BajaNomad

New Sentri directions?

SDRonni - 3-2-2014 at 09:23 AM

Read that approach to Sentri changed yesterday. We used to take that middle lane on Second, pass the medical lane kiosk, go down, uturn, then enter Sentri on the left (at the no left turn sign). Now I read it is only accessible via Padre Kino. Can anyone please give step by step directions? W/photos would be great! Thanks!

bajadock - 3-2-2014 at 09:27 AM

[img]http://bajadock.wordpress.com/2014/03/02/san-ysidro-sentri-change/[/img]

http://www.el-mexicano.com.mx/informacion/noticias/1/3/estatal/2014/03/01/734947/bulevard-padre-kino-unico-acceso-a-la-linea-sentri

[Edited on 3-5-2014 by bajadock]

Sentri

dpwahoo - 3-2-2014 at 09:30 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by SDRonni
Read that approach to Sentri changed yesterday. We used to take that middle lane on Second, pass the medical lane kiosk, go down, uturn, then enter Sentri on the left (at the no left turn sign). Now I read it is only accessible via Padre Kino. Can anyone please give step by step directions? W/photos would be great! Thanks!
just went thursday, it was the same. Hope it didnt change, took a year to figure out the other one!:?:

BooJumMan - 3-2-2014 at 09:33 AM

I went last weekend, it was the same as it ever was. Did it really change or not? Where did the above photo come from?

SDRonni - 3-2-2014 at 09:38 AM

Thank you, Bajadoc! do you know if this is a temporary change?

bajadock - 3-2-2014 at 09:41 AM

I just read the El Mexicano article this morning. Article was posted Saturday, 1 March @ 1:17PM.

"Temporary" or "permanent" in Baja is a state of mind. The border pathways seem to change on a whim.

[Edited on 3-2-2014 by bajadock]

Ateo - 3-2-2014 at 10:59 AM

Yep, per that article, the old Colonial Federal way to Sentri is dead. Follow the directions Bajadock posted.

SDRonni - 3-2-2014 at 12:41 PM

I also read that there some confusion between Sentri and Ready lanes. if any of you use the new Sentri directions, would appreciate a report.....Thanks!

Ateo - 3-2-2014 at 03:29 PM

Here's a good link for directions:

http://www.bajaexplorers.com/index.php/guidebook/tijuana?id=...

JAG - 3-2-2014 at 03:50 PM

As of this morning the new Padre Kino entrance was in effect when I crossed at 10:00 AM. Easy to find once on Padre Kino. The old way around the Hospital and the no Uturn sign is really out of the way if coming from the West.
Use the above map and you are In Like Flinn.

apple - 3-2-2014 at 05:16 PM

Are the Ready Lanes obvious? I'll be crossing through Tijuana next week for the first time. I'm not even sure which crossing is better (we're coming from Rosarito)

BooJumMan - 3-3-2014 at 08:11 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by JAG
As of this morning the new Padre Kino entrance was in effect when I crossed at 10:00 AM. Easy to find once on Padre Kino. The old way around the Hospital and the no Uturn sign is really out of the way if coming from the West.
Use the above map and you are In Like Flinn.


Great! Thanks for the report.

I wonder... How many people this morning during their Monday morning commute were thrown off.

Also, why on earth is this not documented on the SENTRI website?

dasubergeek - 3-3-2014 at 08:29 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by apple
Are the Ready Lanes obvious? I'll be crossing through Tijuana next week for the first time. I'm not even sure which crossing is better (we're coming from Rosarito)


Yes. Just go up the Vía Rápida toward the border and stay to the left.

Otay Mesa is usually a shorter wait but it does take longer to get there from Rosarito so factor that in. If you are using the regular lanes then Otayi s the better choice.

bajaguy - 3-3-2014 at 08:32 AM

Because it is Mexico. The booth location is in the US and did not change. Mexico can and does change the approaches on a whim and usually doesn't notify anybody
Quote:
Originally posted by BooJumMan

Also, why on earth is this not documented on the SENTRI website?

CortezBlue - 3-3-2014 at 08:49 AM

For future reference maybe you should add the SENTRI crossing name so we can find this info in the future

bajadock - 3-4-2014 at 10:09 AM



“¡A la derecha en la caja de la pizza!”

lizard lips - 3-4-2014 at 07:43 PM

Just went up this morning and got to the border at 10:00 and didn't cross until 11:25 ------------ F.U.B.A.R. -------------

Because the Ready Lane and the Sentri Lanes are now ONE until you get within 15 cars from the booth and those without Sentri are trying to get into the proper left lanes where the Ready Lane booths are it's just a mess. The two cars in front of me went through the Sentri Lane and were sent to secondary. I asked the guard if he sent those cars to secondary because they were in the wrong lane and he said yes. He also said they will wait there for at least 1 1/2 hours… I will not cross there until they fix it. I have a better plan!

