FAQ · Texas
Bridge of the Americas border crossing: frequently asked questions
12 questions travellers ask about Bridge of the Americas (BOTA), answered from CBP and CBSA sources.
Answers specific to Bridge of the Americas (BOTA), each drawn from an official source with the date we read it. For a figure that changes, such as the current wait, use the live panel.
What are the hours at Bridge of the Americas (BOTA)?
The U.S. CBP wait-time feed publishes 24 hrs/day for El Paso. Source: CBP Border Wait Times feed, read 2026-10-20.
Is Bridge of the Americas (BOTA) open 24 hours?
The official source says yes: 24 hrs/day. Hours can change, so check the live panel. Source: official source, read 2026-10-20.
What is the CBP port code for Bridge of the Americas (BOTA)?
2402. The wait-time feed numbers this crossing 240201. Source: CBP port page, read 2026-10-20.
What is the address of the U.S. port of entry at Bridge of the Americas (BOTA)?
Bridge of the Americas Port of Entry 3600 E. Paisano El Paso, TX 79905 United States; phone +1 915-730-7000. This is the port-level address and a port can contain several crossings. Source: CBP port page, read 2026-10-20.
How is the wait measured at Bridge of the Americas (BOTA)?
The CBP feed lists the measurement type as: passenger Manual, commercial RFID, pedestrian Manual. CBP does not define these terms on the pages we read, so we show them as published. Source: CBP Border Wait Times XML feed, read 2026-10-20.
Does Bridge of the Americas (BOTA) have a NEXUS or SENTRI lane?
The CBP feed carries no NEXUS / SENTRI figure for this port. That means the feed reports nothing, not that the lane is confirmed absent: check CBP. Source: CBP Border Wait Times feed, read 2026-10-20.
How many passenger lanes does Bridge of the Americas (BOTA) have?
The CBP feed lists a maximum of 14 passenger-vehicle lanes. Source: CBP Border Wait Times feed, read 2026-10-20.
Is there a pedestrian lane at Bridge of the Americas (BOTA)?
The CBP feed carries pedestrian lane data for this port (status when read: no delay). Source: CBP Border Wait Times feed, read 2026-10-20.
Can trucks use Bridge of the Americas (BOTA)?
The CBP feed lists commercial-vehicle lanes (maximum 3; FAST status when read: Lanes Closed). See the guide on commercial trucks. Source: CBP Border Wait Times feed, read 2026-10-20.
What ID does a U.S. citizen need at Bridge of the Americas (BOTA)?
Valid U.S. Passport; Passport Card; Enhanced Driver's License; Trusted Traveler Program card (NEXUS, SENTRI or FAST). U.S. and Canadian citizen children under 16 (or under 19 if travelling with a school, religious or other youth group) need only present a birth certificate or other proof of citizenship. Source: CBP Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative, read 2026-10-20.
How much can I bring back duty-free into the U.S. through Bridge of the Americas (BOTA)?
A returning U.S. resident who has remained outside U.S. territory for at least 48 hours is eligible for the $800 duty-free personal exemption. CBP's page states the $800 exemption can be used once every 31 days. The 48 hours are computed exactly (19 CFR 148.35). Source: CBP, read 2026-10-20.
How often is the wait time updated?
Each border location updates its estimated wait times hourly Source: CBP, Border Wait Times RSS channel description, read 2026-10-20.