BajaNomad

Sonoyta Crossing Q's

gringorio - 3-23-2014 at 03:21 PM

Hi Ya'll,

So I did search Nomads and didn't find the answers I was looking for.

I would like to cross into Mexico at the Lukeville/Sonoyta crossing and am wondering if I'll be able to pick up a tourist visa there and if there is a bank there to pay for it?

:?:

Just trying to avoid Mexicali. Thank for any help!

mulegemichael - 3-23-2014 at 03:22 PM

that's a new crossing to me!???...where is it?

bajagrouper - 3-23-2014 at 03:23 PM

About 20 miles south of Sonoyta is an immigration and checkpoint,you can get the FMM there...

gringorio - 3-23-2014 at 03:26 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by mulegemichael
that's a new crossing to me!???...where is it?


It's the crossing nearest Why and Ajo, AZ, the one you'd take to get to Rocky Point in Sonora, MX. :yes:

gringorio - 3-23-2014 at 03:28 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by bajagrouper
About 20 miles south of Sonoyta is an immigration and checkpoint,you can get the FMM there...


Thanks BajaGrouper! Can you give any more details, nearest crossroads, what side of the road?

BornFisher - 3-23-2014 at 03:51 PM

I remember years ago getting all my paper work there but now who knows? I was just there yesterday so here`s some info---- Do not cross southbound on Fri. afternoon. I was told the line going in was 50 vehicles long, many toy haulers going to Puerto Penasco. All vehicles are stopped on the American side where you answer a few routine questions, so traffic is held up.
The crossing area is very mellow and laid back. About 300' into Mexico there is a tourist information office in the center of the blvd.. I stopped here to ask a few questions and the guy there was very helpful so maybe he could tell you how to proceed.
BTW-- the campground at the Organ Pipe Cactus Monument is great. If you have time drive the 21 mile Ajo Mt. drive across from the visitor center. It`s a fee area but free with a senior pass or other park passes. I drove it Fri. evening, starting at 5:15 PM. It was one of the most beautiful desert drives I`ve ever seen.
Another great drive is from Sonoyta west along the border. It is a biosphere with beautiful scenery for 60 or so miles. And the road is awesome with wide lanes and a wide shoulder. Even the drivers are are polite!!!

DianaT - 3-23-2014 at 04:15 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by gringorio
Hi Ya'll,

So I did search Nomads and didn't find the answers I was looking for.

I would like to cross into Mexico at the Lukeville/Sonoyta crossing and am wondering if I'll be able to pick up a tourist visa there and if there is a bank there to pay for it?

:?:

Just trying to avoid Mexicali. Thank for any help!


We have crossed there a number of times in the past and we were able to get all the paper work done, including the car papers. However, it has been a few years and I think I remember reading that it has changed.

Your best place for current information about this crossing is probably the RV Mexico Forum

They are mostly oriented toward traveling the mainland and someone should be able to give up to the minute information about that crossing.

[Edited on 3-23-2014 by DianaT]

gringorio - 3-24-2014 at 08:06 AM

Thanks for your help everyone! :bounce:

dasubergeek - 3-24-2014 at 10:19 AM

Remember that if you're going further south than Empalme, you'll need to do a TIP (temporary import permit). If you're not leaving the state of Sonora there's a "Sonora Only" program; otherwise, get your TIP and FMM and make sure you turn in the TIP before you leave the country or they won't let your car back in again.