When I returned to Ensenada all traffic was diverted to the center city on 10th street because of the Mardi Gras parade. The traffic was a mess, AGAIN… Bad day to travel. FAT TUESDAY? TERRIBLE TUESDAY!

Ateo - 3-4-2014 at 08:49 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by lizard lips
Just went up this morning and got to the border at 10:00 and didn't cross until 11:25 ------------ F.U.B.A.R. -------------

Because the Ready Lane and the Sentri Lanes are now ONE until you get within 15 cars from the booth and those without Sentri are trying to get into the proper left lanes where the Ready Lane booths are it's just a mess. The two cars in front of me went through the Sentri Lane and were sent to secondary. I asked the guard if he sent those cars to secondary because they were in the wrong lane and he said yes. He also said they will wait there for at least 1 1/2 hours… I will not cross there until they fix it. I have a better plan!

When I returned to Ensenada all traffic was diverted to the center city on 10th street because of the Mardi Gras parade. The traffic was a mess, AGAIN… Bad day to travel. FAT TUESDAY? TERRIBLE TUESDAY!


Dang!

Sounds like Otay will be my preferred crossing.

lizard lips - 3-4-2014 at 09:25 PM

Shhhhhhhhhhhhhh. Don't let it out Ateo…..

bajadock - 3-4-2014 at 09:58 PM

LL,
Clarification, please. I have conflicting reports.
...
From Padre Kino, do you go up and over the bridge....or do you hang a right before the bridge into the "AUTOBUS" lane???

And maybe it changes on a whim. I encourage everyone to use Mexicali until this is straightened out. :bounce::spingrin:

lizard lips - 3-4-2014 at 10:15 PM

You go up and over. There are only two lanes there and like you said, the Autobus Lane on the right which is the wrong way to go. We were backed up for about 45 minutes even before you reached the bridge. I saw many cars with the Sentri sticker in the lower left corner of the wind shield go past me in the right lane and I was thinking that maybe I should move over and that was the designated Sentri lane. WRONG.They tried to get in line at the start of the bridge but the cop wouldn't let them in. Good thing I stayed and went over the bridge.

And yes, please use the Mexicali Sentri. It will be faster for short trips to San Diego……..

[Edited on 3-5-2014 by lizard lips]

bajadock - 3-4-2014 at 10:21 PM

Thanks, Super Nomad Lizard Lips, for confirming Mexicali as the best border crossing to San Diego.

lizard lips - 3-4-2014 at 10:25 PM

Your welcome Doc. Maybe if we go up the same day we can meet and have breakfast in Calexico?

any updates

skipowell - 3-5-2014 at 09:27 PM

Curious if anyone has gone through San Ysidro in the past day. I noticed someone on another site commenting that the Sentri line was a mess but problem was solved. Would love to get first hand information otherwise will go to Otay to be safe.
Thanks for any responses

SENTRI Otay

bajaguy - 3-5-2014 at 09:36 PM

DON'T Ever use Otay.

Bad roads, long lines, grouchy CBP.......stick with San Ysidro.....please

SlyOnce - 3-6-2014 at 08:36 AM

Yes, I have been using SY SENTRI all this week. The new route is established, there are signs, and massive traffic jams are (mostly) a thing of the past. I'm coming from Playas (Ave. International) not Via Rapida. TJ Police are directing traffic starting about 6 AM. Border wait yesterday was 20 minutes, today 11 (Thursday 3/6) hitting the line at 6 AM.

Udo - 3-6-2014 at 08:56 AM

I will second that!
I have never met a grouchier CBP agent, plus he all but said I was a fool for using the Readylane and wasted my efforts for getting the pass.
Quote:
Originally posted by bajaguy
DON'T Ever use Otay.

Bad roads, long lines, grouchy CBP.......stick with San Ysidro.....please

dasubergeek - 3-6-2014 at 01:40 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by bajaguy
DON'T Ever use Otay.

Bad roads, long lines, grouchy CBP.......stick with San Ysidro.....please


Grouchy CBP for sure... but long lines? I've never waited more than 5 minutes in the SENTRI at Otay.

bajaguy - 3-6-2014 at 02:24 PM

Oh, sure.....now everybody will try crossing at Otay
Quote:
Originally posted by dasubergeek
Quote:
Originally posted by bajaguy
DON'T Ever use Otay.

Bad roads, long lines, grouchy CBP.......stick with San Ysidro.....please


Grouchy CBP for sure... but long lines? I've never waited more than 5 minutes in the SENTRI at Otay.

