Sonora Auto Permits

"Only Sonora" moves south and it's easier to visit Sonora

Visitors to the interior of Sonora are now able to drive directly to such cities as Guaymas, San Carlos, Hermosillo, Bahia de Kino, Caborca, Father Kino Missions, Magdalena and Santa Ana without the time-consuming process of obtaining a car permit. With the movement of the "Only Sonora" vehicle checkpoint, visitors to the state will no longer have to obtain a car permit in order to travel south of Nogales.

Now, paperwork to obtain the decal for visiting the interior of the state of Sonora will be done at a new checkpoint located at kilometer 98 on Highway 15, just south of the Guaymas-bypass on the road between Ciudad Obregon and Empalme. ( This check point will take paperwork from vehicles that are either entering the free zone to stay or returning to the United States ) The change is effective December 15, 2005.

Sonora will temporarily continue to staff a booth at the 21 Km. checkpoint that will take paperwork from vehicles that are returning to the US.

Minimally, the elimination of this paperwork means a savings of 15 minutes. However, around certain holidays, the measure may save visitors several hours.

The "Only Sonora" program, unique in Mexico, allows Americans and Canadians to visit Sonora without paying the customary (federal) fee of $27. "Our intention here is to make it easier for Americans and Canadians to visit Sonora," said Gov. Eduardo Bours. "This measure should cut anywhere from 15 minutes to an hour off a trip to Hermosillo, Bahia de Kino, Guaymas or San Carlos.

As importantly, it removes psychological barriers -- the less paperwork required for people to get from one place to another, the better. Sonora -- and other "free zones" in Mexico's border areas -- have experienced incredible growth when we eliminate paperwork. By moving "Only Sonora" south, we're confident that we'll inspire new visitors and bring our states closer together."

Travelers intending to go beyond Sonora will still have to obtain a so-called "Banjercito" federal permit.

A permit is not required for travel to Rocky Point and other border cities, which are classified as "free-zones." Required for a permit: proof of US residency; a driver's license, proof of vehicle ownership.

Motorists entering Sonora through San Luis Rio Colorado, Sonoyta, Sasabe, Nogales, Naco and Agua Prieta will not need paperwork for their vehicles, either, if their destination is before the new 'Only Sonora' checkpoint.

"Only Sonora" requires motorists to show proof of US residency; a visa (immigration permit) to visit Mexico; a driver's license and proof of vehicle ownership.

Americans, Canadians and other foreign citizens going beyond the Kilometer 21 Checkpoint into Mexico's interior will still be required to obtain a visa ( immigration permit ), which is valid for up to 6 months and good for multiple entries. The Banjercito booth will remain at KM21.

Neither a vehicle permit nor a visa is required to visit Rocky Point (Puerto Peñasco) and other border cities which are classified as "free-zones".

Nogales Border Crossing - Truck Route

Nogales Crossing - Truck Route
I came into Nogales late afternoon from El Centro California and decided to overnight there and start into Mexico early. Fotos except the last are in the afternoon. Lots of motels at that exit if you choose to stay over ... and last minute shopping.

You can read and see more of my activities on the web site below

Sparks Mexico Web
Border Crossing Nogales - Truck Crossing
Kilometer 21 - Immigration

Exit Ramp to truck route

Border crossing the next morning
"Kilometer 21" - Mexican Immigration Nogales
What nobody mentions is that Nogales is 4 thousand feet elevation and in the winter often very cold. It was in the mid-30's at 7am (early December) and I'd suggest not standing in line in shorts and a tee-shirt. I've heard stories of long waits for your car permits (banjercito) but it took me less than a 1/2 hour



Immigration offices from the parking lot

The banjercito windows for vehicle permits
The banjercito windows. There's a sign (the red one) telling you what number they are serving - but no place to get a number. Luckily I walked into the top of the stairs and was next in line. Remember - copies of your Passport, Drivers License, Vehicle Registration and Tourist Visa. You can throw in a copy of your Title but it's not necessary. Have your Credit Card ready.

Just past this building there is a guard gate that will take a quick look at you as you drive past. If you have the window sticker they just wave you through. Not sure how they handle 'Sonora Only' permits.

It's not for another 6-8-10(?) miles until you run into Mexican Aduana (Customs). This is where they look into your car if you get the Red Light as you cross over the metal strip. The sign says STOP and all the agents were getting warm inside the office -- so I just proceeded slowly -- got the Red Light -- and pulled into the first inspection lane. The agent gave me big smile, said good morning, waited until I opened the rear door (my van), asked what's in that box -- and said goodbye.

Very easy and smooth.

December 3rd and headed south to Mexico

December 3rd - I just have to head south after visiting friends and family in Seattle for over a month. I hope this is the last snow the Red Car sees in quite awhile. Hitting the road in a few hours and hope to get away from rain/snow before Portland.
What are my chances

December 4th - I'm in Lost Hills California ... somewhere north of Bakerfield along I-5. Found a Days Inn with a good wireless signal. The Super 8 in Medford last night I wasn't able to connect to. Now I'm not sure if it was my configuration or the signal. Here I needed to let them manage and not use Windows wireless manager. Anyway ... should be in San Diego tomorrow ... for maybe two days. Then on to Tucson before crossing at Nogales.

December 5th - Picked up my Tourist Visa (prepay) at Discover Baja Travel Club in San Diego, checked out a few of my old hangouts, watched some parasail-surfers in Pacific Beach ... and headed for El Centro where I stayed in the Howard Johnson - with good internet.

December 6th - Stayed over night in Nogales on the American side - Super 8 with no internet. All of Nogales is pretty basic so don't expect much. It is good for last minute shopping. On to the next BLOG and crossing the border.