The United States extended temporary land border checks with Mexico until March 2027. The policy requires enhanced screening at all 24 ports of entry along the southern border. Officials cite ongoing fentanyl trafficking concerns as the primary reason for the extension.
Pedestrian crossing times averaged 95 minutes in June compared with 65 minutes in 2024. Vehicle lanes at San Ysidro and El Paso added 30 minutes on average. The Department of Homeland Security deployed 1200 additional officers since May.
The checks began as temporary measures in 2021 and have been renewed six times. Mexico reported a 14 percent drop in cross-border tourism revenue in the first half of 2026. Bilateral talks on easing measures resume in September.
What this means for you
Allow at least three hours for southbound crossings at major ports including San Diego and Nogales. Use the CBP One app to schedule appointments and reduce wait times by up to 40 minutes. Carry original passports rather than copies because secondary inspection rates rose to 18 percent.
Consider flying into interior Mexican airports such as Guadalajara or Monterrey to avoid border delays entirely. Avoid crossing on Friday afternoons and Sunday evenings when volumes peak. Purchase travel insurance that covers border delay expenses up to 500 USD per day.
Further extensions beyond March 2027 remain possible if trafficking statistics do not improve.