What documents do I need to cross the border? Do I need a passport or SENTRI?

If you do not have a valid passport, tell our team: you may still return with your birth certificate and a valid government ID, such as a driver's license or REAL ID, but you will be sent to secondary inspection while a U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officer validates your citizenship, which may delay your travel by 1 to 2 hours. SENTRI or Global Entry is not required. If you have one of these cards, bring it, since it can expedite your return; if you do not, our transportation includes a medical pass that helps you cross back faster. Send us a copy of your passport or ID before your trip so we can prepare your medical pass.

Crossing an international border for medical care raises practical questions about documents, especially for patients who have never traveled to Mexico by land. This guide explains what you need to enter Mexico, what you need to return to the United States, how SENTRI, Global Entry and the medical pass work, and what to do in special situations.

Entering Mexico

When you cross from San Diego into Tijuana by land with our transportation:

• U.S. citizens: a driver's license or government ID is usually enough to enter Mexico.
• Short stays: for visits to Tijuana of a few days, the Mexican immigration form known as FMM is generally not necessary. It is usually recommended for patients who plan to stay in Mexico for more than five days or travel beyond the border area. Your advisor will tell you if you need it.
• Our drivers cross the border every day and guide you through the process.

Returning to the United States

This is the part that requires the most attention:

• A valid passport is the recommended document for U.S. citizens returning from Mexico, and CBP requires it to re-enter the country.
• Without a passport: you may still return with your birth certificate and a valid government ID, such as a driver's license or REAL ID. You will be sent to secondary inspection until the CBP officer validates your citizenship, which may delay your travel by 1 to 2 hours. Consider this when booking your return flight.
• Non-U.S. citizens: bring your passport and the appropriate travel documentation for your status, such as a valid visa or permanent resident card.

If you do not have a valid passport and have time before your trip, consider applying for one. The U.S. Department of State offers urgent and expedited passport services, with timelines that depend on your travel date.

SENTRI and Global Entry

SENTRI and Global Entry are trusted traveler programs managed by U.S. Customs and Border Protection. They are not required for your treatment, but if you have one:

• Bring your card for your return.
• It can expedite your return to the United States.

Even if you have SENTRI, when you travel with our transportation after your treatment, we may use the medical line, since you are crossing for medical treatment.

The medical pass

If you do not have SENTRI or Global Entry, our transportation includes a medical pass, which allows you to use the medical line to cross back into the United States faster after your treatment. To prepare it, we ask for:

• A copy of your passport or ID before your trip. It is used only for transportation coordination and patient identification, and access is restricted to the coordination team involved in your case. If you prefer, you may partially cover the passport number, as long as your full name and photo remain visible.

We recommend booking your return flight between 5:00 pm and 11:00 pm on your discharge day, so you have time for your final check and can use the medical pass.

Your return crossing, step by step

1. Discharge: after your final check in the morning, you receive your aftercare instructions and gather your documents.
2. Pick-up: our driver takes you from the clinic toward the border.
3. Medical line or trusted traveler lane: with the medical pass, or with your SENTRI or Global Entry card, you use the corresponding lane.
4. Inspection: a CBP officer reviews your documents and may ask a few questions about your trip. Answer clearly that you traveled for a medical treatment.
5. Back in San Diego: the driver takes you to the San Diego airport or your meeting point.

If you are sent to secondary inspection because you do not have a passport, stay calm and follow the officer's instructions. The extra time is the reason we recommend an evening flight.

Getting a passport before your trip

If you do not have a valid passport, plan ahead. The U.S. Department of State offers several service options, from urgent appointments for near-term travel to expedited and routine processing, and it reminds travelers to consider the total time, including mailing, when booking travel. Check the current timelines on the Department of State website and tell your advisor your expected date, so the team can plan your treatment accordingly.

Companions

Companions need the same documents as patients. Make sure your companion also has a valid passport or the documents they will use to return to the United States, and send us a copy of their ID or passport as well, so the team can coordinate the transportation.

Traveling with children

If you travel with a child, bring the child's valid passport or the documents required for minors, such as the birth certificate. Tell your advisor in advance, so the team can plan the transportation, including a car seat if needed.

Document checklist

Tips for a smooth crossing

• Check your passport's expiration date before your trip.
• Keep your documents in your hand luggage, not in checked bags.
• Carry your documents on your discharge day, together with your discharge instructions.
• Tell your advisor early if you do not have a passport, so the team can plan your schedule around a possible secondary inspection.
• Declare items as required when returning to the United States, including medications. Keep medications in their original containers.

Common questions

Can I enter Mexico with my driver's license? Usually yes, but you need a valid passport, or the alternative documents described above, to return to the United States.

Do I need SENTRI? No. If you have it, bring it. If not, our transportation includes a medical pass.

What if my passport is expired? Tell your advisor. You may return with your birth certificate and a valid ID, with a secondary inspection, or apply for an urgent or expedited passport if your travel date allows it.

Do I need the FMM form? Usually not for a short visit to Tijuana. Your advisor will tell you if you need it.

Does my companion need a passport? Yes, companions need the same documents as patients.

Can I use a passport card? A passport card is a U.S. travel document for land and sea crossings. Bring it, and tell your advisor which document you will use.

Will I be asked about my treatment at the border? The officer may ask about the purpose of your trip. Answer clearly that you traveled for a medical treatment, and keep your discharge instructions at hand in case you need them.

Questions to ask your advisor

• Which documents should I bring for my return?
• Do I need the FMM form for my stay?
• How does the medical pass work?
• What happens if I do not have a valid passport?

Bottom line

Travel with a valid passport. A driver's license or ID is usually enough to enter Mexico, but you need a valid passport to return to the United States, or your birth certificate and a valid ID with a secondary inspection that may add 1 to 2 hours. SENTRI or Global Entry is not required, and our transportation includes a medical pass for a faster return. A medical evaluation can help determine whether this type of regenerative treatment is appropriate for your condition, goals and medical history.