Hit the border at Sonoyta at 11am, here are some quick notes:
-very light traffic and essentially no lines at border in either direction
-no US customs outgoing revision at all (i.e. no agent asking if you have over $10,000, arms/ammo, etc)
-got green light but red went off immediately before and after us :)
-Mexico marines seemed to be interviewing every car 100%; they were very polite to us and just asked if we were a single family unit; took less than a minute
-slow crawl through Sonoyta, didn't see anyone pulled over
-local cop at the end of town (where they usually have the Red Cross donation) didn't stop us but motioned to the car ahead of us to put on his mask; so this confirms that you should have your mask on all through Sonoyta inside your vehicle
-hit the PP sanitation stop at 12:05; it was a only a 10-15 min wait, everyone was VERY friendly and it felt relatively orderly
-we were just asked for our reservation and they were radioing to someone to confirm the number in our party and names
-as we parked next to the sanitation tunnel, I stepped out and a man quickly sprayed the driver seat and steering wheel.
-my wife walked through the tunnel with my older son; my youngest son was asleep but they were VERY considerate and let him keep snoozing :)
-once my wife got back I did the tunnel, I have no idea whats in the spray but it was really fast and easy; at the end they gave me a spritz of hand sanitizer, took my temperature with a touchless device, and asked me if I had any symtoms; overall it was VERY easy (although I could see how it could easy go from 10-15 minutes to much longer if tourism picks up more)
-I asked several officials at the checkpoint about the possible border closure and they all downplayed it completely; they seemed to be confident that it was nothing to worry about; maybe Kiko has quietly told people there will be some type of exception made for Peñasco provided they keep the control measures in place?
-beach is totally empty but its great to be here after 4 months away!
Good report,
On Thursday at 5pm sharp Sonoyta halted all tourist traffic made lot's people turn around to go home.
Only let perm res card holders and Mexican residents allowed past the check point in Sonoyta.
Now it's Friday at 11AM and there's postings on FB that Sonoyta re-opened travel to RP. Stay tuned.
I have my permanent Residency but the wife does not. Would she be able to get in with proof of marriage?
My understanding is she would also need a Perm res card. Supposedly July 15th they will let those without Perm Res Cards in.
Basically open the flood gates, but we'll see since CV cases are exploding in AZ, Texas, CA and northern Mexico states.
Sonora stopped most tourist traffic entering Mexico yesterday especially Penasco at 5PM for the 4th of July. (at Sonoyta, Mexicali etc).
Numerous cars had to turn around even with hotel reservation.
There was a protest march or gathering today in Penasco and magically Sonoyta opened (at 11AM) to allow traffic to go to Penasco
for those with Perm Res cards and confirmed hotel/condo reservations.
This Sonora/Penasco policy is crazy and confusing at best the way rules and non rules change every day.
The AZ Central article VegaDude attached is now outdated and incorrect because of the ever changing rules.
Updated at 4PM: Sonoyta has gone back to preventing people to drive down to Penasco for the 4th. Crazy times in Mexico.
Hit the border at Sonoyta at 11am, here are some quick notes:
-very light traffic and essentially no lines at border in either direction
-no US customs outgoing revision at all (i.e. no agent asking if you have over $10,000, arms/ammo, etc)
-got green light but red went off immediately before and after us :)
-Mexico marines seemed to be interviewing every car 100%; they were very polite to us and just asked if we were a single family unit; took less than a minute
-slow crawl through Sonoyta, didn't see anyone pulled over
-local cop at the end of town (where they usually have the Red Cross donation) didn't stop us but motioned to the car ahead of us to put on his mask; so this confirms that you should have your mask on all through Sonoyta inside your vehicle
-hit the PP sanitation stop at 12:05; it was a only a 10-15 min wait, everyone was VERY friendly and it felt relatively orderly
-we were just asked for our reservation and they were radioing to someone to confirm the number in our party and names
-as we parked next to the sanitation tunnel, I stepped out and a man quickly sprayed the driver seat and steering wheel.
