Border FastLane Pass - July 2011 Update
Things are still going well with the Fast Pass. Wait times we have heard range from 5 - 45 minutes depending upon the time of day. Recently friends of ours crossed within 20 minutes in the morning. If you have personal experience with this lane, please let us know.Fast Track Pass Tips:
- Be sure to double check before you go that the hotel or restaurant has the pass.
- Need help finding the lane? See our pictoral on finding the Fast Pass lane
- Google Map to the Fast Track Lane from the Río Zone or along the road that borders the U.S. - La Internacional.
- Remember that usually there are cones that block the lane as you approach the booth. If you pull off near the cones the officers will come out of the booth to take your ticket and graciously let you through.
How to Find the Border Fast Track Lane
NOW OPEN!
Save Time Crossing Back into the U.S.
A new border lane has been officially opened at the Tijuana/San Ysidro border crossing and it isn't a SENTRI lane. The Baja California Secretary of Tourism together with the Tijuana Convention and Visitors Bureau and the Secretary of Economic Development in Tijuana have designated a lane for tourists (vacationers, business people and medical tourism) who have visited certain merchants in Baja. Until now, this lane had been dedicated to medical tourism and has now been expanded. Update: The program is now run by the Ayuntamiento of Tijuana.What is the Border Fast Pass?
The border fast pass program, officially called FastLane, but commonly called Fast Pass, is a single-use coupon that gives you access to a special lane designated for tourists. You will still need to present the necessary documentation to U.S. border officials.How much time can I save by using Fast Pass Lane?
This lane will significantly reduce your wait time to get back into the U.S. Reports say the wait on average is 30 minutes or so, but officials say the goal is a 15 minute wait.How do I get a FastLane Pass?
Certain merchants in the city of Rosarito, Ensenada and Tijuana carry the Border FastLane Pass. As the program develops, more will be added. Check with the hotel or restaurant for specific requirements. Some will offer the pass with a package and others for visiting the spa, restaurants, etc. at the hotel with a minimum purchase. Some to do not require a minimum purchase.- If you are visiting Rosarito, you may obtain your Fast Pass pass by visiting these establishments:
- Rosarito Beach Hotel
- Rosarito Inn
- Bobby's by the Sea
- Lizard Lounge
- Grand Baja Resort
- Calafia Hotel
- Festival Plaza
- Brisas del Mar Hotel
- Mongolian Grill
- Fausto Polanco hacienda furniture
- Puerto Nuevo
- Fiesta El Pescador
- La Casa de la Langosta restaurant - 12/14/11 update: sources are telling us they do not have it at this time
- Puerto Nuevo II restaurant
- Establishments in Ensenada:
- Posada El Rey Sol
- Estero Beach Hotel
- Adobe Guadalupe Hotel
- Desert Inn Hotel
- Best Western El Cid - 12/14/11 update: sources are telling us they do not have it at this time
- El Cortez Baja Inn
- Hotel Santo Tomas Baja Inn
- El Rey Sol restaurant
- Playitas Club del Mar
- Establishments in Tijuana:
- La Casa del Mole - Playas de Tijuana
- Dali Suites - Playas de Tijuana
- Hotel Real del Rio
- Corona Plaza Hotel
- La Carnicería
- Vivamex Health Care
- Caliente
- Vita Spa
What border crossings have a Fast Pass lane?
Only the San Ysidro border crossing has special Border Fast Pass lane at this time.Where is the Fast Pass lane located?
If you are heading to the border from the scenic toll road, once you are near the border line on Calle Segunda, you will take the far right lane that is sectioned off by concrete dividers and parallels the regular border line. Look for the blue signs that say "With Pass Only" and the blue signs that say "Medical Services." After going up the bridge, you will see a booth with an official who will take your Fast Track pass and give you access to the lane. What a breeze!See our pictorial on how to get to the special Fast Track lane.
How much does it cost to get a FastLane pass?
The pass is free once you have met the requirements mentioned above.Will there be more Fast Pass lanes in the future?
Currently the Border Fast Pass program is a pilot program. If the lane is a success, more lanes will be added.Is the FastLane like the SENTRI lane?
It is similar to the SENTRI in that you can cross the border faster, however there is no background check and the pass is only good for one crossing.Are there any other options to cross the border faster besides the Fast Pass or SENTRI?
Yes. Recently a new lane was opened in Otay Mesa called the Ready Lane. This lane requires you to have one of the several types of RFID enabled cards like a passport card, SENTRI card, enhanced drivers license, etc. Passports with chips do not work in this lane however. Read more...More Information
This page will be updated as the program is further developed. Have you used the lane already? Please let us know your experience by emailing us at service(at)bajabound.com. Thank you for your comments.
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