"Only Sonora" moves south and it's easier to visit Sonora
Visitors to the interior of Sonora are now able to drive directly to such
cities as Guaymas,San Carlos, Hermosillo, Bahia de Kino , Caborca, Father Kino
Missions, Magdalena and Santa Ana without the time-consuming process of
obtaining a car permit. With the movement of the "Only Sonora" vehicle
checkpoint, visitors to the state will no longer have to obtain a car permit in
order to travel south of Nogales.
Now, paperwork to obtain the decal for visiting the interior of the state of
Sonora will be done at a new checkpoint located at kilometer 98 on Highway 15,
just south of the Guaymas-bypass on the road between Ciudad Obregon and Empalme.
Sonora will temporarily continue to staff a booth at the 21 Km. checkpoint
that will take paperwork from vehicles that are returning to the US.
Minimally, the elimination of this paperwork means a savings of 15 minutes.
However, around certain holidays, the measure may save visitors several hours.
The "Only Sonora" program, unique in Mexico, allows Americans and Canadians to
visit Sonora . "Our
intention here is to make it easier for Americans and Canadians to visit
Sonora," said Gov. Eduardo Bours. "This measure should cut anywhere from 15
minutes to an hour off a trip to Hermosillo, Bahia de Kino, Guaymas or
San Carlos.
As
importantly, it removes psychological barriers -- the less paperwork required
for people to get from one place to another, the better. Sonora --and other
"free zones" in Mexico's border areas --have experienced incredible growth when
we eliminate paperwork. By moving "Only Sonora" south, we're confident that
we'll inspire new visitors and bring our states closer together."
Travelers intending to go beyond Sonora will still have to obtain a so-called "Banjercito"
federal permit.
A permit is not required for travel to Rocky Point and other border cities,
which are classified as "free-zones." Required for a permit: proof of US
residency; a driver's license, proof of vehicle ownership.
Motorists entering Sonora through San Luis
Rio Colorado, Sonoyta, Sasabe, Nogales, Naco and Agua Prieta will not need
paperwork for their vehicles, either, if their destination is before the new 'Only Sonora' checkpoint.
"Only Sonora" requires motorists to show proof of US residency; a visa
(immigration permit) to visit Mexico; a driver's license and proof of vehicle
ownership.
Americans, Canadians and other foreign
citizens going beyond the Kilometer 21
Checkpoint into Mexico's interior will still be required to obtain a visa (
immigration permit ), which is valid for up to 6 months and good for multiple
entries. The Banjercito booth will remain at KM21.
Neither a vehicle permit nor a visa is required to visit Rocky Point (Puerto
Peñasco) and other border cities which are classified as "free-zones". |