-my wife walked through the tunnel with my older son; my youngest son was asleep but they were VERY considerate and let him keep snoozing :)
-once my wife got back I did the tunnel, I have no idea whats in the spray but it was really fast and easy; at the end they gave me a spritz of hand sanitizer, took my temperature with a touchless device, and asked me if I had any symtoms; overall it was VERY easy (although I could see how it could easy go from 10-15 minutes to much longer if tourism picks up more)
-I asked several officials at the checkpoint about the possible border closure and they all downplayed it completely; they seemed to be confident that it was nothing to worry about; maybe Kiko has quietly told people there will be some type of exception made for Peñasco provided they keep the control measures in place?
-beach is totally empty but its great to be here after 4 months away!
Same question I just asked other poster....
Real question. What is the objective of your trip if you don't mind? Just trying to understand the dichotomy of what drives an individual to make the trip with all known factors and the fact that you mentioned, not being able to enjoy the beach or water and 10pm curfew? You said owner so maybe work on the property? More power to you. Almost jealous to some degree. Just a natural curiosity about life I guess...
Maybe they have to check on their house/property. Some don't have other people that can verify everything's ok= doors blown open, bees, water leaks, etc. We've had all these happen.
One thing for sure: watch your possessions at the Federale stops. Heading North a few weeks ago the Federales pulled us over, made us get out and then proceeded to go through ever conceivable place in the truck, in our bags, in our coolers, in our toolboxes......we let our vigilance down for a moment and they stole a prized pocket knife from my backpack. I think the Federale shakedowns for people heading North are nothing more than a staged opportunity to loot and steal from unsuspecting and suspecting-in our case Americanos. Low life stealing scum! I want to go back and run that kid over-he deserves It.
Maybe they have to check on their house/property. Some don't have other people that can verify everything's ok= doors blown open, bees, water leaks, etc. We've had all these happen.
We have been going to Miramar, we encounter no locals, never leave our car until we arrive at the beach and Miramar being deserted we encounter no gringos. Actually a great trip whith no exposure to us or from us.
One thing for sure: watch your possessions at the Federale stops. Heading North a few weeks ago the Federales pulled us over, made us get out and then proceeded to go through ever conceivable place in the truck, in our bags, in our coolers, in our toolboxes......we let our vigilance down for a moment and they stole a prized pocket knife from my backpack. I think the Federale shakedowns for people heading North are nothing more than a staged opportunity to loot and steal from unsuspecting and suspecting-in our case Americanos. Low life stealing scum! I want to go back and run that kid over-he deserves It.
"Federale stops" then you say "pulled us over". So did you get pulled over or was there a checkpoint? If you got pulled over, where approximately and for what reason did they say? Speeding? It's rare IMHO to see federales regularly on the stretch between Sonoyta and RP.
Yeah, someone posted about missing money, so when we got pulled over about 2 months ago, I took out my purse, and anything else valuable, then watched them as they went through the car. They didn't like my epipen that I need for allergy tests.
"Federale stops" then you say "pulled us over". So did you get pulled over or was there a checkpoint? If you got pulled over, where approximately and for what reason did they say? Speeding? It's rare IMHO to see federales regularly on the stretch between Sonoyta and RP.
At Lukeville/Sonoyta: There is a Federale checkpoint southbound immediately south of the Mexican immigration checkpopint, there is also a Federale checkpoint northbound prior to crossing the border, both of these checkpoints have been in place & staffed for 8-9 months.
"Federale stops" then you say "pulled us over". So did you get pulled over or was there a checkpoint? If you got pulled over, where approximately and for what reason did they say? Speeding? It's rare IMHO to see federales regularly on the stretch between Sonoyta and RP.
Waved over to the checkpoint would be the proper terminology.
At Lukeville/Sonoyta: There is a Federale checkpoint southbound immediately south of the Mexican immigration checkpopint, there is also a Federale checkpoint northbound prior to crossing the border, both of these checkpoints have been in place & staffed for 8-9 months.
I guess I got confused when you said Federale because those are the guys in blue. They are the national police. I liken them to our DPS. They mainly patrol the highways. That's why I was really confused when you said that you got pulled over by the Federales because normally you do not see them very much between Sonoyta and RP as they are highway patrol mainly. I have my theory as to why you don't see them much on MEX 8.
So you're talking about the national guard in camo at the border? Ok. Good clarification for anyone trying to follow along for trip reports. I think distinguishing the difference is important.
