Our aim is to help you gain access to quality and affordable bone and joint surgery in Tijuana. We also endeavor to provide you comprehensive information that will help you have a satisfying and safe trip across the border.

Getting There

  • Tijuana is about 17 miles from San Diego, California.
  • The San Diego International Airport (IATA: SAN) is less than half an hour’s drive from Tijuana.
  • The San Ysidro Port of Entry is the land border crossing between San Diego and Tijuana.
  • It is open 24 hours/day.
  • While re-entering the USA, fast lane medical pass (with a wait time of 30 minutes) is usually used.

Paperwork Required

  • American citizens need a valid passport or passport card to enter Mexic,o and also to return to the United States.
  • You will have to obtain an entry permit or Forma Migratoria Multiple (FMM) to travel farther than 25km into Mexico from the border area.
  • US citizens are exempt from a visa or a tourist card for a stay of less than 72 hours within 20-30 kilometers from the border zone.
  • Canadians entering Mexico need a passport with a minimum validity of six months (at the time of arrival).
  • Canadians traveling to Mexico for tourism for a stay less than 180 days do not need to apply for a visa.
  • Nonetheless, all Canadians entering Mexico (by land or plane) should have a tourist card duly filled and stamped at the port of entry.

Handy Safety Tips

  • American citizens are advised to sign up for the US Department of State’s Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) for regular safety and security updates.
  • Be aware of your surroundings.
  • Make sure you use ATMs only on business days located at protected establishments such as malls, rather than stand-alone ATMs.
  • Dial “066” in case of emergency; it is the Mexican equivalent of the American “911”.
  • Always hire a radio taxi (also called “sitio”); make sure to note down the driver’s name and license plate number.

Do Not Get Lost in Translation

Though you will be taken care by English-speaking case manager and orthopedic surgeon, to ensure you do not hit any language impediments, take note of the following words and phrases in Spanish:

 

English Spanish
Hello Hola
Goodbye Adios
Yes Si
No No
Thank you Gracias
Do you speak English? ¿Hablas inglés?
I do not understand No entiendo
I am sorry Lo siento
Help! ¡Socorro!
I am lost Estoy perdido/a
How do I get to ¿Cómo puedo llegar a _____ ?

 

Have sightseeing on your mind? Take a look at some of the popular travel attractions of Tijuana to plan your itinerary better.