CBP Partners for New Cross Border Terminal; Cross Border Xpress (CBX) to Provide Direct Access Between Southern San Diego and the Tijuana Airport

SAN DIEGO — U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officials have approved a request from Otay-Tijuana Ventures, LLC, to provide inspection services at the new cross-border terminal named “Cross Border Xpress™,” or “CBX™,” in San Diego.

“U.S. Customs and Border Protection and its private and public sector partners have shown how collaboration can produce significant economic benefits to communities,” said Office of Field Operations Assistant Commissioner Todd Owen. “With CBP’s investment of additional officers, Cross Border Xpress will no doubt serve travelers and the region well.”

Cross Border Xpress will be an enclosed pedestrian skywalk that spans the U.S./Mexico border, connecting a new passenger terminal in Southern San Diego (Otay Mesa) to the Tijuana A.L. Rodriguez International Airport (Tijuana Airport). The facility has been designed in accordance with all U.S and international security standards. The bridge will be accessible only for ticketed Tijuana Airport passengers.

The CBP inspection facility will be located within the new passenger terminal on the U.S. side of the border. All travelers seeking to enter or depart the United States via Cross Border Xpress are subject to inspection by a CBP officer.

Cross Border Xpress will serve the more than 2 million Tijuana Airport passengers who already cross the border annually as part of their travels. The project is being developed by Otay-Tijuana Ventures, LLC, a private company. CBP officials approved the project sponsor’s request on March 21, 2014, to establish the Cross Border Xpress as a new Class A port of entry.  Class A ports of entry are designated ports that process all travelers applying for admission into the United States. 

Throughout the process, CBP has worked closely with Otay-Tijuana Ventures, LLC to establish a legal border crossing between the United States and Mexico.  Officials currently expect to open the facility in December 2015.  This port of entry has been designated as a user fee facility pursuant to 19 U.S.C. 58b.