Crossing the Andrade Border - Explore Los Algodones

There’s few things more nerve wrecking than visiting a border crossing for the first time without knowing what to expect. I am a researcher by nature and like to know what I’m walking into as well as the rules I’m expected to follow. My online search for information took me to US government websites, Mexican government websites and social media but never gave me the answers I was looking for. Now that I have crossed the border at the Andrade Port of Entry many times, I’ll share my experience as an American citizen visiting Los Algodones.

My search also led me to plenty of warnings about visiting Mexico and sensationalized articles thanks to the hot topic of immigration in the US lately. The Andrade border crossing is far from both Washington DC and Mexico City and all the politics that come with them. There are definitely a few dangerous border crossings into Mexico but this one is known for being quite the opposite. Plenty of people have asked me if there’s chaos and danger at the border like they have seen on the news but I’ve never seen any evidence of it when going to Los Algodones, even throughout 2025 and into 2026. (If you’re concerned about safety, read Is Los Algodones Safe in 2026?)

Of all the international border crossings I’ve been to throughout the world, Andrade Port of Entry is by far the smallest and as a result, the most relaxed. It seems to have been put in place almost solely for Los Algodones and the Dental and Medical tourism. The road between the US and Mexico is a very small two lane road (one lane on each side) and is for personal vehicles only. The port of entry is open to either walk or drive through and has a parking lot right up against the wall to make walking in easier.

What NOT to Bring:

Guns and Ammo – This one is very serious, especially going into Mexico. Triple check your bags and vehicles for even a single used shell! They really don’t play around about this.
Weapons and Fireworks – Stun guns, pepper spray, large knives (not including regular pocket knives), and explosives of any kind (including fireworks) are among the weapons on the list of prohibited items.
Marijuana and Illegal Drugs – This does include medications that contain pseudoephedrine (some cold medicines) or codeine.
Vapes (Marijuana AND Tobacco) – Vapes of all kinds are illegal in Mexico.
Agricultural Items – Some fresh produce, meats, and plants are not allowed to cross. (View US list and Mexico list of prohibited items)
More than $10,000 USD in Cash, Checks or Monetary Notes – Anything less than $10,000 is not a problem. More than this must be declared and customs is going to have questions. Walking into Mexico with this much cash seems like a terrible idea to me. Dentists and doctors in Los Algodones usually take debit/credit as well as Zelle and other similar apps.

Crossing into Mexico at Andrade Port of Entry

Walking Across:

There is a parking lot (run by the Quechen Reservation) that is right up against the border wall on one side and the walkway into the Mexican port of entry on the other. You can pay by cash or card at the entrance for either day parking or overnight parking.

Upon entering the building at the end of the walkway, everyone entering (regardless of age) must present a passport. The Mexican government tightened border security in early 2025 and a drivers license is no longer accepted. (Don’t worry – you can get one quickly! Check out How to get a US Passport in 48 hours)

Next they will ask how long you are staying to determine if you need a visa (FMM), which is only needed if you are staying overnight. When researching this online, I found an online form that requires payment of a fee. Luckily I didn’t use it because they have always filled out a very small form by hand and have never charged me a fee. It’s a very quick process. Make sure to keep this paper in your passport during your trip as it is your permission to be in the country.

Next comes the physical bag search, x-ray for baggage and metal detector. The search process seems to be different each time but it is always thorough. K9’s are often around as well although I only ever see them used to check vehicles.

The Mexican officials have always been professional, friendly and obviously used to people crossing over for a dental visit or something similar. Medical tourism is what puts food on the table for the majority in this small town and this crossing is a very small, single window crossing that doesn’t accept commercial traffic. For anyone visiting for tourism and respecting the countries laws, it’s super quick and easy.

As you walk out of the building, you’ll walk by the public restrooms, which are sometimes very necessary after a road trip. Just make sure to grab toilet paper before you go into the stall from the dispenser on the wall! A few more feet and you’ll walk right onto the streets of Los Algodones!

The first people you will see will most likely be the guys at Phoenix Pharmacy on the corner. They will welcome you to Mexico with the friendly hospitality that I love about the Mexican people, give you a ride if you need it (they appreciate tips!), let you know about the California Hotel (owned by the same owner as the pharmacy) and ask you what kind of services they can help you find. If you need directions, just ask them or pretty much anyone you walk past in front of the businesses. In my experience, everyone is always happy to help.

As you continue your walk, be prepared to say the phrase “No, thanks” a few hundred times as most businesses have someone standing out front asking if you are looking for whatever service they offer or item they sell. It can be overwhelming at first but the culture shock wears off quickly. Read more in the Explore Los Algodones section!

Driving Across:

Crossing into the US at Andrade Port of Entry

Walking Across:

There is a parking lot (run by the Quechen Reservation) that is right up against the border wall on one side and the walkway into the Mexican port of entry on the other. You can pay by cash or card at the entrance for either day parking or overnight parking.

Upon entering the building at the end of the walkway, everyone entering (regardless of age) must present a passport. The Mexican government tightened border security in early 2025 and a drivers license is no longer accepted. (Don’t worry – you can get one quickly! Check out How to get a US Passport in 48 hours)

Next they will ask how long you are staying to determine if you need a visa (FMM), which is only needed if you are staying overnight. When researching this online, I found an online form that requires payment of a fee. Luckily I didn’t use it because they have always filled out a very small form by hand and have never charged me a fee. It’s a very quick process. Make sure to keep this paper in your passport during your trip as it is your permission to be in the country.

The physical bag search, x-ray for baggage and metal detector are the next step. The search process seems to be different each time but it is always thorough. K9’s are often around as well although I only ever see them used to check vehicles.

The Mexican officials have always been professional, friendly and obviously used to people crossing over for a dental visit or something similar. Medical tourism is what puts food on the table for the majority in this small town and this crossing is a very small, single window crossing that doesn’t accept commercial traffic. For anyone visiting for tourism and respecting the countries laws, it’s super quick and easy.

As you walk out of the building, you’ll walk by the public restrooms, which are sometimes very necessary after a road trip. Just make sure to grab toilet paper before you go into the stall from the dispenser on the wall! A few more feet and you’ll walk right onto the streets of Los Algodones!