Crossing the Border and Getting your FMM Stamped
Crossing at San Ysidro, Tecate, and Mexicali and getting your FMM
Crossing into Mexico can be intimidating at first, but once you’ve done it once, it’ll be smooth sailing. The important thing to remember is to get you FMM stamped, and here is where to do it at each of the border crossings, at San Diego / San Ysidro / Tijuana, Tecate, and Mexicali / Calexico. A Forma Migratoria Múltiple, aka FMM, is required to travel in Mexico. It can be obtained at the border at an INM (Instituto Nacional de Migración) office or online here. Note: Even if you obtained your FMM online, you still need to stop and get it stamped.
San Diego / Tijuana Crossing
Tijuana Customs - Garita El Chaparral
Canalización Rio Tijuana s/n, Federal, 22010 Tijuana, B.C., Mexico
When approaching the border on I-5 stay in the far right lane. When I-805 merges into I-5, immediately move to the far right lane. Follow signs saying "Something to Declare (Autodeclaración)" When approaching the plaza, the crossing will be a sharp left. Instead continue straight to reach the other side of the plaza and there will be a small parking lot for declarations. Park here and have your FMM stamped inside.
Calexico / Mexicali West Crossing
Puerto Fronterizo Mexicali I
Calz. de los Presidentes S/N, Río Nuevo, 21120 Mexicali, B.C.
Keep to the left. Park in the declarations lot and walk into the building next to it to get your stamp. (Ignore the map image, it hasn’t been updated since construction was completed.
Tecate Crossing
Control de Aduanas de Tecate
Pdte. Lázaro Cárdenas 190, Primera, 21400 Tecate, B.C., Mexico
Make a right turn immediately after you cross the inspection area.