Good to know they're still stealing... Read an associated press or reuters article on Yahoo about a year ago... I believe I may have posted it here. The citizens don't like the newly created national guard very much. Apparently they steal from everyone. At the checkpoints specifically. They don't get paid very much and border security isn't too exciting in Mexico. One of the reasons pre-covid they were always standing around doing nothing. Literally. This is when I asked who volunteers to get taken advantage of when I look at them and make eye contact we've only been asked to stop one or two times max... Knowing that they steal I make them tell me to stop or else we just keep rolling (18mph sonoyta sleep creep)... I'm sure obviously Covid has changed all of that.
We live in Penasco full time and have been here throughout the lockdown. We had medical appointments in San Diego last week so we left town on July 3rd. This was our first trip north to USA since February. No issues departing. We returned to town yesterday (7/14) and this was our experience:
No line of cars and we crossed Lukeville border south around 2:00PM. Got red light and they poked through all our stuff and asked if we had any guns (they have not asked us that in the past). We showed receipts for some new/boxed items we had in the car (under $300) but the inspector seemed more interested in looking for firearms. While we were stopped, every car behind us also got a red light, three cars or so. We were waived by at the National Guard checkpoint right after the border. Sonoyta roads were fairly empty, no police in sight. We wore our masks and did the crawl through town.
When we arrived at the sanitation road block in Puerto Penasco with about three vehicles in front of us. There are two lines, one for residents and one for tourists. We have our permanent resident cards so we went in the resident line. The man looked at our cards, smiled and gestured us to get out and walk through the sanitation tunnel. They took our temps as we came out of the tunnel. We returned to the car and they sprayed the front seats and dash with magic bug solution. We then drove off and were on our way to our house. That was it. No forms. No stickers. No questions. The tourist line seemed to take longer and there were people with papers in their hands like they had to fill out things. We had current CFE bills and other papers to show we have a house here, but they did not ask for any of it, just looked at our residency cards. Seemed a bit chaotic, but all were friendly and it was no big deal.
As a side note, on the US side of the Lukeville crossing they were in the process of installing a large x-ray machine, like big enough for tractor trailers. This is in addition to the smaller one they have at the secondary inspection area. The new one is almost in the middle of the road as you head south to the MX entry point. You have to swerve around it towards the gas station to continue south. So money is being spent to "improve" the Lukeville port of entry.
Got red light and they poked through all our stuff and asked if we had any guns (they have not asked us that in the past). We showed receipts for some new/boxed items we had in the car (under $300) but the inspector seemed more interested in looking for firearms.
I’m guessing that the gun search was merely the work of a novice inspector hoping to confiscate a firearm, and unaware that his chances of finding a southbound US citizen stupid enough to pack a gun is around zero. Years ago, when Mexico temporarily enhanced its southbound security measures, we were somewhat harassed by a guard who asked . . . . do we have any guns? . . . . . do we own any guns? . . . . . do we like guns? . . . . . I’m thinking that, too, was not part of standard border protocol, but rather, an individual seeking to take advantage of his post.
(Permanent residents & vacation homeowners must show proof of ownership through a utility bill, property tax receipt, OOMAPAS receipt, etc. – with name of person matching photo ID)
I’m guessing that the gun search was merely the work of a novice inspector hoping to confiscate a firearm, and unaware that his chances of finding a southbound US citizen stupid enough to pack a gun is around zero. Years ago, when Mexico temporarily enhanced its southbound security measures, we were somewhat harassed by a guard who asked . . . . do we have any guns? . . . . . do we own any guns? . . . . . do we like guns? . . . . . I’m thinking that, too, was not part of standard border protocol, but rather, an individual seeking to take advantage of his post.
I agree. i think an overzealous individual can change everything. For a while we were hassled for our dog, then it was meat, now it may be guns.
I agree. i think an overzealous individual can change everything. For a while we were hassled for our dog, then it was meat, now it may be guns.
Dog pictures, dog papers, dog food, steaks, chicken.... Mexico is the KING of stopping the most inconsequential activity meanwhile, 300 yards into Mexico they're driving on the wrong side of the street, speeding, blowing through stop signs, police bribes.... LOL no dog food though!
They tried to make me produce a registration for a dirt bike on my last crossing. I showed them the title but they wanted a registration for a 30 yr old ATV. Gas is the big item they cram us on, we never bring gas down because they are very hard on the gas importation law.
They tried to make me produce a registration for a dirt bike on my last crossing. I showed them the title but they wanted a registration for a 30 yr old ATV. Gas is the big item they cram us on, we never bring gas down because they are very hard on the gas importation law.
