Rocky Point is affectionately known as “Arizona’s beach” and is easy to reach by car from across the southwestern U.S.
The Lukeville border crossing is the most popular port of entry into Mexico from Arizona when driving to Puerto Peñasco (Rocky Point).

After crossing at the Lukeville-Sonoyta port of entry, the drive to Rocky Point generally takes about an hour.

There are some important details to keep in mind when planning your trip to and from Rocky Point. We’ve put together this useful guide to make sure travelers are aware of what to expect when traveling to/from Rocky Point.   ¡Buen viaje!

Lukeville, Arizona 85341, EE. UU. a Puerto Peñasco, Son. – Google Maps

Driving to Rocky Point    

Is Rocky Point open? Yes indeed, and ready to welcome you!

The Lukeville border crossing connecting AZ 85 to Sonoyta is the most frequented and most direct port of entry for visitors to Rocky Point. Moreover, many travelers coming from the West Coast choose to drive through Arizona and take AZ 85 to the Lukeville border crossing – though they can also drop down near Yuma, AZ and go through San Luis Rio Colorado.

TIP: No cell phone usage, recordings, or pictures when crossing the border or when speaking with customs and other officials upon coming into Mexico.  SPEED LIMITS: After crossing into Sonoyta, drive SLOWLY as the speed limit through town is 25 MPH (40 KM), dropping to 12 MPH (20 KM) in spots.

NOTE: You may come to a local security checkpoint located approximately 15 minutes north of Rocky Point on MEX 8. Prepare to stop and roll down your window to answer brief questions regarding travel plans.

Index  

• Lukeville border hours
• How to get to the Lukeville border crossing
• Crossing into Sonoyta
• What travel documents are needed to enter Mexico?
• Where can I get an FMM for Mexico?
• Do I need Mexico car insurance?
• What does franquicia mean at the Mexico border?
• Can I bring food into Mexico?
• Taking pets into Mexico?

Lukeville Border Hours

Hours: 6 a.m. – 8 p.m.*

*Extended FRIDAY hours till 10 p.m. March 7 – Oct 10, 2025 

How to get to the Lukeville border crossing

From Phoenix:

• Take I-10 West and then Exit 112 for AZ Highway 85. Continue on AZ 85 to Gila Bend (turning right again onto AZ 85 after going through town), continue to Ajo and Why until you reach the border.
• Another option from the southern side of the greater Phoenix area is to take I-10 East toward Maricopa, take Exit 164 for AZ-347 (N. John Wayne Parkway). Stay on AZ-347 and then turn right onto AZ-238. Follow AZ-238 to Gila Bend, and then take AZ 85 to Ajo and Why to the border.

From Tucson:

• Take I-10 East and merge briefly onto I-19 toward Nogales, take exit 99 for Ajo Way West, merging onto AZ-86. Continue on AZ-86 through Sells and until it intersects with AZ-85 in Why. Turn south on AZ-85 to reach the border.

From the West:

• If traveling on I-10 East, take exit 112 for AZ-85 to Gila Bend just west of Phoenix, continue on AZ-85 to Ajo, Why, and then the border.
• If traveling on I-8 from San Diego, follow I-8 to Gila Bend, and then AZ-85 from Gila Bend to Ajo, Why, and then the border.

From the East:

• Take I-10 to Tucson and then AZ-86 toward Sells, turn south onto AZ-85 in Why, continuing to the border.

Crossing into Sonoyta

The area near the Lukeville border crossing houses a gas station with restrooms, a small café, and a Duty Free shop*. Once you are ready to head into Mexico, enter the southbound lane on the U.S. side – which often provides two lanes. Drive slowly and watch for pedestrians crossing from the main office on your left.

*If purchasing alcohol or tobacco Duty-Free items, you must be crossing into Mexico. RECENT CHANGES CONCERNING 114% TAX ON ALL ALCOHOL – will update as more information obtained. When heading north, some people choose to stop off at the Duty-Free shop though need to take purchases into Mexico (usually opting to walk) and then return through the U.S. Customs office.

If you have no items to declare (i.e. new purchases with total value of over $150 US/person (or max $400 US per vehicle) or items exceeding permitted ¨franquicia¨ – travelers’ allotment), proceed to the border and into one of the two lanes at the Mexico port of entry (frequently only the left side is open). An illuminated sign indicates whether to wait for the car in front of you or to move forward. 

If you have items to declare, turn left toward the Declaration area prior to going into one of the two lanes with the illuminated signs. Follow instructions as to where to park, gather your receipts, and wait for military personnel to direct you to the Customs registry and payment office as applicable.

