San Carlos Mexico:
Getting There
The best Mexico entrypoint to get to San Carlos Mexico by road is the Arizona border town of Nogales. From the border post at the termination of I-19, which is open 24-hours a day, Mexico's Highway 15 proceeds 250 miles south to San Carlos. The drive from the border to San Carlos usually takes about 4 hours on a well-paved and marked four-lane road. Another option is to take Highway 189 west off I-19 to the Mariposa border post.
From the east take North Business 19 off Highway 82 and turn left at the second traffic light. The crossing is open daily from 6:00a.m. to 10:00p.m. This is a better option for those towing anything bigger than a personal watercraft or ATV. But please, be aware that vehicles over 8 1/2 feet in height (most R.V.s) will not be able to cross on Sundays or weekdays before 8:00a.m. You can get border crossing updates and real time waiting estimates at the US Customs and Border website.
Keep in mind that if you are driving your car into Mexico, you MUST purchase Mexican auto insurance. Your US automobile insurance will NOT cover you in Mexico. You will also need title, registration, a tourist visa and a valid US driver's license to obtain a permit to bring your car across the border. You must first obtain a Mexican visa for yourself (see below) before beginning the procedures for obtaining the car permit. You will also need documentation on anything you are towing (ie boats, jetskis, campers, ATVs).
If you are planning on traveling beyond the Mexican state of Sonora, you will need to post a bond (about $30 on a credit card or $200 in cash). Otherwise you can proceed to the 21km checkpoint south of Nogales to participate in the Only Sonora program. For more information on this bond-free program, call
1-800-4-SONORA (800-476-6672).
By bus: TUFESA Buslines has an international bus service from Phoenix ($50) and Tucson ($34).
By air: San Carlos has direct connections with the United States on America West Airlines. The airport is in Guaymas, 15 miles north of San Carlos.
San Carlos Mexico: Visas and Permits
Visitors to San Carlos from the United States will require a Mexican Tourist Card or visa. There are two types of cards that are of interest to the casual visitor. A no fee card for stays of less than 7 days or a paid visa (about $25) for stays up to 6 months in duration. To obtain a Mexican visa (or tourist card), you will need a passport or an original or notarized copy of a birth certificate or a voter's registration card and a valid photo ID with an address. Minor's traveling with only one parent will need notarized written permission from the other parent.
You can get your visa at the border. The border officials will direct you to the Bank next door to pay your fee and they will give you the receipt to bring back to the border officials.
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