Highway Driving to Alamos, Sonora, Mexico from Tucson, Arizona, USA is easy on a four-lane divided toll road. The drive is approximately 475 miles and takes about nine hours, including one hour to complete Mexican immigration and secure the vehicle permit.

Mexican Auto Insurance can be purchased in Nogales, Arizona from many sources including:

• Don Smith Auto Insurance | 800-2582268 / 520-281-2268 | Call Now

After crossing the border you will travel to Km 21, where you will obtain your temporary multiple entry Visitor’s Visa for up to 180 days per year. You must have a valid Passport as this is the ONLY document that is accepted.

Travelers going only as far as Guaymas/San Carlos on the toll road from Nogales do not need to get a vehicle permit. If you are stopping in Alamos, and continuing South of Sonora, you must obtain a Temporary Vehicle Import Permit which is ONLY issued at you get at KM. 21.

If you are NOT traveling South of Sonora, an ONLY SONORA vehicle permit is required, which is more economical and does not require to post a bond.

The SONORA ONLY vehicle permit is good for a single trip valid only in the state of Sonora for a term of up to 180 days. You must enter and leave Mexico from Nogales Port of Entry at KM. 21.

To obtain the SONORA ONLY vehicle permit, first, you must stop at the Immigration Office at KM. 21 just south of the border to get your Tourist Visa. Secondly, proceed to KM. 98, south of Guaymas and Empalme, where you will present all appropriate vehicle documentation, your passport, driver’s license, visa and pay the permit fee.

Be sure to have all the appropriate paperwork and specifically, the Vehicle Registration in Name of Driver for ALL your vehicles, including ones being towed.

Regulations change on short notice so you may want to stop in Nogales, AZ to purchase Mexican Auto Insurance and verify the documentation you will need.

The 180 day temporary for all of MEXICO – Vehicle Import Permit requires that the owner of the vehicle post a bond by using the owner’s credit card (only VISA, Master Card, American Express, or Diner’s Club); or buying a bond; or leaving a guarantee cash deposit. The simplest and least expensive method is to use your credit card.

For either permit you will require: proof of ownership, the original vehicle registration; a valid driver’s license; proof of citizenship, valid Passport; and a current Mexican Tourist Visa.

Upon Departure from Mexico, you will need to turn in your hologram sticker (permit) at KM. 21, otherwise, the Mexican government will assume that you have illegally sold the car in Mexico, a warrant will be issued for your arrest, and you will not be allowed to secure another vehicle entry permit in the future.

If traveling with a pet, the U.S. Government requires a U.S. vet certificate (Form 77043) and a rabies certificate valid within the last 6 months for returning dogs and cats.

It is best not to take firearms into Mexico unless you are on a pre- arranged hunting excursion, are very familiar with the laws and have the right permits.

It is best to change some money into Mexican currency, pesos, before you begin your journey south. Toll booths do not accept dollars.

Carretera Internacional #15 is a four lane divided toll road all the way to the border between Sonora and Sinaloa. The speed limit outside of town is100 to 110 kph about 62 to 68 mph. Although the toll road is fenced, there are still cattle, goats, horses, and bicyclists on the road, so watch out. There are speed bumps along the route particularly on the outskirts of towns. These are called TOPES, so slow down whenever you see this sign.

There are 6 toll booths between the border and Alamos. The tolls range from $35 pesos to $75 pesos each.