Approximate Border Location
Border Cities
🇲🇽 Ojinaga, Chihuahua
🇺🇸 Presidio, Texas
Coordinates
29.58°N, 104.37°W
Border Type
Land crossing via road
Operating Hours
Open 8:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Wait Times
30-60 min for pedestrians/vehicles
Peak Times
Mornings (6-9 AM)
Crossing Types
Pedestrians, vehicles
Daily Crossings
~2000 travelers/vehicles
Languages Spoken
Spanish
Currency Exchange
Limited near Presidio (USD, MXN)
Accessibility Features
Ramps, assistance
Safety Information
Remote, beware wildlife
About Ojinaga, Chihuahua & Presidio, Texas
A Remote Desert Crossing
The Presidio-Ojinaga International Bridge connects Presidio, Texas, with Ojinaga, Chihuahua, via US 67 and Mexico Federal Highway 16. This port, open 6 AM–10 PM, links Presidio (5 minutes north) to Ojinaga’s town center (10 minutes south). A quiet crossing ideal for adventurers and light traffic, it supports local trade and tourism. Foreign visitors should check CBP or Mexico’s Instituto Nacional de Migración (INM) updates, as scams and limited hours require planning.
Historical Background
Opened in 1985, the Presidio-Ojinaga bridge replaced an older crossing, supporting regional agriculture and trade. Named for Ojinaga’s revolutionary hero, it facilitated commerce in livestock and crafts. During Prohibition, smugglers used desert trails, with a 1930 mezcal bust becoming local lore. The 1990s saw upgrades to handle growing traffic, and today it serves thousands weekly. Occasional disputes over water or produce add tension, but its role as a cultural and economic link 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 Ojinaga’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 6 AM–10 PM, vehicle waits are 10–30 minutes, peaking at 45 minutes during mornings (7–10 AM). Pedestrian lanes take 5–15 minutes. Check CBP’s Border Wait Times or Mexico’s border apps for updates. SENTRI lanes are unavailable, so plan accordingly.
Scam Warnings
Scams are rare in remote Ojinaga 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 bridge offer poor rates; carry USD/MXN cash or use Presidio ATMs. Pickpocketing risks rise during festivals, so secure valuables. Avoid “expedited crossing” offers—they’re scams targeting travelers at this quiet port.
Transportation Options
From Presidio, it’s a 5-minute drive to the bridge via US 67. From Ojinaga, Highway 16 reaches Chihuahua City in 3.5 hours. 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 Presidio or Ojinaga, 5–10 minutes away. Pedestrians use dedicated lanes; vehicles face minimal traffic. Cyclists should use nearby bike paths for safety.
Road Conditions and Views
US 67 and Highway 16 are paved but narrow in spots. Summer (June–August) hits 40°C, requiring AC; winter (November–March) is mild at 5–20°C. The Rio Grande and Chihuahuan Desert offer stark beauty. Check Texas’s 511 or Mexico’s (800) 990-3900 for road updates. The desert hills and Ojinaga’s rustic skyline create a striking contrast, especially at sunset, making it a scenic crossing for travelers.
Local Sights
Presidio’s Fort Leaton State Historic Site, 10 minutes west, explores border history. Ojinaga’s Plaza Principal, 10 minutes south, hosts markets and festivals. Try Presidio’s tacos at El Patio or Ojinaga’s carne asada at La Fogata. Big Bend National Park, 1 hour south, is great for hiking, while Chihuahua City’s museums, 3.5 hours south, offer cultural insights.
Cultural and Economic Role
This crossing blends Texas’s desert heritage with Ojinaga’s vibrant Mexican culture, seen in shared events like the Ojinaga Feria Regional, featuring music and crafts. It supports trade in produce and crafts, fueling both economies. Presidio’s tourism and Ojinaga’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 6 AM–10 PM, so check CBP/INM for 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 Texas’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 Presidio’s Bean Cafe for enchiladas or Ojinaga’s El Mesón for gorditas. Photographers, catch sunrise over the Chihuahuan Desert for dramatic shots. This crossing’s remote charm and cultural vibrancy make it a unique stop for adventurers.