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.