not provide sleeping areas, nor showers. I only recommend products and services that I use and know. If for some reason you dont want to use the CBX bridge for your Tijuana Airport flights, maybe the costs is too high, or you already happen to be in Tijuana, read on. Dont be one of these unaware travelers, go pay your fee at the booth, and then take your stamped FMM forms to the immigration lines. The 180 day limit is per-visit, not per year. I turned in my FMM when I left Mexico, but they did not put an exit stamp in my passport. Hi, To use the border Xpress are you required to have a passport? If you decide to cross the border at the big Tijuana crossing then take a taxi to the airport, you will have to travel through the city. Youre about halfway done with your San Diego to Tijuana Airport journey, but the rest of the way is pretty easy. This will involve some form-filling and filing, and payment of a permit replacement fee (about US$40). Thank you so much; very informative! You might save a few bucks. Southern California offers plenty of airports to choose from. Choose a line, place the items in a plastic container, slide any carry-on luggage and other items through the X-ray machine, pass through the metal detector, etc. This allowance is given per entry: every time you exit and re-enter Mexico on another date the allowance resets. (You surrender your current FMM when you leave and get a new FMM when you return. This will enable re-entry to Mexico as a resident. There are two Tijuana Airport parking options. This data is provided only for informative purposes. ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-113592174', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');flight is not important nor a factor. All non-US residents will require a passport, visa, and the I95 permit that can be processed at the border, as well as a $16 fee that can be paid at the CBXs official website. The parking process is the same for any of the CBX parking lots. You can see the pricing in the table below, not too terrible for airport parking, though it can add up for long trips. Hi, not sure if this thread is still active, but Ill try my question and see. Youll spend all of 15 minutes in Tijuana. Reasons flights are cheaper include: From Tijuana airport, you can catch direct flights to over 35 locations in Mexico including: From Tijuana, I have seen round trip tickets to popular destinations like Cancun or Mexico City for between $100-$150. A tip is to fold it into your passport and use a paperclip to make sure it doesnt slip out. Getting to the Tijuana Airport without using CBX, Returning to the USA via Cross Border Xpress, Tijuana Airport Baggage Claim & CBX Bridge, directions from Otay to the Tijuana Airport, How to Cross the Tijuana Border: San Ysidro and Otay. Its not as simple as going to the immigration office (at least not in the state of Campeche). Follow the signs and start walking towards your vacation. Is that correct or am I overlooking something here? The current price is $38. Where do I get the FMM form before boarding the (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? The FMM form is asking how long we will be in Mexico, which will be less then 1 day. Plenty of food options, both sit-down and to-go. If you dont have any luggage to check, simply exit the CBX terminal. You could walk across the border but it might be a bit of a hassle with the kids. Using the CBX Tijuana Airport bridge can be a daunting task, but dont worry, Ill list everything you will need to do on the day of your flight. AM185 G33837 KL9093 LA7775. Here, you must scan your CBX ticket. I am in Monterrey with a foreign vehicle and FMM. Great write up, thank you. Simply check which Gate your flight was assigned, and follow the signs to the appropriate concourse. Visitors Permits cannot be extended or renewed. However, I am already in Mexico (Tijuana) and now I am asking for the FMM form, will that be a problem ? Safe Parking at San Ysidro - TIJ border - 4 nights . Boarding a flight in the Tijuana Airport is the same process you would encounter in the USA. Also, it is important to note that even though it is called CBX Shuttle, the service is not managed by Cross Border Xpress, it is managed by a company called Damaris Express. The driver will drop you off at departures. I (1-1-12 Edition) the FAA, the operator must dem-onstrate to the FAA that such a pre-server can be used during an evacu-ation and will allow all passengers to Cross Border Xpress parking features four lots. Aeromexico Gol KLM Royal Dutch Airlines LATAM Airlines. Always follow the instructions from your airline about how early to arrive. If you end up needing to spend the night in Tijuana before or after your trip, consider these hotels. This flight has a stop over at Mexico city airport for a few hours, will they require the FMM form again to board ? If its not, then the airline will ask for payment separately. where did you go? En Route [+] Mexico City (MEX) 01:22 pm. CBX staff will check your ticket and let you on through. Cross Border Xpress and Tijuana Airport Step by Step Guide, Immigration officials will not check your, There is another important form that you will need to cross into the Tijuana Airport via the CBX bridge, the, Cross Border Xpress Steps Before You Arrive, Buying Tickets for Tijuana Airport Flights, What to expect Day of Departure via Cross Border Xpress, Crossing the CBX Bridge into the Tijuana Airport. Is the INM booth open 24 hours a day and 7 days a week ? Caution Using a visitor permit for continual re-entry to Mexico. While Tijuana is a dangerous city, statistically, this trip is low risk. Itll be a bit longer of a walk, but you do save yourself a bit on the daily parking rates. Scan your electronic CBX ticket and boarding pass preventing contact with the electronic door reader. At no additional cost to you, I earn a commission if you make a purchase through these links. We are planning to stay near Puerto Vallarta 5 months until Christmas, then fly home for the holidays then hopefully fly back to the RV with a fresh 180 days and continue south to Central America. Hi there! Traveling internationally can be difficult, with a plethora of rules and regulations to follow. Near the CBX entrance there will be a booth where you can buy a ticket if you didnt do so online (you remembered to save your Round Trip CBX ticket from the beginning of your trip, right?). Failure to do so might cause delays the next time you try and enter Mexico. See the eFMM Application Pageon the Mexican immigration site for details, terms and conditions. Another option would be for you to get your FMM in person at the land border, and take that to the airport with you. Hi Chuck, thank you for sharing your experience: while procedures will vary by state (some may not ask for a police report) the bureaucracy is time consuming and a reminder to folks to take good care of the FMM (Visitor Visa) card while youre in Mexico. Well, until you see the parking bill for your three-week trip! If you are not a Mexican citizen, you must present this form when you cross into Mexico. Ciudad Juarez (CJS) 11:55 am. I need to stay here longer, is there any way to extend my stay without leaving here? The walk across takes about 3 minutes at an average pace. On the 14 th of February, 2012, a bill known as ' H.R.658 - FAA Modernization and Reform Act of 2012 ' became public law. The fee is approximately US$25. When buying a ticket, its always a good idea to check the prices out of Tijuana. If you wish to eat before going to check-in, you will see plenty of options here, as well as currency exchange booths to change USD to Pesos, bathrooms, shops, etc. In order to cross the CBX sky bridge and enter Tijuana airport, you need four documents: Every non-Mexican citizen needs to fill out this form when entering Mexico. From there, you can find budget flights to popular destinations outside of Mexico like Colombia, Costa Rica, or Peru. Turn towards the West side of the airport, and continue until you see the check-in counters, which are located at the far West end of the Tijuana Airport.