As of 2025, the Sonoyta border crossing no longer has the customs stoplight, so be prepared to stop and roll down your window to answer general questions. You may also be waived into one of the lanes on the left for additional questions and inspection. Mexico’s ports of entry are staffed by military and customs personnel as well as Agriculture and Health officials.

What travel documents are needed to go into Mexico?

All foreigners, regardless of nationality, should have a passport or valid travel document (passport card if by land) upon entry to Mexico. The passport must be valid for the duration of your stay. There are currently no exceptions for minors.

No visa is required to visit Mexico for tourism, business, or transit for residents from the US, Canada, Japan, UK, northern Ireland, countries within the EU, as well as those from member countries of the Pacific Alliance.

Stays for less than 72 hours do not require an FMM (Official Entry Migration Form). Individuals with stays over 72 hours, who travel as tourists beyond the ¨border zone¨, or enter by air, must fill out the FMM. This does not apply to persons that hold Temporary or Permanent Residency cards.

Tip: When driving into Mexico, you may also be asked to show your car registration (in the name of the driver), as well as registration documents for any additional ATVs, etc. you may have. Have these readily available when traveling. Registration must be for own vehicle or family name. This goes for trailers, ATVs, etc. as well.

Where can I get an FMM for Mexico?

When entering Mexico at the Lukeville-Sonoyta border crossing, the Immigration office is located in the building on the right hand side of the entry (hours 8 am – 3 pm and 4 pm – 8 pm). Use your passport or passport card to complete the FMM. 

Online: Prior to travel to Mexico, you may complete the form in advance at: Multiple Immigration Form (FMM) selecting ¨By Land¨and language (EN for English). The FMM is valid for one entry and a maximum duration of 180 days.

Do I need Mexico car insurance?

Yes. It is the law that you have Mexican liability car insurance for the duration of your visit. Most U.S. insurance policies do not extend into Mexico, and some only a certain distance from the border that so happens to be just under the mileage to Rocky Point. So, yes, get Mexican car insurance before your travels.

You can easily get car insurance for Mexico online through various sites, as well as at numerous points along the way to the border (Gila Bend, Ajo, Why, and at the Lukeville gas station as well). In addition, there is a Mexican car insurance agency on the right hand just as you pass through customs when entering Mexico (open until 8 pm).

What does franquicia mean at the Mexico border?

When crossing the border into Mexico, each person in the vehicle is allowed to have a certain amount of “franquicia” (pronounced fran-keys-see-ya). Generally speaking, this is a type of baggage allowance  you can carry without the need to go into the Declaration lane – or rather, duty free.

NOTE: Changes to allotted franquicia recently now means there is a 114% duty tax on all alcohol.

The franquicia when entering Mexico includes personal luggage and new purchases of up to $150 US/person in value by land (or max $400 US/vehicle) (and higher limit by air or sea)*. *NOTE: This information has changed over time so be sure to check before traveling.

If you have more than the allotted amount, be sure to go into the Declarations lane (at the Sonoyta border this means turn left just after the U.S. gate and before going into one of the two custom entry lanes). There is a 16% tax on items over the allotted amount, which can be up to 100% for construction tools or material.

*For residents along the border area, the permitted franquicia amount is also $150 US per person (or max $400 US/vehicle)

Additional items permitted within the franquicia (Subject to updates):

• Items for personal use for duration of stay (clothing, toiletries, shoes, etc.) This can include a bridal gown, or children’s gear such as a stroller, crib, or similar personal items.
• For travelers over 18: Maximum 10 small boxes of cigarettes, 25 cigars, OR 200 grams of tobacco. NO VAPE PENS!!  (NOTE: Despite past allowance for certain liters of alcohol, as of 2025 this is now subject to 114% duty tax TIP: Buy your libations in Mexico)
• Older adults or individuals with disabilities: personal assistance items or that help decrease disability such as a walker, wheelchair, cane, or crutches.
• Two photo or videocameras and accompanying film equipment (not to exceed the overall permitted value), 3 cell or wireless phones, a GPS device, a portable or laptop computer, portable printer or copier
• Books, magazines, and printed material (not to exceed overall permitted value)
• One tent and camping equipment
• Recreational equipment such as four fishing poles, three boards with or without sails, awards or recognitions that can be carried individually
• Two musical instruments with accompanying accessories
• A tool set including its case (for personal use) with items such as a drill, screwdrivers, cables, hammer, etc.
• 1 binocular and 1 telescope
• 5 laser discs, 10 DVDs, 30 CDs, three packets of software, 5 storage devices for electronic equipment
• 5 toys (including collection items), a videogame console and 5 video games
• A device for measuring blood pressure or blood sugar, and accompanying accessories. Medication for personal use (with prescription for prescribed drugs)
• Suitcases, trunks, etc. to carry personal items
• A portable recording or sound device, or two digital recording devices, as well as set of portable speakers and accompanying accessories.

