Yes. You will need a passport to cross into Mexico and return to USA. We also recommend Global Entry and SENTRI if driving so you can take the fastlane back into USA (details on this below).
Yes. Please check your provider for international rates and how to connect before crossing the border. For Verizon customers, some plans include data in MX or easy to turn on $10/day travel pass.
You need Mexican Auto Insurance. Luckily Patrick's dad Dan can help with this, reach out to him at dan@hodgkiss-insurance.com. We recommend bringing an SUV if you if you want to go to other wineries as most roads in the area are not paved. The trip to Bruma is accessible with a sedan. You will need ~$9 for tolls, so make sure to bring cash. USD is accepted at all tolls. For your safety please only drive during daylight hours.
There are three different options: San Ysidro Crossing, Otay Mesa Crossing, or Tecate Crossing near San Diego. You must have a passport. We recommend going through San Ysidro or Tecate. Going into Mexico is quick and easy, you may get stopped to have your car checked but otherwise it's smooth sailing. Returning from Mexico, specifically to the San Ysidro crossing can be a little confusing, requires you to drive through Tijuana, and takes a long time depending on the time of day. Check wait times here: https://bwt.cbp.gov We strongly recommend getting Global Entry AND signing up for a SENTRI pass with the car you intend to drive across the border. Apply for SENTRI here: https://www.cbp.gov/travel/trusted-traveler-programs/sentri/how-apply-sentri Note: You must register the specific car you intend to bring on your Global Entry account for SENTRI and all people in the car must have Global Entry. SENTRI enables you to go through a fast-pass type crossing so you don't have to sit in standard border crossing traffic. When navigating back to the San Ysidro SENTRI border line go to this location, it's the easiest way to navigate into the line:
The first and more common route is through the San Ysidro border crossing in Tijuana: https://maps.app.goo.gl/GuRnjtDgzvfnvhY76 , this route takes you down the coast on a toll road, about $2.25 at each toll gate and they take USD. The San Ysidro crossing is the busiest crossing at the border. The second route takes you through the Tecate crossing: https://maps.app.goo.gl/EPc6kb4TR7UxeNu6A which isn't as busy but takes you through rural Mexico.
You can rent a car in San Diego (or Mexico) and drive across the border, take group shuttle, or schedule private transport.
Group Shuttle- We will send a survey for group shuttle option closer to the wedding date. We expect roundtrip cost for group shuttle to be $100-200 per person. See details on travel page. Private Transfer - Ensenada Excursions and Tours: This company offers all types of transportation services whether it's across or from the border or airport, all excursions, and wine tours. Owner, Jesse: 1 (608) 554-4567 US line & WhatsApp Email: ensenadaexcursions@gmail.com (Ena his assistant) https://www.ensenadaexcursionsandtours.com/ DC Wine Tours: This company offers all types of transportation services whether it's from the border, private transport services (uber), or wine tours. Owner, Daniel: +52 (646) 272-1005 WhatsApp Email: thevalleywineroute@gmail.com When booking with either of these companies it's important that you mention - Group Code: Jess& Pat2025 Example Quotes [Ensenada Excursions]: For 2 people on a SD-VDG San Diego departing 6/13, returning 6/15. Round trip $680 For 4 people on a SD-VDG San Diego departing 6/13, returning 6/15. Round trip $925
We recommend flying into San Diego International Airport. From there, you can rent a car, take group shuttle, or schedule to private transport from the airport. You many also choose to fly into Tijuana.