Post Last Modified – May 03, 2021
Lukeville Border Crossing Tips – Crossing Into Mexico
I thought I would pass on a few Lukeville Border Crossing Tips, from what we experienced at this Arizona/Mexico Border. After enjoying a beautiful and peaceful evening at Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument, situated just minutes from the Arizona / Mexican border, its now time to venture south into Mexico!
For those following along on our 🍁 Canada to Mexico RV Holidays, this was our fifth stop on our 1800 mile venture south in our Recreational Vehicle.
Making frequent stops in Washington, Oregon, California, Arizona and Mexico!
I am putting these posts together along with our personal photos and videos for your enjoyment, as well as providing some helpful travel tips and suggestions that may come in handy for you or other family members or friends in travels down the road.
Heading To The Mexican Lukeville Border Crossing
Leaving 🌵 Twin Peaks Campground at Organ Pipe National Monument situated inside the National Park, we are just five miles north of the Lukeville , Arizona border crossing situated off of highway 85.
Its before 9 am on a weekday and we are off to the border!
We are both excited and a little nervous at the same time, as this is our first crossing into Mexico in our Recreational Vehicle. We have traveled by air to Mexico a number of times over the years, but this is a totally different experience for us!
After reading helpful reviews on some excellent Recreational Vehicle and Camping websites such as RV.Net Forums and viewing a number of helpful YouTube videos, we are leaving believing that the crossing will go quickly and smoothly!
Lukeville Border Crossing Tips – Video
Check out this short video I found on YouTube of one persons experience crossing at this border showing how easy it can be!
Crossing The Lukeville Border – YouTube Video
A Friendly And Quiet Border Crossing
As we arrive at the border, we are presently surprised that there is no line up whatsoever, with just one motor home in front of us.
Much like entering Mexico by air, when you reach customs you have a Red Light / Green Light approach and we were able to breeze right thru without stopping.
Do keep in mind that this is after clearing the Customs gate at the main entrance.
Our border guard was extremely pleasant and surprised that we had driven all the way from British Columbia, Canada!
The motor home in front did get the red light by the Agriculture inspectors. I am sure because they were bored and we were the only ones there at the time!
Puerto Penasco Is A Mexico Free Zone
The great thing about traveling only as far as Puerto Penasco is that it is considered by Mexican Authorities as a Free Zone.
Note:
This is Not a 24 hour Border Crossing!
The border between Lukeville, Arizona and Sonoyta on the Mexican side is only open from 6 in the morning until midnight MST.
Mexican Auto Insurance Is Mandatory
If you are driving into Mexico, then you must purchase Mexican insurance prior to crossing.
You can be arrested if you are involved in a collision and cannot produce valid insurance. So be prepared and protect you and your family and get your insurance.
Never assume that It wont happen to me!
When you least expect something to happen, thats exactly when it does!
There are numerous places prior to reaching the borders or right at the border for that matter. Again, after reading peoples comments on the website forums, we chose a reputable agency in a very small town just before the border called Ajo, Arizona.
Staff at the office we selected were very friendly and experienced to deal with and we were on our way in no time at all.
Traveling With A Have A Pet? No Problem With The Necessary Documents
We were concerned at first about bringing our dog with us, but that soon diminished upon arrival when most other campers had their pets along as well.
Many did say that there are more strict rules in force regarding bringing across pet food into Mexico, but because we were not stopped by the Agricultural inspectors, we did not encounter and problems.
I have listed a few helpful websites below that do outline the new guidelines that may or may not be enforced should you be stopped. Make sure as well that you do have your rabies vaccination certificates and it is advisable to have your pets veterinarian fill out an updated certificate of health as well.
This is a very simple form that can be quickly signed and easily carried with you when crossing to and from the borders.
I have included two helpful Government websites to assist in making the proper preparations for crossing international borders with pets. They even include the necessary form required that can be printed and taken to your local veterinarian for your convenience.
One is for Canada and the other website is for the United States;
Canadian International Pet Regulations
United States International Pet Regulations
Entering Sonoyta Mexico AfterLukeville Border Crossing
As you as you clear the border into Mexico you will be in the border town of Sonoyta. With a population of approximately 15,000 people, it is a busy place and one that is not always recommended to stop at when enroute to Puerto Penasco with your Recreational Vehicle or Passenger Car if possible.
As with most typical Mexican border towns, it is busy with transients from other parts, who are waiting to cross into the United States illegally.
As well, we have heard rumors of motor vehicle collisions and other scams set up in parking lots, at stop signs and other places in order for locals to make some quick cash.
We found no problems as we continued straight thru the town center without stopping.
Beware:
You must pay attention to the changing Speed Limit Signs in town, as they are strictly enforced by the local police.
We were warned of this when reading the forums and it is just another way for the local authorities to benefit from tourists traveling thru. As long as you take your time, pay attention to your driving, you wont have any problems.
Once you reach the end of town, the 65 mile drive on the highway is a breeze. I was amazed at the excellent condition of the highway from Sonoyta to Puerto Penasco!
You may encounter a couple of check stops on the highway both on the U.S. side and the Mexican side, but officials are friendly and you are on your way quickly.
The check stops are basically set up for monitoring those crossing illegally thru the borders. After a short drive you then make your way into Puerto Penasco or as the Americans refer to the town as Rocky Point.
Be sure to check out my posts below for photos and so much more on our stay at this tiny fishing village and beach resort town on the northern tip of the Sea of Cortez.
Update May 2021
I hope these Lukeville Border Crossing Tips will make your crossing just a little bit easier. It has been a few years now since our crossing. If you’ve traveled across recently and have some extra tips to offer, please do leave them in the comment box below.
Safe and Healthy Travels!
✨ Did You Know
“The Border Between Mexico & The United States Is The Second Largest Border In The World.”
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🏜 Fun Things To Do In Puerto Penasco
🍹 Affordable Holidays In Mexico
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