Can I bring food into Mexico?

While there are several food items you can bring into Mexico for personal consumption, there is an extensive list of agricultural and meat products that you are not allowed to bring into the country (or specifications for certain amounts – particularly when traveling by car).

TIP: As a good rule of thumb, plus to support the local economy while on vacation and possibly expand your taste buds, plan a shopping outing while in Rocky Point. In addition to smaller local fruit and vegetable stores, bakeries, tortilla factories, and butcher shops, Rocky Point has larger national and international options such as La Ley, Aurrera, Sam’s, and Walmart.

Generally prohibited food items to bring into Mexico (amounts may vary):

• Meats (fresh meat of any kind, dogfood with beaf, sheep, or goat meat) *Some exceptions include meats in completely sealed packaging that bear health stamp
• Fresh turkey or poultry – NOTE – Smoked meat from turkeys or chickens permitted, up to 6 kg (13 lbs) or 1 to 3 pieces per family, as long as it does not exceed the permitted weight. (Must come packaged with stamp from authorized plants from the U.S., Canada, or Chile)
• Fresh cheeses or dairy products
• Homemade food items containing vegetable or animal byproduct 
• Fresh fruits and vegetables
• Raw or dried seafood such as shrimp or lobster meant for human consumption
• Flowers
• Plants
• Land or soil

For an extensive breakdown on what food items and/or quantities are allowed into Mexico, visit: Permitted and Prohibited Products

Taking pets into Mexico?

Yes, you can travel with your furry family members when entering Mexico. However, generally only cats and dogs are permitted as pets when entering Mexico* (See information below regarding other companion animals). You can bring in up to 2 pets without paying additional taxes.

If traveling into Mexico from the U.S. or Canada by land (or cruise ship), your pet will be subject to a physical inspection to ensure there are no health risks. While in these cases it is not necessary to present a Certificate of Good Health or vaccination record (updated 2025), it is always encouraged to be prepared to also be able to fulfill requirements on returning to the U.S. with pets.

When traveling with pets into Mexico, you may be asked to show:

• Certificate of Good Health issued by a veterinarian within a maximum of 15 days before travel (original and copy)
• Documents showing anti-rabies vaccination and treatment for internal/external parasites

Permitted pet food when driving into Mexico:

Do not place food within your pet’s carrier or container. Food should be in a covered container or plastic bag, and for an amount corresponding to travel day. 

• One 50 lb package per family or the equivalent in kg (22) for dry and wet balanced feeds packaged and labeled. (dogs and cats) 
• Up to 10 lbs or 5 kg per person or family for packaged and labeled animal treats. No ruminant content. (dogs and cats)
• Up to 10 lbs or 5 kg per person or family for animal-free treats only for dogs and cats (chew toys, treats or snacks).

*For companion animals other than cats or dogs, please be sure to check requirements here: Other companion animals, which includes links to formats regarding Animal Health Import Requirements.

Driving to the U.S. from Rocky Point    

Most travelers driving back to the U.S. from Rocky Point go through the Lukeville, AZ border entry in Sonoyta. Lukeville is the most frequented border crossing for those traveling to Rocky Point from Arizona and across the southwestern U.S. Those heading toward Yuma or California may choose to take the Coastal Highway from Rocky Point and cross back into the U.S. in spots such as San Luis, Mexicali, or Tecate. 

Index 

• Border hours
• Driving instructions
• Inspection before crossing back into the U.S.
• What documents do I need to reenter U.S. from Mexico by land?
• Bringing pets into the U.S. from Mexico

Border Hours

Lukeville, AZ Hours: 6 a.m. – 8 p.m.

*Extended Friday hours till 10 p.m. March 7 – Oct 10, 2025 – YES, ONLY FRIDAYS

San Luis, AZ Open 24 hours 

Driving Instructions

Travel Tip: Drive during daylight hours as some areas with fresh roadwork do not have traffic lines. Be sure to also watch for wildlife and cattle along routes (another reason best to drive during day).

From Rocky Point to Lukeville:

• Take Blvd. Benito Juarez north, which will become MEX Highway 8
• Continue on MEX 8 to Sonoyta – Speed limit will drop to 25 MPH (40 KM) as you enter the outskirts of the city and to 12 MPH (20 KM) as you go through town. 
• After following the road into town, turn left to remain on MEX 8, then veer right at the “Sonoyta” sign after the bridge to continue to border.