I love watching them. My girlfriend and I laugh our asses off because they always ask me for the registration to the jet ski but the best part is that they can never find the serial number tag on the hull itself. So they walk around the jet ski with my registration in their hand but actually reference NOTHING. It's such a GAME for show. Thank you for playing, now tell them what they've won Johnny!!!! 3 days in paradise!!!
I sold my old rims and tires to Villa in Cholla Bay a couple of springs ago when I got new 35's.... Against all odds I was somehow able to get 4 rims and tires (33") through aduana at 1150pm at night.... LOL I had to argue but in the end they gave way and let me pass.
The other good one in recent memory was when I had just received my new registration for the truck in the mail. I had placed the new sticker on the license plate but I left the actual registration slip on the counter in the kitchen before we left. Completely forgot it. Got all the way down there, red light, pull up and she asks for registration per usual. I can't find it. She says we have to turn around she can't let us in the country. I'm like dude, you can clearly see the new sticker on the plate for 2 years.... after arguing and having STEAM come out of my ears she finally let us pass. I was PISSED!!!!!
When I went to Sonoita yesterday I parked right in the middle of their inspection area while I checked at the insurance office. There were 4 'uniformed' guys there but they only waved me through on the way back.
I will sometimes bring down empty gas cans and fill them up in Sonoyta because gas is about $1 less per gallon there vs Penasco.
Good to know. I haven't fueled up in Sonoyta in a few years because I thought they were all $4/g regardless. I sometimes have enough to get to Sonoyta but I will fill up in Penasco just so I can get to Why. $1/g is significant.
Joe before the peso crash when it was 18 to 1, gas was about $4.20 per gallon in Penasco and $3.30 in Sonoyta.
My last trip to Cholla in March gas in Sonoyta was 15.8 pesos and in Penasco it was almost 20 per liter.
Roberto or others who live in Penasco can report what gas is today. Peso rate should be 21 to 22 - 1.
Joe before the peso crash when it was 18 to 1, gas was about $4.20 per gallon in Penasco and $3.30 in Sonoyta.
My last trip to Cholla in March gas in Sonoyta was 15.8 pesos and in Penasco it was almost 20 per liter.
Roberto or others who live in Penasco can report what gas is today. Peso rate should be 21 to 22 - 1.
So basically, you're telling me that I should come down Aug 2?
Joe, Aug. 2 - I don't see a problem other than it's going to be Hot and Nasty Humid. Or things change for the worse in the next 2 weeks.
I'm planning on going Aug 8th for 3-4 days with some family and a neighbor so we can check on our places, put some $ on our electric accounts
drink a few beers and experience Cholla in Aug. again. (it's been a few years since we've experienced that).
Aug 1st is the date where you can get into the ocean again and sounds like entry will become easier for some.
I don't know about testing for CV? maybe or not required? This is a cluster because it changes a lot.
Need to wear a mask entering Sonoyta and Penasco in car.
For you who would be probably renting, just need a reservation at an approved Hotel/Condo/Home that has been sanitized?
Unless that has changed, not hearing much about that now.
I'm hearing you need to show your rental reservation in Sonoyta at their check point, but neighbor said he was asked in Sonoyta
where he was going and said to check on his home and nothing else needed.
There are a few posts here from people who have successfully done this.
Joe, Aug. 2 - I don't see a problem other than it's going to be Hot and Nasty Humid. Or things change for the worse in the next 2 weeks.
I'm planning on going Aug 8th for 3-4 days with some family and a neighbor so we can check on our places, put some $ on our electric accounts
drink a few beers and experience Cholla in Aug. again. (it's been a few years since we've experienced that).
Aug 1st is the date where you can get into the ocean again and sounds like entry will become easier for some.
I don't know about testing for CV? maybe or not required? This is a cluster because it changes a lot.
Need to wear a mask entering Sonoyta and Penasco in car.
For you who would be probably renting, just need a reservation at an approved Hotel/Condo/Home that has been sanitized?
Unless that has changed, not hearing much about that now.
I'm hearing you need to show your rental reservation in Sonoyta at their check point, but neighbor said he was asked in Sonoyta
where he was going and said to check on his home and nothing else needed.
There are a few posts here from people who have successfully done this.
