What's it like to cross the border at Laredo?

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Lights&action

Hi,

I live in Laredo, I frequent the border various times a month (min 3 or 4 times). To answer your question in a nut shell, no, border patrol agents are just feisty because they've been standing there for so many hours at a time. Depending on how you address them they will address you. If you're arrogant with them, they will walk all over you (legally they know ways to do so). Ive heard rumors of them confiscating peoples DVD because of piracy. Just don't buy pirated movies. Declare all your belongings and you should have no problems. Make sure medicines are over the counter type (yes I know, all medicines there are). Medicines you would buy in the US over the counter. Sometimes it just depends on the agent questioning you. Plan to be at the bridge a long time because they are looking for everything that will threaten the nation (not only drugs). If they go over your digital camera pictures they will be asking you where you've been to compare your answers to the pics in the cam. After rush hour in the morning (Approx. 10 am) bridge is fairly empty. If you go at 6 am do not do so during week days. The reason is all the locals in Mexico cross the border at that time to show up to work in the downtown area of Laredo. The car or bus dilemma is easily solved by your time available. You want to travel by car to go just where ever you please then spend some time getting your visa and the car permit. If you want to be limited by walking and buses then travel by bus. Passport issue, is my understanding that you need a passport to get a visa to travel further into Mexico. I may be mistaken. I believe the Border Patrol agents have at the booth a historial on your entries or exits at that particular border so if youre a frequent visitor and have no strikes against you they only question you lightly. When youre new they tend to want to know more about you so theyll question you some more. I could write a book worth of info but I only have this space and your judgement to ask me more questions if you wish.

avomatic

you are in luck, laredo is my home town. you will not get too much hassle at the border, customs doesnt really care for electronics, except if you are not able to power them on for inspection, so make sure they are charged, but if you have a lot of luggage, you are better off crossing the border on the bus, expect 1 to 2 hours at the border checkpoint

Nid C

Im 21 and we have gone through that border since I was a baby. You go through this light system if you get stuck with a red light you car/bus gets checked which means they take everything out but they don't search through you computer or ipod. I personally don't like the border.. There are alot of shaddy people just watch your back. Especial with the drug cartels these last couple years.

Martina s

no matter which way you go walking or driving they are going to go through your things they are looking for drugs I just came back from there and about to go back again I didnt have my things taken

photoartindy

It varies a lot. Usually, they just rifle through your luggage, looking for drugs. Sometimes, they'll have a drug-dog there, too.

Once, a couple of years ago when driving back, they practically took my car apart -- even popped out the back seat cushions and had the drug-dog sniff it. They checked every piece of clothing (jeans pockets, etc.), flicked through every book, and scrutinized every page of a Mexican girlie magazine I had bought. After waiting almost three hours in line, it took another two hours for them check everything. Then, the worst part is that they didn't even bother to put everything back -- they left all my clothes and stuff piled on the inspection table and just put my backseat in without re-attaching it (which was kinda difficult).

Another time, I had to wait while the Customs cop went through EVERY picture on my digital camera.

So, it's hard to say -- I guess it depends on which cop you get and what kinda mood they're in. I'm not sure if there's a better day or not, but early mornings (6am) seem to be least busy.

dazzle

this trip is fun have done this many times and I also used to live in Laredo. First of all get a permission to travel by by land in the mexico because they might ask for one when traveling by bus adn you dont want to get kicked out of the bus and left stranded at the checkpoint because sometimes they are strict on enforcing the law. this permission can be obtained at the bridge just ask and they will let you know where its at because its right after you enter nuevo laredo and it cost about twenty dollars and last for six months. Dont worry about getting ripped off this service is done by the govt.

I would definately travel by bus comes out cheaper and much safer because on the way to Monterrey you have a toll highway or you can risk taking their old highway and risk falling of the cliff since its a one lane not so safe highway. If you choose to go in your own car you will have to pay a fee to use the new safe highway, not sure on the cost but it will cost you about 15 dollars or so one way no more than that. If you take the bus the price on the ticket will take you on the new highway. Its about 17 dollars one way or cheaper so you will safe money and gas.

about customs on the way back thats not true the laredo border patrol customs are strict but that it is a false idea that the search is intense.
If you have your passport since they will ask for it you shall have no problems coming back into the U.S.

any questions just post them up?

-also on the day and time it doesnt really matter there is not holiday going on in Mexico right now so its normal or as usual

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