DENNIS - 3-6-2014 at 03:08 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by bajaguy
Oh, sure.....now everybody will try crossing at Otay



Not after they watch the CBP "Body Cavity Search" training video on U-tube. It's primarily for SENTRI crossers in vehicles and they say it will be used liberally at the Otay Mesa Port Of Entry.
It seems they have uncovered a plot by the cartels to flood the lane with trusted traveler mules laden with nasty dope, and Homeyland Security is not going to tolerate it. They say the interdiction effort will bring back memories of Nixon's Operation Intercept in the late sixties.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Operation_Intercept




.

[Edited on 3-6-2014 by DENNIS]

Link

bajaguy - 3-6-2014 at 03:22 PM

Link to video???
Quote:
Originally posted by DENNIS
Quote:
Originally posted by bajaguy
Oh, sure.....now everybody will try crossing at Otay



Not after they watch the CBP "Body Cavity Search" training video on U-tube. It's primarily for SENTRI crossers in vehicles and they say it will be used liberally.
It seems they have uncovered a plot by the cartels to flood the lane with trusted traveler mules laden with nasty dope, and Homeyland Security is not going to tolerate it. They say the interdiction effort will bring back memories of Nixon's Operation Intercept in the late sixties.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Operation_Intercept

DENNIS - 3-6-2014 at 03:44 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by bajaguy
Link to video???



It's ugly. I just can't do it. :no:

dasubergeek - 3-7-2014 at 11:32 AM

And this one time, they made me have a colonoscopy at Otay? Because they suspected I was bringing illegal fresh produce into California.

gschroder - 3-8-2014 at 01:51 PM

I did not see the postings here and about died when I went through the "no left turn" and found the old Sentri entrance blocked. I managed to find my way without too much trouble (although I could not tell you how I did it :) :?:

The next time it will be a breeze; the directions to Padre Kino from Paseo de Los Heroes over the river & through the roundabouts posted earlier is no less confusing & I think will have less traffic than the old way as the approach over the bridge is longer and less apt to back up. The reason for the diversion is apparent once you are in the lanes; the old Sentry booths are being torn up as construction proceeds and it looks like everything has shifted west a few lanes.

[Edited on 3-8-2014 by gschroder]

tjsue - 3-8-2014 at 03:56 PM

I just got approved for mine, and am waiting for it to arrive in the mail. Then I have to figure out where the new entrance is.

Congrats!!!

bajaguy - 3-8-2014 at 03:58 PM

Did they ever tell you why you were denied???

What steps did you take to get the approval after you were initially denied??
Quote:
Originally posted by tjsue
I just got approved for mine, and am waiting for it to arrive in the mail. Then I have to figure out where the new entrance is.

dasubergeek - 3-8-2014 at 06:24 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by tjsue
I just got approved for mine, and am waiting for it to arrive in the mail. Then I have to figure out where the new entrance is.


That's huge news, Sue! I know you commute into SD—that will save so much time. You'll be able to sleep in some!

tjsue - 3-8-2014 at 08:43 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by dasubergeek
Quote:
Originally posted by tjsue
I just got approved for mine, and am waiting for it to arrive in the mail. Then I have to figure out where the new entrance is.


That's huge news, Sue! I know you commute into SD—that will save so much time. You'll be able to sleep in some!


I won't be able to sleep in that much, because I'm looking for full time work, and the sooner the better getting it.

tjsue - 3-8-2014 at 08:48 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by bajaguy
Did they ever tell you why you were denied???

What steps did you take to get the approval after you were initially denied??

Quote:
Originally posted by tjsue
I just got approved for mine, and am waiting for it to arrive in the mail. Then I have to figure out where the new entrance is.


No, but it was income based, just like my landlord and I thought it was.

I didn't go to Otay for my interview; I went to the SY office. The SY office is actually just a storefront, and much better. They have an outside check-in window, but a receptionist checks you in there. Inside there were only three officers doing interviews, one in the back, and two other employees processing renewals and taking payments.

The officers are much more relaxed, and away from all the bigwigs at Otay, so they can take their time, and deviate from the regular questions. I had to go to Otay afterward to get my van inspected, and I had to wait for two hours for them to get to me, but I only had to wait about 10 minutes to be interviewed.

But it's done, and I can now start looking for more work.

new sentri is easy

skipowell - 3-9-2014 at 07:05 PM

Crossed Sunday evening with the directions, piece of cake glad that worked the kinks out so quickly. I like the fact that you don't have to even think about going back to via rapida if there is a long line!

SlyOnce - 3-10-2014 at 09:24 AM

This morning Monday 3/10 all traffic was normal on the new route. I hit the back of the line at 6:11 AM and was through by 6:27 (16 minute wait).

bajadock - 3-11-2014 at 08:23 AM


Padre Kino pointing the way at his roundabout station.


Excellent signage on approach. Just stay in 2 middle lanes between yellow K-rail barriers.


Pizza box sign has been replaced, darn!

This is from my Monday, March 10, 8AM SENTRI crossing. EZ Tijuana traffic for a Monday and I was exactly 20 minutes in line.