Crossing the border and getting to Alamos

This is a critical part of planning for your trip! If you arrive at the border without the proper documents there is a good chance you will not be allowed to enter Mexico.

THE MAINLAND OF MEXICO IS DIFFERENT FROM BAJA, and only the Northern prortion of Sonora is considered a "Free Zone." The rules for vehicle permits are different. A "Free Zone" means there is no vehicle permit required for entry.

After you've crossed the border heading south from Nogales, you must stop at Kilometer 21 and get your tourist visa, unless you already have one. Then proceed south approximately 250 miles to the vehicle check point south of San Carlos. At this check point you will need to get your vehicle permit.

After you have all your paper work, you will head south on highway 15, (Four lane paved toll highway) for approximately 200 miles until you reach the town of Navojoa (Map from Nogales to Alamos). At that point you will turn left heading east to Alamos. Alamos is about 30 miles from Navojoa.

Considering you may not get an early start from the border I suggest spending the night in San Carlos, located on the beach south of Hermosillo. San Carlos has many trailer parks and hotels with reasonable rates. It is approximately a 4 hour drive from San Carlos to Alamos.

There are two types of permits available to people entering any of the border crossings in Sonora, Mexico: 1) Sonora only, and 2) All Mexico Federal Permit. I highly suggest getting an All Mexico Federal Permit this federal permit allows you to exit Mexico from any border crossing and go further south after your moto tour, if you wish. For riders coming from Baja you will need a federal permit. Also, when coming from Baja you should allow sufficient time for particulars involved with the ferry crossing.

There are several IMPORTANT things you will need to know before crossing the border:

According to Mexican law there are two types of dirt bikes:
Type I   A dirt bike with a title, but no registration that would not be considered street legal.

Type II   A dual-sport bike that has both a title and registration and is street legal.

Problems arise when one vehicle, for example, is towing a trailer full of bikes. The rules state a maximum of only two bikes can be attached to the tow vehicle permit.

If the bikes have registrations (dual-sport) they can be permited seperately and, if necessary, unloaded and riden across the border and then reloaded back onto the trailer.

If the bikes are dirt bikes with a title, but no registration, then only two of the bikes can be attached to the tow vehicle permit.

In the U.S., dirt bike registration varies from state to state. If you can get a registration for your dirt bike then do so. This will give you options at the border.

In a nutshell:

One truck or tow vehicle can bring two unregistered dirt bikes with their respective owners.

One truck or tow vehicle can bring multiple resgistered dual-sport bikes as long as they are accompanied by their respective owners.

If this seems confusing feel free to contact me for clarification or suggestions. Contact me

There are also several IMPORTANT things you will need to bring with you before crossing the border:

• IMPORTANT NEW REQUIREMENT: As of January 2008 the US government is requiring that ALL US citizens have a VALID passport for re-entrance into the United States. It is very important that all people traveling across the boarder have their valid passport with them as to not be stranded in Mexico.

• Riders must accompany their bike into Mexico.

• Proof of Motorcycle ownership. Usually the original title and current vehicle registration in your name (no copies). If the title or registration does not list you as the owner, you will need to get a notarized note from the owner, or lien holder, of your moto or car (preferably in English and Spanish) that you have their permission to take the specified motorcycle into Mexico on the specified dates.

• Valid, unexpired credit card in your name is required for entry into Mexico for entry fees and can be used at ATM's in Mexico for pesos.

• Mexican liability insurance is not required, but consider it a must. You do not want to drive in Mexico without it. Insurance can be purchased at the border on the U.S. side, or by phone in advance. I highly recommend Oscar Padilla (Discover Baja) Tele# 1-800-727-BAJA, or Sandborns in Nogales, AZ. They will answer any questions you may have.

• DO NOT Bring any firearms with you into Mexico!!! If caught with an illegal firearm, you will be in big trouble.

• I suggest that you have $200.00 (US) worth of pesos for road tolls and gas before heading south.

Getting across the border can be hassle free, if you pay attention to all of the above.

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