Crossing into Mexico is so easy that drivers unaccustomed to the El Paso area have often been known to make a wrong turn and find themselves  pulling up to a Mexican customs booth before they know what happened.  If this should happen to you and you happen to be carrying any type of a gun or even one round of ammunition, you could find yourself in the custody of the Mexican penal system for a long time.  The #1 rule when going to Mexico is NO GUNS, NO AMMO!  Otherwise, crossing into Mexico is a snap.

THE BRIDGES
In the El Paso area there are three primary bridges to take you over the Rio Grande river.  The oldest of the three in downtown El Paso is actually two separate bridges. If you are driving into Mexico, go South on Stanton Street, pay $1.25 at the toll booth and cross the bridge.  Coming back into the US, you will need to get on Benito Juarez Avenue  and pay $1.40 on the Mexican side.  You will arrive in downtown El Paso on El Paso Street.

Mexicans are a proud and
hospitable people.

If you are walking, this El Paso street bridge will probably be the most convenient.  Just follow the other pedestrians up the sidewalk on El Paso Street  to the toll collector and return the opposite way on the same bridge.  Walking across will cost you 25 cents each direction.  You can walk across any of the bridges but this is the bridge used by the vast majority of pedestrians.

If you are driving, but for whatever reason don't wish to take your car across, go South on Santa Fe Street (one block west of El Paso Street).  Park your car at any of the pay parking lots located at the end of the street, and follow the signs to the pedestrian toll booth.  Instead of walking the 100 yards across the bridge, you can take one of the many tour cars  or taxis that wait near the parking lots , but this will cost you anywhere from 10 to 20 dollars to get to the other side.

The main bridge for automobiles and some commercial trucks is the Bridge of the Americas (also known as the Cordova Bridge or the "free bridge"). Simply turn south on US 54 off of Interstate 10 and follow the signs across the bridge into Juarez.  There is no charge for crossing this bridge either direction.

MEXICAN CUSTOMS

No matter which bridge you cross, or how you cross, the procedure at Mexican immigration and customs is the same.  You will not be required to show a passport, proof of citizenship or obtain any paper work for a trip to Juarez.  If you are carrying newly purchased items in excess of $50, you may be required to pay a duty.  Be sure to get into the correct lane and declare your goods if necessary.

The Old Customs Building
Now a Juarez Museum

If you have nothing to declare, get in any of the main lanes and slowly pass through the gate.  As you pass through the gate either a red or green light will come on.  If you get a green light, just proceed onward unless a uniformed officer should wave you into a lane.  If you get a red light, usually accompanied by a bell, you will need to pull into a check lane and get checked for contraband.

Don't let any of this unnerve you. Mexican customs officers are normally very easy going and, as long as you don't have anything illegal, the worst that might happen is that you might get hit-up for a little mordita (the little bite). This is not likely to happen, but if is does, just look at it as a tip for good service. Going into Mexico under the worst conditions is much easier than coming back to the US.

If you are going further south than Juarez, see the information under Other Places to Go.