Crossing the Border for a Treatment in Tijuana: A Guide for San Diego Patients
Getting to Perfect Skin from San Diego is easier than most people expect: our Plaza Río clinic is about 10 minutes from the San Ysidro crossing. Here is everything you need for a smooth visit, from the documents to bring to the fastest ways back across the border.
1. What to bring
To return to the US, US citizens need a passport book, passport card, SENTRI card or another document that meets US entry rules. A regular driver’s license or birth certificate is not enough. Permanent residents should bring their green card.
- Driving? Most US car insurance does not cover you in Mexico, so buy Mexican auto insurance before you cross. It is inexpensive and can be bought online for a single day.
- Paying? We accept US dollars, Mexican pesos and cards, so you don’t need to exchange money.
2. Getting to the clinic
By car
After crossing at San Ysidro, Plaza Río is about a 10-minute drive into Zona Río. The plaza has its own parking. Our clinic is at local C-36-B, Paseo de los Héroes 96-98.
On foot
Many clients park on the US side, walk across at San Ysidro, and take an Uber or taxi from the Mexican side to Plaza Río, also about 10 minutes. Uber works normally in Tijuana.
3. Coming back: which lane to use
| Lane | Who can use it | What you need |
|---|---|---|
| General lanes | Everyone | Passport, passport card or other valid document. The longest wait. |
| Ready Lane | Drivers and pedestrians with a card that has a chip | Passport card, SENTRI or Global Entry card, or green card. Usually shorter than general lanes. |
| SENTRI | Approved SENTRI members | A SENTRI card. The fastest, but you have to apply months in advance. |
| Medical lane (Fast Pass) | Drivers with a pass from a registered medical provider | A Pase Médico with a QR code, linked to your car’s plates. Ask for it when you book. |
4. The Pase Médico, explained
The Pase Médico gives you access to the medical (Fast Pass) lane when you drive back to the US, which is usually much faster than the general lanes.
- Price: $46 USD ($820 MXN ÷ 18).
- How you get it: we send it as a PDF by WhatsApp or email.
- What we need: your car’s license plate and how many people are in the car.
- Validity: one crossing within 48 hours.
- Tip: passes for weekends can be limited, so ask when you book.
5. Tips for a faster trip
- Check live wait times on the US Customs and Border Protection «Border Wait Times» website or app before you head back.
- Weekday mornings are usually the quickest; Sunday afternoons are usually the slowest.
- Have your documents in hand before you reach the booth.
- Book your next session before you leave, so you only plan the trip once.
Planning your visit?
Message us on WhatsApp in English. We’ll book your session and your Pase Médico.
Frequently asked questions
How far is Perfect Skin from the San Ysidro border?
Our Plaza Río clinic is about a 10-minute drive from the San Ysidro crossing.
What documents do I need to come back to the US?
US citizens need a passport book, passport card, SENTRI card or another valid entry document. A driver’s license alone is not enough.
What is a Pase Médico?
A pass with a QR code that lets you use the medical (Fast Pass) lane when driving back to the US. It costs $46 USD ($820 MXN), is linked to your car’s plates and is valid for one crossing within 48 hours.
Can I walk across instead of driving?
Yes. Many clients walk across at San Ysidro and take an Uber or taxi to Plaza Río, about 10 minutes. The Pase Médico is for drivers.
See prices for laser hair removal, tattoo removal, HIFU and facials in Tijuana.