TIP: Stay alert to potholes and roadwork along MEX 8 northbound. GO SLOWLY through Sonoyta.

From Rocky Point to San Luis, AZ:

• From the Sandy Beach area, take Blvd. Costa Diamante north to MEX 3. Continue on MEX 3 until it reaches MEX 40 at Golfo de Santa Clara intersection.
• Turn right onto MEX 40.
• Just after the “El Doctor” security stop, take MEX 3 (toll road) to MEX 2 West to San Luis Rio Colorado
• Alternatively, after “El Doctor” remain on MEX 40 through the smaller towns and continue to San Luis Rio Colorado.
• Vehicles for San Luis border crossing line up along Av. Cpt. Carlos Calles (SENTRI lane to right, general traffic lane to left). Port of Entry is nearest Calle 2, though you’ll want to enter the car line from about Calle 17.

Inspection before crossing back into the U.S.

Beginning early February 2025, additional National Guard service personnel have been stationed at strategic points along the US/Mexico border. In Sonoyta, there is a National Guard security stop just before approaching the Lukeville border. This is part of bilateral US-Mexico efforts to strengthen border security.

While the inspection stop itself may only take about 2 minutes, the amount of time to process all vehicles may be timely. Please plan accordingly.

Tips on returning to U.S. from Rocky Point:

• Gas up in Rocky Point, grabbing some tasty provisions and water for the ride. TIP: Bathroom break before border (The gas station/convenience store near the Sonoyta sign has clean bathrooms in the building just west of the main building – take a couple pesos to tip cleaning staff)
• Plan to get to border early on departure date, particularly on busy holiday weekends (before 10 a.m.). Depending on the day, or time of day, expect longer wait times. TIP: When possible, consider staying an extra day and avoid the traffic
• Check traffic visual on Lukeville Border Crossing on Google maps to help anticipate wait. US Customs and Border Protection – Lukeville Port of Entry  
• NOTE: The CBP Border Wait Times Lukeville page may not accurately reflect wait due to Mexican National Guard checkpoint.
• Slow down and stay in line as you approach security check. Officials will direct you to one of three inspection lanes.
• Be prepared to open all car doors and exit vehicle when instructed stepping to the side away from traffic
• Larger vehicles may be instructed to proceed to an X-ray area (generally used for southbound vehicles for customs declarations)
• Lukeville Port of Entry Hours 6 a.m. – 8 p.m.*Extended Friday hours till 10 p.m. March 7 – Oct 10, 2025. *To stay open after 8 p.m. on other days if there is a line, allowing safe return for northbound travelers.

What documents do I need to reenter U.S. from Mexico by land?

The Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security has been implemented to require all travelers, U.S. citizens and foreign nationals, present a passport or other documents that are acceptable to show identity and citizenship when entering the U.S. 

U.S. Citizens:

Passport, passport card, enhanced driver’s license, Trusted Traveler Program card (NEXUS, SENTRI or FAST), U.S. Military ID card, Form I-872 American Indian Card, or Enhanced Tribal card

U.S. and Canadian citizen children under 16 only need to show a birth certificate (original or certified copy) or other proof of citizenship. TIP: Photo identification is highly recommended to accompany birth certificate.

U.S. Lawful Permanent Residents:

Permanent resident card (Form I-551) or other evidence of permanent residence status

Canadian Citizens:

Valid passport, enhanced driver’s license, or Trusted Traveler Program card (NEXUS, SENTRI or FAST)

Mexican Citizens:

Mexican citizens, including children, are required to present a passport with visa, or a Border Crossing Card.

Bringing pets into the U.S. from Mexico

Fido most certainly enjoyed frolicking on the beaches of Rocky Point and now it’s time to head back. As of August, 2024, the U.S. Center for Disease Control rolled out new requirements for traveling back to the U.S. for dogs. While this continues to be modified, requirements depend greatly on where your dog may have been over the 6 months prior to entering (reentering the U.S.).

• Dogs must appear healthy upon arrival.
• Dogs must be at least 6 months old at time of entry or return to the U.S.
• Dogs must have a microchip that can be detected with a universal scanner to identify them.

The CDC does not consider Mexico as a high-risk rabies country, so the only documentation needed to travel into the U.S. with your dog is the CDC Dog Import Form. The form is free, is valid for 6 months, and can be used multiple times (as long as dog does not travel to a high-risk rabies country). One form per dog.

As of 2025, there are no new requirements for bringing cats as pets into the U.S. unless they appear ill or die en route to the border.