Approximate Border Location
Border Cities
🇺🇸 Santa Theresa, New Mexico
🇲🇽 Sásabe / Antelope Wells, Mexico
Coordinates
31.67°N, 107.50°W
Border Type
Land crossing via road
Operating Hours
Open 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Wait Times
30-60 min for pedestrians/vehicles
Peak Times
Mornings (6-9 AM)
Crossing Types
Pedestrians, vehicles
Daily Crossings
~1000 travelers/vehicles
Languages Spoken
Spanish
Currency Exchange
Limited near Santa Theresa (USD, MXN)
Accessibility Features
Ramps, limited assistance
Safety Information
Remote, desert hazards
About Santa Theresa, New Mexico & Sásabe / Antelope Wells, Mexico
A Modern Desert Crossing
The Santa Teresa-San Jerónimo crossing connects Santa Teresa, New Mexico, with San Jerónimo, Chihuahua, via NM 136 and Mexico Federal Highway 2. This 24/7 port links Las Cruces (20 minutes north) to Ciudad Juárez (15 minutes east). A quieter crossing designed for freight and light traffic, it’s ideal for travelers seeking efficiency. Foreign visitors should check CBP or Mexico’s Instituto Nacional de Migración (INM) updates, as scams and occasional congestion require planning.
Historical Background
Opened in 1998, the Santa Teresa crossing was built to ease congestion at El Paso’s bridges, supporting the region’s growing industrial trade. Named for its proximity to Santa Teresa’s community, it facilitated commerce in electronics and produce. During Prohibition, nearby desert routes saw smuggling, with a 1932 mezcal run becoming local lore. The 2000s saw traffic grow with NAFTA, and today it serves thousands weekly. Occasional disputes over water or goods add tension, but its role as a binational hub endures.
Before Crossing
Crossing borders gets messy sometimes, think political flare-ups or gates shutting fast. Good travel insurance is a must for handling doctor visits, trip disruptions, or security scares. Don’t get caught unprepared. To find a policy that’s got your back, check out reliable plans today for peace of mind.
Crossing Details and Wait Times
Southbound, you’ll reach San Jerónimo’s INM office; U.S. citizens need a passport, while others may need a Mexican visa or Forma Migratoria Múltiple (FMM). Northbound, CBP requires a passport or Global Entry card. Open 24/7, vehicle waits are 10–30 minutes, peaking at 45 minutes during mornings (7–10 AM). Pedestrian lanes are limited but take 5–15 minutes. Check CBP’s Border Wait Times or Mexico’s border apps for updates. SENTRI lanes speed up vehicle crossings.
Scam Warnings
Scams are rare in quieter San Jerónimo but exist, with “visa guides” charging $10–$30 for fake services. Bogus “immigration offices” may overcharge for FMM forms—use only INM/CBP channels and apply online. Currency exchange scams near the crossing offer poor rates; carry USD/MXN cash or use Las Cruces ATMs. Pickpocketing risks rise during festivals, so secure valuables. Avoid “expedited crossing” offers—they’re scams targeting travelers at this smaller port.
Transportation Options
From Las Cruces, it’s a 20-minute drive to Santa Teresa via NM 136. From San Jerónimo, Highway 2 reaches Ciudad Juárez in 15 minutes. No public transit serves the crossing, so drive or rent a car. Taxis and rideshares are limited—confirm fares upfront. Gas and services are in Santa Teresa or San Jerónimo, 5–10 minutes away. Pedestrians use limited lanes; vehicles face minimal traffic. Cyclists should use nearby bike paths for safety.
Road Conditions and Views
NM 136 and Highway 2 are paved but narrow in spots. Summer (June–August) hits 38°C, requiring AC; winter (November–March) is mild at 5–20°C. The Chihuahuan Desert and distant mountains offer stark beauty. Check New Mexico’s 511 or Mexico’s (800) 990-3900 for road updates. The desert plains and San Jerónimo’s rustic skyline create a striking contrast, especially at sunset, making it a scenic crossing.
Local Sights
Santa Teresa’s War Eagles Air Museum, 15 minutes north, showcases vintage aircraft. San Jerónimo’s local markets, 10 minutes south, offer crafts and food. Try Las Cruces’s tacos at La Nueva Casita or Ciudad Juárez’s carne asada at La Chopería, 15 minutes east. White Sands National Park, 1 hour north, is great for dune hiking, while Chihuahua City’s museums, 4 hours south, offer cultural insights.
Cultural and Economic Role
This crossing blends New Mexico’s desert heritage with Chihuahua’s vibrant Mexican culture, seen in shared events like the Santa Teresa Border Festival, featuring music and crafts. It supports trade in electronics and produce, fueling both economies. Santa Teresa’s logistics and San Jerónimo’s markets thrive on cross-border visitors. Community markets, rodeos, and festivals foster a strong binational bond, with locals sharing a love for spicy cuisine and desert traditions.
Travel Tips
Open 24/7, but check CBP/INM for holiday schedules. Carry USD/MXN for tolls ($2–$4) or duty-free shops. An FMM or visa saves time for non-U.S. travelers. Summer drivers need hydration; check New Mexico’s 511 or Mexico’s (800) 990-3900 for road conditions. Declare all goods—agents are strict on produce and alcohol. Secure valuables and pack snacks for waits.
Extra Tips for Visitors
Cell service is spotty in rural areas—download maps ahead. Summer heat is intense; winter is mild but dusty. Locals are welcoming—ask about 1930s smuggler tales for fun insights. Try Las Cruces’s Andele Restaurant for enchiladas or San Jerónimo’s local gorditas at street stalls. Photographers, catch sunrise over the Chihuahuan Desert for dramatic shots. This crossing’s remote charm and cultural vibrancy make it a unique stop.