Laredo Bridge I
24 hours, 7 days
Laredo Bridge I (Gateway to the Americas) is a downtown crossing into Nuevo Laredo and can see significant waits. The CIITEV immigration and Banjercito office is on Avenida Luis Donaldo Colosio. Tamaulipas is under a US State Department Level 4 (Do Not Travel) advisory due to cartel activity. If you must cross here, do it before sunset and watch for fake checkpoints — the quieter Colombia Solidarity bridge about 20 minutes west is a safer alternative.
What's where?
Marker positions are approximate — confirm exact locations on the day.
Mexican customs checkpoint immediately south of the bridge on Avenida Guerrero — you\'ll press a button for the red/green inspection light here.
Small immigration office near the foot of the bridge where you can get an FMM tourist permit stamped if you didn\'t complete it online.
Small Banjercito window near the bridge for vehicle permit paperwork; larger vehicle-permit processing is more commonly done at the Nuevo Laredo Km marker modules south of downtown.
Casa de Cambio-Centro Cambiario is a money exchange located just outside the border zone.
Mi Banquito casa de cambio is another money exchange building just past the border area.
Step by step, southbound
From downtown Laredo, follow signs on San Bernardo Ave or I-35 toward 'Bridge 1 / Puente Internacional I.'
Pay the toll and cross the bridge over the Rio Grande into Nuevo Laredo.
Clear the Mexican customs (aduana) checkpoint just past the bridge and press the button for the red/green inspection light.
If you get a red light, pull into the secondary inspection area; a green light means you're clear to continue.
Continue onto Avenida Guerrero through downtown Nuevo Laredo, or follow signs toward Mex 85 south to leave the city.
What travelers report
Daylight hours
After dark
We're gathering real wait times and crossing reports from travelers. Detailed border intelligence for this port is coming soon — it appears here automatically as verified reports come in.
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