Nogales Crossing

Guide to the Nogales Border Crossing

This is a guide to the Nogales Border crossing based on a trip one of the Baja Bound staff took in March, 2006.

Mexican Immigration (Instituto Nacional de Migración)

The first stop was to the Mexican immigration office at the border to get our tourist visas. Once we crossed the border, the immigration office is immediately to the right. Parking is in front. The first step is to go into the Immigration office and get the Once we crossed the border, the office is clearly marked

If you plan to take a vehicle south of the border zone, or outside of Sonora or Baja, you must obtain a temporary importation vehicle permit at the border or online from the Mexican Banjercito (Banco Nacional del Ejercito). The online process has information, instructions and requirements in English.

Get your vehicle permit online from Banjercito

The Banjercito web site now has an online application for the temporary importation vehicle permit. You may apply for the permit online, but you must still show required documentation, and pay for the permit at the border. Access Banjercito Web Site on-line application

Here are the requirements for a Vehicle Permit:

• Fee is US $27.00 plus IVA (10% tax).
• Make sure you have the original (or a notorized copy) and two photocopies of the following documents:
  1. Valid proof of citizenship. This can be any of the following:
     1. Passport
     2. Birth Certificate
     3. Sworn Statement
     4. Naturalization Certificate
     5. Voter's Registration
  2. A Vehicle Registration Certificate or Vehicle Title ("Pink Slip")- Vehicle registration must be in the drivers name
  3. A lease contract if the vehicle is leased or a rental contract if it rented
  4. A Visa or Tourist Card for Travel in Mexico
  5. NOW OPTIONAL:A Drivers License issued in the U.S. or a valid international drivers license for drivers from other countries outside of Mexico.
• Make sure you have Mexican Auto Insurance
• Go through the "Declarations Lane" and stop at the customs office when crossing the border. Look for a "Modulo de Control Vehicular". The owner of the vehicle must be in the vehicle when it crosses the border.
• This step is determined by whether or not you have an internationally accepted credit card. If you have an international credit card (Visa, Mastercard, American Express, Diner's Club) the next part is easy. The credit card must be in the name of whoever is listed on the vehicle registration! You will be required to charge a non-refundable fee of $16.50 (including the IVA) to your credit card at the Banjercito which is within the Customs area. Banjercito hours of operation at different border crossings are listed below. If you do not have an international credit card, read about making a cash deposit.

Making a cash deposit for your permit:

Only required if you do not have a credit card

• 1999-2002 models, USD$400.00;
• 1994-1998 models, USD$300.00;
• models previous to 1994, USD$200.00

How long can you keep your car in Mexico?

Temporary Vehicle Importation Permits are valid for up to six months. Within this period you may enter and exit the country with your vehicle as many times as you want. Make sure that you get the full six months worth stamped on your permit- its probably wise to do so even if you don't plan to stay that long. If your vehicle is in the country for longer than the permit allows, it can be confiscated by the Mexican authorities.

Banjercito Hours of Operation:

California Border Points

• Mexicali - All week, 24 hrs
• Otay Mesa - 10:00 am to 6:00 pm
• Tecate - All week, 8:00 am to 4:00 pm
• Tijuana - Mon-Fri, 8:00am to 10:00 pm, Sat, 8:00 am to 6:00 pm, Sun, 12:00 noon to 4:00 pm

Arizona Border Points

• Agua Prieta - All week, 24 hrs
• Naco - All week, 8:00 am to midnight
• Nogales - All week, 24 hrs
• San Luis Rio Colorado - All week, 24 hrs
• Sonoyta (San Emeterio) - All week, 8:00 am to midnight

Texas Border Points

• Ciudad Acuña - All week, 24 hrs
• Ciudad Juarez - All week, 24 hrs
• Ciudad Miguel Alemán - All week, 24 hrs
• Columbia - Mon-Fri, 10:00 am to 6:00 pm
• General Rodrigo M. Quevedo - All week, 24 hrs
• Matamoros - All week, 24 hrs
• Nuevo Laredo - All week, 24 hrs
• Ojinaga - Mon-Fri, 7:30 am to 9:00 pm, Sat, 7:30 am to 4:00 pm, Sun, 8:00 am to 4:00 pm
• Piedras Negras - All week, 24 hrs
• Reynosa - All week, 24 hrs

Sonora Only Permit

The state of Sonora operates a program known as "Sonora Only". Designed for visitors staying in the state of Sonora, the program eliminates the need for a credit card and waives the $16.50 fee. In addition to normal proof of citizenship documents (needed by all visitors to Mexico's interior) "Sonora Only" visitors need only present a valid drivers license and proof of ownership or legal possession by the driver. Legal possession can be proven with one or more of the following documents:

• Vehicle registration (in the name of the driver) or original title
• Lease contract (for leased vehicles)
• Proof of labor relationship between driver and car owners (for company-owned vehicles)
• Notarized permission from the leasing company or bank (if money is still owed on the car) giving owner permission to take the vehicle to Mexico.

Permits are valid for 180 days and may be obtained at the check point at Kilometer 21, south of Nogales on Highway 15. If you are entering from another border crossing, please call 1-800-4-SONORA. Permits must be returned to this check point within the allotted six-month period.