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  4. CBP Expands SENTRI Hours at Otay Mesa

CBP Expands SENTRI Hours at Otay Mesa

Release Date
Wed, 02/10/2016

OTAY MESA, Calif. — U.S. Customs and Border Protection officials announced today that the vehicle and pedestrian SENTRI lanes at the Otay Mesa port of entry will now be open from 4 a.m. until midnight, seven days per week, starting Tuesday, Feb. 16. 

“We are expanding the operating hours for the SENTRI lanes at Otay Mesa border crossing in response to increased demand, and are optimistic that these shorter wait times will persuade others, who are eligible, to apply for the Trusted Travel program,” said Sidney Aki, Port Director overseeing operations at the San Ysidro and Otay Mesa passenger crossings.  “When we are able to categorize more people as low risk travelers, coupled with traffic optimization at the port of entry, we are ensuring travelers experience better efficiency through quicker processing times.” 

Previously, the SENTRI vehicle lanes were open 5 a.m. until 11 p.m., Monday through Friday and 5 a.m. until midnight on Saturday and Sunday.  Operating hours for the SENTRI pedestrian lane at Otay Mesa were previously 5 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily.

“We are pleased to be offering SENTRI members’ access to the pedestrian SENTRI lanes and vehicle SENTRI lanes starting at 4 a.m. through midnight, the expanded hours will enhance their border crossing experience,” said Aki.

The Ready and general traffic vehicle and pedestrian lanes remain open 24 hours a day, seven days a week. 

At the Otay Mesa port of entry, 22 percent of travelers use the SENTRI lane.  The SENTRI program provides dedicated vehicle lanes and expedited processing at various ports of entry on the Southwest border for pre-approved, low-risk travelers.

The Otay Mesa passenger port of entry hosted the first SENTRI lane in the nation, opening in 1995. 

Travelers may consult the CBP website to monitor border wait times.  Information is updated hourly and is useful in planning trips and identifying periods of light usage and or shorter waits. 

Travelers may also monitor wait time information hourly for the San Ysidro border station by calling 619-690-8999, for the Otay Mesa border station by calling 619-671-8999 and for the Tecate border station by calling 619-938-8300.

U.S. Customs and Border Protection is the unified border agency within the Department of Homeland Security charged with the management, control and protection of our nation's borders at and between the official ports of entry. CBP is charged with keeping terrorists and terrorist weapons out of the country while enforcing hundreds of U.S. laws.

Last Modified: Feb 03, 2021