Rocky Point Travel Info: Lukeville border crossing

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For those traveling through Arizona’s Sonoran Desert to get to Puerto Peñasco (aka Rocky Point), the port of entry at Lukeville, AZ into Sonoyta, Sonora is a familiar stop. Any news about the US-Mexico border can impact expected wait times whether traveling north or south. Many eager beachgoers can be curious, Is Rocky Point open? Yes, Yes it is.

Though not a commercial port, the Lukeville-Sonoyta entry is a very important lifeline for local economies both in the central southern part of Arizona as well as northwestern Sonora. It is also the gateway for most travelers coming to Rocky Point from Arizona and the southwestern U.S. It is additionally essential for travel from Rocky Point and Sonoyta to Arizona for business, trade, shopping, and regional tourism.

Please note: In efforts to strengthen border security for both Mexico and the U.S., in Feburary 2025, Mexico mobilized additional service personnel to different points along the more than 1,900-mile international line. This includes the entry port in Sonoyta. Travelers can expect a brief check at the border when heading northbound back to the U.S.

We have taken a deeper look into what this may mean for our guests and hope this is helpful. We appreciate useful experiences shared by fellow travelers.

Travel tips for Border Crossing into U.S. at Sonoyta-Lukeville Port of Entry

👉The Lukeville-Sonoyta Port of Entry is open, and maintains hours from 6 a.m. – 8 p.m.* (**Extended Friday hours till 10 p.m. March 7 – Oct 10, 2025) Usually, one can check Border Wait Times for northbound traffic, though this may not accurately reflect waits on the Mexico side due to car inspection efforts. Another useful way to check traffic is through Google maps for Lukeville, AZ.

👉Mexico’s 2025 Border Operation (Operación Frontera) launched in February 2025 is part of joint U.S.-Mexico efforts to strengthen safety: Statement by Government of Mexico.

👉We encourage you to plan for additional time when traveling northbound from Rocky Point back to the U.S. to provide National Guard servicemen the opportunity to perform their tasks efficiently.

👉Arriving early (prior 10 a.m.) to the Sonoyta-Lukeville border when returning northbound can prevent longer wait times, especially on busy weekends or holidays.

Stay in line – do not cut in front of others.

Plan to stop near the Mexican port of entry gate. You will be directed to one of the two lines (During busy periods, there may be three inspection lanes open)

Follow directions regarding which lane to go to.

If instructed, unlock all doors for inspection and turn off car.

Be ready to exit your car if directed – All passengers must exit and stand to side away from traffic

Some vehicles, particularly large ones, may be sent to x-ray for inspection

👉Expect longer wait times on busy weekends and holidays, though inspection only takes about 2 minutes.

NOTE:

*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, providing travelers a safe return stateside.