I haven't seen anything about needing credentials now after Aug 1. Did you see my other post from last night about Cholla Bay having a guard station at the entrance?! Obviously I'll just give Hippie or Villa a heads up and have someone come get my ass if we're not staying in CB but damn this is frustrating. Air BnB prices have NOT gone down. Typical Mexico. Because they haven't had income for 4 months they're now in GOUGING mode. Unlike capitalism supply is NOT meeting demand in Rocky Point.... No money for 4 months???? Drop price and rake???? NOPE!!! Not in Mexico. They are going to try and GOUGE their way back from all that lost revenue. No joke, we window shopped San Diego and Rocky Point is now officially more expensive than San Diego. what a fucking joke. Air BnB business model: LIST PRICE $52/NIGHT Fees $78 for a grand total of $130 a night! Like huh????!!! Why are the fees always the equivalent of another nights worth of money?! $42 to clean a one bedroom?! Our footprint is so light I bet you wouldn't be able to tell that we even stayed in some of these places after we leave.... JOKE!!!!!
National guard are new guys started by A last year, they drive white trucks and uniform say NG on sleeve, Army guys are the ones right after border crossing, Marines were the ones controlling the entrance to Penasco, says Marines on chest, Be like mixing us customs and border patrol at border.
Joe, I missed that post,
Yep the rentals are trying to make up for 4 months of nada. The Fees and cleaning are inflated now.
The days of getting a rental deal are over because the place has to be registered with the City to get approved for sanitizing
and people to use it.
Fee's and taxes add 20%, sanitizing another $30-60, cleaning $35-75, Damage waiver etc add's more.
Lot's of renters were not collecting the taxes and fees before (to attract more renters because their rentals were cheaper without charging the fees)
or collecting it and not paying it to the city. This was happening mucho before, by private owners.
That's over now, Penasco is controlling this to make sure fees and taxes are reported and collected, paid to the city.
Joe, I missed that post,
Yep the rentals are trying to make up for 4 months of nada. The Fees and cleaning are inflated now.
The days of getting a rental deal are over because the place has to be registered with the City to get approved for sanitizing
and people to use it.
Fee's and taxes add 20%, sanitizing another $30-60, cleaning $35-75, Damage waiver etc add's more.
Lot's of renters were not collecting the taxes and fees before (to attract more renters because their rentals were cheaper without charging the fees)
or collecting it and not paying it to the city. This was happening mucho before, by private owners.
That's over now, Penasco is controlling this to make sure fees and taxes are reported and collected, paid to the city.
Hopefully capitalism prevails and the number of visitors goes down. Less revenue making them rethink their business model. We can only hope...
I love watching them. My girlfriend and I laugh our asses off because they always ask me for the registration to the jet ski but the best part is that they can never find the serial number tag on the hull itself. So they walk around the jet ski with my registration in their hand but actually reference NOTHING. It's such a GAME for show. Thank you for playing, now tell them what they've won Johnny!!!! 3 days in paradise!!!
I sold my old rims and tires to Villa in Cholla Bay a couple of springs ago when I got new 35's.... Against all odds I was somehow able to get 4 rims and tires (33") through aduana at 1150pm at night.... LOL I had to argue but in the end they gave way and let me pass.
The other good one in recent memory was when I had just received my new registration for the truck in the mail. I had placed the new sticker on the license plate but I left the actual registration slip on the counter in the kitchen before we left. Completely forgot it. Got all the way down there, red light, pull up and she asks for registration per usual. I can't find it. She says we have to turn around she can't let us in the country. I'm like dude, you can clearly see the new sticker on the plate for 2 years.... after arguing and having STEAM come out of my ears she finally let us pass. I was PISSED!!!!!
In long gone years we would always bring our used tires to the launcher guys in Cholla-they would get a few more years out of them. Not any longer with the stricter rule following.
Mexico has been strict on tires for years.
10-12 years ago, I tried to bring 2 tires for a buddy's SUV in, they said no when they checked my car.
I ended up taking them to the Why gas station to keep until I returned from Mexico.
I ended up swapping out my friends wheels and tires from his SUV to mine (both GM's) and drove back to Phx.
I had the new tires installed and drove back 2 weeks later and did the swap out again.
The trip to Phx with my buddy's old worn out tires was one shaky, scary trip, I guess tire balancing is an option in Mexico
that he didn't want done when he bought the tires used.