Andrade ↔ Los Algodones border crossing checklist for dental patients

Before you go

• Pick your re-entry document. For U.S. citizens arriving by land, CBP lists a U.S. passport, a passport card, an Enhanced Driver's License, a Trusted Traveler card (NEXUS, SENTRI or FAST) and a few other documents (CBP: Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative).
• REAL ID is not on that list. CBP's land-border list names the Enhanced Driver's License, not a REAL ID license. Bring one of the listed documents.
• Permanent residents present the permanent resident card (Form I-551) (CBP: WHTI).
• Children under 16 who are U.S. citizens may present an original or copy of a birth certificate when arriving by land from Mexico (CBP: Before Your Trip).
• SENTRI is a CBP program for pre-approved travelers that uses dedicated lanes at southern land ports; it requires a background check and interview before enrollment (CBP: SENTRI).
• Check the hours. CBP's Andrade port page lists office hours of 6:00 am to 10:00 pm PT, every day (CBP: Andrade port page). Check CBP's current hours on that page the day you cross, and plan your appointment so you are back in line well before closing.
• Confirm your appointment in writing with the clinic, including the time and what records to bring.

At the port going south

• Carry your documents on you, not in a bag you might set down. CBP's advice is to carry, not pack, travel documents (CBP: Before Your Trip).
• Leave U.S. fruit and meat at home. CBP's Mexico page says you cannot bring them back (CBP: trip to Mexico).
• If you are unsure what you may bring back, CBP suggests asking a CBP officer before you go (CBP: trip to Mexico).

At the clinic

• Ask for a written treatment summary and copies of any X-rays for your records.
• If you are given a prescription, ask for it in your name, in writing, with the medication in its original packaging. CBP advises carrying medications in original packages and says prescription medications have to be under the traveler's name (CBP: Before Your Trip).
• Keep receipts together in one envelope; CBP suggests this for purchases abroad (CBP: Before Your Trip).
• Watch the time so you reach the line before the port's listed closing time.

Coming back north

• Check the wait. CBP publishes live wait times on its Border Wait Times site.
• Declare. CBP's Mexico page states that all articles acquired in Mexico must be declared (CBP: trip to Mexico). If in doubt, declare it; items you do not declare can be forfeited (CBP: What to Expect When You Return).
• Medication. CBP says medication you travel with must comply with FDA rules, and with DEA rules if it is a controlled substance (CBP: Prohibited and Restricted Items). FDA explains that for U.S. citizens, importing drugs for personal use is in many circumstances illegal, with limited exceptions (FDA: Personal Importation). Declare medication and have the paperwork ready.
• Agricultural items must be declared; CBP's Mexico page warns of fines for failing to declare them (CBP: trip to Mexico).
• Have your document in hand before you reach the officer.

What to bring

• One accepted re-entry document per person (CBP list)
• Appointment confirmation and clinic contact number
• Your current medication in original packages, under your name (CBP)
• A list of your medications and allergies for the dentist
• An envelope for receipts and the clinic's written treatment summary
• Water, sun protection and comfortable shoes for the walk

Clinics in this Guide

Ask either clinic to confirm your appointment time in writing so you can plan around the port's hours. Compare clinics · Get a quote

Frequently Asked Questions